Exploring the Pacific

Summer has officially begun and when you're in San Diego that means planning all activities around the Pacific Ocean.  Right now there are some exciting happenings going on centered around the ocean that will educate, entertain, and fill you with wonder.  Get up close and personal with some underwater behemoths or try to spy the miniature octopuses hidden in tiny shells or set sail on the open water searching for the earth's largest animal.



Situated on the San Diego Bay in the center of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a non-profit zoo and aquarium.  The Living Coast that allows visitors to learn about the environment while exploring the aquatic and dry mini-ecosystems they have built.  Running through September 5th is "Passport to the Pacific," which offers a small sampling of of the animals and habitats found in and around the Pacific Ocean.  "Passport to the Pacific's" goal is to bring awareness to the intricate and sometimes delicate world of the largest ocean on earth.  The exhibit includes a look at the newly expanded turtle lagoon and exotic animals such as the scarlet macaw and the blue tongue skink from Southeast Asia.  The Discovery Center is also home to an array of birds, rays, crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks, also know as the octopus.  Adult admission is $14 and $9 for seniors, students and children (children under 3 are free).  Be sure and ask about the discounts for military and first responders (fire, police, EMT) and their families.  





Another exhibit that celebrate the oceans' creatures is "Whales: Giants of the Deep" at the San Diego Natural History Museum (or theNAT).  Also running until September 5th, this interactive exhibit will feature the latest in whale research and technology and mixes scientific discoveries with ancient storytelling and history.  This is literally a massive event, with two full-size sperm whale skeletons (including a 58-foot male) and a life size replica of a blue whale's heart that children can actually climb in and explore.   Works of art, both old and contemporary, will be on display from the people of the South Pacific, who have always had strong ties to these graceful giants.  There will be video portholes to look in and see recorded footage of the whales underwater.  Check out the area dedicated to the haunting songs of the whales, which also includes scientific data explaining how we can identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean.  Entry into the museum is $19 for adults; $17 for seniors, students and military; $14 for youth ages 7 to 17; $11 for children ages 3 to 6 (children under 2 are free).





It's only natural that you will want to get out and explore the real thing after these museum visits, and now is actually the perfect time.  The largest group of blue whales (2,000 to 3,000) feed off the California coast during the summer months and Hornblower Cruises offers a special "Summer Whale Watching" tour until September 4th.  The blue whale is the earth's largest creature that has ever existed and having the chance to see one in person is thrilling and unforgettable.  The four-hour cruise will also take you past notable San Diego landmarks and explain some local environmental efforts that are currently underway to protect the Pacific and its creatures.  There is live narration on marine life from a volunteer naturalist from theNAT and if you don't see a whale, you will receive a return pass for another boat ride.  Tours run on Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday and adult pricing starts at $65.  





It's time to dive right in to all the summer fun in San Diego.  Our town is filled with people who are passionate about not only preserving our natural wonders but educating everyone on simple ways we can contribute.  So start with booking a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then set out to explore the fascinating world of the Pacific Ocean.    

A Bird's Eye View of San Diego

With such diverse terrain (desert, ocean, mountains, etc.), San Diego is home to countless distinct animals, such as our wide variety of birds.  Our fine, feathered friends that populate the sky can be found in the city, in nature, in zoos, and in museums.  Here we highlight our favorite places to observe and enjoy these dazzling creatures.

An urban myth that has floated around San Diego for decades, about a pandemonium (or flock) of wild parrots that escaped a pet store, turns out is mostly true.  Though, we don’t know how San Diego became populated with thousands of parrots (up to 13 different species!), we do know that since they don’t migrate south for the winter, you can catch a glimpse of them or hear their distinct squawk all year round.  There are regular sightings in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach.  They are also known to flock to the trees at Lindo Lake Park in Lakeside, about 30 minutes east of Mission Bay.  

To learn about this beautiful creature, you could also volunteer at the Parrot Education and Adoption Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and educating the public about these magnificent and highly intelligent birds.

    

The San Diego Audubon is a helpful resource for those who enjoy competitive or amateur bird watching.  The society has handy digital maps that tell you exactly where to go for bird watching and which birds you might spy.  There are three listed areas close to MissionBay that you can check out.  The rocky shoreline at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla is recommended for the upcoming colder months.  The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve at Crown Point in the heart of Mission Bay, is an excellent place to spot gulls, skimmers, and waterfowl.  At low tide, in the morning, the San Diego River Estuary offers hours of ideal time to spy shorebirds on the mudflats.  Check out the Audubon’s website for stunning shots of birds in flight around San Diego and upcoming events for bird lovers.

Thanks to the San Diego Zoo and their sister property the Safari Park (who we highlighted last week), there have been  amazing feats in animal conservation, especially with birds. 

The California Condor, the largest flying bird, almost faced extinction, when in 1987 they were declared extinct in the wild.  However, thanks to careful care and breeding, especially at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the condor has been reintroduced to the wilds of Arizona, Utah, California and Baja California. The Native Americans referred to it as the thunderbird and regarded them as symbols of power, and after one glance at this magnificent creature,  you’ll be sure to know why.  When you visit the Safari Park, be sure to include the Condor on your list of must-see animals.  

The San Diego Zoo is filled with hundreds of spectacular birds, but our two favorite spots to visit house the world’s smallest birds, and the one of the oldest bird aviaries in the state.  The San Diego Zoo’s Hummingbird House has been described as entering a fairy world with the tiny, brilliantly colored birds zooming past you.  Photo ops abound in this quaint little aviary, complete with waterfalls and exotic plants.  

Owens Aviary is one of the oldest exhibits at the San Diego Zoo - - built in 1937 and remodeled in 1999.  There are over 200 birds and 41 different species that fly around the 82 foot tall aviary and frolic through the trees.  Multilevel walkways allow you to snake through the recreated rainforest, which is home to birds that are native to Southeast Asia.  It’s literally a jungle in there.  

For those who might not want to chase the real thing in nature, there is the ‘Birds of the World’ exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum, in Balboa Park.  The exhibit features breathtaking photographs of birds on every continent and runs through September 13th.  Fourteen award-winning wildlife photographers captured these remarkable images of birds in living their everyday -- yet truly beauteous -- lives.  You won’t want to miss it!     

Soaring through the skies of our great city are some of the most impressive birds in the world.  From the dazzling parrots to the majestic cranes, one can spy these birds in their natural habitat or volunteer your time towards helping them.  Mission Bay Vacation Rentals is smack dab in the center of all the avian-themed action, so why not plan a bird-themed vacation.  After all, birds of a feather . . .