Your life list animals to see in California

As I was donating blood the other day at the Red Cross, I read an article from the Via magazine that AAA puts out. The article is called, Call of the Wild. Basically, they were asking - what is on your life list? Their theme was "amazing animals". Did you realize that if you live on the West Coast there are some really cool animals to be found if you just try a little bit? I live in the Bay Area and I didn't even realize how easy it would be for me to go and see some of these animals. After each animal listed below, I have given you the wine region that would be in or near the location so you could stop and check out some wineries too.

Condor - The last of the nearly-extinct birds was taken into captivity in 1987. It joined the 26 remaining condors in a captive breeding program at the San Diego and Los Angeles Zoos. With the help of scientists, condors in captivity may be able to reproduce over four times faster than in the wild. By 1998, the captive condor population had increased to over 100. Scientists have begun to release the captive-bred birds into the wild in California and Arizona. One of the best places to view the graceful Condor is at the Pinnacles Visitor Center in Paicines, CA. This is south of Hollister and Solidad. They can be viewed all year round, midday and fair weather is best. 831-389-4485. Go check out Monterey County Wine Region.

Elephant Seal - Hundreds of thousands of northern elephant seals once inhabited the Pacific Ocean. They were slaughtered in the 1800s for the oil that could be rendered from their blubber. By 1892, only 50 to 100 individuals were left. Today, there are approximately 160,000 northern elephant seals. The elephant seal breeding season begins in December, when the first males arrive. From fourteen to sixteen feet long and weighing up to 2 1/2 tons, these huge bulls engage in violent battles to establish dominance. In late December, the females begin to arrive and form "harems" on the beaches of the Reserve. Much smaller than the males, they average ten to twelve feet in length and weigh 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. Three to six days after she arrives, the female gives birth to the pup that was conceived the previous year. Normally only one pup is born to each female, and she nurses for 25 to 28 days. This is the perfect time of year Dec-Mar to view these cute but smelly creatures. Go to Ano Nuevo State Natural Reserve in Pascadero, CA. This is north of Santa Cruz and south of Half Moon Bay off Highway 1. You should call in advance to make an appointment. 650-879-2025. Go check out Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara Valley Wine Regions.

Roosevelt Elk - The largest of the elk subspecies, their coloration varies from deep copper brown to light tan depending on location, season, and gender. The Roosevelt elk overall tends to be more dark brown in color. The rump patch is light beige. The legs and neck are often darker than the body. The Roosevelt elk averages 8 feet in length. Mature males have large antlers that sweep back toward the rump. Roosevelt elk are the largest of all elk subspecies. Elk can run long distances at 28 to 29 miles per hour and for short bursts can reach speeds between 35 to 45 miles per hour. There can be up to 14 feet between one track and the next of the same footing by a speeding elk. Bulls, cows and calves are all excellent swimmers. The elk can be seen best at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, Humboldt County, CA. At this state park there is plenty of hiking in the Redwoods, nature study, wildlife viewing, beach combing, and picnicking areas. There is a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store. Other Park wildlife you will find there could be animals as black bear, deer, coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, skunk, fox, squirrel, chipmunk and many others. 707-465-7347. Go check out Anderson Valley in Mendocino County.

The American Bald Eagle - This histoic bird is the largest avian in North America. It has a wing span of 6-8 feet. They can be found near the border of California and Oregon, in the Klamath Basin. There are over 500 eagles in this area. They spend most of their day scavenging for food. Be sure to bring your binoculars for good views. If you are an avid bird watcher you might want to check out the annual Winter Wings Festival which will take place this year Feb. 13-15. Go check out Applegate Valley, and/or Rogue Valley wine regions in Southern Oregon. Also North Coast Mendocino County.