Wildlife Photography – Chollas Lake, San Diego
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Chollas Lake Park, nestled in the Oak Park neighborhood of San Diego, is a charming 16-acre reservoir dating back to 1901, originally built to support the city's water supply. Converted to a public park in the 1960s, it’s now a favorite spot for locals looking to enjoy a bit of nature, a family-friendly walk, or peaceful wildlife watching.
A week ago, I visited the lake to try out my new Nikon 70–300 mm telephoto lens. With its gentle loop trail and still waters, the lake turned out to be the perfect place to photograph birds and other wildlife up close.
Collage 1: Blue Heron & Canada Goose Eye
I was thrilled to catch a Great Blue Heron taking off from the lake’s edge—its feet splashing through the water in a streak of motion. Next to it is a close-up of a Greylag Geese's eye and beak, captured in stunning detail thanks to the lens’s incredible reach.
Collage 2: Cactus Flower & Squirrel
Nature surprises around every corner! This bright prickly pear cactus flower bloomed right near the trail, offering a pop of color amid the green. And just across the way, a curious squirrel posed perfectly—perhaps hoping for a cameo.
Collage 3: Ducks & Geese Diversity
Chollas Lake is home to a lively mix of ducks and geese—mallards, coots, Muscovy ducks, and Canada geese. The new lens gave me the flexibility to capture both distant shoreline scenes and intimate close-ups.
Collage 4: Mama Duck & Ducklings
This one melted my heart—a mother duck guiding her fuzzy ducklings through the water. Watching their tiny paddling feet and downy feathers through the lens made for a truly memorable moment.
About Chollas Lake
Chollas Lake Park offers a short 0.8-mile loop trail around the water, shaded in sections and perfect for a relaxed stroll or a photography outing. Though the lake is restricted to youth-only fishing (15 and under), it’s also a great place to spot birds, jog, picnic, or simply take in the views. Amenities include picnic tables, play structures, exercise stations, and wildlife galore.
What You Might See
- Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets near the shoreline
- Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Mallards, coots, and the occasional Muscovy Duck
- Squirrels, cactus blooms, and even raptors overhead
- Turtles—I spotted one sunbathing on a rock in the middle of the lake. It was too far for my 300mm zoom to capture clearly, but still a lovely sight!
Even in the heart of the city, places like Chollas Lake remind us how much wild beauty is always nearby—if we’re willing to look closely.
Thanks for reading—until next bloom! 🌼 Diana