EYES Field Day in La Jolla with SDSU MEBSA Student Field Observations
Thank you to everyone who joined Wildlife Jewels for our EYES Field Day in La Jolla last Saturday. 🌊👀
Community in action—EYES Field Day observations with SDSU MEBSA students.
Thank you to everyone who joined Wildlife Jewels for our EYES Field Day in La Jolla last Saturday. 🌊👀
EYES™ (Engage Your Eyes for Sea Life™) is a Wildlife Jewels® program that helps detect and protect California’s coastal wildlife by training observers to spot distress, coastal hazards, and environmental threats early—reporting through appropriate pathways when urgent help is needed and collecting observations that support long-term protection.
A special thank you to the SDSU MEBSA students who joined us and collected structured field observations—these field days offer valuable hands-on experience for students who want real-world coastal stewardship training while contributing to wildlife protection.
Thank you as well to the San Diego Sierra Club Seal Society for sharing valuable seal education and respectful viewing guidance.
One powerful reminder from the day: we encountered a Western Gull with a concerning beak injury—exactly the kind of situation EYES volunteers are trained to notice, document, and report so wildlife can get help as quickly as possible.
More EYES Field Days ahead 💙
San Diego State University’s Marine Ecology & Biology Student Association MEBSA’s mission is “to encourage and guide SDSU students and the public toward stewardship and protection of marine wildlife.”
Observed during our EYES™ Field Day with SDSU MEBSA students: a Western Gull with a concerning beak injury—highlighting the importance of careful observation and reporting.
👀 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 Community BIRD WALK, National Bird Day JANUARY 2026
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.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
🦭✨ Pupping Season Magic — Children’s Pool, La Jolla
Last week, we witnessed one of La Jolla’s most breathtaking winter moments: harbor seals and their tiny pups resting like soft, living jewels along the shoreline—little hearts of the ocean, breathing, blinking, and learning the rhythm of the waves.
Image: Harbor seal pup © Wildlife Jewels® | Photo by Azi Sharif | La Jolla, CA
EYES Hearts Seals
Sharing a few magical moments from our recent observations along the La Jolla shoreline—one of winter’s most breathtaking sights: harbor seals and their tiny pups resting like soft, living jewels on the sand—little hearts of the ocean, breathing, blinking, and learning the rhythm of the waves.
It’s a privilege to share our shores with these precious mothers and pups—and a responsibility to protect them through space, respect, and calm observation. 💙🌊
Giving them space helps keep them safe—so pups can rest, nurse, and grow strong.
🌿 Want to help monitor seals with us?
Apply to for the opportunity to join Wildlife Jewels EYES Hearts Seals.
👀 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.
🎥 Harbor seals and their pups at La Jolla, CA. Feb 2026 © Wildlife Jewels® | Video by Azi Sharif (zoom lens)
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.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
Wildlife jewels EYES Field Day: Seals & Sea Stars (Valentine’s Edition)
EYES Field Day: Seals & Sea Stars (Valentine’s Edition)
Wildlife Jewels + SDSU MEBSA will guide a wildlife-safe shoreline adventure: observe harbor seals from a respectful distance, explore nearby tidepools, and help document sea stars + intertidal life through simple, structured field observations.
EYES Field Day: Next Saturday — Join us in La Jolla for our Valentine’s EYES Field Day 💘🌊
EYES Field Day: Seals & Sea Stars (Valentine’s Edition)
Wildlife Jewels + SDSU MEBSA will guide a wildlife-safe shoreline adventure: observe harbor seals from a respectful distance, explore nearby tidepools, and help document sea stars + intertidal life through simple, structured field observations.
✅ Wildlife-safe viewing + tidepool etiquette
✅ Community science + marine stewardship
RSVP required. Reserve your spot HERE.
👀 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.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
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.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
Celebrating National Bird Day in La Jolla: Discovering Our Precious Bird Jewels
On National Bird Day, January 5, Wildlife Jewels® hosted a community bird walk in La Jolla, bringing together wildlife lovers to observe, learn, and connect with the remarkable coastal birds of La Jolla Cove.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla National Bird Day Discovery Day- Monday January 5th, La Jolla Cove
A Fabulous Day Celebrating our “Bird Jewels” at La Jolla Cove💙
On National Bird Day, January 5, Wildlife Jewels® hosted a community bird walk in La Jolla, bringing together wildlife lovers to observe, learn, and connect with the remarkable coastal birds of La Jolla Cove.
As we explored the coastline, we discovered an incredible variety of Bird Jewels, including Brandt’s cormorants, pelicans, Western and Heermann’s gulls, Elegant and Royal terns, and the striking Black Oystercatchers. Along the way, we also enjoyed the magic of California sea lions, sharing the shoreline with birds in a beautiful display of balance and coexistence.
Throughout the walk, participants learned about each species’ behaviors, habitats, and the challenges they face—along with simple ways to take action every day to help protect local wildlife. We also shared how the community can get involved with Wildlife Jewels’ EYES™ coastal wildlife monitoring program and our Rescue Crew, supporting the protection and rescue of birds and other coastal wildlife in La Jolla.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special National Bird Day experience—your curiosity, care, and presence make these moments meaningful.
✨ More La Jolla wildlife discovery experiences are coming soon—we can’t wait to share our next theme with you!
Take Action for Birds with Wildlife Jewels
Want to help protect La Jolla’s seabirds and coastal wildlife year-round? Here are two meaningful ways to get involved:
👀 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.
🛟 Join the Wildlife Jewel Rescue Crew
Help support local wildlife rescue response by assisting with reporting, coordination, and (for trained volunteers) transport support when a bird or other coastal wildlife needs help.
✨ Together, we can turn wildlife observation into action and help protect the Bird Jewels that make our coastline so special.
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.