All Stories
Reasons for owls hooting draw answers from the mind, heart
It was well north of 3 a.m. when the soft hooting of a distant great horned owl pulled me from the gentle arms of Morpheus, that mythological god of sleep...
Eastern Sierra’s seasonal show competes with foliage in Northeast
The raindrops last week were an even stronger hint at the coming of fall and brought to mind the words of my favorite poet.“And the wild is calling, calling, let...
Former NFL star expresses love of nature through his artwork
Ed White was an imposing figure in professional football, thriving in a chaotic world of brute force and instant reactions.Now, he finds order in the solitude of nature and shares...
Subtle hints warn our wild neighbors that winter is coming
While we bask in the heady days of summer, nature is starting to send signals that we don’t see or hear.Most of us are not even aware of these subtle...
County offers nature lovers a variety of animal babies to enjoy
It was a touching moment of paternal tenderness watching a male spotted towhee respond to the incessant demands of a fledgling who wanted to be fed.Likely dad was trying to...
Butterfly sanctuary educates on preservation, reveals wonder to visitors
“Butterflies!” The cute little 4-year-old boldly shouted when someone asked her where pixie dust comes from.That memory was on my mind on a somewhat drab weekday morning recently as I...
Butterfly sanctuary educates on preservation, reveals wonder to visitors
“Butterflies!” The cute little 4-year-old boldly shouted when someone asked her where pixie dust comes from.That memory was on my mind on a somewhat drab weekday morning recently as I...
Joy of ‘chatting’ with visitors, losing oneself in magic of Mt. Hoo
I now have regular partners who me for my morning walks.With summer here, I try to begin my day with an early stroll before temperatures get too warm.I enjoy...
Guest commentary: Saving Torrey pines at state reserve is a complicated puzzle to solve
There are times when Mother Nature needs a little help from her friends.The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s jewels, and after years of drought and...
Saving Torrey pines at state reserve a complicated puzzle to solve
There are times when Mother Nature just needs a little help from her friends.Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s jewels, and after years of drought and...
Sit-and-see session leads to brief, intimate moments with nature
The older I get, the less it’s about the destination and more about the experience.At least that was my excuse as I paused beside the bubbling waters of Dean Creek...
Cloak of fog heightens sense of surroundings on Palomar Mountain
I went to the mountains for the views, but I saw the most when there was no view.As a volunteer U.S. Forest Service lookout, I was excited about another season...
In the blink of an eye, seven tiny house wrens leave the nest
The morning on Mt. Hoo began with a joyful “woo hoo!”Our wild house wren chicks have all left the nest.The 2022 wren nesting cycle has been a flawless event that...
Colorful wings of spring brightening garden
We expect summer gardens to be filled with vibrant hues, but many of the brightest colors now are on the wing rather than on the vine.Many of you may have...
Another season brings another joyous cycle of seven little eggs
The cycles of nature tick on.There was death and now there is new life on Mt. Hoo.As the dark days of winter arrived, we lost our faithful old cat who...
Birds a welcome wake-up call each morning
There’s always something new here on Mt. Hoo.This time we have a unique alarm clock.It’s state of the art, self-powered, dependable and accurate. It’s small, weighing about as much as...
Birds a welcome wake-up call each morning
There’s always something new here on Mt. Hoo.This time we have a unique alarm clock.It’s state of the art, self-powered, dependable and accurate. It’s small, weighing about as much as...
Little bird feeds, perches and nests among ominous cactus spines
Brooding clouds were dancing across the tops of the San Ysidro Mountains as an early spring storm swept eastward from the coast.As they have done for eons, the bouldery peaks...
A roadrunner romance at Mt. Hoo
“Honey, he brought the kids!”I know what you’re thinking, but this was not a warning. Instead, this was a joyful announcement to my wife as our resident roadrunner showed up...
Breathtaking sight of bald eagles more and more common in county
I had a tiny slice of heaven all to myself.It was just a short distance through a grove of fluttering spring aspens, and I was knee deep in an unnamed...
Torrey Pines reserve a rare gem that needs a little polish
On a map of Southern California there is a tiny speck of wilderness wild coast surrounded by a sea of urban rooftops.At less than 2,000 acres in size, Torrey Pines...
Time to prepare yards for incoming feathered friends
The first steely hues of a new day were creeping into the nocturnal shadows as the Muttering Army made its morning march past my bedroom window.Readers may recall that’s what...
New Year’s Day hike a time to listen to the wild, reflect on past
The poetic words of Robert Service were swirling through my mind as I sat quietly on the windswept desert mesa hoping to connect with the unwritten past.“… have you learned...
Experiencing desert’s first winter rain is a treat for all the senses
The first rain of winter came to the desert last week with attitude.As I crested the rugged desert ridge, I was slapped by winds whipping at 50 miles an hour...
Cat was cherished companion, served as watchman over Mt. Hoo
He was purring contentedly as I lifted him onto my lap.The pride was all there and Peackoe, our 18-year-old orange tabby cat, was always the most content when he was...
Endless parade of critters – both day and night – on ‘Mt. Hoo’
It’s a zoo here on Mt. Hoo.We have dogs and cats, but it’s not what you think.Not more than 10 feet outside of my home-office window, I have a large...
Catching flashes of yellow, blue splashing about garden fountain
It was like a spot of sunlight peeking through clouds on a gray, overcast day.Looking out the window, there was an animated flock of birds splashing about wildly in the...
‘There’s a marmot in my pack’
I was giggling inside and thinking, “I could write a children’s book about this furry intruder.”I’ve had hungry Sierra bears try and steal the trout I’ve caught, but saving my...
Time to plan trip to seek out some color
It was hard to imagine the beauty could be any more intense until it began to rain.Suddenly, the brilliant yellow leaves of autumn aspens were decorated with glistening drops of...
As season changes, expect the punctual arrival of annual visitors
Our summer visitors have gone, and it’s been quiet here on Mt. Whoville with the kind of emptiness you feel after a warm family reunion.I should mention, these summer visitors...
Mama opossum, joeys welcome additions to Mt. Whoville
Mama opossum and I have become pretty good friends, but I’m sure she has no idea that I even exist.It’s a one-sided relationship for sure.I don’t put out food, but...
Mysterious mustang roams barren landscape of White Mountains
The horse finally has a name.I thought of that when I realized that the iconic ’70s lyrics “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name” weren’t quite...
Mysterious mustang roams barren landscape of White Mountains
The horse finally has a name.I thought of that when I realized that the iconic ’70s lyrics “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name” weren’t quite...
Readers have plenty to say about nocturnal noises of mockingbirds
Who would have imagined the response I’d get to my last column on the midnight melodies of mockingbirds?While discussing the frustrations of sleepless readers, I tossed out an invitation for...
Mockingbirds’ midnight melodies not music to everyone’s ears
I’m not sure I’d want to live in a world without the ebullient song of the northern mockingbird.But the email I get from readers at best seeks hints on how...
Monarch butterflies are one of nature’s fascinating mysteries
It was hard to decide what was more beautiful.The delicate, but intense colors of the tropical butterfly or the innocent look of wide-eyed wonder on the face of the little...
In tune with nature during nighttime sit-and-see adventure
“Midnight at the oasis, send your camel to bed ...”These lyrics of this iconic 1970s tune played in my head as a bead of sweat ran down my chest under...
Monarch butterflies are one of nature’s fascinating mysteries
It was hard to decide what was more beautiful.The delicate, but intense colors of the tropical butterfly or the innocent look of wide-eyed wonder on the face of the little...
Tiny box a source of amusement, sorrow, wonder over the years
The little weathered birdhouse outside my bedroom window is smaller than a jewel box but its contents are even more precious than gems.Readers have good memories and have written to...
Catering to growing love for native plants
There was a time when selling native plants in Southern California was like trying to get homeowners to buy weeds.Today, as hearts and minds are more tuned to the natural...
Tiny box source of amusement, sorrow, wonder over the years
The little weathered birdhouse outside my bedroom window is smaller than a jewel box but its contents are even more precious than gems.Readers have good memories and have written to...
Water sources attract abundance of visitors
As I basked in the warmth of a recent spring morning and enjoyed the chatter of animated birds, it dawned on me that of all the things done to attract...
Water sources attract abundance of visitors
As I basked in the warmth of a recent spring morning and enjoyed the chatter of animated birds, it dawned on me that of all the things done to attract...
Hearing these tiny critters’ sounds is batty
As I walked around the local park just after sunset holding a stick in the air, a friendly guy approached to ask what I was doing?“I’m listening to bats,” I...
Rock circles in Anza-Borrego park are mysterious links to the past
The caress of a gentle spring breeze pulled me back to reality as I sat on the desert floor in the center of a cleared circle surrounded by a low...
Little-known trail a favorite among long-distance hikers
For some, a long-distance, wilderness trail is simply a call to a destination. For others it’s all about the journey.San Diego County is home to such a trail, perhaps one...
Soft whispering of quail a sign property has come a long way
I could hear the whispers and it sounded juicy.If only I understood quail.It was an intimate moment with nature like I had never experienced before.Sitting motionless at the edge of...
Spirits fly high with comforting appearance of red-tailed hawk
For a few brief moments I could fly.My mind and heart were soaring on the spread wings of a red-tailed hawk as it floated by at eye level.Without a single...
Got some sugar, water, oranges or grape jelly lying around?
The kids are coming home and I’m excited.OK, they’re not really my kids, but I feed them and provide a place for them to stay, so they might as well...
Spirits fly high with comforting appearance of red-tailed hawk
For a few brief moments I could fly.My mind and heart were soaring on the spread wings of a red-tailed hawk as it floated by at eye level.Without a single...
Outdoor cameras catch nocturnal animals’ activity at Mt. Whoville
The alert came to my phone at 4:02 a.m.Oh boy, my new outdoor camera had detected motion.Something was out there in the dead of night. Was it a meandering opossum,...
Nature a good source for making New Year’s resolutions
For a long time, my New Year’s Eve tradition has been shared with friends, listening to a good band, maybe dancing a little and followed by a nature hike early...
Nature brings reassuring message after a long year
Holiday spirit arrived for me this year on the wings of a tiny red bird.Let’s face it, for lots of reasons 2020 has been a challenging year.Sure, the tree was...
Nature brings reassuring message after a long year
Holiday spirit arrived for me this year on the wings of a tiny red bird.Let’s face it, for lots of reasons 2020 has been a challenging year.Sure, the tree was...
Nature brings reassuring message after a long year
Holiday spirit arrived for me this year on the wings of a tiny red bird.Let’s face it, for lots of reasons 2020 has been a challenging year.Sure, the tree was...
Two celestial events occurring this month
Pondering the concept of infinity hurts my head.For many, the subject first came up while allowing their mind to drift into the vast universe from some remote location where a...
Habitat restoration helps connect man, nature
A wildlife encounter of any kind makes the heart bigger.You can’t help but smile while watching a roadrunner chasing small lizards, the mind soars to the heavens when you spot...
Volunteering at fire lookout towers a rewarding experience
As I locked the door of the fire lookout for the last time this season, the winds were howling, and the wispy tentacles of icy winter clouds were clawing up...
Flocks of fluttering visitors brighten gray day during sit and see
Somber hues of gray were beginning to replace the inky shadows of night and the chilly, pre-dawn breeze whispered winter as I settled down to greet sunrise.I was up early...
Julian man looks for area to get International Dark Sky Community designation
Calling Doug Sollosy, the “Prince of Darkness” would not be a sinister label.You might even call him the light behind an effort to keep us in the dark.The Julian resident...
New arrivals on their migratory journey bring joy
Goodbyes soften the heart, while hellos bring joy and hope.If you are in tune with the tick tock of nature, this is the season that both softens and brings joy.A...
Column evolves into an Ann Landers-of-sorts on the subject of nature
When I began writing an outdoors column, I never dreamed I would become a relationship expert.Readers have turned to me as the Ann Landers of nature, seeking advice about relationships,...
The beauty of the fall in the High Sierra is starting to emerge
I need the solace of wild places.At a time when we seem to be polarized and life spins at a dizzying pace, I need the temples of nature where I...
Brightly-colored orioles showing signs that their annual journey south is happening
While the civilized world seems to struggle in turmoil right now, the natural clock of ages faithfully ticks on.As another August slips from the calendar, the beat of nature goes...
Accident provides a valuable lesson to anyone heading outdoors
It would be good for a laugh telling Charles Peck to “break a leg” when he sets off for one of his outdoor adventures.That is until it actually happens on...
Comet Neowise and Milky Way put on show above Palomar Mountain meadow
Just sitting out in nature and watching for a short period of time is always fascinating.Sometimes it can be profound.Readers know I often write about sit-and-see adventures, when I find...
Season has brought forth a baby boom of wildlife
It’s been quite a spring season for free-range children.Just the other day I was sitting in a shady patch on my driveway working on a project when two toddlers suddenly...
Water feature will transform garden in a big attraction for birds
The sound of the gently gurgling water was almost hypnotic.To be honest, I had drifted off to sleep until being rudely awakened by the chattering and splashing of a very...
Wren chicks take off from nest box on most appropriate day of year
Object previewCertainly, they can be called birds of destiny.They hatched on Earth Day and 18 days later the little house wren chicks entered the world on Mother’s Day.In between, these...
Emotions run high as intruder disrupts wren nest box
A note to readers: Outdoors will begin running every other week. Look for the next column on May 17.Technology has provided tiny cameras that allow for an intimate look into...
Baby boom on Mt. Whoville: Wren chicks hatch, quail family visits
Perspective.While the world seems focused on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, tiny miracles here on Mt. Whoville this week has offered assurance that life will go on.After what seemed...
Lineup of usual suspects to keep eye out for in your backyard
Recently I challenged readers to put out bird feeders as a fun activity during these times of confinement.To help encourage you, I provided a photo lineup of the usual suspects...
Mentally visiting one’s happy place brings comfort, tranquility
It’s my happy place.A pristine wilderness corner that I often visit mentally in times of stress, like when I’m in the dentist’s chair, or sheltering in place.It’s real, but I...
Plenty of activities to keep children intrigued
If there is a bright side to schools being closed, it could be the opportunity to expose kids to activities that will not only educate, but will create a lasting...
Grand Wrenparents keeping watchful eye on little nestbox
He’s like the little engine that could, and for eons the forces of nature have ensured that he can.The courtship and mating of house wrens are another one of those...
Attracting the colorful hooded oriole to your yard
They’re back, but migrating hooded orioles hardly got the welcome mat this week as they arrived amid cold temperatures, rain and generally miserable weather.These beautiful songbirds may be wondering why...
Excellent time to get out there and explore
Spring seems like such an inadequate word for this time of the year.If you are a nature lover, there needs to be something more glorious to the name for this...
Learning about roadrunner during sit-and-see
The purple-blue haze of tiny wild mountain lilac blossoms glowed on the hillside as the first rays of early morning sunlight washed over the Elfin Forest.There was still a chill...
Frolicking of hummingbirds quite the sight to see
I’m easily distracted, especially when it comes to the beauties of nature.There was still a chill to the morning air, but warmth in the early sunlight as I began to...
Palm Canyon grove’s recovery will take time
News of wildfire in Anza-Borrego’s iconic Palm Canyon a few weeks ago spread as rapidly as the flames that consumed portions of the canyon’s first grove of native palms.This was...
Capturing wildlife activity with game camera
Dozing comfortably through another late-night television rerun, I was startled awake by the alert that my front-door camera had spotted activity.The Mt. Whoville intruder turned out to be a cute...
Saying goodbye to great outdoorsman, rancher and friend
The ing of giants ripples through the universe like a growing tidal wave.We learned that recently with the loss of a great sports figure.Closer to home, another giant has left...
Experiencing Kumeyaay culture, connection with nature
Moved to tears, my soul was forever changed as I stood in the healing ceremonial smoke of burning white sage.Kumeyaay tribal leaders had invited me to them a few...
Courting grebes an amazing sight at Lake Hodges
It’s a tough gig being a western grebe during this water bird’s courtship season. To get noticed these birds must literally walk on water.This elaborate courtship ritual, known as rushing,...
Yearlong guide for nature’s happenings in region
Some would call the silence dead air, but here I never felt more alive.I was lost in the profound quiet of the wild while wandering about enjoying my annual New...
Seeing more than one might expect at night
The only thing between me and certain death was no doubt the tiny flashlight I clutched tightly as we moved along the forest path in the inky darkness.That’s why I...
New year like a new trail waiting to be discovered
I’ve never met a trail I didn’t like.For some reason a trail captures me and it’s not easy to stop hiking. I’ve frequently found myself a long way from home...
Happy holidays from Mt. Whoville
I bring you Holiday Greetings from Mt. Whoville, the little nature enclave that provides such a wonderful source for columns throughout the year.It’s been nearly 15 years since we began...
Verdins are among smallest of our local songbirds
It was a perfect winter day for hiking in the desert.Rain and chilly weather hugged our coastal slopes and mountains, but the sky was clear and temperatures were perfect as...
Trees tell own stories through their rings
It’s long been accepted that everyone talks about the weather, but voiceless trees keep a long, detailed climate record.That fact dawned on me while sitting in the dappled shade of...
Still thankful on cold, rainy day
There was winter on the lips of the south wind whispering over Mt. Whoville this morning. Threatening clouds boiled to the east and muted the brightness of the rising sun.Morning...
Blue Sky reserve offers variety of native plants, wildlife
Rain changes everything.Just over a week ago it sounded like you were walking on potato chips as dry leaves crunched under your boots while hiking under native oaks.Taco-shaped sumac leaves...
Team studies wildlife behavior through tracking
Rick Botta spends a lot of time looking for wildlife that he may never see.Botta is president of the San Diego Tracking Team, a dedicated group of trained volunteers who...
Experiencing another world at Birch Aquarium
We tend to ignore some of the most interesting things in our own backyard.Always looking for new adventures in nature, it was time to make a long-delayed visit to San...
Two hummingbird species hard to tell apart
If you want to start a spirited but friendly argument between birders, just ask a group to identify a rufous or an Allen’s hummingbird.You might as well send out for...
Looking for a great wildlife photograph? Search for water
Nature photographers will tell you the secret to good wildlife pictures is to look for someplace where there is water.Even Leonardo da Vinci understood the importance of water centuries ago...
Legends of Northern Lights worth ing
As winter comes and the growing shadows of long Arctic nights sweep across Alaska, my thoughts are drawn to an encounter with the Happy Dancers.Last winter I traveled to Fairbanks...
Volunteer lookouts help keep region safe during wildfire season
The bucolic tranquility of my quiet forest overlook vanished when I spotted a wisp of distant smoke.On a dry day, when elevated fire restrictions are in place, the tiny smoke...
Woodpecker offers unique clue that winter is coming
In regions where seasons are more dramatic, the quickening of wildlife as winter approaches is very evident.Birds, mammals, insects, butterflies and even fish seem to be energized by the changing...
Turnstones winter along shores of San Diego
Winter brings a whole new crop of migrating birds to San Diego, providing an opportunity for birders to add to their life list by getting a peek at these visiting...