Fog descends into mist, a cool sprinkle is welcomed on the back of my neck, and on the beaks screeching through Bolsa Chica Ecological reserve. Water sprays upward and soaked wings force themselves into flight. An inch away it happens again, and again. The Caspian Terns will never end their careen to the water, and the fish will never end their fear.

​

The trails are wide and open, and you must be quick on your heels, as animals seem to emerge from every nook and cranny.

​

  Filled with brackish, a swirling mix of fresh and salt water, life thrives here. Many species of fish require this estuarine environment to reproduce. And as the joy of their offspring fills the channels, wingbeats fill the sky. For every type of fish, there is beak. For every crustacean, there is a bill. For every wildlife enthusiast, there is more than plenty.

​

If you should be so lucky to find yourself at Bolsa Chica, splash some water on your face and pry open those eyes. You won’t want to miss a second of the action. My legs are tired, my back is aching, my throat burns from all the laughter, but yet, there's still so much more to see. I think I’ll have to come back next week.