Light footed clapper rail
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 of which illustrates a different ecological principle. Free.
November
Tuesday, November 1
Spider Pavilion (through Nov. 6)
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Natural History Museum
Check out a one-of-a-kind pavilion where spiders – like orb weavers – freely spin spectacular webs.$3, adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children.
Thursday, Nov. 3
Bird Walk
8-10 a.m.
Theodore Payne Foundation, Sunland
Be a part of an early morning birding adventure. Free. (818) 768-1802.
Friday, November 4
Local Lepidoptera: Butterflies and Moths of the Los Angeles Region
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Theodore Payne Foundation
Both children and grown-ups will enjoy a fascinating beautifully illustrated lecture by Daniel Marlos, creator of the world-famous website, www.whatsthatbug.com.Free. (818) 768-1802.
Saturday, November 5
Turtle Trek in the Los Cerritos Wetlands
8 a.m.
Los Cerritos Wetlands along the San Gabriel River
Join local biologists and environmental educators for an insider’s tour of the Wetlands with many opportunities to see sea turtles that are enticed to the area by the warm waters from nearby power plants. For more information or to RSVP for a spot on this tour email ejlambe@verizon.net or call (714) 357-8576.
Saturday, November 5
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, November 5
Family Wildlife Day
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Santa Rosa Plateau
Live animal presentations, hands-on activities and kids’ activities. $3 adults, $2 children 2-12. (951) 677-6951.
Saturday, November 5
Bird Walk
9-11 a.m.
George F. Canyon Preserve and Nature Center
All ages can enjoy a slow, easy and quiet walk. Call to make reservations. (310) 547-0862.
Saturday, November 5
Arachnid Safari
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Ranger Station
Join Dr. Peter J. Bryant to discover the amazing diversity of these under-appreciated critters. Easy half-mile hike. (949) 923-2200.
Saturday, November 5
Binocular Seminar
9-11:30 a.m.
Madrona Marsh
Bob Shanman, owner of “Wildbirds Unlimited” discusses how use binoculars and how to pick out a pair that are affordable and right for you. Free. Ages 12+. (310)782-3989.
Sunday, November 6
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) 756-9710.
Sunday, November 6
Family Sun Day Fun Day
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Families will connect with nature with hands-on activities and games. $2 per person; $3 parking. (949) 923-2235.
Sunday, November 6
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium, Santa Monica
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, November 6
Audubon Bird Walk
8-10:30 a.m.
Topanga State Park, Topanga
Buffs and beginners, enjoy discovering the ways of the birds. Bring binoculars, hat, water, and snack (bird book optional). (310) 455-1401.
Friday, November 11
Tidepooling Adventures
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Dike Rock – Scripps Aquarium
Trained naturalists will show you how to trend lightly and discover the world of tide pools. Ages 2 and older. $12. Call for reservations. (858) 534-7336.
Saturday, November 12
Nature Walk
9 – 10:30 a.m.
O’Neill Regional Park
Join naturalists for an easy nature walk to learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Ages 7 and older. Free, but $5 parking fee. (949)923-2260.
Sunday, November 12
Bird Walk
8:30 – 11 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) 756-9710.
Saturday, November 12 (and November 26)
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.
Saturday, November 12
Bird Walk
9 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, November 12
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – noon
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
Check out the resident and migrating waterfowl that inhabit this riparian woodlands. Free. (626) 575-5523.
Saturday, November 12
Open House at Salt Marsh/Dunes
2-4 p.m.
Ballona Wetlands
A self-guided tour of the salt marsh and dunes where visitors walk on trails unescorted, with docents at various stations to explain sights. Free.
Saturday, November 12
Birding Walk
9 a.m.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center
Learn about birds of the area. Bring binoculars. Free. (760) 804-1969.
Saturday, November 13
Open House at Salt Marsh/Dunes
2-4 p.m.
Ballona Wetlands
A self-guided tour of the salt marsh and dunes where visitors walk on trails unescorted, with docents at various stations to explain sights. Free.
Sunday, November 13
Kayak San Diego Bay
Chula Vista Nature Center, San Diego
6 – 8:30 a.m.
Spend a Sunday morning in San Diego’s back bay in search of the illusive Giant Green Sea Turtles. Spottings occur regularly. Fees per tour: Single Kayak: $15 members; $25 nonmembers; double Kayak: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. Space is limited. (619) 409-5900.
Saturday, November 13
New Birds in the Neighborhood
8:30-10:30 a.m.
King Gillette Ranch
Arriving in droves, what’s the draw? New birds in the neighborhood. Discover the benefits of a Mediterranean ecosystem on this 1-mile accessible walk at King Gillette Ranch. Bring binoculars. Rain cancels.$7 parking fee. (310) 589-3200.
Sunday, November 13
Beach Nature Walk with Audubon Society
9-10:30 a.m.
Dockweiler Youth Center
Look for shore birds and explore their habitat and life cycles. Birds to be seen include: Western Snowy Plovers, a tiny threatened shore bird that spends its life on the beach- eating, sleeping, resting and even laying its eggs in shallow nests right in the sand! Free. (310) 305-9545.
Sunday, November 13
Audubon Bird Walk
8-10 a.m.
El Dorado Nature Center
New birders and veterans are welcomed for this morning walk. (562) 570-1745.
Saturday, November 13
New Birds in the Neighborhood
8:30-10:30 a.m.
King Gillette Ranch
Arriving in droves, what’s the draw? New birds in the neighborhood. Discover the benefits of a Mediterranean ecosystem on this 1-mile accessible walk at King Gillette Ranch. Bring binoculars. Rain cancels.$7 parking fee. (310) 589-3200.
Sunday, November 13
Bird Walk in Wildwood Canyon
9 a.m.
Enjoy a pleasant walk to learn about native birdlife. Meet in Wildwood Canyon. (818) 238-5440.
Sunday, November 13
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.
Sunday, November 13
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.
Sunday, November 13
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, November 16
The Astonishing Honey Bee
7-8 p.m.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center
Join beekeeper Walt Meier as he talks about bees and why they are so important to our ecosystem. Free. (760) 804-1969.
Thursday, November 17
Nature Nights Lecture Series: The Who’s Who of Western Owls
6-8 p.m.
Chula Vista Nature Center, San Diego
An evening of discovery with wildlife biologist and author Dr. Leon Powers, aka “Doc Hawk”. (619) 409-5900.
Saturday, November 19
Nature Walk
9 – 10:30 a.m.
O’Neill Regional Park
Join naturalists for an easy nature walk to learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Ages 7 and older. Free, but $5 parking fee. (949)923-2260.
Saturday, November 19
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.
Sunday, November 20
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, November 20
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, September 20
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, November 20
Bird Walk
8 a.m – noon
Malibu Creek State Park. Free. Enjoy watching birds in unspoiled habitats. Bring binoculars. Beginners welcome! Meet in lower parking lot. Muriel (310) 457-5796 or Art (818) 887-0973.
Sunday, November 20
Bird Walk with L.A. Audubon
8 a.m. – noon
Ballona Wetlands
Walk through L.A.’s only remaining saltwater marsh and adjacent rocky jetty for bird sightings. Ages 6 and older. Free. (323) 876-0202.
Sunday, November 20
Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
Join in a monthly bird walk. Free. (626) 334-1065.
Friday, November 25
Tidepooling Adventures
2 – 4 p.m.
False Point – Scripps Aquarium
Trained naturalists will show you how to trend lightly and discover the world of tide pools. Ages 2 and older. $12. Call for reservations. (858) 534-7336.
Friday, November 25
Bird Survey
8 – 10 a.m.
Shipley Nature Center
Help identify and count birds that visit nature center. Birders of all levels welcomed. For more information, email Lena@shipleynature.org or call (714) 842-4772.
Saturday, November 26
Nature Walk
9 – 10:30 a.m.
O’Neill Regional Park
Join naturalists for an easy nature walk to learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Ages 7 and older. Free, but $5 parking fee. (949)923-2260.
Saturday, November 26
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – noon
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
Check out the resident and migrating waterfowl that inhabit this riparian woodlands. Free. (626) 575-5523.
Sunday, November 27
Beach and Wetlands Bird Watching
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Malibu Lagoon State Park Experts and beginners, adults and teens, all welcome. Bring binoculars. (310) 395-6235.
Sunday, November 27
Birding Hike
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
8 – 11 a.m.
Spot native and winter resident birds, with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this this moderate 2-mile hike over uneven terrain (up to 650-ft elevation gain). Ages 12 and older. $2 per person, $3 parking fee. (949) 923-2235.
Sunday, November 27
Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents
10 -11 a.m.
Malibu Lagoon State Park
Short walk for children and families. Binoculars provided. Free. (310) 395-6235.
Sunday, November 27
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, November 27
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.