Monterey Bay critters and habitats

From quiet wetlands and wave-swept beaches, majestic kelp forests and deep, dark canyons, to redwood forests and backyard gardens–Monterey Bay area habitats support a wealth and diversity of life unrivaled in the world. Here are a few good guides to help you discover and appreciate all our friends and neighbors.
Migration Calendar for the Monterey Bay
Marine Animals of the Monterey Bay, by the Monterey Bay Aquarium
NOAA Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Sanctuary (PDF)

Birds
All About Birds
Online guide to birds and bird watching.
By The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Birds of the Watsonville Wetlands
Pictures, descriptions and seasons.
By Watsonville Wetlands Watch

California Condors, Bald Eagles & Vultures
Dedicated to recovering California Condors, youth education.
By Ventana Wildlife Society

List of California Birds
A comprehensive list of all bird species found in California.
By Wikipedia

Monterey County Bird Guide
A complete, annotated, and illustrated checklist of the birds of Monterey County, California.
By local contributors

San Francisco Bay Wildlife
Regional directory of birds.
By SF Bay Wildlife

Santa Cruz Bird Club
Checklist of local birds and seasons.

Bugs
10 Most Wanted Garden Pests
Let the good bugs in–Our Water, Our World provides a list of the best bugs to keep in your garden.
By Our Water-Our World

ID that California Bug
California insect identification for the casual observer.
By Insect Identification

Regional pests of homes, structures, people and pets
A list of lots of pesky pests.
By UC Davis

Herps
California (SF Bay Area) Herps
Regional guide to snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and toads.

Land mammals
Land mammals
Regional list and pictures of land mammals.
By SF Bay Wildlife

Santa Cruz Native Wildlife
Check out this list of local wildlife. The information is incomplete, so pitch in if you’ve got something to add.
By Santa Cruz Wiki

Mountain lions and pumas
All about our roaming mountain lions.
By the Santa Cruz Puma Project

Marine mammals & fish
Fish Guide
List of fish from the Monterey Bay Aquarium–most you can see at the aquarium.
By Monterey Bay Aquarium

Marine mammals
Pictures and information on marine mammals in San Francisco and Monterey Bay.
By SF Bay Wildlife

Image: “Sanderlings” by Allan Hack, Creative Commons

Eco-guide to living lighter

20 Guides to local wildlife

20 Guides to local wildlife

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