FrogBlog | Translating Los Angeles

Always watchful in case something wicked this way comes. We don’t want that.

Nothing easier than that! A trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach brings one right into the most spectacular octopus’s gardens imaginable. Swimming jewels. What Old Grumpy and friend are lacking in color, they more than make up in size. If that isn’t enough, one can always pet a Manta ray or [...]

This is the first time ever that I saw the Inka Terns at the Los Angeles Zoo from only a few feet away. They were hopping around on the footpath leading through the aviary. Even when I crept nearer and nearer, they did not seem to mind at all and continued to circle each other [...]

Lions and tigers can be tamed and made to perform. Then why not smaller cats? Julchen has already learned to stand upright like a little tin soldier. It only took some patience and some special treats. Iko-Chan is still resisting doing something as undignified as standing on her hind legs. Could Siamese cats have more [...]

If I were a mouse, this perspective would probably make me squeak and run: Somehow I am glad that I am a bit taller than mouse size…

This snoozing hippo was not the only one totally disinterested in the sporting event of the year. After the rush to the stores to stock up on chips, dips, beer, wings, pizza and related foodstuff essential for a Superbowl Sunday the streets emptied out and the town was all ours. Unamerican? No, nice!

Junior took a peak. So much to see! After a few minutes Mom gave him a pat on the head and Junior returned to the safety of the pouch. Mom is always right, little one, better safe than sorry.

It used to be that one could see the odd cormorant when walking along certain stretches of the L.A. River. By now they are hanging out there in whole flocks; and apparently they hunt for fish, too, because this splendid specimen is drying its feathers after diving. Then one sees anglers. This again raises the [...]

What better way to spend a warm and sunny afternoon? Some do it standing up (even on one leg)… some cuddle side by side… and some are just totally and absolutely relaxed… Sweet dreams!

May I introduce: Melanerpes formicivorus, aka Acorn Woodpecker. These pretty redheads can be found in Griffith Park – if one knows where oak trees grow. Acorn Woodpeckers lead a busy life drilling holes into dead trees and collecting acorns to stick into the holes for later consumption. They also pick dried out acorns out of [...]