Join the premier celebration of the wild birds, habitats, and bird-friendly people at the San Diego Bird Festival.
Schedule of Events
February 27, 2025
Birding the Border I Sponsored by Redhill Birding
Event Hours: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Nathan French | Adam Sell
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Discover the birds of the Tijuana River Valley! Join us as we explore some of the most renowned birding hotspots in the southern part of the county, guided by expert birders. We’ll visit key areas known for their rich variety of species, offering a mix of waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and passerines.
Some exciting sightings from previous trips include Brant, Heermann's Gull, Tri-colored Blackbird and Black-throated Magpie Jay.
This field trip is a bus tour, starting and ending at Marina Village Conference Center. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip.
100 or More I Sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours
Event Hours: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Rick Grove | Sabrewing Guide 1
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Join us for an action-packed birding adventure across one of the nation's birdiest places—San Diego County! With the goal to spot 100 species (or more) in a single day, this fast-paced field trip is designed to give you the thrill of high-volume birding. From shorebirds to raptors, you’ll be immersed in the excitement of spotting some of the region's most common species, while keeping an eye out for rare surprises. Don’t miss this ultimate birding challenge!
This trip is all about volume, pushing you to have your biggest birding day ever! The adventure begins and ends at Marina Village Conference Center, with breakfast served before our early morning departure. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip.
Dancing with Grebes
Event Hours: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Krisztina Scheeff | Jill Hays
Fee: $30.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Del Dios Community Park
Meet@: Del Dios Community Park
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Professional Photographer Krisztina Scheeff / KS Nature Photography for a look at the amazing courtship behaviors of Western and Clark's Grebes...and other species that live around Lake Hodges.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.
Meeting location: Del Dios Community Park Escondido 92029
Address: 20175 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029
MAP of meeting location : http://tinyurl.com/yc2huej4
Park on Lake Dr between Date and Beach Lanes. Parking is limited, but usually plenty of space for about 20 cars.
What to bring: binoculars, water, snack if you like, camera if you like, and your happy self.
Other gear: hat, sunscreen, bug spray (some days there are little tiny flies like to visit the water’s edge). Please wear comfortable shoes, hiking boots are ideal. Walk is on flat paved road with a short walk on sand to the shore, about 2 mile round trip. We will walk slow, birding and taking photos as we go.
Optional extension to the boat docks to those who would like to stay longer and walk a bit more.
¡Descubre las aves del valle del río Tijuana! (Our Birding the Border trip, presented in Spanish)
Event Hours: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Kat Wendel | Juliana Soto Patiño | Olivia Arizmendi
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
¡Descubre las aves del valle del río Tijuana! Únete a nosotros mientras exploramos algunos de los lugares más famosos para observar aves en la parte sur del condado, guiados por expertos observadores de aves. Visitaremos áreas clave conocidas por su rica variedad de especies, que ofrecen una mezcla de aves acuáticas, aves playeras, gaviotas y paseriformes.
Algunos avistamientos emocionantes de viajes anteriores incluyen Brantas, Gaviotas ploma, Sargento tricolor, y Urraca de garganta negra Jay.
Esta excursión es un recorrido en autobús, que comienza y termina en Marina Village Conference Center. Si se hospeda en el Dana, habrá un servicio de transporte gratuito disponible para llevarlo desde el hotel a Marina Village desde las 5:30 am hasta las 7:30 am. El desayuno está disponible en Marine Room desde las 5:30 am hasta las 7:30 am. Ven y disfruta de un desayuno con nosotros. El almuerzo está incluido en este viaje.
Birding the Border II Sponsored by Redhill Birding
Event Hours: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Martha Wild | Steve Huggins
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Discover the birds of the Tijuana River Valley! Join us as we explore some of the most renowned birding hotspots in the southern part of the county, guided by expert birders. We’ll visit key areas known for their rich variety of species, offering a mix of waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and passerines.
Some exciting sightings from previous trips include Brant, Heermann's Gull, Tri-colored Blackbird and Black-throated Magpie Jay.
This field trip is a bus tour, starting and ending at Marina Village Conference Center. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip.
North County Birding Hotspots
Event Hours: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Richard Cuthbertson | Beth Pearson | Denise Riddle
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Join us for a captivating birding event exploring North County Birding Hotspots in San Diego, hosted by the Palomar Audubon Society. This guided tour will take you to two of the region's prime birdwatching locations: Whelan Lake and Batiquitos Lagoon. Both sites offer an exceptional variety of bird species, from waterfowl to migratory songbirds, making them perfect for birders of all levels.
Our first stop, Whelan Lake, is known for its scenic beauty and diverse bird populations. As we stroll along the trails, keep an eye out for Eared Grebes and Westeren Grebes gracefully diving in the water. You may also spot Northern Shovlers and American Wigeons in the lake's calm waters. On the surrounding brush and trees, look for Spotted Towhees, Cactus Wrens, and Black-Throated Sparrows.
Next, we will head to Batiquitos Lagoon, a coastal wetland that provides a crucial stopover for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway. As we walk the trails and boardwalks, be on the lookout for Long-Billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, and Sanderlings foraging along the mudflats at low tide. Whimbrels and Least Sandpipers are also common here, while the lagoon’s shallow waters attract Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets hunting for fish.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to explore the birding treasures of North County San Diego while learning from knowledgeable guides from the Palomar Audubon Society. Bring your binoculars, a field guide, and your love of birds as we explore these hotspots and discover the fascinating world of local and migratory bird species.
Whelan Lake and Batiquitos, with Palomar Audubon Society.
If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us.
Lunch is included with this trip.
100 or More II Sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours
Event Hours: 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Bruce Aird | Sabrewing Guide 2
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Join us for an action-packed birding adventure across one of the nation's birdiest places—San Diego County! With the goal to spot 100 species (or more) in a single day, this fast-paced field trip is designed to give you the thrill of high-volume birding. From shorebirds to raptors, you’ll be immersed in the excitement of spotting some of the region's most common species, while keeping an eye out for rare surprises. Don’t miss this ultimate birding challenge!
This trip is all about volume, pushing you to have your biggest birding day ever! The adventure begins and ends at Marina Village Conference Center, with breakfast served before our early morning departure. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip.
Eagle Peak Ranch and Ramona Grasslands Sponsored by Fieldguides Birding and Nature Tours and San Diego River Park Foundation
Event Hours: 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Natalie Borchardt | John Coons
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
A behind-the-gates experience at a conservation property in the mountains East of San Diego, followed by a visit to the Ramona Grasslands, a hot spot for raptors. Here, you can sometimes see Ferruginous Hawks and Prairie Falcons, birds that are not commonly seen in urban San Diego.
If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. If you prefer a meet-you-there version of this trip, please refer to Friday's version of this trip.
Lunch is included with this trip.
At Eagle Peak Ranch, there is a fairly short trail with some uneven footing that travels around the main pond (0.34 loop) and along the tree lined creek corridor. This trail has very little elevation gain or loss. Visitors are also welcome to just relax and sit to enjoy birding at the main pond or walk along the flatter gravel road. One of our most frequent visitors, the red-winged black bird, will entertain you. There are other slightly longer trails in the same vicinity that visitors can enjoy and there are benches and picnic areas to sit and enjoy a snack, lunch or a sip of water. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended as well as plenty of drinking water and sun protection. There is one portable restroom on site. No potable water available.
Canyon Walk
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Anitra Kaye | Leader TBA
Fee: $30.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Marian Bear Open Space
Meet@: Marian Bear Open Space
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Marian Bear Open Space is part of Tecolote Canyon system and one of several protected urban canyons in the San Diego area that support native plant communities and associated bird life. Birds that are here for the entire year include hawks, Anna’s Hummingbird, California Thrasher, House Wren, Wrentit, and both California and Spotted Towhees. You can never tell what you may see. It is a moderate walk with some uneven ground, as well as slight uphills. Restrooms at the trailhead.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.
Kayak Trip Mission Bay
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Ocean Connectors | Leader TBA
Fee: $80.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Action Water Sports Mission Bay
Meet@: Action Water Sports Mission Bay
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Experience birds from a completely different point of view, and learn about the ReWilding efforts in Mission Bay. Paddle through calm, serene waters as we explore this beautiful coastal ecosystem.
This field trip offers a great opportunity to observe birds from the water, with views into Kendall-Frost Marsh (we are unable to paddle into the marsh) and Fiesta Island.
In late February, Mission Bay is a prime spot for birdwatching as it serves as an important stopover for migratory species. Keep an eye out for Pacific Loons and Eared Grebes. You'll see Willets and Long-billed Curlews foraging along the shores. Black-crowned Night Herons and Great Blue Herons perch in trees along the shore, while Osprey hunt from the air above. As we paddle through the tranquil waters, the chances to observe bird behaviors up close are abundant. This field trip is an unforgettable way to connect with nature for beginners and seasoned birders.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.
Birding by Bike
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Fee: $50.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join us for an exciting Birding & Biking Field Trip at Mission Bay, one of San Diego’s most popular and scenic birding locations. This unique event combines the joy of birdwatching with the fun of cycling, as we explore the lush coastal habitat of Mission Bay on two wheels.
Starting at one of the park's scenic spots, we’ll bike along the network of paths that wind through the bay's diverse ecosystems, from saltwater marshes to mudflats, and open water. Mission Bay is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Along the ride, you’ll have the opportunity to spot Black-Necked Stilts wading along the shoreline, Wester Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers foraging in the mudflats, and the graceful Snowy Egret and Great Egret hunting for fish in the shallows.
As we cycle through the area, look out for large flocks of Californa Gulls and Ring-Billed Gulls that often gather in the open spaces. During migratory seasons, you may also spot Eelegant Terns and Forester's Terns skimming across the water or resting on the sandbars.
The cormorants and pelicans are frequent visitors to the bay, so keep your eyes peeled for Double-Crested Cormorants drying their wings in the sun or Brown Pelicans diving for fish. Additionally, Osprey are often seen soaring above, scouting the waters for prey, while Red Tailed Hawks may be spotted perched high on nearby trees or gliding over the bay.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a beginner, this event offers a perfect blend of birdwatching and outdoor adventure. So, bring your binoculars, and your enthusiasm for nature as we enjoy the beauty of Mission Bay and the incredible variety of birdlife it supports.
This field trip includes use of a bicycle and a helmet. If you have your own bike, please sign up for the Birding by Bike (BYOBike)
Birding by Bike (BYOBike)
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Fee: $30.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join us for an exciting Birding & Biking Field Trip at Mission Bay, one of San Diego’s most popular and scenic birding locations. This unique event combines the joy of birdwatching with the fun of cycling, as we explore the lush coastal habitat of Mission Bay on two wheels.
Starting at one of the park's scenic spots, we’ll bike along the network of paths that wind through the bay's diverse ecosystems, from saltwater marshes to mudflats, and open water. Mission Bay is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Along the ride, you’ll have the opportunity to spot Black-Necked Stilts wading along the shoreline, Wester Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers foraging in the mudflats, and the graceful Snowy Egret and Great Egret hunting for fish in the shallows.
As we cycle through the area, look out for large flocks of Californa Gulls and Ring-Billed Gulls that often gather in the open spaces. During migratory seasons, you may also spot Eelegant Terns and Forester's Terns skimming across the water or resting on the sandbars.
The cormorants and pelicans are frequent visitors to the bay, so keep your eyes peeled for Double-Crested Cormorants drying their wings in the sun or Brown Pelicans diving for fish. Additionally, Osprey are often seen soaring above, scouting the waters for prey, while Red Tailed Hawks may be spotted perched high on nearby trees or gliding over the bay.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a beginner, this event offers a perfect blend of birdwatching and outdoor adventure. So, bring your bike, your binoculars, and your enthusiasm for nature as we enjoy the beauty of Mission Bay and the incredible variety of birdlife it supports.
This field trip includes use of a bicycle and a helmet. If you have your own bike, please sign up for the Birding by Bike (BYOBike)
Art in the Marine Room
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Art
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Marine Room
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: None
Join us for an inspiring Art Presentation at the Marina Village Conference Center in San Diego, where creativity meets community. This event offers a unique opportunity to drop in and experience a wide range of artistic expressions, with local artists showcasing their talents and guiding you through various art forms.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, you can explore and create art in many forms—from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media. Local artists will be on hand to demonstrate techniques, share their creative processes, and provide tips to help you enhance your skills. It’s a fantastic chance to interact with the San Diego art community, learn from the best, and experiment with different materials.
Feel free to wander through the different stations and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere. You can try your hand at watercolor painting, experiment with clay sculpture, or create your own mixed-media masterpiece. The event encourages creativity, collaboration, and fun, making it the perfect environment for both personal artistic exploration and group projects.
Whether you're interested in honing your craft, finding inspiration, or simply enjoying the vibrant art scene, this event at the Marina Village Conference Center promises to be a memorable experience. Drop in anytime during the event to create, connect, and discover the artistic spirit of San Diego.
Bird Photography at San Elijo with Alexander Eisengart
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Event Type: Photography
Guide/Speaker: Alexander Eisengart
Fee: $50.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: San Elijo Nature Center
Meet@: San Elijo Nature Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
San Elijo Lagoon is one of the best spots in San Diego County, with a significant emphasis on waterfowl. Alex Eisengart will guide you through the challenges of waterfowl photography with late-morning lighting.
San Elijo Lagoon is nestled between the ocean, a highway, and dense housing to the north and south. This estuary acts as a safe haven for all sorts of bird species, including both species of wigeon, coots, shorebirds, all sorts of ducks, and even aerial predators like Peregrine Falcons. As this park is in a fairly urban location, the birds are habituated to humans.
This is a photography workshop! Be prepared to get down and dirty when photographing birds. A lot of our subjects are on the ground or at ground level (on the water), and Alex will be encouraging you to get eye-level. Alex will also help anyone and everyone with settings, positioning, and bird ID, so don’t worry about that!
Famosa Slough
Event Hours: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Ian Swirka | Chip Clouse
Fee: $25.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Famosa Slough
Meet@: Famosa Slough
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
A walk with Opticron's Chip Clouse and Jim Peugh and Ian Swirka of Friends of Famosa Slough for birding and to learn about the extraordinary continuing effort of the local community to save this urban oasis for birds.
Art in the Marine Room
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Art
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Marine Room
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: None
Join us for an inspiring Art Presentation at the Marina Village Conference Center in San Diego, where creativity meets community. This event offers a unique opportunity to drop in and experience a wide range of artistic expressions, with local artists showcasing their talents and guiding you through various art forms.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, you can explore and create art in many forms—from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media. Local artists will be on hand to demonstrate techniques, share their creative processes, and provide tips to help you enhance your skills. It’s a fantastic chance to interact with the San Diego art community, learn from the best, and experiment with different materials.
Feel free to wander through the different stations and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere. You can try your hand at watercolor painting, experiment with clay sculpture, or create your own mixed-media masterpiece. The event encourages creativity, collaboration, and fun, making it the perfect environment for both personal artistic exploration and group projects.
Whether you're interested in honing your craft, finding inspiration, or simply enjoying the vibrant art scene, this event at the Marina Village Conference Center promises to be a memorable experience. Drop in anytime during the event to create, connect, and discover the artistic spirit of San Diego.
Photographing Birds in Flight I
Event Hours: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Photography
Guide/Speaker: Krisztina Scheeff
Fee: $10.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: MVCC- Starboard Room
Transportation Type: None
It can be incredibly rewarding to photograph birds in flight. Equally, however, there can be nothing more frustrating than the very same thing. In this classroom & field workshop professional photographer Krisztina Scheeff with KS Nature Photography will teach you lots of tips and tricks, camera settings and more to help you get those fantastic in flight bird shots.
Part one of two. The second part of this program will be presented on Saturday 3/1 at 6:30 am to 8:30 am at Lake Hodges. Please sign up for part two separately.
Birding in Portugal and Spain
Event Hours: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Joao Jara
Fee: $10.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Terrace Room
Meet@: MVCC- Terrace Room
Transportation Type: None
In this engaging presentation, we will take you on a visual journey through Portugal’s most iconic birding locations. Starting with a comprehensive overview of the country's diverse habitats, we’ll explore everything from lush wetlands and coastal cliffs to rolling plains and mountainous terrain. Each region offers a unique set of birding opportunities, making Portugal one of Europe’s top destinations for bird watchers.
This birding tour of Portugal not only highlights the rich diversity of birdlife but also the beautiful landscapes and habitats that make the country such a captivating destination for nature lovers.
Birding Away
Event Hours: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Alexander Eisengart
Fee: $10.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Starboard Room
Meet@: MVCC- Starboard Room
Transportation Type: None
Join award-winning birder Alexander Eisengart for an insightful presentation on how to birdwatch in unfamiliar places. Whether you're traveling to a new destination or exploring hidden spots in your own region, Alexander will share expert tips and strategies to help you confidently identify and appreciate the birds around you.
Drawing from his extensive experience birding in diverse environments worldwide, Alexander will guide you through the key principles of birdwatching in unfamiliar territories, including understanding local habitats, recognizing common and rare species, and using tools like field guides and birding apps effectively. He will also provide valuable insights on reading landscapes, identifying bird behavior, and adapting to different ecosystems—whether it’s the coastal wetlands, forests, or urban parks.
Throughout the presentation, Alexander will share personal anecdotes and birding stories from his travels, illustrating how patience, observation, and an open mind can lead to incredible discoveries in any location. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll leave this session with a new perspective on how to explore the world of birdwatching, wherever your adventures take you.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field and gain practical skills to enhance your birding experience in places you’ve never explored before!
Low Tide Estuary Walk
Event Hours: 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Joanne Sherif | Christopher Gilbert
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: MVCC- Courtyard
Transportation Type: Walking
An easy walk to the San Diego River Mouth at low tide. This walk follows sidewalks to the street, crosses Quivira Way and proceeds on dirt paths along the river, stopping for views of shorebirds on the sand bars.
Embark on a scenic birding walk from the Marina Village Conference Center to the San Diego River Mouth, a prime spot for observing coastal and migratory birds, especially during low tide. The walk, approximately 1 mile round trip, takes you along the water’s edge, offering a close-up view of diverse bird species, particularly on the sandbars exposed by the receding tide. If you have mobility challenges you can meet us at the San Diego River Mouth. Just pick a group that matches your interests! We'll have reps from some of our optics companies with gear to showcase. Join the Fujifilm Tech Rep to try out Fujinon Techno-stabi, Hyper-clarity and Mariner Binoculars.
Starting at the Marina Village Conference Center, you’ll follow the shoreline path toward the river mouth. At the river mouth itself, the sandbars provide excellent habitat for a variety of shorebirds.
Pelagic Birding: Know Before You Go
Event Hours: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Stan Walens
Fee: $10.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Terrace Room
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: None
Pelagic birds share so many field marks in common: dark backs, light bellies. Their differences are in wing shape and flight style. Stan Walens will help you understand the differences and prepare you for an easier time identifying the birds you will see on your pelagic trip. He will also share tips on how to prepare your body for a day on the water.
Bird Yoga with Deb Schork
Event Hours: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Event Type: Fun Stuff
Guide/Speaker: Deb Schork
Fee: $20.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
We'll do some yoga together, according to our ability. Many of the poses will be bird poses! We will follow our yoga session with a relaxing walk in nature.
Deb is a C-IAYT (Certified International Association of Yoga Therapists) and is dedicated to empowering others in their well-being through yogic tools. In 2018, she became a Certified Be Well Yoga for Cancer Recovery Teacher, Yoga Teacher, and Reiki Master. Having dealt with her own chronic condition from a kickboxing injury, Deb helps others with traumatic/chronic conditions with tools to find balance, connection and healing.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.
Talk and Taste with Ramona Ranch Sustainable Winery
Event Hours: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Teri Kerns | Micole Moore
Fee: $30.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Starboard Room
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: None
Taste wine from Ramona Ranch Winery
This program offers an inspiring look at how Ramona Ranch Winery blends exceptional wine production with a deep respect for nature and the local community. Whether you're a wine lover, an environmental enthusiast, or simply curious about the local winemaking process, this event is sure to leave you with a greater appreciation for sustainable winemaking and the beauty of Ramona Valley.
A Panel of Latin American Leaders in Ornithology
Event Hours: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Fee: $25.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Terrace Room
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: None
Join us for refreshments and a panel discussion about Latino contributions to ornithology
Behind the Gates at the Saltworks
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Justyn Stahl | Dan Jehl
Fee: $90.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Van
It's back! The Saltworks, operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service, is valuable habitat for shorebirds. Join us in this special behind-the-gates look at a festival favorite!
If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us.
Lunch is included with this trip.
Camp Pendleton
Event Hours: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Pete Ginsburg | Lesley Handa
Fee: $160.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Transportation Provided
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Join Pete Ginsburg and Lesley Handa for birding on Base, where the public is usually not allowed. Please be sure to bring your picture ID.
For North County birders, we will have an alternative pickup spot. Details TBA. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us.
Lunch is included with this trip.
Drawing Birds as Living Animals with David Stump- a two part workshop
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Art
Guide/Speaker: David Stump
Fee: $20.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: MVCC- Terrace Room
This is a workshop in two parts taking place on Thursday, Feb 27 and Friday, Feb 28. Please sign up for both parts if you would like to do this workshop.
Learn to see and draw birds from the inside out, from the skeleton and musculature to their complex feather patterns. Strengthen your skills in using a simple pencil to reveal the structural design and organic beauty of living birds. Both sessions will be held in the Terrace room in Marina Village. A 16-page, amply illustrated workbook will be provided for each registrant, with seven lessons being covered over the two days. The workbook is supplemented by a powerpoint presentation with over 60 pages of drawings and photos. Open to adults and teens. Limit 15 participants. Bring a drawing pad and pencils, including a blue non-repro pencil if you have one. Come early to enjoy breakfast with us!
Date: February 26 - March 2, 2025
