Western Grebe Rescued as Seabirds in Distress Are Found Along the Southern California Coast
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew responded to a stranded Western Grebe and transported the bird for emergency care as distressed and deceased grebes are found along the Southern California coast.
Western Grebe in distress at La Jolla Cove, September 2026. Photo courtesy of submitted wildlife report.
Seabird Alert: Western Grebes in Distress Along the Southern California Coast
Wildlife Jewels is asking beachgoers to be on the lookout for Western Grebes in distress along the Southern California coast.
Over the past two weeks, our team has encountered several distressed and deceased grebes along the coast. Western Grebes are highly adapted to life on the water and rarely come onto land. A grebe sitting or lying on the beach is likely in serious distress and needs help as soon as possible.
A Western Grebe Rescue at La Jolla Cove
Wildlife Jewels’ Rescue Crew recently received a report of a Western Grebe stranded at La Jolla Cove and immediately responded, transporting the bird for emergency wildlife care.
Reports like this are especially important because stranded seabirds may already be severely weakened by the time they reach shore. Birds affected by starvation may appear lethargic, unusually still, weak, thin, or unable to return to the water.
Western Grebes Belong on the Water
Western Grebes are striking aquatic birds adapted for life on the water. During a Wildlife Jewels EYES® monitoring survey at San Elijo Lagoon in April 2026, we photographed a Western Grebe swimming on the water and behaving normally.
The contrast is important: seeing a grebe swimming on the water is expected, while finding one stranded on a beach is an important warning sign.
Western Grebe at San Elijo Lagoon during a Wildlife Jewels EYES® survey, April 2026. © Wildlife Jewels® by Azi Sharif
What to Do if You Find a Grebe on the Beach
If you encounter a Western Grebe or other seabird stranded or in distress:
Report the bird immediately.
Keep people and dogs a safe distance away.
If safe, remain nearby and keep the bird in sight until a wildlife responder arrives.
Do not chase, handle, feed, or attempt to return the bird to the water.
Early detection and response can make a critical difference.
Report Wildlife in Distress
Wildlife Jewels monitors reports of injured, distressed, entangled, and deceased wildlife along the Orange County and San Diego County coastlines and coordinates response within the scope of our wildlife rescue programs.
Report Wildlife to Wildlife Jewels
Wildlife Jewels® EYES® + Rescue Crew
Monitoring wildlife. Identifying threats. Responding when wildlife needs help.
Learn about Wildlife Jewels EYES and ways you can get involved!
Learn about Wildlife Jewels Rescue and ways you can help!
Meet Opal the Western Gull
Meet Opal, the Western Gull chick, when she was just about a week old. 🤍
We’ve spent countless hours in the field observing and helping protect Opal and her family since she was still an egg. This photograph was taken in June 2026. 💜
Watching Opal grow from a tiny chick into the beautiful fledgling she is today has been incredibly special—and a reminder of why every effort to protect vulnerable wildlife matters.
Opal is now one of the precious wild lives featured in our Jewels of La Jolla educational art collection, celebrating the remarkable wildlife that makes this coastline so magical. ✨
Image: Opal, Western Gull chick, June 2026, La Jolla, CA. © Wildlife Jewels® | Photo by Azi Sharif
Wildlife Jewels’ World Ocean Day Wildlife Walk, La Jolla
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
🛟 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: Blog Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Blog Updates
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast.
Injured Entangled California Brown Pelican La Jolla Cove, CA May 31, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif
🚨Seabirds need your help.
Over the past three months, Wildlife Jewels has spent countless hours monitoring and searching local beaches as a devastating rise in deceased and distressed seabirds has unfolded along our coast.
As starvation, injuries, fishing-line entanglements, and other emergencies have increased, our team has been searching beaches, documenting cases, reporting distressed wildlife, and helping support response efforts.
More recently, we have seen a devastating rise in entangled pelicans and cormorants along the La Jolla coastline. In just the past week alone, we documented nearly two dozen entangled birds between Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove.
These recent cases, along with years of witnessing coastal wildlife emergencies, are why the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew was created — to help search for, report, and support response efforts for injured, entangled, and distressed coastal wildlife.
As we prepare for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew ribbon cutting ceremony next week, we’ll be sharing some of the wildlife emergencies and response efforts that inspired this program.
We invite you to join us for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Learn more and RSVP HERE:
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
California Brown Pelican Safely Rescued Through Coordinated Response
A California Brown Pelican in distress at San Marcos High School was safely rescued through coordinated efforts between Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, San Diego Humane Society, and SeaWorld Rescue.
Distressed Brown Pelican, CA May 13, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
A precious California Brown Pelican is now safely in care thanks to quick reporting, trained volunteer response, and coordinated rescue support. 🩶🪶
After a Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew volunteer reported a Pelican in distress at San Marcos High School, she was joined by another trained volunteer to monitor and guard the bird until San Diego Humane Society arrived to safely capture and crate the pelican.
The pelican was then transported by our Rescue Crew and transferred to SeaWorld Rescue for expert care and rehabilitation.
Every report matters, every response matters, every second matters, and every life matters.
See wildlife in distress? Report it. Help wildlife get help.
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Training in La Jolla: Supporting Coastal Wildlife
Thank you to everyone who attended a recent Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew training session at La Jolla Shores.
La Jolla, CA March 19, 2026
Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew training recap 💙
Thank you to everyone who attended a recent Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew training session. Together, we learned about signs of wildlife distress, search scout and guardian roles, and the importance of timely observation, reporting, and coordinated support.
If you’re interested in joining Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, please submit an interest form.
To learn how you can support our work, visit:
https://www.wildlifejewels.org/wildlife-jewels-rescue-crew
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
🚨 Cormorants need your help
🚨 Cormorants need your help
Distressed Cormorants Solana Beach, CA March 17, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
🚨Cormorants need your help.
An alarming number of cormorants have been found distressed along the coast, and other seabirds are being affected as well.
Over the last two weeks, Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew search scouts have been out along the coastline searching for distressed birds and supporting rescue coordination.
If you see a cormorant that appears weak, grounded, injured, disoriented, unable to fly, or otherwise out of place, please report it right away.
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
To learn how you can help Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew save wildlife, visit:
https://www.wildlifejewels.org/wildlife-jewels-rescue-crew
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help
California Brown Pelicans need your help. A concerning number have recently been found distressed along our coast, and other seabirds, including cormorants, are affected as well.
California Brown Pelican Rescued at Solana Beach March 19, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help. A concerning number have recently been found distressed along our coast, and other seabirds, including cormorants, are affected as well. These photos were taken at Fletcher Cove Beach, where a distressed pelican was found, San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife was contacted, and we remained nearby until their team arrived.
If you see a pelican or other seabird that appears weak, grounded, injured, disoriented, or otherwise in distress, please contact a local wildlife responder.
For San Diego wildlife rescue contacts and reporting options, visit:
📧 Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
EYES Spotlight: Two Entangled Brandt’s Cormorants Spotted at La Jolla Cove
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—including clearly visible rope/line. 💔
Entangled Cormorant La Jolla Cove, CA Feb 2, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
EYES Spotlight
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES™ wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—with clearly visible rope/line. 💔
If you see either bird, please help by sending:
📍 Exact location (cove/beach + nearest landmark)
⏰ Time seen
📷 Photo/video (wide shot + zoomed in, from a safe distance)
✅ Please note which bird you saw: Bird A (rope) or Bird B (line)
📧 Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join EYES and help us keep watch—documenting threats like entanglement and reporting injured wildlife responsibly.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Rescue Crew in Action: Training to Save Coastal Birds
Last week, Wildlife Jewels hosted a hands-on Rescue Crew training in La Jolla focused on coastal birds. Using props, we practiced responsible response skills—how to recognize signs of distress, coordinate safely, and support bird rescue when professional help is needed.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: La Jolla Shores Prop Training
Last week, Wildlife Jewels hosted a hands-on Rescue Crew training in La Jolla focused on coastal birds. Using props, we practiced responsible response skills—how to recognize signs of distress, coordinate safely, and support bird rescue when professional help is needed.
It was inspiring to see everyone who attended show up with such care, focus, and dedication to protecting our coastal wildlife. Special thanks to Joop Kuhn for leading the training!
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla 💙🌙
Tonight, a cormorant entangled in fishing line was reported by caring beachgoers who stayed with him and helped keep him safe. With quick coordination, the bird was safely contained and promptly transported to San Diego Humane Society (Project Wildlife) for evaluation and treatment.
We’re wishing him a full recovery and hope he can return home soon. 💜
Human-caused hazards like fishing line can be devastating for wildlife. Thank you to everyone who showed compassion and reported the entanglement.
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels continues to document seabird entanglements in La Jolla, particularly at Point La Jolla, as birds face fishing gear and other pressures.