Coastal Birds in San Diego Starving from Rising Ocean Temperatures (Painting of Stork in the Air)

Stork in the Air
$100

Seabirds have been lining the coast in San Diego, and many are dying because they are unable to find enough food. When ocean temperatures rise, fish often move farther offshore into cooler waters, putting them out of reach for many coastal birds that rely on nearshore feeding areas. The report below discusses how warming ocean conditions are affecting local seabird populations along the Southern California coast. It’s an interesting article from the Times of San Diego.

The painting featured here is of a seabird that lives along the San Diego coastline. It’s probably not one of my best paintings, so I’m listing it at a lower price than some of my others. I was experimenting with a new technique that I’m not entirely sure worked the way I wanted, but I’m still putting it out there in case someone connects with it or finds it interesting.

I paint as a hobby, and I plan to continue sharing more paintings and photos over time. About half of what I make goes to charity, while the other half helps support the cost of materials and time. The paintings are shipped unframed, though framing can be added for an additional cost to cover the frame and shipping expenses.

You may check out My Gallery and Art Page muradabel@gmail.com

 Starving Seabirds Along San Diego’s Coast Highlight the Impact of Rising Ocean Temperatures

• Large numbers of starving seabirds have been washing up along the coast of San Diego, especially from Mission Beach to La Jolla.
• Warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures are pushing fish into deeper and cooler offshore waters.
• Seabirds such as brown pelicans, cormorants, common murres, and seagulls are struggling to reach their food supply.
• Rescue organizations, including SeaWorld Rescue and researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, report that many rescued birds are severely emaciated and dehydrated.
• Scientists believe ongoing marine heatwaves and warming ocean conditions are disrupting nutrient-rich upwelling systems that normally support marine ecosystems.
• Experts warn that these seabird mortality events may become more common as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
• Beachgoers are encouraged not to handle distressed birds and instead report them to wildlife rescue organizations.

APA Reference
Murphy, T. (2026, May 13). Starving seabirds line San Diego’s coast. Rising ocean temperatures are to blame. Times of San Diego. https://timesofsandiego.com/environment/2026/05/13/dead-seabirds-ilne-san-diegos-coast-due-to-hot-oceantemps/

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