The Marina attracts many sea birds both resident and migratory. One reason is the abundance of small fish like anchovies and sardines and larger fish like opal eye, bonito, and mackerel. Feeding is good in the Marina for: pelicans, herons, egrets cormorants, terns, ducks, grebes and the ubiquitous seagulls. Along with the fish and birds sea lions are frequent visitors to the Marina.

Forster's Tern

The hard working tern constantly works the Marina channels diving into the water for small fish. Sometimes having its catch stolen out of its beak by brazen seagulls.

Mallard Duck

Proud mama showing off her brood around the docks.

Great Blue Heron

The stately Great Blue Heron stalks the docks wistfully watching for a moving meal in the water. Standing over 3 feet tall, with a mighty screech, it has scarred the bejesus out of many an unsuspecting mariner.

Brown Pelican

This local denizen gave everybody a scare a couple of decades ago: it was on the brink of extinction due to DDT pollution. It has since bounced back strongly and is as arrogant and goofy as ever.

Great Egret

This beautifully plumed heron is part of the Marina fauna. Almost extinct for want of its feathers, its comeback is again threatened because of disappearing wetlands. Thanks to the Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve organization its habitat here is preserved.

Marbled Godwit

This cute member of the sandpiper family lives in Northwestern U.S. or Canada but is smart enough (or affluent enough) to winter in the mild climate of the marshlands at Marina del Rey.

Snowy Egret

Cousin to the Great Egret, this beautiful but smaller heron is also a native to the Marina wetlands. Its claim to fame is its intricate and elaborate courtship dance which is apropos for the Marina's disco dance environment.