Outdoors
Recent Big Ocean Swells and wild surf conditions left some area beaches partially or wholly denuded of sand. The powerful waves pulled sand off the beach and moved it into deeper waters offshore, leaving behind …
Recent Chilly Days and Nights only confirm that San Diego’s lowest temperatures (according to more than a century of weather records) tend to occur during the month of January. January’s mean temperature at Lindbergh Field …
Gray Whale Migration Off San Diego County’s Coast peaks from now until February. The best view spots from land are high points close to the surf. Aside from the whale watching overlook at Cabrillo National …
Poinsettias, a favorite of backyard gardeners, are now exhibiting their scarlet, petal-like bracts, just in time for the holidays. The onset of 14-hour-long nights triggers their scarlet behavior: In San Diego this condition is met …
Tree Aloes, the familiar succulent plants with red-hot-pokerlike flower clusters, are at their blooming best in January, but are showing off already around town. Large clumps of aloes can be seen at La Jolla Cove, …
Shorebird-Watching enters its most agreeable season this month, with migrant and resident birds sharing common winter grounds. Egrets, herons, terns, and a variety of other species provide endless entertainment as they go about the business …
San Diego’s Earliest Sunset (4:42 pm) Occurs December 3, a date that does not coincide with the shortest day (winter solstice – December 21) because of factors relating to the non-circular shape of Earth’s orbit …
Extreme High and Low Tides are set to occur over several days in late November. On Sunday, November 25, the tide reaches a high of 7.22 feet at 7:50 am and then falls to -1.31 …
November’s and December’s Vividly Colorful Sunsets and sunrises are no accident. This is the time of year when high cirrus clouds, often the precursors of storms, sweep through our area with some regularity. When cirrus …
Sycamores, found in San Diego’s coastal and foothill canyons as well as in suburban and park landscaping, stand at their autumnal best this time of year. Stroll beneath their crispy, rustling canopies and catch the …
Autumn Color in San Diego County’s mountains reaches its greatest intensity in late October and early November. The forested heights of Palomar Mountain are especially colorful right now. Black oaks on Palomar’s rolling uplands will …