PADA Photographers Explore Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, a group of PADA members traded the studio for the salt marsh on a photographic field trip to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach.

The reserve covers more than 1,300 acres of mudflats, salt and freshwater marsh, coastal dunes, and riparian habitat along Pacific Coast Highway. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there, including osprey, black skimmers, terns, white-faced ibis, American avocets, and black-necked stilts. Four miles of trails and wooden boardwalks link two parking areas and pass scenic overlooks along the way, giving photographers close, unobtrusive views of birds feeding and resting on the water.

The group spent the day working the trails and boardwalks, trying different ways to capture the reserve's wildlife, reflections, and wide open light. Field trips like this let members share techniques, compare approaches to the same scene, and come home with fresh material for future projects.

Jim Knauf kindly shared the photographs below from the outing. Thanks to everyone who came along, and watch for news of PADA's next field trip.

Written by Paul Anderson with assistance from claude.ai.

All photographs courtesy of Jim Knauf.