Outdoors: Mark your calendar for the summer solstice
The summer solstice on June 20 signifies the beginning of prime time for birds, butterflies and beautiful nights filled with stars not visible during winter months.
All Stories
Outdoors: Why are bird nests different?
Bird nests can vary from crude and simple to intricate and complex. Predators, weather, habitat and the availability of materials are contributing factors to the nest location and design.
Outdoors: A foggy yet informative day at Palomar Mountain State Park
Park interpretive specialist Will Meyst's knowledge of plants, animals and geology is extensive, and his interest in the human history of Palomar Mountain began during his childhood.
Outdoors: Why do birds have different types of wings?
The various wing shapes of birds have evolved as food gathering, migration and habitat impact their survival.
Al aire libre: Las mariposas traen felicidad y magia al Zoológico de San Diego
La exhibición Butterfly Jungle del San Diego Zoo Safari Park permite a los visitantes acercarse a las maravillas aladas.
Outdoors: Butterflies bring happiness, magic
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Butterfly Jungle exhibit lets visitors get up close and personal with winged wonders.
Outdoors: Font’s Point a must-see destination
The commanding view over the Borrego Badlands and the connection with California’s early history make Font's Point a popular location.
Outdoors: A worthwhile trip to the beach
The many colors of nature and wildlife collide as birds and crabs scurry for food and the sun sets over the ocean and sand at Torrey Pines State Beach.
Outdoors: Seeing a common yellowthroat not that common
Trying to catch a photo of the bird takes patience and desire to visit wet thickets and marshy habitat.
Outdoors: Anza-Borrego’s palm groves beckon to be explored
Some of these palm groves scattered throughout the arid landscape are easy to reach by off-road vehicles or short hikes, while others are remote and challenging.
Outdoors: Awaiting the arrival of springtime visitors
Provide water, food and protective cover to attract birds and other wildlife to your yard.
Outdoors: House cat keeps watch over Mt. Hoo
Mea the Wilderness Cat acts as sheriff as she keeps an eye on wildlife ing by outside
Outdoors: Coming across something unfamiliar in the wild
Rocky Mountain or California clearwing, often referred to as a bumblebee or hummingbird moth, not extremely common in San Diego County.
Outdoors: Preserving beauty of natural world — for own memories and for others
Anza-Borrego Foundation reminds visitors of its Leave No Trace campaign
Outdoors: Tailless raccoon makes reappearance on Mt. Hoo
Bob the Raccoon had been missing for a while but showed up last week.
Outdoors: Who knew hummingbirds could be so aggressive?
An Allen's hummingbird chases off other birds, bees from Mt. Hoo nectar feeders.
Outdoors: A tale of different types of squirrels in San Diego County
Cowan is a freelance columnist. Email [email protected] or visit erniesoutdoors.blogspot.com.
Outdoors: Rare chance to see comet makes one ponder about Earth’s future
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was visible in our nighttime sky, but it won't be again for another 80,000 years
Outdoors: A close encounter in the High Sierra
A close encounter with a bear while fishing in the High Sierra.
Outdoors: Wildlife photographer a finalist in state contest
Brian Caldwell has become a champion in efforts to preserve the nesting habitat of grebes at Lake Hodges.
Outdoors: Camera captures variety of activity on travel log
Fox, bobcat, deer and wild turkey among wildlife seen using old log to cross creek where camera set up to capture the action
Outdoors: Almost time to see nature’s spectacular displays of color
Visits to California's Eastern Sierra never disappoint when it comes to fall foliage
Outdoors: Losing oneself while watching the dinosaurs of the insect world
Dragonflies and damselflies dart across a Palomar Mountain pond, providing the perfect setting for a sit-and-see adventure.
Outdoors: Losing sleep over mockingbird’s nightly singing
Many find the best method to get a mockingbird to stop singing is to record and play back its songs.
Rising full moon stirs heart and mind, as it has done for generations
“The sun watches what I do, but the moon knows all my secrets.” J.M. Wonderland Whispers of soft moonlight filled the distant shadows of the mountains that surround Lake Henshaw...
Outdoors: Turkey sightings can be quite the experience
Ernie Cowan's latest Outdoors column is all about wild turkeys.
Outdoors: Summer is peak season for night sky watchers
Get ready for meteor showers, solar and lunar eclipses, full moons, comets and intense lightning storms
Outdoors: Annual wren nesting at Mt. Hoo a success
Camera allows peek inside cycle of house wren setting up home to bring up chicks in nest box
Outdoors: Hummingbirds’ design has served them well
Hummingbirds can’t walk.That may sound surprising when you consider the mobility of these tiny buzz birds.With jet-like speed they can fly forward and backward, shoot directly up or dive rapidly...
Hummingbirds’ design has served them well
Hummingbirds can’t walk.That may sound surprising when you consider the mobility of these tiny buzz birds.With jet-like speed they can fly forward and backward, shoot directly up or dive rapidly...
Outdoors: What should you do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake?
I was leading a group of nature photographers on a desert wildflower trip and had warned them in advance to loudly shout “snake” if they happened to encounter one while...
Newest addition at Mt. Hoo has big paws to fill
From the wilderness came a miracle, thanks to a stubborn wild turkey.A friend was driving the backroads near Mesa Grande when a stubborn wild turkey would not move out of...
Newest addition at Mt. Hoo has big paws to fill
From the wilderness came a miracle, thanks to a stubborn wild turkey.A friend was driving the backroads near Mesa Grande when a stubborn wild turkey would not move out of...
What should you do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake?
I was leading a group of nature photographers on a desert wildflower trip and had warned them in advance to loudly shout “snake” if they happened to encounter one while...
Quest to capture the Ghost worth the wait
I’ve seen the Ghost.Those who live or spend a lot of time in San Diego County’s wild places call mountain lions the Ghost of the Chaparral, because they are elusive,...
What should you do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake?
I was leading a group of nature photographers on a desert wildflower trip and had warned them in advance to loudly shout “snake” if they happened to encounter one while...
Outdoors: Spring has sprung on Mt. Hoo
Spring seemed impatient this year.It arrived here on Mt. Hoo like someone flipped a switch.The normal events of spring often unfold slowly, but this year the colorful orioles, the wren...
What should you do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake?
I was leading a group of nature photographers on a desert wildflower trip and had warned them in advance to loudly shout “snake” if they happened to encounter one while...
Spring has sprung on Mt. Hoo
Spring seemed impatient this year.It arrived here on Mt. Hoo like someone flipped a switch.The normal events of spring often unfold slowly, but this year the colorful orioles, the wren...
The magical world of mushrooms
Surely, the leprechauns had been at work.How else could I explain the sudden appearance of tiny, parasol-like mushrooms on the damp forest floor? They were not there the day before.Yup,...
Big year for two local birders as they set county record
Hard work and perseverance helped two local bird enthusiasts set a new “Big Year” birding record in 2023, but both agree it was a tropical storm that helped them the...
Big year for two local birders as they set county record
Hard work and perseverance helped two local bird enthusiasts set a new “Big Year” birding record in 2023, but both agree it was a tropical storm that helped them the...
Big year for two local birders as they set county record
Hard work and perseverance helped two local bird enthusiasts set a new “Big Year” birding record in 2023, but both agree it was a tropical storm that helped them the...
Outdoors: Getting lost in nature is part of the journey
“Life is a journey, not a destination” — Ralph Waldo EmersonI can’t recall the last time I completed a hike to somewhere.Sure, I go, and generally have a goal in...
Getting lost in nature is part of the journey
“Life is a journey, not a destination” — Ralph Waldo EmersonI can’t recall the last time I completed a hike to somewhere.Sure, I go, and generally have a goal in...
Outdoors: Whether residents or visitors, birds flock to welcoming spaces
The yellowed winter grasslands yawned like an empty concert hall until the meadowlark began to sing.It was a glorious sound that filled the wilderness silence with lilting notes of energy...
Whether residents or visitors, birds flock to welcoming spaces
The yellowed winter grasslands yawned like an empty concert hall until the meadowlark began to sing.It was a glorious sound that filled the wilderness silence with lilting notes of energy...
Observing the curious adventures of the gray fox – on camera and off
Some moments are forever etched in our mind, like the summer evening I sat with a group of outdoor buddies around a flickering campfire while neon stars twinkled overhead in...
Observing the curious adventures of the gray fox – on camera and off
Some moments are forever etched in our mind, like the summer evening I sat with a group of outdoor buddies around a flickering campfire while neon stars twinkled overhead in...
Exploring the twisting landscape of the badlands of Anza-Borrego State Park
I paused at the intersection of a well-used dirt road and a trackless, narrow ageway that seemed to lead nowhere.The path less traveled was calling me on.Standing at the southern...
There’s no place like Mt. Hoo for the holidays
Holiday greetings from Mt. Hoo.Our colorful holiday lights are up, but they can’t compare with the beauty that nature has to offer during this special season of faith, peace, love...
There’s no place like Mt. Hoo for the holidays
Holiday greetings from Mt. Hoo.Our colorful holiday lights are up, but they can’t compare with the beauty that nature has to offer during this special season of faith, peace, love...
Turkey vultures may seem ominous, but they’re also wise and resourceful
Morning is often about watching wildlife here on Mt. Hoo.It’s more unusual when the wildlife is watching me.Looking out the kitchen window while waiting for coffee to brew, there was...
Praying mantis a beneficial creature to have in backyard
It was truly a Zen moment as I basked in the first warm sunshine that we’ve had after the recent spell of chilly, foggy fall mornings.Yes, it’s easy to be...
Fire season for volunteer lookouts drawing to close
It was one of those special fall days when crystal-clear air allowed the eyes to see further than the imagination.From my mile-high perch on the western nose of Palomar Mountain...
Easily mistaken for a hummingbird, this little guy has a story to tell
Late summer temperatures were still uncomfortable at lower elevations, but at nearly 5,000 feet the air had a distinct autumn feel as I enjoyed a late afternoon hike around Lake...
La mantis religiosa, una criatura beneficiosa en el jardin
Fue realmente un momento zen mientras disfrutaba del primer sol cálido que hemos tenido después de la reciente racha de mañanas frías y brumosas de otoño.Sí, es fácil dejarse mimar...
Praying mantis a beneficial creature to have in backyard
It was truly a Zen moment as I basked in the first warm sunshine that we’ve had after the recent spell of chilly, foggy fall mornings.Yes, it’s easy to be...
This feathered guest goes by several names
It’s always fun when a new face shows up at Mt. Hoo.Sometimes it’s just the return of a seasonal visitor, like the arrival last week of the first white-crowned sparrow...
It’s always nice to see a familiar face
Many of my best friends are kind of wild.That’s not surprising when you consider I spend a lot of time in wild places.It’s not what you’re thinking. I’m talking about...
Loneliness doesn’t last long with another bird’s arrival
You know what they say about birds of a feather flocking together.In this case, our readers flocked in to share similar feelings expressed in my last column about the departure...
After entertaining summer, it’s tough saying goodbye to orioles
“Parting is such sweet sorrow …”That Shakespeare guy sure had a way with words.But his poetic verse reflects the feelings of many nature lovers filled with sweet sorrow at the...
After entertaining summer, it’s tough saying goodbye to orioles
“Parting is such sweet sorrow …”That Shakespeare guy sure had a way with words.But his poetic verse reflects the feelings of many nature lovers filled with sweet sorrow at the...
Mt. Hoo offers visitors spot to take a break and catch some z’s
Mt. Hoo has yet to make the Michelin Fine Hotel guide, but we are becoming more popular for wildlife looking for overnight accommodations.The most recent visitor arrived in the wee...
Outdoors: Another year means another nesting cycle and another miracle
Sometimes it’s the little miracles we the most.For nearly 20 years we’ve had house wrens nesting at Mt. Hoo, so it became routine each spring knowing there was activity...
Another year means another nesting cycle and another miracle
Sometimes it’s the little miracles we the most.For nearly 20 years we’ve had house wrens nesting at Mt. Hoo, so it became routine each spring knowing there was activity...
Meteor shower an opportunity for those searching science, soul
There is science and there is the experience.Sometimes one feeds the mind and the other feeds the soul.In a college astronomy class, I learned the science that explains those momentary...
Behaviors of phainopepla remain a mystery to avian scientists
The jungle drums let me know when there’s something different with the natural order.Those “drums” come as emails with several arriving recently asking about an unusual, shiny black bird that...
Although delayed this year, birdsongs usher in season of hope
I was worried about the silence until the birds began to sing.Spring has been slow in coming and it was a concern.I’ve missed the morning assembly call of the quail,...
Although delayed this year, birdsongs usher in season of hope
I was worried about the silence until the birds began to sing.Spring has been slow in coming and it was a concern.I’ve missed the morning assembly call of the quail,...
Secretive, elusive bobcats are similar to spirit animals
As the first rays of dawn sunlight flowed across the landscape, I caught movement in the shadows of a nearby live oak tree.Not more than 50 feet away there was...
Snails may have figured out the perfect pace for life
Think of a world where your travels are measured in inches rather than miles per hour.This is a story about snails.It took me quite a while to write.Life slows down,...
Muchos se preguntan: Donde se han ido todos los orioles y colibries?
La llegada cada primavera de los orioles encapuchados migratorios es un acontecimiento que debería celebrarse con algún tipo de festival.Solo hay que imaginar lo colorido que podría ser.Sus colores amarillo...
Many asking: Where have all the orioles and hummingbirds gone?
The arrival each spring of migrating hooded orioles is an event that should be celebrated with some kind of festival.Just imagine how colorful it could be.Their bright yellow and jet-black...
Many asking: Where have all the orioles and hummingbirds gone?
The arrival each spring of migrating hooded orioles is an event that should be celebrated with some kind of festival.Just imagine how colorful it could be.Their bright yellow and jet-black...
Many asking: Where have all the orioles and hummingbirds gone?
The arrival each spring of migrating hooded orioles is an event that should be celebrated with some kind of festival.Just imagine how colorful it could be.Their bright yellow and jet-black...
Many asking: Where have all the orioles and hummingbirds gone?
The arrival each spring of migrating hooded orioles is an event that should be celebrated with some kind of festival.Just imagine how colorful it could be.Their bright yellow and jet-black...
Things have gotten a little ‘looney’ lately on Mt. Hoo
I wonder if there might be more to the roadrunner vs. coyote thing than simply cartoon fiction.Game cameras and personal encounters with both critters here on Mt. Hoo certainly led...
Things have gotten a little ‘looney’ lately on Mt. Hoo
I wonder if there might be more to the roadrunner vs. coyote thing than simply cartoon fiction.Game cameras and personal encounters with both critters here on Mt. Hoo certainly led...
Fire lookout shift offers sense of duty with amazing views
The sleepy summer day suddenly turned angry as clouds, booming thunder and torrential rain moved in to ruin my million-dollar penthouse view.Maybe penthouse is a slight exaggeration.While the view is...
County extremely lucky to see so many bird species come and go
My heart soared as the neon-yellow and jet black male hooded oriole fluttered into the nectar feeder dangling not more than 3 feet away just outside the window.He glanced about...
County extremely lucky to see so many bird species come and go
My heart soared as the neon-yellow and jet black male hooded oriole fluttered into the nectar feeder dangling not more than 3 feet away just outside the window.He glanced about...
County extremely lucky to see so many bird species come and go
My heart soared as the neon-yellow and jet black male hooded oriole fluttered into the nectar feeder dangling not more than 3 feet away just outside the window.He glanced about...
Taking in nature through the ‘third dimension’ can be magical
There are many dimensions to nature, and I have become partial to one in particular.I call it the “third dimension.”“What is that,” you might ask?It’s that special time when imagination...
Rare and familiar birds outside window are welcome distractions
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the world lately through raindrops on my office window.It’s not that I have nothing better to do, but the large window right...
Abundant rainfall delivers early signs of spring with blooms, birds
Like a dancing splash of sunlight, the bright yellow sulphur butterfly darted from plant to plant, reminding me that spring is just around the corner.This was the first one I’d...
Abundant rainfall delivers early signs of spring with blooms, birds
Like a dancing splash of sunlight, the bright yellow sulphur butterfly darted from plant to plant, reminding me that spring is just around the corner.This was the first one I’d...
Tiny ecosystem buzzing with activity during agave’s last act
Surely, I must be in the presence of nobility.Tiny raindrops on the pale green leaves of the agave glistened in the morning sunlight like precious sapphires on the most magnificent...
Tiny ecosystem buzzing with activity during agave’s last act
Surely, I must be in the presence of nobility.Tiny raindrops on the pale green leaves of the agave glistened in the morning sunlight like precious sapphires on the most magnificent...
Tough-looking but harmless lizard adds to annual desert hike
For a moment, I thought I was looking into a mirror.An old and weathered face was staring at me.Snapping back to reality, I realized I was face to face with...
Tough-looking but harmless lizard adds to annual desert hike
For a moment, I thought I was looking into a mirror.An old and weathered face was staring at me.Snapping back to reality, I realized I was face to face with...
Reviving railroad could come at the cost of losing pristine wilderness
I could only imagine the feelings that swept over a Kumeyaay ancient huddling in this rock shelter waiting for the first rays of the solstice sun to reach into the...
Recent naming honor nothing to turn nose up about – or is it?
It’s such an honor to achieve a small level of recognition by having something named after you.I’ve always dreamed of an exotic sandwich or maybe a fancy ice cream dish...
Legendary wild horse’s presence will be missed in White Mountains
The long shadows of mortality have swept across the lonely sagebrush flats of California’s White Mountains, claiming the life of a wild and elusive legend.For three decades a mustang named...
Tiny creature has menacing look, but it’s considered beneficial
There are lions on Mt. Hoo, oh my!It took 17 years to learn that there are lions sharing my little plot of nature.Don’t get too excited.To be honest, we are...
Winter friends add touch of color, excitement to the season
My heart smiled at the sight of the scruffy little bird splashing about in the garden fountain.He had good reason to be a bit disheveled, likely having just arrived from...
Winter friends add touch of color, excitement to the season
My heart smiled at the sight of the scruffy little bird splashing about in the garden fountain.He had good reason to be a bit disheveled, likely having just arrived from...
Winter friends add touch of color, excitement to the season
My heart smiled at the sight of the scruffy little bird splashing about in the garden fountain.He had good reason to be a bit disheveled, likely having just arrived from...
Desert putting on a colorful, lively show
There are two emotions that dwell in the hearts of those who have experienced a desert wildflower "super bloom": hope and reality.And the only difference between the two emotions is...
Caught on camera: Critters’ nocturnal habits captured on Mt. Hoo
Every morning is Christmas on Mt. Hoo as I scurry about looking for the gifts left during the night by our wildlife neighbors.Those “gifts” come in the form of images...