Natural Things to Do in Santa Cruz:
September - December
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September
Blue and Humpback whales end their migratory season this month.
Birding in area forests and mountains is at its peak and this is also a good time for owl spotting. State Parks offer many wilderness trails to good birding sites.
September-December.
Gray whales south-bound migration season. Best seen from whale watch boats and along the Davenport coastline.
October-December
Red Legged Frogs are seen in gardens, wilderness ponds and at the UCSC Arboretum.
Monarch butterflies find winter residence in the eucalyptus groves at Natural Bridges State Park and Lighthouse Field. Many can be seen during warmer daytime hours at the UCSC Arboretum gardens.
November-December
Its migratory birding season. This is a principal feeding and nesting area: Elkhorn Slough attracts over 340 species. Other popular spotting areas are at Wilder Ranch State Park and at the UCSC Arboretum.
December
Northern Elephant Seals breeding colonies are being formed at Año Nuevo State Reserve. Two-ton adult bulls are first to arrive and fight for dominant positions. They are followed by pregnant females and birthing begins shortly after the female landing.
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