This morning’s paddleboarding tour in Dana Point Harbor started out like the perfect Southern California adventure—bright blue skies, calm water, and a mother‑daughter duo ready to explore. At 8:45 a.m., the weather couldn’t have been better. The paddleboards were lined up and waiting for us… but our morning took an unexpected turn before we even got on the water.
A Distressed Bird… or So It Seemed
I wanted to call for help, but I couldn’t locate the right wildlife rescue contacts quickly enough. With no clear course of action, we moved forward with our paddle‑boarding tour, planning to check on the bird afterward.
The Unexpected Fix
When we returned, an OC Parks staff member was approaching the bird wearing protective gloves. Without hesitation, he gently picked it up and placed it in the water.
To everyone’s amazement, the bird instantly came to life—paddling quickly, diving its legs beneath the surface, and swimming away as if nothing had ever been wrong.
I asked him how he knew the bird wasn’t injured. His answer stunned me: It was a juvenile bird, and many young seabirds simply can’t walk yet!
With the tide dropping from roughly eight feet earlier in the morning to around four to six feet by the time we arrived, the young bird likely got stranded in the sand as the water receded.
A Reminder About Wildlife Preparedness
This experience taught me something important: Anyone who spends time on the water—or even just enjoys the beach—should have the correct wildlife hotline numbers saved.
In Dana Point and across Orange County, it’s not uncommon to encounter wildlife that appears injured or distressed:
- Seabirds
- Pelicans
- Sea lions
- Seals
- Even dolphins (I’ve seen one wash up before)
Knowing who to call can make a crucial difference for the animal—and for your own safety.
Who to Call for Injured Wildlife (Save These Numbers!)
For birds and most other coastal wildlife, the two most important organizations to contact are:
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center – handles seals, sea lions, and some distressed marine animals:
- Website: Pacific Marine Mammal Center
- Phone: 949-494-3050
- Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) – specializes in injured and stranded birds
- Website: Coastal Animal Services Authority – City of Dana Point, CA
- Phone: (949) 492-1617
Always call before approaching an animal, and keep a safe distance.
A Beautiful Day, A Valuable Lesson
What began as a simple paddle‑boarding tour turned into a meaningful reminder about how much we share our coastline with wildlife—and how important it is to be prepared when nature throws a surprise our way. And after watching that little bird swim off with full strength, our day on the water felt even more special.
Join us on one of our amazing Coastal Tours around Dana Point, CA.
