Western Gull Parents Protect Chicks on La Jolla Cliffs
An enchanting Father’s Day moment along the La Jolla coast ✨ During our routine Wildlife Jewels EYES monitoring yesterday, we witnessed a magical scene of devoted gull parents, fierce protection, and coastal wonder.
A Western Gull family at La Jolla, CA | © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi Sharif
Happy Father’s Day from Wildlife Jewels
A Father’s Day weekend moment along the La Jolla coast ✨
During our routine Wildlife Jewels EYES monitoring yesterday, we witnessed a remarkable scene of devoted gull parents, protective instincts, and coastal life.
When we arrived, two Western Gull parents were flying over two pelicans that had unknowingly landed in the nest area near their chicks. As the pelicans perched close by, both gull parents called, dove, and worked together to guide them away.
Western Gulls are incredibly intelligent birds, and both parents are deeply devoted to their young — working together to defend, protect, and care for their chicks. 💙
Learn about Wildlife Jewels EYES and ways you can get involved!
A Western Gull family and Pelicans at La Jolla, CA | © 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
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.
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.