Magical Coastal Moments: Observing Brandt’s Cormorants During EYES La Jolla Field Days
Sharing a few magical moments with Brandt’s Cormorants from our 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.
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
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
Wildlife Jewels Learn from Birds Discovery Walk — La Jolla Cove
Our FIRST event of 2026! National Bird Day at La Jolla Cove
You’re invited to join Wildlife Jewels® on January 5 for our Learn from Birds Discovery Walk — a magical, field-inspired experience rooted in our EYES observations.
Harbor Seals and Gull, © Wildlife Jewels, EYES La Jolla 2025, La Jolla CA
✨ Our FIRST event of 2026! National Bird Day at La Jolla Cove ✨
You’re invited to join Wildlife Jewels® on January 5 for our Learn from Birds Discovery Walk — a magical, field-inspired experience rooted in our EYES observations. 💙🌊
Discover the enchanting “bird jewels” of La Jolla Cove we’ve had the honor of observing — some thriving in their habitats, some we’ve helped route to rescue, and even some we’ve monitored from eggs to first flight. 🥚➡️🪽
Learn from Birds™ is a program of Wildlife Jewels exploring bird wonders through the lens of arts, science & technology—inspiring action for protection of birds. 🎨🔬✨
🗓️ Jan 5, 2026 12 PM
📍 La Jolla Cove
🎟️ Limited space — reserve your spot!
Western Gull with Chicks at La Jolla , CA by captured by Azi Sharif/ © Wildlife Jewels
La Jolla’s Precious Harbor Seal Pups: Highlights from Pupping Season
A few highlights from last year’s harbor seal pupping season—captured during our EYES monitoring at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool 💙🦭 💎
Harbor Seals and Gull, © Wildlife Jewels, EYES La Jolla 2025, La Jolla CA
A few highlights from last year’s harbor seal pupping season—captured during our EYES monitoring at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool 💙🦭 💎
Children’s Pool (Casa Beach) is closed Dec 15–May 15 to support harbor seal moms and newborn pups as they rest, nurse, and grow. Please observe from a distance, keep voices low, and stay behind all barriers.
Wildlife Jewels invites you to join our EYES Hearts Seals volunteer team to help protect La Jolla’s seal families during this sensitive season.
Sapphirine the harbor Seal May 17, 2025 at La Jolla Cove, CA by captured by Azi Sharif/ © Wildlife Jewels
Celebrating Wildlife at La Jolla Cove: A Community EYES Wildlife Discovery Day
Join Wildlife Jewels for a special Wildlife Discovery Day at La Jolla Cove, followed by a Sunset Savor at Brockton Villa!
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla Wildlife Discovery Day- Saturday December 6th, La Jolla CA
A Fabulous Day Celebrating Precious Wildlife at La Jolla Cove💙
We had a wonderful day at La Jolla Cove celebrating the magic of coastal wildlife with our community during the EYES La Jolla Wildlife Discovery.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to observe harbor seals, California sea lions, and coastal birds—and to learn how our presence shapes their world. One of the most meaningful parts of this walk was seeing how quickly small choices (keeping a respectful distance, staying quiet, moving slowly, and following posted guidance) can help wildlife feel safe and remain in their natural behaviors.
Special thanks to Robyn Davidoff, Chair of the Sierra Club Seal Society of San Diego, for sharing insights on La Jolla’s harbor seals and sea lions, the history of the local rookeries, and what safe, respectful wildlife viewing looks like in real time. Wildlife Jewels Founder Azi Sharif, PhD also shared highlights from our coastal wildlife monitoring—seabird stories, and lessons learned from injured marine and coastal wildlife we’ve documented over time. We also identified an injured gull and a royal tern, documented what we observed, and reported—reminding us that careful monitoring and timely reporting can help save lives. Every wildlife life is precious. 💙
During the walk, we also identified an injured gull and a royal tern. We documented what we observed and reported the situation—reinforcing an important message: careful monitoring and timely reporting can help save lives. When wildlife is injured or distressed, the safest and most effective support we can offer is often to keep a respectful distance, avoid intervening, and make sure the right professionals receive accurate information.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this day such a meaningful community moment—full of learning, inspiration, and care for the wildlife that share this coastline with us.
Every wildlife life is precious. 💙
We identified an injured gull and a royal tern, documented what we observed, and reported—reminding us that careful monitoring and timely reporting can help save lives. Every wildlife life is precious. 💙
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Blog Updates
Sapphirine the harbor Seal May 17, 2025 at La Jolla Cove, CA by captured by Azi Sharif/ © Wildlife Jewels
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Wildlife Conservation Day Walk & Sunset Savor La Jolla Cove!
Join Wildlife Jewels for a special Wildlife Conservation Day Walk at La Jolla Cove, followed by a Sunset Savor at Brockton Villa!
Photo featuring wildlife at La Jolla, CA by Azi Sharif © Wildlife Jewels
Join Wildlife Jewels for a special Wildlife Conservation Day Walk at La Jolla Cove, followed by a Sunset Savor at Brockton Villa!
We’ll wander along the Cove and coastal walkways, spotting harbor seals, California sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and tidepool life, while sharing easy, real-life ways you can help protect them through respectful viewing, reporting, and everyday choices.
Along the way, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes EYES™ field stories from our wildlife observations, monitoring, and rescue responses at La Jolla Cove—including how quick reporting has helped protect some of the Cove’s most unforgettable wildlife residents.Space is limited; pre-registration is required to participate.
Sapphirine the harbor Seal May 17, 2025 at La Jolla Cove, CA by captured by Azi Sharif/ © Wildlife Jewels
After weeks of documenting entangled seabirds at Point La Jolla, a precious Brandt’s Cormorant finally became reachable. Meet Azurite and follow her journey from fishing gear entanglement to rescue and a second chance.