Typically a mountain lion sighting would not be any kind of news but it's the location of the mountain lion that's so interesting! In Orange County, mountain lions roam the Santa Ana Mountain Range and the adjacent canyons/hills. Due to the heavy development of Orange County beginning in the second half of the 1900's, the mountains lions of Orange County have really been sealed off exclusively to the Santa Ana's. Same goes for the other side of the mountain range with Corona being heavily developed in recent times.

Once in a while a mountain lion will stray away from their "known" range in the mountains and show up on someones security camera in a residential or business area. It's typically younger males that have recently left their mothers side and are trying to find new territory. These cats don't understand our ways of life and the dangers that human civilization pose to them. These sightings sometimes tend to be in places where people don't expect mountain lions to be, making it a surprise. Previously, there has not been a mountain lion sighting documented on the coastal side of the 5/405 freeways in at least the last 30 or more since OC has been so developed. While mountain lions of course used to roam all the way to the coast, it would simply be very difficult for them to get there, crossing freeways and roaming through residential neighborhoods.

Looking for some cool sights to see during the month of December? 2020 was a difficult year with many things being shut down but because of that, new activities opened up like drive-thru Christmas lights which turned out to be very fun! With more things being opened up for 2021, more people than ever are looking to get outside and see these beautiful holiday decorations. We are fortunate to have lots of fun options here in Orange County and the surrounding area. Here's a list of some of our favorites!

Looking for something fun to do during October? After last years Halloween being not so fun during due to Covid, this year people really want to get out and do stuff, especially the kids! Here our some suggestions in alphabetical order:

This list will be growing as we get closer to Halloween but if you have any more suggestions, feel free to email me at info@orangecountyoutdoors.com

An offshore oil rigs spews out 126,000 gallons of oil, threatening wildlife and beach goers in North Orange County

The Perseids will put on a show over Orange County until around August 18th

While it's been less than a year since 2020's 6 week long bioluminescence streak along Southern California, this years so far is starting off similar with faint blue in some waves and some brighter waves here and there. IT may be getting better although some nights haven't shown might blue glow. So far Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach ad Crystal Cove seem to be the best b ut it varies every night depending on the conditions which are not really predictable except for the fact that there needs to be red tide for it to happen (not to mention sunlight during day, proper currents, etc...). The most common question that gets asked, "Where will it be tonight?" There is no answer for that since we don't know.

With everything going on in 2020 making things difficult/different, many of us are in need of some positivity in our lives. Here are some ways to get out of the house to see some amazing Christmas decoration displays in alphabetical order.

Viewing The Neowise Comet from Orange County

The Great Pacific Air Show returns to Huntington Beach

As we get into late winter/spring which is prime gray whale viewing off Orange County, we can expect lots of sightings close enough to shore that you can view them without being on a boat. While booking a trip on a whale watching boat is of course the best option to see whales, for those who get sea sick easily or like to stay on land there are some other options for you. Certain spots along the Orange County Coastline tend to have more sightings close to shore due to the whales favoring certain beaches which enable them to roll around in the shallows to run barnacles off, these gray whales are known to get into about 10 feet of water which is right in the shore break. There is no better time of day as these gray whales are all migrating non-stop however lighting is better from shore in the morning and afternoon.

3 eco types of orcas may be seen off Orange County's Coast