Dinner Guests
Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf sounds like an unusual place for bird photography, but the fishing industry of nearby Municipal Wharf attracts a wide range of sea birds who often chose to take a nap at the tranquility of Fishermans Wharf. With so many marine birds present, I find it is an ideal place for bird photography. I have seen more birds here than in bird sancturaries elsewhere.
People come to the Pier for a stroll or entertainment. This Wharf is more grown up than others. There are more fine dining opportunities and less candy stores than on other Piers. Observation platforms and many open viewing areas make it a premier place for bird photography.
How to get there
From scenic Highway 1, take the Monterey exit and follow the signs to Fisherman’s Wharf. Parking is not free, but if you park on any side street off Lighthouse Ave (Washington, Figueroa), you can find free curbside parking spots.
How to photograph the Birds at the Pier
Egret
You need a long lens to photograph the birds.
Leave enough of the surrounding habitat in your picture to create interest. Make sure the animals look into the frame rather than out of it. I intentionally placed the egret left in my frame to have it look into the picture. Otherwise, the viewer might wonder what the bird is looking at and why the photographer cut the picture off. With a bit more patience than I had, you may even be able to wait for the bird to catch a fish.
Since the feathers will be a very bright spot in the entire scene, the camera automatic overexposes for the dark surroundings. In the Egret shot, I underexposed by 1 1/3 stop to make sure the camera does not clip the detail in the feathers (hard to tell in the optimized jpg).
Long lenses coupled with difficult lighting conditions often demand high noise capability of your camera and/or image stabilization. Familiarize yourself with your camera.
Be flexible and walk the wharf looking for opportunity.
Best Time of the Day and Best Season
I prefer midday, since the golden hour does not offer enough light for telephoto wildlife photography. Fog often occurs farther south towards Big Sur or North of Santa Cruz meaning the weather is usually good here.
Time required
The Wharf is convenient to access, offers plenty of dining and is thus a great place to spend one hour or the entire day. The Wharf is just a 10-minute detour away from Highway 1.
Equipment
- A telephoto lens
- Bring some spare change to sample the delicious treats on the wharf.
- Don’t underestimate the wind chill factor near water and bring warm clothing.
GPS position
36°36’13.51″N 121°53’35.56″W
Difficulty Photographing
Use the histograms of your cameras to ensure that you do not overexpose the birds. It takes patience to photograph birds and you must be intimately familiar with your camera to be able change settings quickly.
Close Locations
- Pacific Grove with Point Pinos Lighthouse
- 17-mile drive with the famous Lone Cypress Tree
- Monarch Cove Sanctuary – Butterfly Town USA
- Cannery Row, Monterey Aquarium
- Carmel
- Carmel Mission
- Point Lobos State Reserve
- Moss Landing Sea Otters
- San Juan Bautista Mission
- Santa Cruz Natural Bridges
Useful Resources
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One Comment
Oh man, this is great. The Monterey Peninsula is one of my favorite places in the whole country. We last visited in July 2007 and are planning a return for 2010.
I know those birds and had a great time photographing along the coast from Moss Landing down through Big Sur.
Birds and wildflowers are my favorites. But when out along the peninsula, I have a hrad time taking my lens off of those lovable sea otters.