Explore Southern California’s rich birdlife on a guided journey from the mountains to the Salton Sea to the desert.
Join expert birders Gjon Hazard and Thomas Myers for an unforgettable birding experience as we explore and learn about the rich diversity of inland southern California (130+ species possible).
What to Expect:
Three days of guided birding across diverse habitats:
Friday: Salton Sea and the Imperial Valley
Saturday: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Sunday: Borrego Valley
Expert instruction on bird identification, ecology, conservation, and taxonomy
Daily meetups at the Anza-Borrego Foundation store with carpooling to each location
Opportunities for both rare and common bird sightings, guided by two of the region’s top birding experts
Easy to moderate, slow-paced walking with some uneven or rocky terrain
Who Should Attend:
Birders of all levels—primarily beginner to intermediate, but all skill levels welcome
Nature lovers looking to deepen their understanding of regional birdlife
Anyone ready for three rewarding days outdoors in varied landscapes
What to Bring:
Binoculars
Lunch, snacks, and water each day
Comfortable clothing and shoes for outdoor conditions
Lodging arrangements (participants are responsible for their own accommodations)
Drivers should start with a (mostly) full tank of gas
Date & Time: (This event is three days)
Friday, February 6, 2026, 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location:
Meet at the ABF store in the Mall: 587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004
(in The Mall, park in the eastside lot). We’ll then carpool and/or caravan to our birding locations.
Cost:
ABF Members: $213 (Become a Member for only $35 and save!)
Non-Members: $250
Students: $125
Registration:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=cc87a22a-81a9-46d2-8007-e76e992d9aae&envId=p-Of6JnJ-NDU-Ys4lsF7CG9w&zone=usa
Cancellation Policy & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
What Past Participants Have Said:
“Great group. Excellent guides, fun participants and great learning experience. Love the Mountain, Sea, Desert concept.”
“Great way to sample San Diego County's diversity in just three days.”
“Great locations- the guides really knew where to go”
“From beginning to the end of the 3 days, it was packed with good information, great guides, enlightening insights in the world of birds in the area. Loved the trip and the camaraderie. Gjon and Thomas were wonderful guides.”
“Learned about many great birding locations I wouldn't have known to visit with plenty of species, many of which were new sightings for me.”
About The Tour Leaders:
Gjon Hazard is a life-long California birder. He has led birding tours and field trips for the San Diego Bird Festival, Western Field Ornithologists, various Audubon societies, and other groups. Gjon is also a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where, for more than 20 years, he has worked with listed and at-risk plant and animal species. Prior to that, he conducted ornithological field surveys for the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, the U.S. Forest Service, academia, and biological consulting firms.
Thomas Myers has been birding for over 25 years and has led birding tours for Andiamo Travel (based out of Ensenada, Baja Norte Mexico). He has been working as a Wildlife Biologist for the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Natural History Museum, and other local consulting firms concentrating on field work with listed vertebrate species in the southwest including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and, of course, birds!
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