Gray Whale Image from NOAA
Ongoing
Ecosystems
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
California Science Center
Explore the varied ecosystems of land and sea, and discover how the physical and living worlds are connected and shaped by the same fundamental ecological principles. Investigate the gallery’s eight zones, each illustrating a different ecological principle. Free. (213) 744-2019.
Canada Goose Project
Saturdays: 3-6 p.m.; Sundays 5:30-8 a.m.; Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 5:30-8 a.m.
Today through March, 2012
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area
Volunteer to track the migrating Canada geese. Free. (818) 769-1521 ext2
Cabrillo Whalewatch
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Now through March 2012
Go to sea any day of the week through the end of March in search of migrating Pacific gray whales and a host of other marine life, such as dolphins, seals, sea lions and more. Whalewatch naturalists, trained by CMA and the American Cetacean Society, lead two-to-three-hour boat trips from various landings. Various fees. (310) 548-7562 x249.
Gray Whale Cruises with Birch Aquarium at Scripps
9:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.; 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Now through April 15, 2012Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Daily local watching excursions on Flagship Cruises to see some of the 20,000 gray whales that pass SoCal shores on their way to Baja’s lagoons. $35-$40.; adults, $17.50 – $20 youth. (619) 234-4111.
Saturdays in January
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – noon
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
Wander through the 400-acre sanctuary of woodland that features four lakes which provides sanctuary for migrating waterfowl. (626) 575-5523.
January 2012
Sunday, January 1
Bird Walk
8 – 11:30 a.m.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
Take a walk and study more than 200 different species of birds in this monthly walk led by members of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. (818) 346-6712.
Sunday, January 1
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium
Watch and listen to a shark presentation near a tank with horn and swell sharks. Check out a shark-themed flick and find the Pacific angel shark on display. Free with admission. (310) 393-6149.
Wednesday, January 4
Birding Walk
8-11 a.m.
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
Check out birds and mammals amongst the rolling hills and coastal scrub habitats. $3 vehicle parking. (949) 923-2265.
Saturday, January 7
Bird Walk at Castaic Lake
8 a.m.
Docents from Placerita Canyon Natural Area lead a monthly walk at Castaic Lake. Call (661) 259-7721 for directions.
Saturday, January 7
Tide Pool Exploration at Hospital Point
1 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Go tidepooling with experts and discover marine life such as hermit crabs, sea hares and sea anemones. $12. (858) 534-7336.
Sunday, January 8
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium
Watch and listen to a shark presentation near a tank with horn and swell sharks. Check out a shark-themed flick and find the Pacific angel shark on display. Free with admission. (310) 393-6149.
Sunday, January 8
Birds of Winter
8:30-10:30 a.m.
King Gillette Ranch
Bring a bag lunch and discover winged wonders on this easy 1-mile easy hike. $7 parking fee. (310) 589-3200.
Saturday, January 14 (and January 28)
Freshwater Marsh Tours
10 – 11 a.m.
Ballona Wetlands
See a wonderful variety of birds, learn about native plants and how a freshwater system works. Free. (310) 306-5994.
Saturday, January 14
Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Bring binoculars, field guide and water on this docent-led walk for beginning to advanced birders. (661) 259-7721.
Saturday, January 8
Nature and Bird Walk
8 a.m.
El Dorado Nature Center
Learn what critters call this area home in this hike sponsored by the El Dorado Audubon Society. Meet in the parking lot of Gum Grove Park. Email eldoradoaudubon@yahoo.com.
Sunday, January 8
Salt Marsh and Dunes Tours
1-3 p.m.
Ballona Wetlands
Learn about our coastal ecosystem and explore the wonders of nature right in the middle of urban Los Angeles. Free. (310) 306-5994.
Sunday, January 8
Bird Walk
9 a.m.
Wildwood Canyon
Enjoy a pleasant walk to learn about native birdlife. (818) 238-5440.
Sunday, January 8
Second Sunday Science for the Whole Family: Birds in Winter
2-4 p.m.
Madrona Marsh
The whole clan can take in a program devoted to local flappers $5. (310) 782-3989.
Sunday, January 8
Bird Walk with the L.A. Audubon
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Franklin Canyon Sooky Goldman Nature Center
Casual walk around the urban woodland to see wood ducks, California quail, spotted and California towhees and California thrasher. Ages 6 and older. Free. Binoculars provided. (323) 876-0202.
Saturday, January 21
Young Naturalist Program: Sepulveda Basin Wetlands
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Headwaters Corner, Santa Monica Mountains
Kids ages 8-12 learn about wetlands and discover the animals make their home there. Pre-registration required. Fee. (818) 591-1701 x212.
Wednesday, January 11
The Birds of Madrona
8 – 10 a.m.
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center
Learn about resident and visiting birds of the preserve. Free. (310) 782-3989.
Saturday, January 14
Public Tour of San Diego National Wildlife Refuge
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South Bay Salt Works
The Audubon Society leads monthly tours in winter around the wildlife refuge, normally off-limits to the public. Free. Reservations required. (858) 273-7800 ext. 107.
Saturday, January 14
Bird Walk for Families and Beginners
9 – 11 a.m.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
Newbies can check out more than 200 different species of birds in this monthly walk led by members of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. (818) 346-6712. (323) 876-0202.
Saturday, January 14
Bird Walk
9 a.m.
Lagoon Discovery Center
Find out who flies overhead. Free. www.aguahedionda.org
Sunday, January 15
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – noon
Malibu Creek State Park
Bring binoculars and see how many birds you can find. (310) 457-5796 or (818) 887-0973.
Sunday, January 15
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium
Watch and listen to a shark presentation near a tank with horn and swell sharks. Check out a shark-themed flick and find the Pacific angel shark on display. Free with admission. (310) 393-6149.
Saturday, January 15
Family Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Schabarum Regional Park
Join in a naturalist walk on the lookout for fine feathered friends. Free. (626) 854-5560.
Sunday, January 15
Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Get outdoors and discover the birds of the canyon. Bring binoculars, hat, water but no dogs please. Free. (626) 398-5420.
Sunday, January 15
Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
Join in a monthly bird walk. Free. (626) 334-1065.
Saturday, January 21
Bird Walk with LA Audubon
8 a.m. – noon
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Investigate a landscaped parkland, lake and coastal scrub habitats, perfect for beginning birders. Find spotted towhee, California towhee and song sparrow; the lake attracts herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks as well as an osprey. For more information, call (310) 839-5420.
Saturday, January 21
Birds, Birds, Birds
8-10 a.m.
Hidden Valley Nature Center
Take a walk and learn about migration, flyways and bird behaviour. Also build a birdhouse. (951) 785-7452.
Saturday, January 21
In the Dead of Winter
3– 4:30 p.m.
Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
Take a 1.5 mile loop hike with a ranger and discover what animals of the area; maybe spot a scorpion or hear a coyote. (805) 375-1930.
Saturday, January 21
Young Naturalist Program: Sepulveda Basin Wetlands
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Headwaters Corner, Santa Monica Mountains
Kids ages 8-12 learn about wetlands and discover the animals make their home there. Pre-registration required. Fee. (818) 591-1701 x212.
Saturday, January 21
Underwater Parks Day
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Learn about the newly designated Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) in Southern California through speakers, presentations and interactive displays. Free. (310) 548-7562.
Saturday, January 21
Tide Pool Exploration at False Point
1 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Go tidepooling with experts and discover marine life such as hermit crabs, sea hares and sea anemones. $12. (858) 534-7336.
Sunday, January 22
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium
Watch and listen to a shark presentation near a tank with horn and swell sharks. Check out a shark-themed flick and find the Pacific angel shark on display. Free with admission. (310) 393-6149.
Sunday, January 22
Beach and Wetlands Bird Watching
8:30 – 11:30 am.
Malibu Lagoon State Park
Experts and beginners, adults and teens. Bring binoculars. Free. (310) 395-6235.
Sunday, January 22
Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents
10 -11 a.m.
Malibu Lagoon State Park
Short walk for children and families. Binoculars provided. Free. (818) 894-2541.
Sunday, January 29
Wild Creatures Hike
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stough Canyon Nature Center
Learn what plants and animals live in these local mountains. Free. (818) 238-5440.
Thursday, January 26
Ocean Authors: Beyond the Obituaries: Success Stories in Ocean Conservation
6:30-8 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Dr. Nancy Knowlton presents her book “Citizens of the Sea” and offers reasons to be hopeful for the future of oceans. Free. (858) 534-5771.
Saturday, January 28
Salt Marsh Open House
2-4 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Join educators in the nearby Salinas de San Pedro to checkout birds and other animals of the wetlands. Free. (310) 548-7562.
Saturday, January 28
Public Tour of the Seal Beach National Nature Refuge
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Seal Beach National Nature Refuge
Once a month, this nature refuge opens up to the public for a look at the wildlife of the area including the endangered light-footed clapper rails and California least tern. Free. Reservations required. (562) 598-1024.
Sunday, January 29
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium
Watch and listen to a shark presentation near a tank with horn and swell sharks. Check out a shark-themed flick and find the Pacific angel shark on display. Free with admission. (310) 393-6149.
Sunday, January 29
Whale Fiesta
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Celebrate the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale and build a life-size sculpture of a humpback whale. Games, crafts, puppet shows and contests. Free. (310) 548-7562.
Sunday, January 29
Wild Creatures Hike
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stough Canyon Nature Center
Learn what plants and animals live in these local mountains. Free. (818) 238-5440.
Tuesday, January 31
American Cetacean Society Monthly Speaker Series
7:30 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Hear about current whale research and the latest in conservation. Free. (310) 548-7562.
