Photos taken January 27th, 2013
Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
Interested in going? The ladybugs cluster at Redwood Regional Park between November and February. You’ll find them at the intersection of the Stream and Prince Trails. Look on, around, and behind the bench, as well as across the trail, near (and on) the sign. You can begin the hike at either the Skyline Gate Staging Area on Skyline Drive (a down and up hike) or the Canyon Meadow Staging Area on Redwood Road (for a flatter hike). Either way, it’s about three miles round-trip. See trail map on the Redwood website for details… www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood. And, remember, look, but don’t collect!
Going with kids: Since we have a young child, we prefer to take the flatter trail from the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. This section is stroller-friendly. My son likes to ride his bike, which is allowed as far as Trails End (bring along a bike lock). From there it’s only about a half mile walk to where the ladybugs are located.
For more information about the ladybug clusters at Redwood Regional Park, watch this KQED QUEST video of a regional parks naturalist discussing the phenomena… Ladybug Pajama Party.
hike.wander.wonder 
This is the first time I have seen such a cluster of ladybugs. They look like seeds spilling out from a fruit. Thank you so much for this excellent blog which always showcases the best classroom we all can learn in. Sharon
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The first time I saw clusters was on a trail near Big Sur. I had never heard of ladybug clusters, so it had a huge impact. The closer we looked, the more we saw. It’s truly amazing to see the bushes writhing with insects. Luckily, ladybugs are pretty insects! I probably wouldn’t be so enchanted if these were black beetles. 🙂
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Linda, you’re right! Now that you mentioned it, seeing clusters of heaving black beetles would have a freaky effect! 😀 Thank you once again for capturing this fantastic phenomena! Showing them to my husband too! Sharon
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Great photos and thanks for the practical tips.
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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I don’t think I have ever seen such a cluster. Thank you for posting!
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My pleasure!
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I was out looking for photo opportunities yesterday and came across a patch of ladybugs, but not like your photos above! I still enjoyed seeing roughly 30 ladybugs in the same area for the first time. If I ever get to your area at the right time of year, I’ll have to check this out. Great post!
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30 ladybugs is a lot! I usually only see one or two at a time. 🙂 But this is a special spot. 🙂
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This is stunning! Never seen so many ladybugs together. I love ladybugs and see it as lucky to find more than one at a time. I’m from South Africa and in Afrikaans a ladybug is a “Liewe-Heers-besie” translated as a “Dear-God-beetle!!
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I love that translation! 🙂
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Gosh. I’ve never seen so many ladybugs in one spot. I feel fortunate to see one ladybug at a time. beautiful!
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I still feel fortunate to see one at a time! I felt blessed to find one on my arm the other day. 🙂
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What fantastic pictures-I have never seen so many ladybugs together at one time-Amazing shots-
Thank you too for taking the time to visit my blog-I appreciate it-
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It’s cool to see them in clusters like this. Thanks for visiting!
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The most amazing swarm I have ever seen of ladybirds was when I was on holiday in Broadstairs (UK) some years ago and they covered bottom edge of a building and part of the path going about 15 feet along. They are amazing and I really enjoyed your post 🙂
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That must’ve been amazing! They’re such beautiful little insects. 🙂
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Whoa! That’s cool!
~Christy
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They’re pretty amazing!
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Ladybugs make me happy! 😀
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Me, too!
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That’s very cool. I once had a cluster take up residence for the winter in the corner of my bedroom. I have no idea how they all got in, but there were over 100 ladybugs riding it out in my room. I was thrilled. Then one day, early spring, they were all gone. Again, I have no idea how they managed it. Magical creatures.
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That’s awesome! What an incredible experience to be able to live with ladybugs for a few months.
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They are amazing photos, thanks. Shame it is too far for me to pop along to see it.
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Glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
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I have not seen any lady birds this year in UK. They were swarming a few years ago, I suspect the heavy rains impacted their populations.
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Maybe they’ll show up later?
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How amazing!! and I love your pictures! I went to Paula’s blog to learn more about the mystery surrounding this annual event. Incredible!
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Fascinating, isn’t it?
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We loved seeing them this year for the first time! We went a couple weeks ago after trying two times to make it that far and failing (two kids until 4). I like your photos more though. I posted mine here – http://doublethink.us.com/paala/2013/01/20/out-and-about-redwood-park-lady-bugs-jewel-lake/
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I enjoyed reading your post when you published it! The ladybugs seem to be lower in quantity this year, or perhaps it was just the day I was there? I first stumbled upon them while hiking there six years ago when I was 7 months pregnant. I wanted to rest on the bench, but was shocked to find it was covered with swarms of ladybugs. Then I noticed the entire area surrounding the bench was swarming with the insects! When we went this weekend, there were only a few bunches here and there. But still worth seeing!
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Fascinating! It’s been colder than usual this January. I wonder if that has something to do with it? We are *huge* ladybug fans. I would love to go.
Thanks for this.
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I agree it’s probably the cold weather. Also, when I saw them swarming six years ago, it was a warm day in March. My research shows the ladybugs are supposed to be there from November to February, but that’s just a guideline.
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Interesting. I worry that global warming is altering all sorts of patterns. I’m glad communities (and people like you) are paying close attention.
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Paala – I just now realized you also linked to the EBRP naturalist explaining the phenomena. I checked out so many sources, but she explains it the best!
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Olá, veja este poema que eu escrevi:
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