Photo by Cleve Nash:                        Bobcat

Photo by Cleve Nash:                        Bobcat

Photo by Alan Schmierer:     Snowy Egrets

Great Egret image on banner by Mike Baird

A Bird's Eye View by Mike Stiles

Just like everything else it has touched, modern technology, especially the internet, has radically affected even the simple act of going out and looking at birds. This month we will look at some of the changes wrought by our new world, like it or not. Let me apologize in advance for an article full of blue, underlined links to birding websites. Just be sure to return to the Slo Coast Journal when finished. Read More

A Sense of Place: Your California State Parks

When I first started with Central Coast Natural History Association, I couldn't believe my good fortune to work towards such a great cause that was so close to my heart: preserving and promoting our local State Parks. The Parks were so spectacular, and I thought, having just been here a year when I started, do the people who grew up here know how lucky they are to have these parks?"  Read More

Elfin Forest Activities by Jean Wheeler

Wildflower Walk: May flowers in the Elfin Forest, encouraged by our frequent spring rains, should be abundant this year. Dirk Walters will take us on a delightful tour of almost every blooming species that can be seen from the boardwalk. There will be the bright yellows of fiddlenecks, rush-roses, deerweed , golden yarrow and, of course, California poppies. Read More

Eye on the Estuary by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program

The Morro Bay Estuary is a 2,300-acre expanse of sheltered waters, tidal marshes, mudflats and seagrass beds not seen again for hundreds of miles up and down the coast. California has lost more than 90% of these habitats, largely due to coastal development, leaving Morro Bay as the most significant wetland system remaining along the south central coast. Learn More

Marine Sanctuaries by Carol Georgi

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), "National Marine Sanctuaries are unique places addressing key issues facing our world - one special place at a time. Marine sanctuaries are helping to create a new paradigm, one that encourages a change in behavior. Read More

Ocean Creatures

The Western Gulls have a small population along the west coast of North America, and they are often seen as common local birds living in coastal waters on the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Baja. These gulls have spectacular white plumage with a dark slate-gray mantle and grow to about 24-35 inches (61-70 cm). These gulls are commonly seen on wharves, jetties and docks. Read More

State Parks Events

A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events.
See What Else Is Happening

Photo by Kevin Cole:      
F emale Elephant Seals in dispute over space