San Diego Birding 2026
Ultimate Birds in Flight Workshop Jan. 18-22
By now you probably know how much I enjoy the challenge of photographing birds. They are small, move quickly, and encounters can be unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’ve found while photographing birds, its that you can never be too prepared. That means not only having a strong understanding of your camera settings, but also having practice using telephoto lenses so that you can quickly get your subject into the frame and focus on it.
That’s why since 2018 I’ve been holding birding workshops in La Jolla, California during the winter months. Here is where the pelicans, cormorants, and terns spend the winter during the breeding season. You’ll find them to be plentiful, close-up, and in their magnificent breeding plumage. The pelicans throat pouches, for example, transform from rusty brown to having patches of bright red. Not only are the birds at their peak of color, but the Pacific waves crashing on the rocks behind them make for spectacular backgrounds.
San Diego might not be the most exotic spot you’ll photograph, but with reliable subjects, unique backgrounds, and easy access, it’s one of my favorite places to photograph birds. In addition to the coastal species, we also visit some inland areas that are chock-full of waterfowl, including American coots, wood ducks, and even the occasional flock of American white pelicans.
If you want to get good at bird photography then this is the perfect place to start. I hope you’ll consider joining this small group (max: 8) workshop with me January 18-22, 2026! Registration is discounted when you place a deposit before August 1st!