The Subtle Sounds of Summer
After springtime’s racket, the warmer months come with a quieter soundtrack.
Summer Slog
Why oh why do the lowest of each day’s tides only happen around my favorite swim hour?
LATEST STORIES
A Surprisingly Chill Hang Around a (Prescribed) Fire
Community spirit—and serious safety precautions—made my first prescribed burn feel like a friendly gathering.
What I Learned by Fishing Without Rod, Reel, or Hook
A photographer’s 4,000-mile journey to find California’s native trout.
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Mud-Starved Wetlands Get a Meal, At Last
With Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, the Bay’s wetlands are finally getting some precious muck. Why have we been dumping it offshore?
IN SEASON IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
How the Mistakenly Named ‘Himalayan’ Blackberry Became a California Summer Tradition
With five to seven leaves resembling outstretched fingers on the palm of a hand, the blackberry Rubus armeniacus grows from curved, blood-red stalks resembling veins. Sonoma County horticulturalist Luther Burbank acquired the seeds in 1885 from a trader in India, and dubbed it the “Himalaya” blackberry, though it was actually…
When Red-Shouldered Hawks Arrive, You’ll Hear them First and Loudest
The red-shouldered hawk is perhaps California’s noisiest raptor. There’s a reason for it.
Why Sneaker Waves Are So Insidious
Every now and then, the ocean sneaks up on the land, with a wave that’s bigger than all the rest. Scientists are working out where these dangerous waves come from.
Staff picks
The Backstory on Pacifica’s Whale Bonanza
Scientists surveying marine life off our coastline have been watching marine mammals roll in for the Bay Area seafood buffet.
The Wild Things Live at the Airport
Snakes, frogs, eagles and owls thrive next to the planes at Bay Area airports.
Connecting with Whales in Monterey Bay
Spotting whales in Monterey Bay is at historic highs. Marine biologist Dorris Welch explains why.
Top Shark: This One Goes to Seven!
The biggest shark in the Bay is the seven-gill–with two more gill slits than the average shark. Why the extras? Well, turns out they’re probably an evolutionary accident, but these are still fascinating animals–up to 10 feet long, and swimming right out there in the Bay!
