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.
A Second Chance for an Entangled Brown Pelican. One moment of awareness helped change the course of his life. On July 22, 2026, a Wildlife Jewels® Search Scout survey at Crystal Cove State Park became an unexpected rescue mission.