The image shows a group of pelicans perched on a rocky cliff. The cliff has a layered appearance with shades of brown and beige, suggesting sedimentary rock formations. The pelicans are gathered closely together, with some standing and others sitting. The background features a steep, sandy, and rocky terrain, indicating a coastal or desert-like environment. The pelicans have grayish feathers with white heads and long beaks. The scene appears to be in a natural, undisturbed setting.

Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this will get’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/01/el-nino-birds-california Many seabirds are starving to death as a marine heat wave lingers off California and fish seek deeper, cooler waters. Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses – one after another. Some were mixed in with washed up kelp. Others were under rocks. Each month, scientists and volunteers conduct surveys of dead seabirds and … Continue reading Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this will get’

What’s in the Tidepools? – Cleanup Edition June 2026

(Hopkins Rose Nudibranch – NPS Photo/Amy O.) This is a special post about the recent cleanup in the tidepools during June. This was the 1st annual Pauline Geisler Memorial Tidepool Cleanup honoring our friend who suddenly passed away in March. Volunteers, Staff members and friends showed up to participate and we are thankful to everyone. We honored Pauline in the best way possible by protecting … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – Cleanup Edition June 2026

A group of people posing for a photo

What’s in the Tidepools? – May 2026

(Giant Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/Rick A.) Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send in your photos; we truly appreciate sharing them with everyone. Don’t forget to signup for the cleanup on June 17th if you are interested. Don’t forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page and our YouTube page. But before … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – May 2026

San Diego’s Maritime Treasure Leaving For Michigan

by Karen Scanlon • Special to Times of San Diego and Kim Fahlen • Special to Times of San Diego April 29, 2026, 10:40 a.m. SAN DIEGO – A five-ton lantern room from the former Ballast Point Lighthouse stands on Old Town’s Congress Street.  But not for long!  Come summer, the 1889 relic will be trucked to Michigan. “That is true!” was the emphatic response from … Continue reading San Diego’s Maritime Treasure Leaving For Michigan

A lighthouse and pine tree in shadow at sunset. The words Did You Know are in blue at the base of the image

Did You Know – Concretions – What are They?

Have you noticed those circles around the tidepool entrance? They’re not dinosaur footprints or asteroid impact craters. They’re concretions, a fascinating geological feature. Let’s dive into what makes them so special. A concretion is a solid, tightly packed mass of minerals that forms inside sedimentary rock, often with a round shape. Concretions happen when minerals from groundwater settle and stick the sediment together, usually around … Continue reading Did You Know – Concretions – What are They?

A bright green sea anemone with shell fragments clinging to its tentacles rests on wet sand among seaweed and small rocks in a tide pool.

What’s in the Tidepools? – April 2026

(Yellow Gilled Sea Goddess – NPS Photo/Rick A.) Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during the final month of this tidepool season — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send in your photos; we truly appreciate sharing them with everyone. Don’t forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page and our YouTube page. Enjoy the virtual visit through the tidepools and Cabrillo. Added … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – April 2026