In The Beginning There Was a Camera

It all started with a camera.

When Tom and I first began dating, we’d meet up with our cameras and photograph whatever was around us. We weren’t chasing wildlife or rare species — we were photographing fountains, rocks, and architecture. Anything that caught our eye. Eventually our curiosity pulled us toward nature: trees, flowers, mountains. And finally, the coast, where we captured our first Brown Pelicans.

At the beginning, we were perfectly content taking still shots of Pelicans and Cormorants perched on the La Jolla cliffs. Then we realized how much more challenging — and thrilling — it was to capture them in flight. People would ask us, “Are you birders or photographers?” Our answer was always the same: photographers.

So when did we finally admit we were birders?

Probably the moment we spotted a Peregrine Falcon… and realized we could recognize its call. Then we heard rumors that Peregrines were nesting at a nearby park. We went there wondering how on earth we’d ever find the fastest raptor on the planet. Turns out, it was easy — we rounded a corner and found a cluster of tripods, giant lenses, and photographers all pointed at the same spot.

And what’s more challenging than photographing Pelicans in flight? Photographing the fastest bird in the world performing a mid‑air food exchange.

That was the moment everything changed.

Now we’re birders and photographers — and we want to share the adventure with you.