<![CDATA[Tidal Influence - Blog]]>Thu, 21 May 2026 01:43:49 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[2019 Year in Review]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2020 17:11:32 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/2019-year-in-review
What a year! 2019 was Tidal Influence’s best year yet. We could not have accomplished this all without your help and want to sincerely thank you for your commitment to wetlands restoration!

With your help we were able to accomplish the following:
  1. Hosted 1,370 volunteers for 46 community-based restoration events at Los Cerritos Wetlands, Colorado Lagoon, and Huntington Beach Wetlands
  2. Volunteers worked 5,963 hours across these sites providing over $100,000 worth of in-kind services to our non-profit partners
  3. Removed nearly 14,000 lbs. of nonnative plant material and over 3,000 lbs. of trash plant material
  4. Propagated over 2,500 native plants
  5. Installed 3,378 individual native plants
In addition to volunteer-based programs, 2019 saw the following:
  1. Hosted 46 field trips, engaging nearly 2,000 local students and teachers
  2. Documented 724 endangered salt marsh bird’s beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum) plants that we outplanted throughout the Huntington Beach Wetlands
  3. Mapped occurrences of the salt marsh bird’s beak plants at 4 different salt marshes throughout southern California
  4. Uprooted 19,986 lbs. of invasive plant species Algerian sea lavender (Limonium ramosissimum) and European sea lavender (Limonium duriusculum) from across 76,101 sq. ft. of marsh habitat throughout Carpinteria Marsh, Upper Newport Back Bay, and the Huntington Beach Wetlands and eliminated an additional 15,333 sq. ft. of these invasive species through solarization
  5. Performed a wetland delineation for a future restoration project area within the Huntington Beach Wetlands
  6. Grew over 200,000 individuals of Southern Tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. australis) seedlings within a 1.7-acre restoration site in Los Cerritos Wetlands
  7. Conducted the 2nd consecutive year of water quality monitoring throughout Los Cerritos Wetlands in Zedler Marsh and the San Gabriel River
  8. Salvaged over 350 native plants from Point Dume State Park in Malibu, California
  9. Performed surveys for 5 different special status plant and animal species throughout southern California
  10. Conducted 30 surveys of the endangered Belding’s savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi) for the 3rd consecutive year, identifying over 50 nesting pairs throughout Los Cerritos Wetlands
  11. Performed the first year of surveys for the endangered Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) within Los Cerritos Wetlands
  12. Completed a Biological Resource Report for a 40-acre parcel of land in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains during which we documented 101 species of plant and 45 species of animal fauna
  13. Managed 176 acres of wetlands habitat
 
We had a very exciting 2019 and look forward to a productive and fulfilling 2020. We wish you the same!
]]><![CDATA[2018 Year in Review]]>Mon, 14 Jan 2019 21:59:45 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/2018-year-in-review
What a year!.. 2018 was Tidal Influence’s best year yet.
 
With help from our wonderful volunteers, were able to accomplish the following:
  1. 4,674 hours of volunteer work across the Los Cerritos Wetlands, Colorado Lagoon, and Huntington Beach Wetlands
  2. 2,300 volunteers participated in our 52 restoration events across these sites and provided over $110,000 in in-kind services
  3. Removed 2,200 lbs. of trash and nearly 14,000 lbs. of nonnative plant material
  4. Propagated 3,835 native plants
  5. Installed 3,305 native plants

We could not have accomplished this all without your help and want to sincerely thank you for your commitment to wetlands restoration!
 
Additionally, our team accomplished the following:
  1. Hosted 45 field trips, engaging almost 1,700 students (including the entire student body of Fremont Elementary School, and over 500 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA’s of Long Beach)
  2. Mapped occurrences of the endangered salt marsh bird’s beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum) at 6 different salt marshes throughout Southern California
  3. Collected over 30,000 salt marsh bird’s beak seeds to be spread at the Huntington Beach Wetlands in hopes of establishing more populations of the species
  4. Acted as the catalyst for a project that will lead to the acquisition of 154 acres of wetland habitat in a highly urban setting
  5. Managed 176 acres of wetlands habitat
  6. Grew almost 80,000 Southern Tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. australis) individuals in a 1.7-acre restoration site
  7. Applied 1150 lbs. of hydromulch containing countless native seeds to numerous habitat areas
  8. Restored a tidal wetland in Marina Del Rey, installing over 2,000 plants, creating a thriving habitat in what was once a vacant lot
  9. Collected nearly 35 lbs of native seed from 17 different plant species at Point Dume State Park
  10. Performed surveys for 5 different special status plant and animal species
  11. Successfully applied to and acquired over $380,000 in competitive grant funding for our clients to continue doing the great work that they do.

We had a very exciting 2018 and look forward to a productive and fulfilling 2019. We wish you the same!

​
]]><![CDATA[Weed of the Month]]>Thu, 15 Nov 2018 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/weed-of-the-monthHave you ever wondered what that plant is growing out of the sidewalk? Or what that pesky weed is that has ravaged your backyard? If yes, then we have a tool for you! Introducing.... Tidal Influence's "Weed of the Month" list! This list has been in the making for quite some time-- 37 months to be exact -- so we have a quite lengthy list for all of those who are curious about flora that is nonnative to California, but which can still be found around these parts. All of the weeds listed have at one point or another populated the Los Cerritos Wetlands and the Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach, CA. Some have been eradicated, but some still remain. 

Click the table below to view our Weed of the Month Google sheet. Or, download our Weed of the Month Excel file in the attachment at the bottom of the page, and maybe even add to it to start a nonnative plant log for yourself!

Check back for updates each month as we add to this growing list.
weed_of_the_month.xlsx
File Size:15 kb
File Type:xlsx
Download File
]]><![CDATA[Herp Happenings! Lizard Lowdown]]>Mon, 21 May 2018 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/lizard-lowdownHerp Happenings! is a blog series dedicated to sharing the curious and wonderful things we all should know about amphibians and reptiles. ​
When exploring the great outdoors of Southern California, it is not uncommon to have the fortune of crossing paths with the scurrying little four-legged critters we call lizards. These animals exist in a fascinating variety of colors and patterns that have adapted to both keep them hidden from hungry predators as well as be noticed by potential mates when that special time of year comes around. Paired with their size and shape, these colors and patterns are also of use when trying to distinguish which lizard one has come across. Below are photographs and quick descriptions for some of Southern California’s most familiar lizard encounters. But before beginning, remember that these cold-blooded animals aren’t able to afford moving about wherever they please as the energy they receive from food and the sun limits their behavior. With that in mind, you will most likely find them basking in the sun, waiting for prey or even seeking it out. As animals that are also commonly prey items themselves, lizards have evolved keen senses that allow them to feel, hear and see approaching animal, especially when that animal is something as large and conspicuous as a human being. So remember, walk slowly, look far ahead and if you see one, don’t be obvious, some researchers believe they are aware of where other animals are looking so they probably know you’re watching!
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​At a glance:
  • Pointed scales, almost dragon-like
  • Spotty patterning in grey or brown​
  • Bright blue stomach stripes! Especially when males are breeding in the spring time
  • Yellow along hind limbs, if you can catch one
  • Slow repeating pushup display –This is exactly what it sounds like, lizards often use their legs to push themselves up and down off the ground either as a territorial behavior or to communicate during courtship, fence lizards have a very recognizable display once identified, slow repeating ups and downs
​Sceloporus occidentalis (Western Fence Lizard)
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​Fence lizards are one of the most well distributed species throughout California with a range from beyond the Oregon border to down through Mexico. Aside from urban backyards, these lizards inhabit a variety of habitats from wet woodlands to coastal scrub and chaparral. They can be found basking on rocks or any climbable surface from stucco walls to wooden fences. 
At a glance:
  • Small rounded scales
  • Speckled patterning
  • And, as their name would suggest, a dark blotch just behind their front limbs, if you see that blotch you know what you’re looking at!
  • White stripe across eyes
  • Quick two-pump pushup display, side-blotched lizards often share ranges with fence lizards, so if you’re able to see the two in the same day, you’ll notice the difference in pushups!
  • Orange, yellow or blue throats can be seen on males and during the spring breeding months, they become more colorful on their backs in beautiful blues and oranges
Uta stansburiana (Common Side-Blotched Lizard)
Another regular member of Southern California’s lizard demographic, this species can be found from rocky deserts with sparse vegetation to low-elevation mountains and chaparral. They regularly bask on rocks or amongst debris and blend in well with stone and gravel.



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​At a glance:
  • Rectangular-like scales
  • Irregular black/white banding down body
  • Yellow eyes
  • Green head with large mouth
  • Strong jaws, so be careful if you pick one up!
  • If its green and has yellow eyes, it’s probably a gator –it is worth mentioning that the northern member of this genus looks very similar but with darker brown eyes
Elgaria multicarinata (Southern Alligator Lizard)
These lizards are named for their strange resemblance to crocodiles and alligators. They prefer environments with running water and are often seen in suburban communities with irrigated gardens and lawns. They’re excellent climbers and can ascend trees in search of insects and bird eggs.  
At a glance:
  • Small granular scales
  • Black and cream striped body
  • Can also be seen with pink/orange coloration
  • Tails can grow up to twice their body length -imagine having a tail twice as tall as you!
  • Pointed nose
  • Impressively fast, good luck catching one!
Aspidoscelis tigris (Western Whiptail)
This fast moving species can be found throughout the Central Valley and Southern California. They inhabit warm dry areas from chaparral to woodlands. Unlike opportunistic reptiles that sit and wait for prey, whiptails are active foragers and this species is often found on the go. This species can look a lot like the side-blotched so its behavior will help to tell them apart!


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At a glance:
  • Pointed scales throughout the body and along sides give these critters a tough appearance
  • Spiny head and jaw
  • Brown and tan irregularly banded body
  • Faint red or pink color in head spines
  • This species is also known to squirt blood from its eyes as defense! Don’t give it a reason to cry
​Phrynosoma blainvillii (Coastal Horned Lizard)
Also commonly called “horny toads,” these dragon-like little creatures are scattered all along Southern California’s coast and up into the Central Valley. They prefer sandy environments with loose soil and can also be found scurrying around chaparral and woodland communities.​
If you’re willing to pick these animals up, the best time to do so is in the morning before the sun has had a chance to warm them and bring their metabolism into an active range. Serious harm caused by lizards is almost unheard of, while the contrary is all too common. Never hold lizards by the tail, as many of them are capable of detaching this appendage as a means of escape. While some can grow them back, to do so is costly for the animal and full function may never be regained. It is also unwise to shift or tilt rocks that lizards seek shelter under, as the space beneath these objects is often quite tight and moving them risks crushing the animal underneath. Unless you can lift it straight up in one try, it is best to leave the rock alone and wait for the lizard to reemerge -you need a rest anyway. Holding lizards by their hind limbs or around their bodies will always be the safest practice. Now get out there and observe these little things in the great outdoors of Southern California! 
]]><![CDATA[Herp Happenings! All you need to know about amphibians and reptiles]]>Tue, 01 Nov 2016 17:16:23 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/herp-happenings-all-you-need-to-know-about-amphibians-and-reptilesHerp Happenings! is a blog series dedicated to sharing the curious and wonderful things we all should know about amphibians and reptiles. 
Why so cold blooded?
​When first learning about herps (amphibians and reptiles), one of the first distinguishing traits taught is that they are ectothermic or cold blooded. But what does this actually mean and how does it affect the lifestyle and behaviors these animals possess? It is worth mentioning that these critters do not actually live their lives with icy blood running through their bodies but instead are able to tolerate much lower body temperatures that would otherwise cause problems for warm blooded endotherms like humans. Being ectothermic, herps must acquire the heat needed by their metabolisms from the environment and so, have developed traits and behaviors aimed to exploit this resource. 
Where's the heat?
PictureAwesome herp habitat in Los Cerritos Wetlands. Photo credit: Daniel North
​As the sun ascends into the sky each morning, the heat it exudes is absorbed by various objects in an animal’s environment and the rate at which the surface of these objects heat up is influenced by what they’re made of. While stones may become the hottest objects later in the afternoon, it may be surprising to learn that the surfaces of organic materials like wood will warm up sooner than stone, thus herps that begin their activity earlier in the day are likely to be seen basking on wood rather than rocks.     

​While absorbing heat through contact with warm objects is a great way for ectotherms to indirectly acquire energy from the sun, many reptiles have adapted an interesting ability that actually allows them to adjust the way in which they are able to absorb this heat directly. Some reptiles have the fascinating ability to adjust the melanin content within their skin; the same pigment that gives humans their dark hair, skin and eyes. By making themselves darker, reptiles are able to increase their absorptive ability thereby attaining heat more efficiently. That means you could see a dark lizard in the morning and a lighter lizard in the afternoon and it could easily be the same individual!
Perks of a cold heart 
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Photo credit: Daniel North
While ectothermy may have been an earlier developed trajectory in the tree of life, it is in no way primitive and provides unique benefits that are denied to the warm blooded kin. Being endotherms, human metabolisms demand a high caloric intake in order to maintain their constant body temperatures. Because ectotherms are excused from this demand, not only are they able to survive on less food –thus able to better survive in environments with scarce resources- but they are also able to invest a greater percentage of consumed energy into producing the next generation.
Tips for siting Herps in the field!
  • Touch test: Next time your exploring the outdoors looking for Herps, place your hand on different objects to check their temperature. If they’re too cold, odds are you won’t find anything basking on similar material down the trail.
  • Search at a distance. Most reptiles have adapted excellent eye site that not only aids them in spotting food but also in avoiding approaching predators. Try looking 5-7 meters (15-20 feet) ahead when searching for critters in the wild. If you search too close, odds are they’ve already scurried away before you’ve had a chance to see them!
  • Be patient. Stop and look for a little while, reptiles have adapted incredibly cryptic colorations and patterns and it’s likely you have walked right past some that were hiding in plain sight.
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Photo credit: Daniel North
Herp Happenings! blog content provided by Tidal Influence Wetlands Restoration Intern - Daniel North
]]><![CDATA[Tidal Influence Alumni Series: What are they doing now?]]>Thu, 03 Mar 2016 23:52:08 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/tidal-influence-alumni-series-what-are-they-doing-now1Tidal Influence alumni, Julie McNamara, went on to work for LSA Associates as an Assistant Biologist and Arborist, monitoring  endangered and threatened species and conducting tree surveys.

Was there anything you were surprised to learn about during your time with Tidal Influence?
I was surprised to learn how political the restoration process is with both Colorado Lagoon and Los Cerritos Wetlands.Before TI, I did not know how these small community projects fit into the local politics and how politics play a vital role in the environmental field.

What are you up to now, professionally?
I am currently an Assistant Biologist and Arborist at LSA Associates in Irvine. As an environmental consulting firm, this job is not research oriented like the work I performed at Tidal Influence. Some of the work that I currently do is monitoring construction activities to protect plant, animal, and avian species. I conduct tree assessments and tree inventories and some of the unique work that I have been involved with is geotechnical boring and monitoring gas pipe line reroutes. This job is also heavily weighted in report writing.

How did your time with Tidal Influence impact or support you reaching your current position?
Tidal Influence prepared me for my current position through exposure to a variety of skills. The research and monitoring experience I gained through TI taught me important sampling methods and techniques that have helped me in my career as a biologist.
When and how did you get involved with Tidal Influence?
I volunteered! I needed a senior project for my degree at Cal State Long Beach and contacted Eric Zahn. He offered me an opportunity to conduct avian bird surveys and Zedler Marsh and Colorado Lagoon. After graduating, I kept on asking Tidal Influence if they needed work and continued my involvement.

What types of projects or programs were you involved with?
I conducted vegetation surveys, water quality surveys, fish surveys, and research. I was also in charge of the statistical analysis for monitoring projects. I helped with outreach by educating the community on Facebook and other mediums and did lots of grant writing to fundraise for Tidal Influence’s nonprofit clients. On occasion, I also helped to lead volunteer groups for public events at Los Cerritos Wetlands and Colorado Lagoon.
. If you could pass on any information to students interested in getting involved with the Tidal Influence internship program, what would you tell them?
Volunteer and work hard to learn! Invest the time to understand what is going on​. You get out of it what you put into it. Put effort in to learn the plants,to volunteer, and to understand the politics. Yes, politics are important even for biologists.
]]><![CDATA[Tidal Influence Alumni Series: What are they doing now?]]>Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:18:44 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/tidal-influence-alumni-series-what-are-they-doing-nowTidal Influence alumni, Kelsey Condell, went on to work for California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducting important wildlife research. Read how Kelsey's experience with TI helped with her career path.
What were you surprised to learn during your time with TI?
The first thing that comes to mind was how many scientific plant names we could learn and retain! But I think one of the most surprising things I learned was how people with passion and commitment can make a difference in their community. Environmental restoration used to feel daunting and inaccessible, as if only large firms with powerful litigation could take a crack at it. Tidal Influence is a very small team of extremely passionate people who have been able to work on a lot of projects and recruit a lot of local people to make restoration a reality. I was really inspired by Eric Zahn’s mentality, which I would describe as let’s figure it out and let’s make it happen. 

What are you up to now (professionally)? 
Well, I just defended my Master’s thesis, which feels huge. I am also currently working for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in their non-game wildlife program. I’m currently helping with mesocarnivore monitoring in the Sierra Nevada area and I’ll be spending time this winter in the backcountry maintaining camera traps. One of our focal species is the endangered Sierra Nevada Red Fox, and we’re also hoping to get more information on our resident wolverine, Buddy. After that I will be working on bioaccoustic surveys of Great Grey Owls. 
How did your time with Tidal Influence impact or support reaching your current position?
I think that my experience at Tidal Influence really helped give me confidence, both professionally and personally. I am very proud of my work as lead intern, and I am proud of the work my cohort accomplished. I think my leadership experience helped me be a better candidate for leading teams and for working independently. This internship also helped me confirm that I want to work in ecology as a career. 
When and how did you get involved with Tidal Influence?
I started my internship with Tidal Influence in October of 2014. I was in my last year of graduate school and I was feeling really nervous about graduating and entering the job market again. My graduate work was in physiology, so this internship seemed like a great way to get hands-on experience and return to the field. I really love and ultimately wanted to pursue ecology. While I’ve had a slew of internship experiences regarding animals, I had really neglected plants and looked forward to learning more about them.  I applied online and later earned the lead intern position.

What types of projects or programs were you involved with?
I was fortunate for being able to work on many different programs with Tidal Influence. One of my favorite programs was with Rosie the Riveter, where high school students came once a month to help us accomplish large-scale projects while learning new skills. I also had the privilege to work on a number of restoration projects around Long Beach as well as helping grow native plants in the nursery for future projects. I think that the program I enjoyed the most was giving tours of the Colorado Lagoon to elementary school students.
Environmentally, I did a lot of restoration in Long Beach, which was very special. Coming from Sacramento, it’s really shocking to see how very little wetlands are left in Long Beach. One striking project to me was the transformation of a barren moonscape to an area with thousands of native wetland plants. 
If you could pass on any information to students interested in getting involved with the TI internship program, what would you tell them?
Dive in and say yes! One of the amazing things about Tidal Influence is how many programs are going on that you will have a chance to work on. If you can, say yes to the opportunities that present themselves. Through Tidal Influence you will have the opportunity to learn about plants of course, but also animals, the ecology of the area, about other local projects and programs, and you will meet tons of really amazing and inspiring people. You will also learn about things going on in your own community you had no idea even existed. 
]]><![CDATA[Ethnobotany at Los Cerritos Wetlands Complex]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:33:38 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/ethnobotany-at-los-cerritos-wetlands-complexBy Megan Roy
Before Spanish settlement on the Pacific coastline, Los Cerritos Wetlands was home to the Tongva people. The Tongva respected the resources the watershed provided and used plants in cultural practices and for survival. It is no surprise that the same plants used by the Tongva are commonly planted by our restoration team when we establish upland, coastal sage scrub, and riparian habitats. Lets explore a small sample of these plants!

California sagebrush
Artemisia californica

Use: Relieve toothaches, stomachaches, treat burns and wounds (leaf paste), treatment of respiratory ailments, fever, and pain (tea) 
For Tongva rituals: girl's puberty ritual, men are smudged with CA sagebrush and white sage before hunting

California bush sunflower
Encelia californica

Use: leaves, flowers, and stems are mashed up and used to treat wounds and pain. Tongva chews the leaves for fresher breath!
For rituals: all parts of the plant are dried into a ceremonial incense 

California buckwheat
Eriogonum fasciculatum

Use: leaves and roots help relieve headaches, intestinal and stomach problems
The leaves are brewed into a tea and gargled for bronchial pain. 
The shoots and the seeds are edible.  Leaves are used to line granaries to keep the acorns dry.  Also, the seeds are ground and scattered during ceremonies.  Lastly, the stems are used to pierce ears.

Bladderpod 
Peritoma arborea

Use: To relieve throat and stomach ailments from the crushed seed pods
Bladderpod is also baked and eaten by Tongva
The roots are used for a green dye used to dye baskets

Lemonade berry
Rhus integrifolia

Use: Alleviates cramps, coughs, abdomen, and chest pain (tea). Itching and rashes were treated using the bark
The berries are covered with a sour-sweet, sticky substance, and when stirred in water they provide a refreshing drink.  To alleviate the thirst of a long journey, the Tongva roll leaves into a wad and place it in the mouth while walking. 
To learn more about plants join us for our monthly 
nature tour and restoration event 
Saturday, September 5th.
The restoration event starts at 10:30am and ends at 12:30pm. 
We meet at 1st and PCH, Seal Beach. Wear close to shoes. See you there!
]]><![CDATA[Time to tern it up!]]>Thu, 23 Apr 2015 23:08:10 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/time-to-tern-it-up
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Forster's Tern in flight- Photo Credit: Matt Wood/Tidal Influence

Migratory Bird Blog -
Installation 3

By Kelsey Condell


As spring draws to a close and seasons begin to turn…it’s time to welcome some of our favorite summer time visitors- the terns! Terns are a family of seabirds found worldwide that spend their lives near the sea, rivers, and wetlands. Terns can be seen throughout Southern California diving into the water, bill first to catch fish. 
PictureCaspian Tern - Photo Credit: Peter Strauss
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

The Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world, similar in size to a gull. This tern is easily identified by its large coral-red bill, black cap, and white body, and its tail is less forked than other terns. Adult birds have black legs, with pale grey upper wings and backs. You may see them soaring overhead, and catch a glimpse of their pale underwings and dark primary feathers. During winter months the black cap remains present, unlike other terns.

Caspian Terns have a very large distribution. They breed in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Caspian Terns breed in a variety of habitats along water, including salt marshes, barrier islands, dredge spoil islands, as well as freshwater lake and river islands. During non-breeding season, these terns reside in Old World tropics, Africa, and Australasia.

Caspian Terns have quite the maternal instinct, and will aggressively defend their breeding colonies. Adults will attack and pursue potential predatory birds and humans who invade their colonies. These birds build their nests in colonies on island beaches. Their nests are scrapes on the ground, lined with dried vegetation, pebbles, and sticks. 

PictureForster's Tern plunge diving- Photo Credit: Tom Grey
Forster’s Tern (Sterna fosteri)


The Forster’s Tern is a medium-sized tern that looks similar to other terns. It can be identified by the comma-shaped black ear patch it sports in winter plumage. This bird is also white with a black cap, and it tail is long and deeply forked. This bird has white wings in most plumages, and its legs are orange and a little bit longer than others’.

This tern is the only tern that is restricted almost entirely to North America throughout the year.

Forster’s Tern breed in loose colonies and build a variety of nests. Some form unlined scrapes in mud or sand, others build an elaborate floating raft of vegetation, and some build nests on top of muskrat houses. Nests are typically built close to open water. Forster’s and Black terns breed near each other in marshes. Their precocious young wander and parents of each species have been seen feeding the other’s young.

Forster’s Tern will plunge-dive for fish, but will also catch insects in flight. These birds usually dive directly rather than hovering. During courtship, males offers females fish in an effort to gain a mate. After all, one good tern deserves another! Forster’s Terns can be seen frequenting the Colorado Lagoon throughout the summer and it is a spectacular place to watch courtship behaviors and plunge-diving!

PictureCalifornia Least Tern- Photo Credit: Steve Mandzik
California Least tern (Sternula antillarum brownii)

The California least tern is a subspecies of Least Tern that breeds primarily in bays of the Pacific Ocean with a very limited range of Southern California, San Francisco Bay, and northern Mexico. This subspecies is the smallest of the American Least Tern, and has long narrow wings with a broad, forked tail. Like our other visiting terns, they have a black-capped head, black-tipped, pale gray wings and a white body. They also have black stripes running from the cap across the eyes to the beak, contrasting with a white forehead.

These birds visit us from April to September, when they head off for unknown destinations. During this time, birds court and nest on our beaches. Courtship is acrobatic, with males flying and calling with fish in their beaks. Receptive females give chase, and pairs weave into the air and then hurtle towards the ground in unison. On the ground, the male will approach with a fish, moving in a kind of dance. If the female accepts, they will mate. Nests are built in mid-May, and 2-3 eggs are laid. Both parents will take terns incubating the eggs for the 3 weeks until they hatch.

California Least Tern hunt in shallow water and will hover until they spot their prey. Once located, birds will plunge into the water without fully submerging. Here in Southern California, their favorite meals include anchovy, smelt, silversides, shiner surfperch, and small crustaceans.   

Currently, the California Least Tern is listed as endangered, but hard work is being done to tern that around. One project is the Seal Beach Refuge, which has been built around the recovery of endangered birds such as the California Least Tern. California Least Tern recovery actions include nest site preparation, predator control, and monitoring. Volunteers are also used to monitor raptor distribution and movements around the Least Tern nesting colony on NASA Island.

To find out more about the recovery of these birds or the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81683

Tern fun facts!

·         A group of terns are known as a “ternery” or a “U” of terns

·         Terns used to be considered as a subfamily of gulls, but now are given full family status, Sternidae.

·         Terns are normally monogamous, but trios and female-female pairings have been spotted in at least three species.

·         The eyes of terns contains red oil droplets in the cones of their retinas. This oil improves visual contrast and sharpens              distance vision, helping them locate shoals of fish. The red pigment also reduces UV sensitivity and damage.

]]><![CDATA[Show some love for our new interns!]]>Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:09:18 GMThttp://www.tidalinfluence.com/blog/show-some-love-for-our-new-internsPicture
Our intern team has just passed the halfway mark in their 8 month internship and we want to share their stories with you! 


Kelsey Condell, Lead Intern

Kelsey is our Lead Intern and has been with us since October 2014. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Biology with an emphasis in Behavioral Ecology from UC Davis. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Biological Sciences at CalState Long Beach as well teaching sections of both Biostatistics and Human Physiology Lab courses at CalState Long Beach. She has experience working in wetlands and is a great addition to our team. She enjoys playing soccer and practicing Jiu Jitsu in her free time.

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Matt Arellano

Matt is currently finishing his final semester of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at CalState Long Beach. He became interested in working with Tidal Influence to gain experience and perspective outside of the realm of petroleum engineering and has been enjoying working outdoors and learning about restoration. Matt can be found at Disneyland on a warm weekend.

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Eileen Del Rosario

Eileen is working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science and Policy at CalState Long Beach. She career interest is in habitat remediation and she wanted to gain an understanding of what challenges come in the process of restoration when she applied to work with us. She has gained a lot of insight into the intricacies of what challenges we face in habitat restoration and has become our team photographer. You can find her on site as the woman with a selfie stick and a gopro strapped to her chest during restoration events. 

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Sam Antu

Sam is studying Geography with an emphasis in Environmental and Physical Geography at CalState Long Beach. She was interested in leading tours and environmental education trips in the Long Beach area when she joined the Tidal Influence team. She enjoys working with younger children the most and has had a great time building relationships with the community during community-based restoration events. 

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