Sea lions are found hauled out all over the rocky shores of La Jolla.
Males are larger than females and have a prominent forehead. Females give birth in June and July and juveniles are often seen frolicking near the caves.
Harbor seals are more often spotted in the water. They prefer to haul out on the sandy beach at the Children’s pool and don’t mix with sea lions. You may spot them cruising close to the beach or watching you from the kelp forests.
Pelicans can be spotted perched on cliffs or gliding effortlessly in formation. If you see pelicans and other birds diving into the water, look for the fins of dolphins nearby. Often dolphins and larger fish chase a school of bait fish which collect near the surface in defense, only to be attacked from above as well!
Western Gulls are the most common local bird. There are always a few pairs that raise chicks on the local cliffs in the spring. Watch your food at the beach because these guys will steal it in a heartbeat!
Cormorants are horrible fliers. They perch and nest on the cliffs above the caves to protect their young from predators. Taking flight is a frantic endeavor, but underwater they are graceful and fast, swimming as deep as 60 feet to catch fish.
Leopard sharks are some of La Jolla’s most famous residents. They school in large numbers in the shallow sandy and rocky reef areas when conditions suit them. They grow to about 6′, are completely harmless to humans, and their leopard spots are stunning!
Stingrays congregate on the sandy flats when the water is warm. They rest on the bottom and if you step on one, it will defend itself with it’s barbed tail. The cut is usually superficial, but an otherwise harmless toxin produces intense pain. The only relief is hot water (go to the Lifeguard tower), or better yet, avoid the problem by shuffling your feet when you wade!
Garibaldi are the California state fish and the brightest creature in the water. They love the rocky reefs near the caves and stake out a small territory which they defend ferociously. You’ll notice that rather than schooling, they tend to be evenly distributed as each claims their spot on the reef.
Kelp forests support a tremendous amount of life. Kelp is strongly affected by fluctuations in water temperature, preferring colder water. Kelp beds normally grow thick and robust in San Diego but recent warmer-than-normal water temperatures have caused most of our kelp to vanish.
Eel grass and sea weed attach to the shallow rocks of the rocky reef environment. It is food for many animals and shelter for many more. Eel grass is the favorite food of La Jolla’s resident sea turtle.