Welcome to the Ballona Chronicles, dedicated to sharing observations, photos, issues, & discoveries about the evolving relationships between urban wildlife and urban dwellers. I welcome you to share your comments, experiences, discoveries, and projects.
Let's reweave the vitality of life together,
Bev-Sue Powers
Del Rey Lagoon Coffee Klatch
October 15, 2016
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After finishing my 7:30 am meeting a few days ago, I grabbed my camera and a fresh cup of coffee and headed down the sidewalk to the salt water lagoon. I could see it was mid-tide, perfect for watching the fiddler crabs waking up below the high tide line and the morning (bird) foragers throughout the lagoon. The migrating birds were starting to arr...
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How to Rescue A Seabird
October 10, 2016
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© Bev-Sue Powers, (www.ballonaphotography.com)
Recently, my daughter and I were finishing lunch and enjoying the view of the Marina Del Rey and Ballona Creek from the roof-top patio when I noticed a bird swimming in a very odd pattern. After watching it for a while, it crossed the creek and climbed up on to the bank of the levee, still moving and...
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Local Wildlife – As Pets? A Cautionary Tale
September 02, 2016
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©, By Bev-Sue Powers (www.ballonaphotography.com)
Living in The Ballona Wetlands area, I encounter and observe many wildlife species living among us – raccoon families, rabbits, many bird species, opossums, coyotes, California king snakes, and more. I’ve always admired them and even am able to spot the regulars, but always as an observer. A turn...
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The 6th Mass Extinction is Here– and it’s Local
July 30, 2016
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On a recent trip, I was sharing my website with a fellow photographer who exclaimed, "Oh, you have starfish! And, I had to say no, those disappeared the last half of January, 2014. Then she said "look at all the Pelicans! I can't believe you have that many Pelicans!” And, I had to say, “Well, that was in 2014. In 2015 90% of the fish population the...
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Sea Lion Pups in Trouble
May 14, 2016
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Sea Lions are born in June & July, and Mom weans them at 10-11 months. Pups being rescued now are from last year’s litters. When weaning starts, pups often feel lost and out of sorts. If the fish are plentiful, they’re fine after a few days. If they have trouble figuring out how to take care of themselves or there are simply not enough fish, they o...
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Q1 & Q2 2016 Reading List
April 25, 2016
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Wanted to share some i nteresting reads about the 21st century reality of the relationships between nature and humans. Worthy reads, all.
The Nature Principle, Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age, by Richard Louv;
Feral Cities, Adventures with Animals in the Urban Jungle, by Tristan Donovan;
Satellites in the High Country, Searching for the...
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Spring Events Around the Ballona Wetlands
April 03, 2016
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By Bev-Sue Powers, (C) All Rights Reserved, www.BallonaPhotography.com
Spring has sprung into full gear. In the past month, most of the sea birds have departed for their northern nesting destinations. Birds that breed here in the Ballona Wetlands have returned to last year’s nests. More often than not, I’ve seen our local nesting neighbors in flig...
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The 2015 Fall Migration & Pacific Flyway Perils
March 30, 2016
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By Bev-Sue Powers, © All Rights Reserved (www.ballonaphotography.com)
Living next to the Ballona Wetlands is a special treat during migration season. In another article, I lamented the absence of the Brown Pelicans. The 2015 fall migration season started in September and ended in mid-November. Birds traveled from as far as the northern Artic for n...
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Ballona Wetlands - Fall 2015 Migration & Some Returning Wildlife Neighbors
March 30, 2016
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By Bev-Sue Powers, © all rights reserved (www.ballonaphotography.com)
In the Fall of 2015, I observed several species of our winter neighbors return to the Ballona Wetlands, a few more each week. Some of the birds I spotted last fall were:
Western Grebes & Eared Grebes. Breeds in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Minnesota. Winters along Pacific co...
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Ballona Wetlands - 2016 Wintering Wildlife Neighbors
March 30, 2016
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By Bev-Sue Powers, © all rights reserved (www.ballonaphotography.com)
This winter, I was delighted to have spotted birds new to me in the Ballona Wetlands. I even noticed a Turkey Vulture for a few days, but didn’t get a good pic. Some of the new birds I’ve seen during the 2016 winter season are:
Long-Tailed Duck (Oldsquaw). Breeds on northern Al...
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Our Neighbor, the California Brown Pelican & Invite to Audubon's 2016 May 7th Survey
March 30, 2016
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© By Bev-Sue Powers, (www.ballonaphotography.com)
These ancient, graceful birds (except when they’re fishing!) have made the Ballona Wetlands their home for hundreds if not tens of thousands of years. Usually they’re our year-round neighbors in the Ballona Wetlands/Marina Del Rey area. Here are some fun facts about our neighbor:
· The Californi...
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