Exploring the Bluffs at Montaña de Oro
The Bluff Trail and Point Buchon Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park offer spectacular coastal scenery, seabirds, sea otters, and wildlife along California's Central Coast.
A Spring Weekend at Hole-in-the-Wall in Mojave National Preserve
A spring camping trip to Mojave National Preserve brought desert birds, blooming wildflowers, butterflies, reptiles, and plenty of memorable wildlife around Hole-in-the-Wall and beyond.
Looking for Bird’s Nest Fungi at Dilley Reserve
A warm March hike through Dilley Reserve began with a search for tiny bird’s nest fungi. We found them, along with a surprising fungal party, busy butterflies, Pacific Chorus Frog tadpoles, and Splendid Mariposa Lilies blooming along the trails.
Brown Pelicans: A Coastal Icon of California
Brown Pelicans are icons of the California coast, famous for their dramatic plunge-dives and remarkable conservation comeback. Discover what makes these charismatic seabirds one of the Pacific's most unforgettable residents.
Palm Canyon in Bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A spring hike through Borrego Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park brought blooming wildflowers, desert birds, butterflies, and a surprising palm oasis hidden among the canyon walls.
Fairview Park Bird Surveys 2025: Still Watching Fairview Birds
Four years after the first survey, Fairview Park continues to surprise with new species, memorable encounters, and the quiet rewards that come from returning to the same place month after month.
Fairview Park Bird Surveys 2024: Another Year with the Fairview Birds
Three years into the Fairview Park bird surveys, familiar routes continued to produce memorable surprises, from Loggerhead Shrikes and Vermilion Flycatchers to owls, meadowlarks, and more.
Fairview Park Bird Surveys 2023: Familiar Birds and New Surprises
The second year of Fairview Park bird surveys brought familiar species, exciting new discoveries, and a growing appreciation for one of Costa Mesa's most rewarding birding locations.
Fairview Park Bird Surveys 2022: Getting to Know the Park
Follow my first year of monthly bird surveys at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, discovering the birds, habitats, and seasonal changes that make this urban park such a rewarding place to explore.
Joshua Tree Through Three Seasons with Zoe: Wildlife & Desert Adventures
Three trips, three seasons, one unforgettable road-tripping cat. Returning to Joshua Tree throughout the year revealed new birds, wildlife, wildflowers, and a deeper appreciation for one of California's most remarkable landscapes.
A Desert Oasis at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a green oasis where desert scrub meets cottonwoods, willows, and mesquite. Hummingbirds gather near the entrance, tanagers move through the canopy, and Ash-throated Flycatchers call from the drier edges.
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching, Birds & A Very Good Captain
A birthday trip to Monterey Bay turned into two unforgettable whale watches, incredible pelagic birding, Dall's Porpoises at the bow, and one captain who made an already amazing day even better.