A January pelagic trip from Dana Point took us into the Catalina Channel for a full day of seabirds, ocean views, and learning from experienced local birders. Highlights included a Black-legged Kittiwake following our wake, a rare winter Buller’s Shearwater, and Brown Pelicans playing behind the boat.

After trying backpacks, sling bags, and even a fanny pack, I found a birding field bag that works comfortably alongside my camera strap. Here is how the Timbuk2 Flight Messenger carries binoculars, water, camera accessories, and the smaller essentials I use in the field.

My first pelagic birding tour took us beyond the Channel Islands for twelve hours of seabirds, Brown Boobies, whales, dolphins, fog, and miles of open ocean.

Our hike to Tahquitz Peak followed Devil’s Slide Trail through the forests above Idyllwild before reaching a historic fire lookout and sweeping mountain views.

Quail Hill Loop is an easy two-mile trail through open grassland in Irvine. We came looking for Blue Grosbeaks and also found Western Kingbirds, House Finches, and Red-tailed Hawks watching the trail from above.

The Think Tank Airport Advantage carried two DSLRs, five lenses, binoculars, accessories, and my laptop through four flights. Here is how this compact camera roller performed.

I attended my first bird festival in San Diego, where two days of shorebird walks, nesting cormorants, colorful Brown Pelicans, and birding by bike introduced me to a welcoming community.

On our way to camp in Joshua Tree, we stopped at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve for a shady walk among fall migrants, desert birds, and one startled California striped racer.

I sold an unused Nikon lens through KEH Camera’s online quote system. Here is how the estimate, shipping, inspection, and payment process worked.

A quiet walk through Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge brought coastal views, protected wetland habitat, a Western Snowy Plover, and a Snowy Egret chasing prey through the waves.

Winter on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim brought snowy overlooks, Desert View Watchtower, Hermits Rest, fog-filled views, wildlife, and quiet mornings along the rim.

A winter hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge brought icy switchbacks, exposed canyon views, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and two soaring California Condors.