The Grunion Are Running
Grunion Runs are predicted to occur during the late evening hours (generally after 10am and before 1am), following the nocturnal high tide, on April 29 though May 1. The small, silvery grunion tend to spawn on wide, gently sloping beaches …
Low Tides and a Green Grass Moon
The Moon, just shy of full phase, rises impressively from the east horizon on Tuesday, April 27 at around 7:05pm, some 20 minutes before the time of sunset. Some folk names for April full moons include "growing moon," "seed moon," …
Jacarandas, Locust Trees, and Bracken Ferns
Blue-Blossoming Jacarandas (the City of San Diego's official "street tree") have already produced a first wave of color all over the region. By early or mid-May, warm weather permitting, this Brazilian import could put on a dazzling show. The larger …
The Lyrid Meteor Shower
The Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks this year during the early-morning hours of April 22 and April 23, with the best conditions occurring after moonset and within the last hour or two before dawn (up to 5am). Usually the Lyrids produce …
Cottonwood Trees and Century Plants
Fremont Cottonwoods along the San Diego River in Mission Gorge will show off their best iridescent green foliage later this month. The Old Mission Dam parking area on Father Junipero Serra Trail, off Mission Gorge Road (west of Santee), is …
Star Jasmine, Black Oak, and Snakes
Star Jasmine's sweet perfume, exuded from clusters of small, white flowers, will continue to scent San Diego's spring breezes until sometime in June. Not a true jasmine, or Jasminum, star jasmine belongs to the genus Trachelospermum. In both public and …
Green to Gold
Less Rain, warmer temperatures, and hazier skies coincide with the subtle onset of San Diego's spring season. By April's end, the alternating periods of rainfall and crystal-clear skies we've been having will likely be distant memories. The nocturnal, low overcast …
The Coastal Wildflower Bloom
One of the best coastal wildflower blooms in years will continue through April. One of the best spots for viewing the greatest variety of flowers is Torrey Pines State Reserve. San Onofre State Beach, just north of Camp Pendleton, should …
Mercury & Painted Ladies
The Planet Mercury appears as a somewhat conspicuous "star" in the west at dusk on Saturday, April 3, but nowhere near as bright as Venus, which lies only three degrees to Mercury's left. For the next week or so, Mercury …