August 2009 is an ideal time to be outside. Pull your car over on Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint and Warner in the wetlands parking lot to watch the birds in flight. Watching, walking and photographing are activities folks enjoy at this bird paradise. Plein air painters also love it here, too. Parking is free, but you must park your bike and leave pets behind. They aren't allowed in this protected haven for endangered species.

Celebrating Huntington Beach's 100 year anniversary of incorporation as a city, the August events include an all star youth ball game and a corporate challenge. When Huntington Beach was incorporated in 1910, things were a lot different in many ways. People were allowed to camp on the beach in big tent cities. There was a scant one two hotels at the time to accommodate tourists and vacationers on weekend from Los Angeles.

And the dress and clothing attire was markedly different. Yet there were some similarities. People loved the beach and ocean even then, and they came to spend time at the beach. Huntington Beach, like so many other destinations of that time, was known for its mild summer temperatures and pleasant climate. It also enjoyed a key stopping point on the Pacific Electric Red Car route from Los Angeles.

Shown above is the Bolsa Chica wetlands, part of the ecological reserve in the Pacific flyway for migrating and endangered birds. Some of the birds that come to nest and rest here travel literally thousands of miles during their migrations. For travelers and local residents of Huntington Beach, it is a real treat to visit this venue on Pacific Coast Highway, stand out on the bridge that passes over the wetlands, and experience the flight of these graceful and sometimes noisy birds. Standing on the bridge and watching is an experience you must see to believe. Some days it is very quiet. But when the birds are feeding or nesting, the scene is wild and exciting.