Southern Californians have the unique opportunity to see whales off the coast all year round. From December through March, gray whales take center stage. And if you want to see some up close, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching is the outfitter to go with. During the incredible 5,000-mile migration of the California gray whale from Alaska to Mexico, 40 to 50 whales … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: Nature Journals for Beginners
In an effort to record our many and varied nature experiences, we’ve created quite a few themed natural journals since I started this blog – including a backyard field guide, a bird book and a family adventure journal. But none have had much staying power. Which is why I’ve asked my nature friend, Barb of the Handbook of Nature Study, to stop in and share her sage advice on … [Read more...]
Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard
Birds are by far the easiest to see of all wild creatures – no matter where you live or how big or small (or nonexistent) your backyard might be. Which makes bird watching one of the easiest ways for kids to connect with nature right at home.But is bird watching really fun? If you’re not convinced yet, you need to check out Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard. I was … [Read more...]
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count
Coming later this week to backyards, parks and skies everywhere is the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a four-day event that runs Fri., Feb. 14 through Mon., Feb. 17, 2014. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada. Anyone anywhere in the world can count birds for at least 15 … [Read more...]
5 Fun Things for Families to Do at the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is our “home” zoo. It’s where we go most often to get our fix of wild animals such as giraffes, elephants and gorillas. The 133-acre zoo is home to a diverse collection of more than 1,000 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered. Its grounds also feature a botanical collection of more than 800 … [Read more...]