Dear Friend,

June gloom in Socal anyone? Anyway, this month is all about ways you as a citizen can help our wildlands and wildlife! First, see a banded bird, especially a banded Elegant Tern? Well, the International Bird Rescue wants to hear about it! Second, to bike or not to bike (hint: it's not to bike) message from CDFW and what you can do if you see one (or other regulation violations). Even though the weather is chiller and cloudier than we would probably like for June, the snakes are out and about. Therefore, our annual what-to-do-if-you-see-a-snake memo is below.

Happy almost Summer!

If you like our e-newsletters please consider sharing it with your friends and family. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to catch our weekly "Wildlife Wednesdays" and current events as we share with you what we see and find every week!

Remember that horrible drone disaster from 2021? Those Elegant Terns did not give up and went to nest on a barge in Long Beach. Barges are not meant for nesting birds. When the chicks started to walk around and unfortunately falling off, a multi-force effort went into saving them from drowning.

Sad story we know, BUT those rescued chicks were banded and now are being monitored post-release! You can help with that effort by reporting any Elegant Terns with bands to the International Bird Rescue 'Found a Bird' webpage!

Will you help make this sad story into a hopeful one by helping IBR continue to monitor their recovery?

PSA from the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife concerning E-bikes and bikes in general:

We continue to see E-bikes off trail “jumping” overlooks, damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife which include; Belding’s Savannah sparrow (Endangered Species), migratory shorebirds and possibly the Western Snowy plover (Threatened species), on a daily basis.

To ensure both human and ecological safety, we ask that all visitors respect the posted signs distinguishing where bikes are not allowed in the Reserve. Thank you for your support.

If you see any violation of the rules and regulations at BCER, please call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CALTIP at 1-888-334-2258. You can also download The CALTIP App for free via the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store.

The weather is warmer, the sun is out longer, and that means our scaly slithering friends are out. Yep, including rattlesnakes. The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) is a very important part of the Bolsa Chica ecosystem. They help keep the rodent and other herbivore population under control and also serve to feed some of our more daring predators (looking at you raptors). Keeping that in mind, here are some tips to remember while enjoying your time at Bolsa Chica to stay safe, for your sake and the snake's. Plus, these are good guidelines for all the wildlife.

🚧 STAY ON TRAIL...and if there is a snake on trail, give it space and time to slither away or you can choose to turn around and take a different route.

🐍 DON'T PET THE SNAKE (no seriously, that's the number 1 way of getting bite), or otherwise bother it by poking it, hitting it with stones, etc.

🐕 KEEP YOUR DOG AT HOME

👩‍🏫 BE A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS (and teach your kids the same)

The snakes don't want anything to do with us; trust us, the Bolsa Chica Stewards see more of them than the average hiker. Give the snake respect if you want its respect back.

New Bolsa Chica Coaster Set

For your donation of $25 you may choose a set of Bolsa Chica coasters to adorn your table or desk. Made of light tan soapstone, one highlights a wonderful kingfisher photo, and the other, a photo of a popular portion of the trail. These coasters have a cork back to protect your furniture from condensation and scratches. Our two-coaster set is perfect for gifting. Have a glimmer of Bolsa Chica on your table anytime!

June Bird of the Month: Black-necked Stilt

These black and white long-legged birds stand out amongst the shorebirds at Bolsa Chica with their white eye-ring and long pinkish legs. Males have a glossy, black back while females have a browner back. Both sexes participate in incubation and chick-rearing, though males appear to be more involved with the older chicks. Adults defend nests and chicks by flying around, making loud “kek, kek, kek” sounds, and having the chicks hide under their wings, like the male in this photo. Nesting is done near water in either salt or freshwater marshes with mudflats.

14” long; 29” wingspan; 6 oz

photo: Katrina Plummer

Reminders When You Visit Bolsa Chica

Here are some things to remember during your visit:

• Please stay on the trails. Not only could you disturb nesting birds, but snakes are often not far off the trails.
• Enjoy the flowers, but please do not pick them.
• Do not feed the animals.
• Do not litter. Please pack out your trash, including food scraps.
• No bikes.
• No dogs.
• No drones.
• Enjoy being with nature!
• If you see any BCLT Stewards working along the trail, say hi! We are happy to answer any questions.

Support Bolsa Chica Today!

Questions? Email us at Info@BCLandTrust.org or call (714) 846-1001

Photo Credits:

banner, rattlesnake- Bequi Howarth coasters, E. Chin, Stewards- James Huang, Miracles docent with kids- Bequi Howarth, Bridge tour, Elegant Terns on beach- Marinka Horack, Black-necked Stilt- Katrina Plummer, snowy bridge- Eric Benson