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Dear Friend,
Spring is in full swing and we are loving the wildflowers and returning terns! Before you go out to enjoy the lovely spring day, here are some quick announcements for the month. First, the photo submission period for the 2026 'Wings Over Bolsa' calendar has been extended to May 9th and the Spring 'Music from the Mesa' newsletter is now available online.
In addition, we want to get to know our readers better, so please take a moment to answer our quick interest poll below. Finally, find the emergency responder numbers for the local wildlife rescue agencies who are still battling this horrific domoic acid crisis all in one place at the bottom of this e-newsletter.
Happy Mother's Day and Memorial Day this month! Ps. no tour on Mother's Day.
Until next time, see you on the trails.
| | Deadline extended to May 9th! | | |
Announcing the opening of the 2026 'Wings Over Bolsa' Bolsa Chica calendar photo submission period! Do you love to visit the Bolsa Chica wetlands and take photos of everything from beautiful birds to sweeping landscapes? We encourage you submit your photos for our annual 'Wings Over Bolsa' calendar!
The purpose of the calendar is to inspire and educate people about the importance and beauty of Bolsa Chica birds, wildlife, and ecosystem. The 'Wings Over Bolsa' calendar is one of the best ways we show why preserving and restoring Bolsa Chica is so important. Thousands of visitors enjoy Bolsa Chica every year, but few get to see the amazing wildlife, behavior, and landscapes photographers like you capture with your cameras. We know it takes many hours, patience and tons of practice to get such stunning images, and we are enormously grateful to all the photographers who sharing their photos with us.
Upload your photos through our secure online BCLT portal by FRIDAY MAY 9TH, 2025, for consideration in our 2026 'Wings Over Bolsa' calendar. All photos are selected by blind review and based on quality and originality. We look forward to seeing your stellar photos!
| | Spring 'Music from the Mesa' Newsletter Online | | |
Finally, the Spring 'Music from the Mesa' is available to read online! The 'Music from the Mesa' is the biannual printed Bolsa Chica Land Trust newsletter mailed directly to our members' mailboxes. Printed on FSC certified recycled paper right here in Orange County, the newsletters are filled with current news, updates on our programs and projects, full length educational articles, and more.
If you want to receive a printed copy of our newsletters mailed to your home, become a member by donating today!
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| What topic interests you the most? | | | | Marine Wildlife STILL Need Your Help! | |
See sick or injured wildlife? The toxic algae bloom is causing catastrophic wildlife devastation across the coast of Southern California right now and it doesn't look like it will be stopping anytime soon. Both seabirds and marine mammals are becoming sick and dying at alarming rates from Domoic Acid poisoning. Birds like pelicans and cormorants, and mammals like sea lions and dolphins need your help!
Save these phone numbers to report a sick animal and stay at least 50 yards (150ft) away‼ Also, never push a cetacean (dolphin, whale, or porpoise) back into the water!
🪶 Birds- the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center: 714-374-5587
🦭🐬 LA marine mammals- the Marine Mammal Care Center: 1-800-39-WHALE (94253)
🦭🐬 OC marine mammals- the Pacific Marine Mammal Center: 949-494-3050 ext. 9
Please visit their websites for more information and consider donating to help them have the resources they need to get through this tragic wildlife emergency.
| | We are always interested in hearing from you dear readers. What content do you want to see, and how often and where (inboxes, social media, physical mailings) do you want us to reach out to you? Any other comments or suggestions? If you like our e-newsletters please consider sharing it with your friends and family. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to catch our weekly "Wildlife Wednesdays" and current events as we share with you what we see and find every week! | | | VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AND FREE TOURS | | |
BCLT Stewards Habitat Restoration Volunteering
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Dates
Sunday May 4th, 9am- 12
Saturday May 17th, 9am- 12
Pre-registration and sign up on our website is required. Capped at 50 volunteers for each event.
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Miracles of the Marsh Docent Volunteering
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“Miracles of the Marsh from Wetlands to Wildlife” is our elementary school education program which brings children to the Bolsa Chica. Our docent-led tour focuses on plant life, wildlife, and history. Join our dedicated and fun team as we educate our local 3rd graders to the wonders of Bolsa Chica.
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BCLT Outreach and Free Public Tour
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Dates
Sunday May 11th, 10am-12 (cancelled)
Sunday May 18th, 10am- 12
Monthly free guided walking tours of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa. Learn about the history of Bolsa Chica, its wildlife, and plant life with a Bolsa Chica Land Trust docent.
Or, come hang out at our table and help spread the word about the cool and important elements of Bolsa Chica as an Outreach volunteer! Interested in becoming a docent volunteer? Shadow one of our docents to get started.
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*ON HIATUS*
Beach Clean Ups
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When: Every Monday at 8:30am from November to March
Where: 20th Street entrance to Huntington City Beach
Who: Everyone! Most of the supplies are provided, but if you want, please bring a reusable bucket or bag, and gloves.
*If you have a group that you want to bring, please email Info@BCLandTrust.org and we can work to accommodate your group.*
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May's Animal of the Month: Lazuli Bunting
A still molting, breeding male stands out with a bright turquoise head, throat and upperparts, and a cinnamon breast has just arrived at the Bolsa Chica after spending the winter in SE Arizona and Mexico. Females are gray-brown above, with buffy breasts and gray-blue upper tails and rumps. Lazuli Buntings are found near water in brushy canyons, riparian thickets, and coastal uplands like the Bolsa Chica mesa. This small bird’s diet consists mainly of seeds, berries, insects, and caterpillars. Finding one at Bolsa Chica in the spring would be a wonderful discovery.
5.5” long; 8.75” wingspan; 0.5 ounces
photo: John Hannan
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Reminders When You Visit Bolsa Chica
Here are some things to remember during your visit:
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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.
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Do not litter. Please pack out your trash, including food scraps.
- No bikes or ebikes.
- 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! | |
The mission of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is the acquisition, preservation, and restoration of all of Bolsa Chica and the education of the public to its natural wonders and cultural significance.
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Photo Credits:
Mallard with chicks- Alan Wendell, Forster's Tern- MIke Zampelli, CA Brown Pelican- Donna Stogner, Miracles docent with kids outreach table- Jeff Rokos, volunteers on beach- Mike McMahan, Lazuli Bunting- John Hannan, landscape-Eileen Rizzacasa
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