Tag: Ned MacKay
Park It by Ned MacKay: Nature at night
A lot of activity in the animal world occurs at night, when the regional parks are usually closed to us humans. But for a glimpse into the mysterious world of wildlife after dark, join naturalist Constance Taylor for a walk from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in […]
Park It: Great backyard bird count
Birding enthusiasts worldwide will join in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, scheduled for Friday through Monday, Feb. 15 through 18. It’s an annual project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society in partnership with Bird Studies Canada. The idea is to count the birds you see for 15 minutes on one […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Coyotes
It’s nearing the time of year when coyotes den up and give birth to pups, in the regional parks and other open space. And since there have been a lot of coyote sightings lately, this seems a good time to offer some information about them. Coyotes are common throughout the western United States and beyond. […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Tilden Fungal Fair
The rainy season is mushroom time in the woods and fields. Varieties ranging from edible to poisonous spring up under the oaks and elsewhere in the East Bay Regional Parks. Collecting mushrooms is against the rules in the parklands. Besides, it’s dangerous, unless you are expert at identifying the edible varieties. However you can view […]
Park It: Peregrines at Castle Rock
It’s time again for closure of the Castle Rock Formations that overlook Diablo Foothills Regional Park in Walnut Creek, to protect the resident peregrine falcons during their mating season. The rocks will be off limits to human visitors from Feb. 1 to July 31, so the birds can nest, lay eggs, fledge the young and […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Monarch butterfly programs
Although monarch butterflies have not arrived in great numbers this year to spend the winter at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, park naturalists are still offering programs highlighting the amazing insects, with emphasis on how their numbers can be preserved and increased. Monarch spotting programs are scheduled from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays through […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Trails Challenge 2019
If you’re in the mood for some family-friendly festivities to start the New Year, Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley stands ready to help. The park will host a “Family Game Night and Campfire” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5. Bring your favorite card or board game, skit ideas, a blanket and […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Christmas at the carousel
The holiday season is here, and one of its more colorful traditions is the kid-friendly Christmas celebration at the historic carousel in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. The carousel is decorated with trees and lights. Attractions include Santa and his elves, unique ornaments, cookies, hot chocolate and gingerbread. Hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. on […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Butterfly programs at Ardenwood
As I’ve described in a previous column, large numbers of monarch butterflies usually spend the winter months in the eucalyptus groves at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, as part of their multi-generational migratory life cycle. So far this season only a few butterflies have been spotted, but it’s possible that more are on their way. […]
Park It by Ned MacKay: Monarchs at Ardenwood
For many years, hundreds of monarch butterflies have spent the winter months in the eucalyptus groves at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont as part of their migratory, multi-generational life cycle. The naturalists at Ardenwood have scheduled a whole series of programs from November through January, highlighting these fascinating insects and the beautiful spectacle they present […]
