There's always an adventure underfoot or overhead. The key is to keep your eyes open. Look for the unexpected. Curiosity will reveal the wonder that is all around us.

Not long ago, we made a trip to a recycling event at SeaWorld. Perfectly innocuous. Fill the trunk with recyclable items and drop them off in an empty parking lot. Not much to it. Not much to see. Anyone on autopilot would just see asphalt and follow the ordinary exit signs.

We, however, had the bird-brained idea to poke around the empty SeaWorld parking lot unfettered. In the early morning hours, we could slip by the the security pylons. You may remember, we think that "Do Not Enter" or "Dead End" signs are for the birds. Those signs merely suggest that we take a gander at whatever it is they don't want us to see!

We flew around the unchartered territory of the parking lot figuring that some little hidden treasure was soon to be ours. With a security guard on our heels, but at a safe distance behind, we found ourselves at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute parking lot. The security guard waved us off as we played innocent and demure.

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is what you imagine it may be. That's another story. The Hubbs building sits on the edge of Mission Bay at the end of the SeaWorld Skyride. This part of Mission Bay is called Perez Cove. And by visiting this special place, you could, metaphorically speaking, kill two birds with one stone. Once there, you won't want to do anything, but appreciate Mother Nature.

There's more to Perez Cove than meets the eye. There's more than a view of Mission Bay. There's a bird's eye view. Fitting for today, Valentine's Day, there's a monogamous love story perched high in the trees.

What most people don't know is that this location, one of three in San Diego County, is home to some high-flying residents. Perez Cove is home to one of the Great Blue Heron colonies. Just outside of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute , high up in the Torrey Pines trees, if you stand and watch you'll get an amazing show of the Great Blue Heron which breeds and lives on the shoreline.

Torrey Pines at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

If you didn't know that these magnificent birds were atop the trees watching you, you'd never know to look up and look for them. Since we're tipping you off, we'd suggest you take the time to stop and watch them. You'll be entranced by these Pterodactyl-type birds gracefully flying on the air currents at an average of 23 miles per hour or quietly perched high above human traffic while they guard their love nests.

There are almost 300 nest pairs of these regal birds throughout San Diego County. The Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias live near shallow, salt water sources for feeding. They can fish for food day or night traveling within 5 miles in search of their food. Their huge nests, built with sticks, may be remodeled throughout the year should a bird feel the need to boost curb appeal. You can't miss the nests in the trees.

Spotting the birds isn't too hard either. They're huge. Look for a very large, blueish-gray bird with a wing-span of about 6 feet. They can be 36-52" tall and weigh 5-8lbs. The males are slightly larger than the females. Yes, the herons are bigger than a bread box, but still it can be tricky to train your eye on them. It is probably easiest when the nesting period begins in November because you can clearly see the nests. Egg laying starts near mid-January with a 28-day incubation period. Though the Heron's call the area home, mid-February through March is a good time to find the herons in the trees protecting their nests.

Great Blue Heron

Not all of you will want to skulk around the SeaWorld parking lot. If you're so inclined, here's how to find Perez Cove: North on Ingraham Street past SeaWorld Drive to Perez Cove Way. Make a right turn on Perez Cove Way. Look for Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute sign. Follow the arrow to the left along red curb loop. Make the first right and park in the lot. Look for Torrey Pines trees along the entrance to Hubbs and behind the SkyRide and Hubbs buildings. Stand still and allow your eyes to focus on the tops of the trees. Don't rush it. Take your time. Marvel at nature. Enjoy counting the nests, watching the birds glide into their perches or preen while protecting the next generation.

It's the small joys in life that we ought to embrace. Taking time out to watch these birds is free, great for kids, and it is simply a joy. Oh, and if you tell someone about this spot, let them know a 'little birdie told you' about it.