Meet “Rubellite the Elegant Tern”
Rubellite is a precious Elegant Tern we had the pleasure of observing at Crystal Cove Beach on January 19th 2024.
Our original painting, Rubellite, was inspired by a baby Elegant Tern, a victim of a tragic incident in May 2021 at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. An illegally flown drone crashed on the beach, forcing over 3,000 Elegant Terns to abandon at least 2,000 eggs.
Learn more about the May 2021 drone crash incident: Los Angeles Times : Los Angeles Times
Discover Rubellite, her Wildlife Jewels® Painting, Conservation Collection and Exhibitions.
Learn about the magnificent world of Elegant Terns, threats to Elegant Terns, and discover ways you can take action to protect Elegant Terns.
Rubellite the Elegant Tern’s Story
Rubellite, a precious Elegant Tern we observed at Crystal Cove Beach. Originally inspired by a precious Elegant Tern who fell victim to a tragic incident in May 2021. This unfortunate event unfolded when a drone crashed on the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve grounds on May 13, causing distress to approximately 3,000 adult Elegant Terns. The disturbance led to the abandonment of about 1,500 to 2,000 eggs by the frightened Elegant Terns.
Sadly, Elegant Terns confront numerous human-induced threats, putting them at risk of potential endangerment. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are currently classified as "Near Threatened" (NT), signifying their vulnerability to endangerment in the near future.
Threats to Elegant Terns
Sadly, Elegant Terns face numerous human-induced threats, from drones disturbing their nesting sites to entanglement in fishing gear, beach nourishment, habitat destruction, overfishing and fireworks, putting them at risk of endangerment. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are classified as "Near Threatened" (NT), signifying their vulnerability to endangerment in the near future.
Rubellite the Elegant Tern’s Painting
This educational painting celebrates "Rubellite," an Elegant Tern who embodies resilience, hope, and the majestic beauty of her species. Through vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes, the artwork tells Rubellite’s inspiring story of survival and grace, symbolizing the strength of wildlife facing human-caused threats. Explore the intricate details of Rubellite’s journey, and connect with the powerful message of hope that her painting represents.
Wildlife Jewels® Rubellite the Elegant Tern’s Capsule Conservation Collection
Shop to directly support protection of Seabirds. 100% of proceeds support our Seabird conservation, rescue, and education programs.
Wildlife Jewels® Rubellite the Elegant Tern Exhibitions
Join us as we exhibit our paintings featuring Rubellite the Elegant Tern at art galleries and conservation events. Discover the story of this precious Elegant Tern and learn about the threats Elegant Terns are facing as a result of human activities.
About the Elegant Tern
Learn about the Elegant Tern! Discover the fascinating species, the threats they are facing and ways you can take action to help protect them!