Meet Aquamarine: Discovering a Brandt’s Cormorant in Nesting Season

 Wildlife Jewels® is hosting a special World Wildlife Day Celebration in La Jolla on Saturday, March 7—a community-focused event inspired by the incredible coastal wildlife of La Jolla, San Diego.

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Jewels of La Jolla Spotlight ✨Meet Aquamarine the Brandt’s cormorant💎

Simply beautiful. ✨Shining a light on one of the magical bird jewels of La Jolla💜💎

Meet Aquamarine, a majestic Brandt’s cormorant resting on his nest. During nesting season, Brandt’s cormorants shift into breeding condition—those electric blue “jewel” eyes and the vivid blue-turquoise throat skin become especially striking. These seasonal colors are part of their breeding display.

Aquamarine was also posing with his head tilted up—almost sculpting a shape with his body. That classic “look-up” posture can be a breeding-season display often used to show off the bright throat patch💙

His calm presence and shimmering colors made a lasting impression, and he is now part of our Jewels of La Jolla educational arts program—celebrating the wildlife who inspire wonder, care, and conservation. 💎

Want to help us protect La Jolla’s coastal wildlife like this precious cormorant? 💜 Apply to join EYES™ La Jolla, or join Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew— learn more at the link in our bio✨✨✨

Help Protect La Jolla’s Coastal and Marine Wildlife

Join the EYES™ La Jolla, our community science and coastal wildlife observation program. Volunteers help monitor wildlife, identify hazards, report emergencies, and promote respectful wildlife viewing at La Jolla Cove.

Discover Jewels of La Jolla!

Jewels of La Jolla™ is part of Wildlife Jewels Arts & Education. We raise awareness of La Jolla’s unique wildlife—and the threats they face—share their beauty through art, and empower the local community with hands-on monitoring and rescue skills.

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