Magical Coastal Moments: Observing Brandt’s Cormorants During EYES La Jolla Field Days
Brandt’s Cormorants observed during an EYES La Jolla Field Day on April 11, 2024. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif
Sharing a few magical moments with Brandt’s Cormorants from our EYES La Jolla field days. ✨
These remarkable seabirds nest in bustling coastal colonies, building mound-like nests from seaweed and other marine plant material along rocky coastal cliffs. Watching them is like witnessing a little coastal neighborhood come to life — from tender moments between mothers and chicks to curious, playful interactions between adults.
We were delighted to witness these majestic birds and the beautiful ways they interact in their natural habitat.
Brandt’s Cormorants remind us that our coastline is full of wonder, beauty, and fascinating lives unfolding all around us — and why protecting them and their habitats matters.
More EYES Field Days ahead 💙
Learn about EYES La Jolla and ways you can get involved!
Brandt’s Cormorants observed during an EYES La Jolla Field Day on April 11, 2024. © Wildlife Jewels (Azi Sharif)
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.
