A WILD WINTER
Northern California is rich with wildlife, and winter brings a stunning variety, from enormous whales to tiny butterflies. One of the great rewards of wildlife watching is it takes you to places you otherwise may not have visited. Here is a species-by-species list with the top spots for sightings. Bundle up and pack your binoculars.
Whales in Monterey Bay: While some humpback whales linger in Monterey Bay year around, gray whales are winter’s prime attraction. About 22,000 of the 40-ton mammals pass within 2 miles of the coast on their trip south from the Bering Sea. Look for them starting in mid-December. The show peaks at the end of January. Fast Raft Ocean Safaris in Monterey offers three- and four-hour tours starting at $140. (888) 635-9775. www.fast raft.com
Sea otters at Elkhorn Slough: You’ll see harbor seals and sea lions along the jetty. Then, near the mouth of the jetty and harbor, you can float around and the otters often swim right up to you. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. (831) 728-2822. www. elkhornslough.org
Elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park: The beach, dunes and nearby island are home to the largest mainland breeding colony of elephant seals in the world. Winter is peak mating season, when 4,000-pound males spar for dominance. The birth of pups also attracts great white sharks. 1 New Years Creek Road, Pescadero. www.parks.ca. gov/anonuevo
Tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore: The largest land mammals native to California can be seen year round at along the rugged West Marin shoreline. By winter, the big bulls have shed their antlers. These magnificent creatures can weigh up to 800 pounds. They can often be seen near the parking lot at Pierce Ranch. Hikers can take the Tomales Point Trail, then when encountering a game trail on the right, trace it to a sub ridge, then slowly peer over the top to spot the herds. www.nps.gov/pore/ planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_tuleelk.htm
Eagles at Los Vaqueros Watershed, Livermore: Bald eagles and golden eagles are winter regulars at Los Vaqueros Reservoir. The best way to see them is to fish. Rent a boat and keep your binoculars ready. They can emerge at any time. www.ccwater.com/738
Sandhill cranes at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, Lodi: The sandhill cranes arrive every fall to the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve. The evening fly-out can be spectacular, when these long, slender birds can look like something right out of “Jurassic Park.” See them up close on special sunset tours. www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/3/Crane-Tour
Monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove: The familiar orange-andblack flutterers start to arrive in October at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary, where thousands will stay through February. They take up shelter in the often foggy forest of Monterey pines, part of a city park near Point Pinos, some coming from as far away as British Columbia. Weather and volunteers permitting, museum docents will be on hand at the sanctuary from noon to 3 daily — the peak period for butterfly activity — through February. 50 Ridge Road (off Lighthouse Avenue), Pacific Grove. Sunrise to sunset daily. Free. www.pg museum.org/monarch-viewing