King Tides Along the La Jolla Shoreline — Wildlife Jewels EYES Observations
During our recent EYES King Tides observations along the La Jolla shoreline, we watched the shoreline transform as extra-high water washed over much of the usual haul-out beach.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla - King Tides_ Monday January 5th, Point La Jolla
EYES Observation — King Tides (Jan 5) at La Jolla Cove
During our recent EYES™ King Tides observations along the La Jolla shoreline, we watched the shoreline transform as extra-high water washed over much of the usual haul-out beach.. Some of the precious sea lions found little sun-warmed pockets on the rocks, while others moved like shimmering jewels in the water—gliding and circling by the rocks, rising and dipping with the swell.
King tides are the highest high tides of the year and offer a glimpse of how rising seas can shrink coastal habitat, leaving less dry space for wildlife along the shore.
We also observed a sea lion entangled in fishing net; sadly, she was in a location that wasn’t safely accessible for responders at the time. During king tides, reduced haul-out space can add extra pressure for injured wildlife.
Admire from a distance—giving sea lions space helps them rest and stay safe.
👀 Join EYES™ (Engage Your Eyes for Sea Life)
Become part of our coastal wildlife monitoring community—learn what to look for, how to observe responsibly, and how to report concerns to help keep birds and other coastal wildlife safe.
Learn more at about ways you can protect coastal wildlife at the Wildlife Jewels Resources Page
For La Jolla seal and sea lion viewing guidelines, visit San Diego Seal Society.
🛟 Join the Wildlife Jewel Rescue Crew (observation & reporting only)
Help support local wildlife rescue response by assisting with reporting, coordination, and (for trained, permitted volunteers only, transport support when a bird needs help.)
✨ Together, we can turn wildlife observation into action and help protect the magical Jewels that make our coastline so special.
EYES Observation — King Tides (Jan 5) at La Jolla Cove © Wildlife Jewels
Some of the magical Bird Jewels we had the delight of observing included Brandt’s cormorants with their striking turquoise eyes, the adult California brown pelican with sky-blue eyes and a vibrant red throat pouch, and the majestic Black Oystercatcher with its bold orange bill and eye-ring. We also enjoyed the intelligent, charismatic Western gull, the precious Heermann’s gulls, and the elegance of Royal and Elegant terns, crowned with their distinctive head crests.
Photo credit: © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif
We identified an injured Heermann’s gull, documented what we observed, and reported—reminding us that careful monitoring and timely reporting can help save lives. Every wildlife life is precious. 💙 We will share more about her and the other injured wildlife including 2 entangled sea lions that we spotted during our walk through the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog soon.
