I love traveling to exotic locations to photograph wildlife. But frankly some of the best bird photography in the world is right here in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live. So whether you live here also or would like to join us on a visit, I'd love to share some of my favorite photo locations and subjects with you.

May is a particularly exciting time along the bay, as the American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts are nesting and their incredibly cute chicks are just starting to venture out on their own. They are a guaranteed hit and so are the image of them you'll be able to capture.

There are dozens of great places to photograph around the Bay. I've picked out some of the most productive to take you to--some of which are well-known and others not very well known at all--so there should be something for everyone. Exact locations will as always depend on the weather and the subjects. I'll be busy scouting locations before you get here.

NEW: For the first time we'll be expanding the trip with a boat charter in Elkhorn Slough where we'll get some close-up views not just of shorebirds but also of marine mammals including Sea Otters with pups and California Harbor Seals.

If there is interest we can also work on arranging a private bird banding demonstration and practice photographing biologists at work. One of the most rewarding tasks in wildlife photography for me is capturing images of the wonderful staff and volunteers of nature organizations who are helping all of us learn more about our world.

I'll be shooting with you the entire week. Each morning we'll be out early, taking advantage of the best hours of light. Then we'll spend the mid-day time reviewing our images and talking about what we'd like to work on for that evening and the next day. Digital shooters can of course upload their images to their laptops, and for film shooters we are in close proximity to an E-6 lab that can develop your slides in a jiffy. We'll be back out for an evening shoot in the golden light--and then get to do it all over again the next day! I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. I can't guarantee that you'll get world class images, but I'll work to make sure you have the best possible chance!

Both film & digital shooters welcome. If you need help selecting or renting equipment, let us know and we can assist you. All participants will also receive a detailed package with plenty of information on how to prepare and what to bring.

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May is also a good time to see California Clapper Rail chicks. These endangered birds cling to life by hiding practically under our feet in the salt marshes. If we are very fortunate we'll be able to photograph them and if we are both fortunate and lucky, we may get to see their elusive chicks.

Price: $650 per person, not including local transportation.  Limit 7 participants.

Sign up online or get more information by e-mailing safaris@cardinalphoto.com.