The Cliffside Crystals: Resilience of a Gull Family Facing Plastic and Feeding Hazards
✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
Image Title: Wildlife Jewels’ “The Cliffside Crystals”
Species: Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)
Location: La Jolla, California
Date of Observation: August 15, 2025
Source: Wildlife Jewels® EYES Monitoring Program | by Azi S. / © Wildlife Jewels®
Description: ✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels EYES since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
We’re happy to share that one of the precious gull families we’ve been monitoring since nest building — whom we’ve named The Cliffside Crystals — are doing well.
On July 30, we witnessed a troubling incident: an adult gull was fed a plastic-covered sauce packet (about 3x2 inches) by a beachgoer. The mother swallowed it, spit it out, and then fed it to her two fledglings — one of whom swallowed it. We’ve been monitoring them closely ever since.
As of our August 15 monitoring, we’re happy to see the fledgling is still doing okay — two weeks after the incident.
🚫 Please DO NOT FEED FULLS. Human food is harmful to their health and can cause malnutrition, dependence, and unsafe behaviors. Even more concerning, adults often pass these items directly to their young.
♻️ Please DO NOT LEAVE TRASH ON THE BEACH. Plastics and food packaging — like chip bags, candy wrappers, and sauce packets — can easily be mistaken for food and cause serious harm to wildlife. Even small items left behind put birds and marine animals at risk.
Let’s keep our coastline safe and our wildlife wild. 🌿💙
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Video: Western Gull family at La Jolla © 2025 Wildlife Jewels® | Filmed by: Azi S. | During Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Monitoring
Description: ✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels EYES since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
Our Post From July 30, 2025
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick whom we’ve named Labradorite the Gull— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
We’ve watched her grow from a tiny egg into a strong precious Gull, just weeks away from independence. But recently, her family was harassed — chased, hit with objects, and left with plastic waste. Tragically, she ingested one of the pieces of plastic coated in potentially toxic sauce. It was beyond heartbreaking to watch, as the chicks were below the cliff, we were unable to intervene before they ingested the plastic.
⚠️ Gulls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them.
These birds — like all wildlife — deserve respect, space, and a clean home.
Please:
🚫 Don’t chase or throw objects at wildlife
🚯 Don’t leave food or plastic behind
💬Report when you see harassment
📢 Share this to raise awareness
❤️🩹 They deserve to grow up safe and free.
Want to help us monitor these precious gulls and other coastal wildlife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Mysterious Illness Strikes Gulls — How You Can Help Save Them
🆘 Our Precious Gulls Need Your Help!
A devastating illness is suddenly impacting gulls across Southern California, leaving many sick and dying. Every moment counts — we need your help to spot and report distressed gulls before it’s too late.
Image description: A distressed Gull spotted and rescued by Wildlife Jewels EYES collective staff and community volunteers at Crystal Cove State Park | Wildlife Jewels Rescue, August 2024 © Wildlife Jewels®
Our Precious Gulls Need Your Help!
A devastating illness is suddenly impacting gulls across Southern California, leaving many sick and dying. Every moment counts — we need your help to spot and report distressed gulls before it’s too late.
Although most reports so far have come from Malibu to Redondo Beach, we’re also seeking volunteers to monitor Orange County and San Diego beaches as a proactive measure.
Wildlife Jewels is seeking volunteers to join our EYES Monitoring Team to help locate and report gulls in need of rescue.
👉 Join here
Do you have experience — or an interest in learning — how to safely rescue and transport distressed wildlife?
Learn how you can apply to join our Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew and support wildlife in urgent need.
Not able to commit to regular volunteering? That’s okay! You can still help as a WJ EYES Community Reporter — spotting and reporting distressed gulls during your beach walks.
👉 Join here
For questions: Email Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
What to watch for:
Dehydration or weakness
Difficulty standing or walking
Partial or complete paralysis
Confusion or disorientation
Difficulty blinking or keeping eyes open
Your quick action could save a life — help our precious gulls get the urgent care they need.
Learn more about the illness at the International Bird Rescue
How You Can Help:
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Donate or become a corporate sponsor of our EYES Program to help us find and rescue distressed gulls and protect other precious wildlife.
If you spot a distressed Gull:
Call your nearest rescue organization ASAP.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES in Protecting Gulls
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
Western Gull “Wildlife Jewels Labradorite the Gull“, July 30 2025, by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick whom we’ve named Labradorite the Gull— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
We’ve watched her grow from a tiny egg into a strong precious Gull, just weeks away from independence. But recently, her family was harassed — chased, hit with objects, and left with plastic waste. Tragically, she ingested one of the pieces of plastic coated in potentially toxic sauce. It was beyond heartbreaking to watch, as the chicks were below the cliff, we were unable to intervene before they ingested the plastic.
⚠️ Gulls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them.
These birds — like all wildlife — deserve respect, space, and a clean home.
Please:
🚫 Don’t chase or throw objects at wildlife
🚯 Don’t leave food or plastic behind
💬Report when you see harassment
📢 Share this to raise awareness
❤️🩹 They deserve to grow up safe and free.
Want to help us monitor these precious gulls and other coastal wildlife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Happy Father’s Day from the Western Gulls! 💙
Western Gull fathers play an active role in parenting! After the eggs are laid, both mother and father take turns incubating them. Once the chicks hatch, the fathers help feed and guard their young, keeping a close watch as they grow and explore the nesting area.
Western Gull Family, June 13 2025, at La Jolla by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Western Gull fathers play an active role in parenting! After the eggs are laid, both mother and father take turns incubating them. Once the chicks hatch, the fathers help feed and guard their young, keeping a close watch as they grow and explore the nesting area.
Today, we celebrate the dedication of Western Gull dads and all fathers who protect and care for their little ones. We’ve been privileged to observe and monitor these amazing gull families since they began building their nests in May!
Want to help us monitor these precious gulls and other coastal wildlife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Nesting Gulls at La Jolla Need Your Help: Join Us in Protecting Them
Last week, we observed several Western gulls peacefully nesting at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Just days later, the beach reopened—and sadly, we’ve since witnessed repeated disturbances to these precious nesting gulls.
Nesting Western Gull, May 9 2025, at La Jolla by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Gulls at La Jolla Need Your Help: Join Us in Protecting Them
Last week during our Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla monitoring, we observed several Western gulls nesting on a peaceful stretch of beach at La Jolla Children’s Pool. They began nesting while the beach was closed (Dec 15–May 15) and didn’t know it would reopen—now their nests are exposed to beachgoers.
Just days later, the beach reopened—and sadly, we’ve since witnessed repeated disturbances to these precious nesting Gulls.
Adults and children have been unknowingly walking, running, and playing just steps away from the active nests—some even picking up items from the sand right next to them. The gulls are stressed, and their fragile nesting efforts are now at serious risk.
‼️Please be mindful: these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to disturb or destroy active nests with eggs or chicks.
📍We need your help monitoring nesting gulls and other coastal wildlife. Join our Wildlife Jewels EYES Monitoring Group—link below to apply.
Let’s work together to protect the wildlife we all share this coast with.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!