Community Beach Cleanup and the Moving Encounter with an Entangled Gull at Corona del Mar State Beach
On Sunday December 15th, Wildlife Jewels organized and hosted a community beach clean-up in Corona Del Mar State Beach and king tides exploration walk at little corona del mar tide pools. During the event, we encountered a beautiful Gull with one foot missing and the other entangled in fishing line. As we wrapped up, the Gull flew towards us, landing nearby, almost as if seeking help. This unforgettable moment was a powerful reminder of the devastating impact debris has on our precious wildlife.
Community Beach Cleanup and the Moving Encounter with an Entangled Gull at Corona del Mar State Beach December 15th at Corona del Mar State Beach
On Sunday, December 15th, Wildlife Jewels hosted a community guided educational beach cleanup at Corona del Mar State Beach, paired with a King Tides exploration walk at the Little Corona del Mar tide pools. This event was part of our Sweep for Wildlife program, an initiative under our Ocean Conservation efforts that focuses on cleaning beaches while educating the community about native wildlife, the threats posed by debris, and actionable steps to protect them.
A Day of Learning and Discovery
During the educational segment, we highlighted the increased number of seabirds and gulls observed during recent wildlife monitoring walks at Crystal Cove Beach and Corona del Mar State Beach. These monitoring efforts aim to shed light on the challenges marine life face due to human activities, especially debris like fishing lines.
A Heartbreaking Encounter
Shortly after our walk, one of our volunteers noticed a beautiful gull with one missing foot and another foot tightly entangled in fishing line. Concerned participants observed and photographed the bird as she struggled. As the cleanup wrapped up, the gull flew towards our group and landed nearby, almost as if she was seeking help.
It was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on wildlife. This moment deeply resonated with our team and volunteers, driving home the urgency of our mission. Over the past months, our wildlife monitoring efforts have documented a concerning increase in gulls with missing feet or fishing-line injuries. These injuries can be preventable with greater awareness and action to address the root cause.
A Call to Action
Every animal matters. This event reinforced why community involvement is vital in reducing marine debris and protecting wildlife. We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for injured and entangled wildlife and report sightings as soon as possible.
To report a distressed Wildlife Contact:
Santa Barbara (805) 681-1080 (Santa Barbara Wildlife Network)
Orange County (714) 374 - 5587 Wetlands & Wildlife Center or Orange County Animal Control 714-935-6848
Orange County Animal Control after hours (949)644-3717
Los Angeles (310) 514- 2573
San Diego (800) 541- 7325
To Join our wildlife monitoring and rescue group to help detect and report distressed wildlife, sign up HERE!
Community Beach Cleanup and the Moving Encounter with an Entangled Gull at Corona del Mar State Beach December 15th at Corona del Mar State Beach
Fishing Gear
Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.
Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.
Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.
By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels King Tides Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar! December 15, 2024
Sadly, we also encountered a beautiful Gull who was missing one foot, with the other tightly wrapped in a fishing line. Concerned volunteers observed her at the start of the event. To our surprise, as we wrapped up the cleanup, she flew towards our group, landed nearby, and watched us as if she was asking for help. Witnessing this was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on our precious wildlife. Over the past few months, we've observed a significant increase in the number of gulls with missing feet and/or entangled in fishing line during our coastal wildlife monitoring efforts. Every animal matters, and it’s a call to action for all of us to help protect them.
One of our dedicated volunteers spotted a precious bird with one missing foot and the other entangled in fishing line.
December 15th 2024, Corona del Mar State Beach
