The best kept secret in San Diego

A few months ago Carlys read an article in the paper entitled "Best Kept Secrets of San Diego" (or something like that). One of these secrets included the the Chula Vista Nature Center. So we thought we would check it out.

We were pleased to find it was very kid friendly and that all the animals there were native to the San Diego Marshlands.

As we walked into the nature center, they were feeding the sea turtles. He was able to eat an entire piece of lettuce in one bite.

They also had 4 cute 8 month old sea turtles that Sea World had given them.

We also enjoyed the giant shark tank that was full of ocean creatures including 2 7-8 pound lobsters! We got to watch feeding time and learn that the lobsters eat chunks of fish and will fight for their food!

We enjoyed the desert reptiles

They had several tide pool animals that we were able to touch and explore.

Raelynn was even brave enough to touch a few of the creatures with 1 finger!

There were also lots of native birds

This was the biggest bird family the nature center had ever seen!

This picture isn't easy to see, but it is a Bald Eagle. We were all excited to be there at feeding time, until they came out to say that it was a fasting day for the birds. Everyday, except Monday, the birds are fed rabbits or rodents and you can watch him tear apart his food and hear him crush the bones. We were all disappointed, but maybe next time. Jake keeps asking when we are going back to see the birds eat. But, it won't be this trip!

This was Anthony's favorite plant,

And this beautiful cactus was part of our walk through the marsh and down to bay.

Anthony enjoyed learning that during WWI there was a company that was built in the marsh and used the kelp to make gun powder. All in all it was an educational trip for all.