In previous columns I've described the annual winter convention of monarch butterflies at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, which is underway from now through early next year.

There's another natural phenomenon that is almost as spectacular: the rainy season clustering of ladybugs in various regional parks, but especially Redwood Regional Park in Oakland.

By way of background, ladybugs are a variety of beetle. Entomologists call them ladybird beetles or lady beetles. There are many other varieties besides the red-and-black kind with which most of us are familiar. In fact, there are about 175 species of ladybugs in California.

Gardeners like ladybugs because the beetles feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects that can damage plants. However, some ladybug varieties can be agricultural pests. Ladybugs are preyed upon in turn by birds and other insects, although it's said that their bad flavor serves as protection from most predators. Don't ask me how this was discovered.

At Redwood Regional Park, the most predictable location to see ladybugs in great numbers is around the junction of the Prince and Stream trails. I saw lots of them convening there just the other day. But wherever you find the beetles, please do not gather any and take them home. Regional Park rules prohibit collecting and removing plants and animals.


For a guided walk to find ladybugs, join naturalist Michael Charnofsky from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Redwood Regional Park. Michael will lead an easy, 3-mile stroll along the Stream Trail. Meet at the Canyon Meadow staging area off Redwood Road in Oakland. For information, call 510-544-3187.

Tilden: If you prefer birds to beetles, there's a program about hummingbirds scheduled from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Interpretive student aide Leanne Grossman will discuss the world's smallest birds and their unique physiology, and the group may spot some male hummingbirds doing their courtship acrobatics.

The program is free. The Botanic Garden is located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive. Since South Park Drive is closed, access is by way of Golf Course Road and Shasta Road off Grizzly Peak Boulevard. For information, call 510-544-3187.

Richmond: Another program will highlight birds of San Francisco Bay amid late afternoon sunlight. It's from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond, led by naturalist Anthony Fisher. Meet Anthony at the Point Pinole entrance on Giant Highway off Richmond Parkway.

Anthony will lead another bayside bird walk at the same time Dec. 19 at the Albany Bulb. Meet at the bay end of Buchanan Street in Berkeley. For more information on either of Anthony's programs, call 510-544-2233.

'threefer' hike: Dedicated hikers will enjoy a "Three Parks in a Day Hike," led by naturalist "Trail" Gail Broesder. Gail plans to traverse Redwood, Huckleberry and Sibley Regional Parks on a 6-mile hike from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

There are a lot of ups and downs along the way, so her trek is for ages 10 and older. Meet at Redwood Park's Skyline Gate on Skyline Boulevard a bit south of Pinehurst Road in Oakland. For information, call 510-544-2233.

Briones: Women on Common Ground is a series of naturalist-led programs for women who enjoy the outdoors but have concerns for personal safety.

On Dec. 20, naturalist Katie Colbert will lead the group on a 6-mile, partly hilly winter solstice hike from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Briones Regional Park near Martinez.

Meet at the Alhambra Creek staging area on Reliez Valley Road. The hike is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757, select option 2 and refer to program number 11444.

Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at nedmackay@comcast.net.