Services
Black Oystercatcher © Robert Royse
Make the most of your
California Birding trip!
Our expert guides design personalized birding adventures for all interests and skill levels. Take a look at our range of services and our policies below. We’re excited to help you discover the incredible birdlife of California!
Birding
Perfect for experiencing California's unique avifauna, growing your life list, or targeting rare and/or local specialty birds.
$400/ full day (8-10 hrs)
$300/ half day (5-7 hrs)
$200/ quarter day (2-4 hrs)
Base rates include 1-2 participants.
Bird Photography
Ideal for photographers wanting to get the best possible shots of birds. Special focus on locations, timing, and strategy for bird photography.
$450/ full day (8-10 hrs)
$350/ half day (5-7 hrs)
$250/ quarter day (2-4 hrs)
Base rates include 1-2 participants.
Owling
The only way to get up close and personal with several of California's specialty owl and nightjar species - night birding under the stars.
$250/ night (2-3 hrs).
Base rate includes 1-2 participants.
Private Tour
The all-inclusive California birding experience. Custom itineraries planned around your birding goals - we handle transportation, lodging, and meals.
Custom Pricing
Inquire for more information!
What's included?
Here’s what you can expect when you choose us as your guide:
- PROFESSIONAL GUIDES: Expert guidance from top-notch guides who specialize in locating birds and providing insights into bird identification, behavior, and natural history, as well as information on the best local birding hotspots and locations to find specific species.
- CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY: A personalized itinerary designed to meet your specific birding goals and preferences. We optimize your experience with expert suggestions and collaborate with you to tailor every detail, ensuring your adventure is perfect whether you’re a big year lister, bird photographer, experienced birder, or just starting out.
- eBIRD CHECKLISTS: Comprehensive eBird checklists of all observed birds will be provided by your guide for each location visited, shared either on the day of your outing or shortly thereafter.
- CLIENT SUPPORT: Dedicated administration to ensure prompt assistance with all communications regarding inquiries, bookings, and any additional support for your questions or concerns whenever you need it.
- FLEXIBLE BOOKING: Flexible scheduling options that let you add, subtract, or change services, shift dates, switch locations, reschedule, or postpone to a future date. All bookings are fully transferable to other states within our network. Our generous cancellation policy ensures stress-free planning.
- ACCESSIBLE PRICING: Our commitment to find a price that works for you. We invite you to reach out to discuss options that fit your budget and provide the best value for your birding experience. Our goal is to accommodate your needs and ensure you have the best possible experience, fostering a lasting relationship.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: Our commitment to deliver high-quality experiences with a strong focus on ensuring your satisfaction every step of the way. We promise to make things right if you're not completely satisfied.
- FOLLOW-UP: Post-trip communication with client support, allowing you to provide feedback and receive tailored suggestions for future birding opportunities based on your interests, along with exclusive discounts for your next booking.
any other Expenses?
There are some scenarios that may result in additional expenses. Here’s what you should know:
- MEETING LOCATION: A flat fee based on average travel time to and from the meeting location, ranging from $15 to $60 for most locations. This fee does not apply if your guide is already in the area (e.g. within 30 minutes of the meeting location). Please note that this fee is allocated 100% to the guide and reflects industry norms.
- ADDING PARTICIPANTS: Our base rates include 1-2 participants. For 3-5 participants, there is an additional fee of $50 per person per day. For groups of 6-12, we offer a group rate of $25 per person per day.
- PHOTOGRAPHY FEE: Many of our guides are talented photographers and can capture images of birds during your trip. For a fee of $60, we’ll send you a selection of these photos via email either on the day of your trip or shortly thereafter.
- EXTENDED TIME: Our standard ranges are as follows: quarter days (2-4 hours), half days (5-7 hours), full days (8-10 hours), and owling (2-3 hours). We can extend owling or full days for an additional fee of $50 per hour. If you and your guide choose to extend a quarter day to a half day or a half day to a full day on the day of your booking, we’ll issue an additional invoice for the corresponding balance.
- TRANSPORTATION FEE: While we primarily encourage clients to arrange their own transportation, we understand that some may prefer to be driven by their guide. Transportation is available upon request or as needed. Our flat fee is based on average distances traveled during our standard services—quarter-, half-, and full days—and ranges from $50 to $150 per day.
What are our policies?
We prioritize flexibility in our services, but we also have some essential guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for everyone:
- RESERVATIONS: We will hold your requested date(s) for up to 2 weeks without a deposit. After 2 weeks, the date(s) may be released to other clients. We understand that making plans can take time, and we encourage you to secure your booking as soon as possible!
- PAYMENT: A deposit of 50% is required to book your date(s), with the remaining balance due 1 month prior to the start of your tour. If the balance is not paid by the due date, your booking may be subject to cancellation. We accept credit and debit cards, checks, and electronic transfers from Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, and you will receive confirmation of your payment upon processing.
- CANCELLATION: Cancellations made at least 2 weeks prior to your date(s) will result in a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of your date(s) will result in a non-refundable deposit, but any payments made can be transferred to future bookings.
- RESCHEDULING: Clients may reschedule their bookings without penalty if notice is provided at least 1 week prior to the scheduled date. A fee may apply for rescheduling within 1 week of the original date. All rescheduled dates are subject to availability.
- WEATHER: We strive to adhere to the original itinerary and will make necessary adjustments based on weather conditions. Unless conditions are severe enough to make birding unproductive, we will proceed with planned activities and work around the weather. If a cancellation is needed due to extreme weather, any payments made will be fully transferable to future bookings.
- WAIVERS: A liability waiver is required for all participants in your party, as mandated by our insurance company and relevant agencies with which we have commercial permitting. Each member of your party must sign the waiver before participating in any trips.
- PRIVACY: We collect personal information, such as names and contact details, to process your bookings and communicate with you. We do not sell or rent your information. Your data is protected, and you have the right to request access or deletion of your information.
- GRATUITY: Gratuity is not required but is customary in our industry. We recommend a gratuity of 10% to 20% of the total cost of your trip, based on your satisfaction with the service provided. Your guide will appreciate any gesture of thanks for their efforts in making your experience enjoyable.
