Mendocino County is renowned for its great northern seacoast, rural charm and deep wild forests. Rugged headlands are pounded by enormous breakers; unspoiled rivers like the Navarro and Albion meet the sea to create expansive beaches. The town of Mendocino itself appears to be a transplanted New England village. State parks protect the coast, including McKerricher, Van Damme and Russian Gulch, and are home to many forms of wildlife, birds and marine mammals. Loons, Black oystercatchers and turnstones, together with many species of ducks and songbirds, gulls and cormorants, patrol the oceans and forests. Among the headlands and crashing surf we’ll search for Surfbirds, mergansers and the elusive Harlequin, a spectacular sea duck. Inland, as we search the woodlands for warblers, thrushes and kinglets, we will also note colorful fungi that bring the forest floor to life. Mendocino is part of the heritage of old-time California, a paradise for nature photographers. We will be staying at the Beach House Inn in Ft. Bragg, but nearby there are also many old-fashioned B&Bs. Lodging and meals are not included in the tour cost. Spectacular marine and woodland photography.