The Animals of Bolsa Chica
Many varieties of animals call the wetlands home. See listings of notable species below.
The Bolsa Chica Wetlands are an important migratory stop as well as nesting grounds for many avian species! Because of this Bolsa Chica, along with the rest of Huntington Beach, CA, has some of the nation’s best birding.
If you look carefully, you may be able to spot some reptiles while at Bolsa Chica. Because their bodies cannot produce their own heat, reptiles rely on the heat of the sun and the ground to warm their bodies.
Several species of mammals can be seen at Bolsa Chica. Coyotes can sometimes be spotted in the grasses on the Mesa (looking east of the Mesa Trail), and are very important in controlling the rodent population in the area.
Various insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates reside in the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, including important pollinators.
Marine invertebrates lie near the bottom of the food chain in Bolsa Bay, but are above algae, plants, protozoa and plankton.
Occasionally, a rare species of animal will be spotted at the reserve.