Thank you for your interest! This journey is either underway or complete, but we do have many other tour options for you to choose from.

An indulgent feast for the senses, this one-week spring trip to warm and birdy San Diego is a great way to start off your 2023 birding with a bang! Biodiverse San Diego County lays claim to being the “birdiest” in the United States, with 515 species recorded among its many wild yet serene habitats. The southwestern-most spot in the lower 48, it hosts birds attracted to its nearshore ocean, sandy beaches, coastal estuaries, grasslands, coastal scrub and chaparral, oak woodlands, pine forest and desert. From specialty species like California Gnatcatcher and Allen’s Hummingbird to mind-boggling numbers of ducks and shorebirds, coupled with (hopefully) warm, sunny skies, this will be a golden visit to the Golden State.

Tour Highlights

  • Treasure Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, haven for rare and ancient Torrey Pine and the swifts, thrashers, woodpeckers and wren-tits that call them home
  • Look for endangered California Gnatcatcher at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, nearly 1,000 acres of preserved coastal wetlands – a rarity in the state.
  • Bird Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, where the Tijuana River meets the sea, and watch for hunting hawks, breaching whales, and furtive Ridgway’s Rail
  • Brush up on local species and drink in its ecology on an early-trip visit to the world famous San Diego Zoo
  • Bird high and low at Palomar Mountain State Park, 1,862 acres where the average elevation is 5,000 feet above sea level, and where we may see many mountain birds, including Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common Raven, White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Band-tailed Pigeon, Oak Titmouse, and Red-breasted Sapsucker
  • Marvel at Anza Borrego State Desert Park, the largest state park in the lower 48, covering more than 935 square miles. Here we may see Gambel’s Quail, Costa’s Hummingbird, Phainopepla, White-winged Dove, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-throated Sparrow, Common Ground Dove, and Loggerhead Shrike, among others!

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., Apr. 15: Arrivals


Welcome to San Diego! Please plan to arrive no later than 5:00 PM today. Our hotel is about 15 minutes by taxi or Uber from the airport. For those arriving at the hotel earlier (by 2:00 PM), we can take a short walk on the bike path along the nearby San Diego River channel, where we likely see 10-15 species of waterfowl, half a dozen species of herons, and about 15 species of shorebirds.

Returning to our hotel, we meet up with any later-arriving participants, and enjoy an introductory dinner close to our hotel where we get to know each other and go over our plan for the week.
Accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn (D)

Tues., Apr. 16: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve | San Elijo Lagoon | Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge


Today we visit several great coastal birding locations, beginning with Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, located high above Torrey Pines State Beach. This area is a haven for rare and ancient Torrey Pines and the swifts, thrashers, woodpeckers and wren-tits that call them home. The ancient and endemic Torrey Pine is critically endangered and is only found in coastal Sand Diego County and on Santa Rosa Island, off shore near Santa Barbara.

We next visit San Elijo Lagoon, which protects 979 acres of coastal wetlands, sadly among California’s last undeveloped patches. San Elijo contains many habitat types connected by hiking trails, including ocean shore, wetland lagoons, upland coastal sage scrub, and chaparral and riparian areas. We may see endangered California Gnatcatcher here, and from shore, Black-vented Shearwater, Surf Scoter, and Western Grebe. Gray Whales are migrating south to their breeding areas off of Baja California, and they often can be seen from shore.

We next visit Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,072-acre wetland located where the Tijuana River meets the sea. It is part of the 2,800-acre Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of just 28 such reserves in the US. Here we may see hunting hawks, breaching whales, and furtive Ridgway’s Rail. We end the day here, perhaps watching the sun set into the Pacific with the hills of Mexico a mile to the south. The San Diego Christmas Bird Count regularly records over 200 species—so you can certainly expect to see many dozens during our first full field day, including Brandt’s Cormorant, Cassin’s Kingbird, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Bufflehead, Wrentit, Pacific Loon, Royal Tern, Snowy and Great Egrets, and of course Brown Pelican.
Accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn (B,L,D)

Wed., Apr. 17 : La Jolla | Lake Hodges | San Diego Zoo


After starting with an early morning search of the gorgeous La Jolla coastline, we move inland, just a little, and visit the grassland and coastal sage scrub habitats near Lake Hodges. Western, Clark’s and Pied-billed Grebes, White-throated Swift, Blue-gray and California Gnatcatchers, Greater Roadrunner, California Thrasher, American White Pelican, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, and White-tailed Kite are some of the many birds we hope to see.

We have a chance to stretch our legs a bit with a leisurely, easy walk adjacent to this fairly large lake. Then we head to one of the world’s premier zoos, where we have a chance to not only see the wonderful exhibits, but learn about the important conservation work being pursued by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Then, it’s back to our hotel, probably with time for birding in nearby Balboa Park, whose 1,200 lushly planted acres are a haven for many species in this urban-adjacent oasis.
Accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn (B,L,D)

Thurs., Apr. 18 : Palomar Mountain State Park | Lake Henshaw


This morning we head inland, driving up the western flank of the north-south Peninsular Range, to birding locations within the 1,862 acres Palomar Mountain State Park, where the average elevation is 5,000 feet above sea level. En route to CalTech’s Palomar Observatory, we pass through grasslands and coastal sage scrub, fire-adapted chaparral vegetation, and oak woodland, arriving in a forested landscape dominated by pine, fir, and cedar trees that make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere.

We have a picnic lunch near trout-stocked Doane Pond, nestled in scenic Doane Valley, where we expect to see some mountain birds like Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common Raven, White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Band-tailed Pigeon, Oak Titmouse, and Red-breasted Sapsucker. Eventually we head back down to the lowlands, stopping to scope Lake Henshaw, a shallow, sprawling reservoir north of the city that is a favorite of fishermen and fishing birds alike. We may see flocks of American White Pelican and assorted flocks of waterfowl our group can have fun identifying. Our lodging for the night hosts California Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, California Scrub-Jay, Steller’s Jay, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, Lark Sparrow, and Spotted Towhee, which should be waiting for our arrival.
Accommodations at Quiet Mind Mountain Retreat (B,L,D)

Fri., Apr. 19 : Julian | Cuyamaca Rancho State Park


After an early morning walk near our lodging we explore the quaint, historic gold mining town of Julian—a place so different from the hustle-and-bustle of San Diego, located approximately one hour east, that you might think you’ve been magically transported to another world (one that is famous for its superb apple pie). Specialty shops line the historic streets, with unique attractions that range from wineries to gold mines to a wolf preserve.

After lunch we head to nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, with 24,700 acres of oak and conifer forests and expansive meadows; over half of the park’s acreage is designated as state wilderness. Some birds we hope to see here include Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, Red-shouldered Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Fox Sparrow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Purple and Cassin’s Finches, and Ferruginous Hawk. After enjoying an afternoon exploring this historic park, we head back to our lodging. After dinner, (and weather and energy permitting) we spend some time enjoying the night sky under a partial (last quarter) moon.
Accommodations at Quiet Mind Mountain Retreat (B,L,D)

Sat., Apr. 20: Borrego Springs


Today we head further inland, with an early departure dropping down the eastern flank of the Peninsular Range into Anza Borrego Desert State Park. We pass through oak woodland and chaparral, where we likely see species like Oak Titmouse, California Thrasher, and California Scrub-Jay that we probably also saw at some of our earlier sites. But by the time we reach Anza Borrego, the bird species change dramatically. This is the largest state park in the lower 48, covering more than 935 square miles. Here we may see Gambel’s Quail, Costa’s Hummingbird, Phainopepla, White-winged Dove, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-throated Sparrow, Common Ground Dove, Loggerhead Shrike, and so many more. Roosting Long-eared Owl are a distinct possibility, as is Prairie Falcon.
Accommodations at Borrego Springs Resort & Spa (B,L,D)

Sun., Apr. 21 : Anza Borrego Desert State Park


Today we add additional places, and species, to our list of desert birds birding Anza Borrego. Owing to its size and landscape diversity Anza Borrego shelters an astonishing proliferation of plant and animal life, including the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. We have no trouble finding places to explore on this last morning—palm oases, rock formations, and natural history trails are all great choices. We could probably spend two weeks here, but we need to head back to civilization tomorrow unfortunately!

Tonight we enjoy a celebratory dinner, going over our bird list one last time, choosing trip highlights and favorites, and swapping contact information with new-found friends.
Accommodations at Borrego Springs Resort & Spa (B,L,D)

Mon., Apr. 22 : Departures


We’re up and off to the airport this morning. It’s a two-hour drive from our hotel to the airport, and we plan for noontime drop-offs. Please plan your flights out after 2:00 PM. If you have a later flight or plan to stay on and explore San Diego on your own after the tour, this is a great time of year for whale watching, and there are myriad outfitters to choose from. Fun! (B)

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Black Phoebe on a cactus by Mike's Birds via Wikimedia Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Nuttall's Woodpecker by Becky Matsubara via Creative Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    California Gnatcatcher by Pacific Southwest Region USFWS via Creative Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Palomar Mountain Overlook by Pacific Southwest Region USFWS via Wikimedia Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Big Spy Hop Gray Whale Joe McKenna via Creative Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Abromia Maritima, USFWS Pacific Southwest Region, Lisa Cox, via Wikimedia Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Tijuana River Estuary, Osbomb via Creative Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Least Tern pair feeding a chick. USFWS Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento via Creative Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Female Western Snowy Plover by Pacific Southwest Region USFWS via Wikimedia Commons

  • Southern California Birding and Nature Tour in San Diego County, Naturalist Journeys, Anza Borrego State Desert Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Torrey Pines State Park, Coast to Cactus Birding and Nature tour

    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park by RuggyBearLA, via Creative Commons

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is $3790 DBL / $4750 SGL per person from San Diego. This cost includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, last day airport transfers, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to San Diego, first day airport transfer, optional activities or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, house cleaners, gratuities, or beverages from the bar.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)


Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive April 15, 2024 no later than 5:00 PM.


Departure Details: Plan flights to depart April 22, 2024 after 2:00 PM.


Travel Tips: If you want to arrive early and rest up from your travels or explore more of San Diego, you can book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/Sea World. You can book this online and send us the confirmation number, with the goal being you won’t have to switch rooms. We’ll be exploring quite a bit of San Diego on the first few days of the tour, but there are plenty of things to do! Stunning beaches, many craft breweries, and the historically significant Old Town San Diego are just a few things that San Diego is known for. You can visit the USS Midway Museum, a historical naval aircraft carrier that houses an extensive collection of aircraft. Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, is also worth a visit not just for its history, but also scenic views and good birding. San Diego is easy to get around with a taxi or Uber.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

California

Birds & Wine

Death Valley

Sierras to Seacoast

Southern California

Southern California

  • David Yee

    David started birding at the age of 10. By high school, birding was his passion. He went to college at UC Santa Cruz, majored in biology, and bird science was always his focus. David went on to become a full-time chemist, but birding remained his passion, and according to his wife, his obsession. He has authored the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of San Joaquin County. He was the Regional Editor of North American Birds, Northern California Region. He has travelled extensively, and enjoys guiding throughout the US, Mexico, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

    Other trips with David Yee

  • Kelly Vandenheuvel

    Kelly has worked with Naturalist Journeys since 2011. She assists our lead guides on trips to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Death Valley, the Eastern Sierras, California’s Central Coast, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, Utah’s National Parks, Belize and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago. Kelly enjoys the outdoors, travel, nature, wildlife, and working with people. Kelly is a licensed wildlife rehabber and educator for Pacific Wildlife Care in San Luis Obispo county, and is a founding member of the organization. She is also the Owner/Broker of Central Coast Property Sales. She and her husband Art own a ranch in Cayucos on California’s Central Coast, where
    they live with their large menagerie of birds and mammals, both wild and domestic. When not traveling, Art and Kelly welcome guests to find peace and quiet on their ranch in their B and B guest house.

    Other trips with Kelly Vandenheuvel

Map for Sunshine Birding: California Coast to Cactus

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please Pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Dress is very informal. In general, the weather during your stay should be mostly pleasant, with days in the mid to low 60°Fs and nights in the mid to low 50°Fs, though colder weather and rain are always possible. We want you to be comfortable and the key to that is layering. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and that is comfortable and easy to wear. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing, as they are more protective from sun, insects and vegetation. Supportive hiking books will be nice for our walks.

Clothing & Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair
  • Long sleeve shirts, 1 per day or every 2 days – think layering
  • T-shirts or equivalent – 2-3 for layering
  • Raincoat or poncho (great if this double as windbreaker)
  • One lightweight and one heavy weight sweater, fleece or equivalent
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Jacket; fleece fabric is ideal
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Scarf, warm gloves, warm hat for cold weather
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks –easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots
  • Comfortable sandals or light shoes for evenings, travel days
  • Bandana (optional)
  • Bathing suit (optional)Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets,

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline tickets or e-ticket verification
  • Personal identification
  • Small daypack or fanny pack to carry field gear
  • Umbrella (great option for occasional rain as you can keep using your binoculars)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletry articles
  • Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
  • Camera and extra batteries, digital chips etc., lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual. Do a good check for all this before leaving. (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Waterproof bags for keeping things dry (preferably reusable)
  • Laundry soap for hand washing
  • Travel sewing kit
  • Earplugs (if you are sensitive to noise at night – optional)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medication
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit including medications for general and stomach ailments
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Foot powder, lotions for dry skin, general “comfort” items
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

 

Suggested Reading List +

  There are many wonderful books about California. Here are a few of our favorites to Read more

 

There are many wonderful books about California. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.

Field Guides

Sibley Guide to Birds

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast

Finding Birds in San Diego County

Birds of Southern California

San Diego County Bird Atlas

Torrey Pines: Landscape and Legacy

Mammals of California

Wildflowers of California: A Month-by-Month Guide

Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles & Amphibians

Natural History

Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding: Understanding What You See and Hear

The California Naturalist Handbook

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding

A Birder's Guide to Southern California. Brad Schram. American Birding Association. 2018. 442 pp.

History & Culture

California: A History

Highway 99: The History of California’s Main Street

Sacred Sites - The Secret History of Southern California

California Vieja - Culture and Memory in a Modern American Place

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

San Diego

Borrego Springs

Julian

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

California Birding Overview

Sightings - La Jolla Shores (eBird)

Audubon Bird Guide App

California Gnatcatcher

Gambel's Quail

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Hodges Conservation Efforts – Kayaking for the Birds

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Palomar Mountain State Park

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Anza Borrego State Desert State Park

Geology & Geography

California Geological Survey

Interactive map of California’s geology

Geography of California

Lake Hodges Recreation Area – Natural History

History & Culture

Brief History

Early California History – Library of Congress

Cultural California – CA State Parks CA.gov

About Lake Henshaw – historical overview

Helpful Travel Websites

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Date & Time


Photo credits: Sliders: Cactus on Coast, Matt Lamers lamerbrain via Wikimedia Commons; Gull-billed Tern, Pacific Southwest Region U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from Sacramento via Wikimedia Commons; Torrey Pines State Park cliffs, Dirk Hansen via Creative Commons; Elijo Lagoon, Rennett Stowe via Creative Commons; California Quail, Pacific Southwest Region USFWS via Creative Commons;

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