The California least tern, an endangered bird species, is nesting at the Malibu Lagoon for the first time in more than 70 years.
The bird has only two other nesting locations in Southern California.
According to the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service the least tern is endangered and has “long, narrow wings and a broad, forked tail.” The birds also have black-capped heads, pale gray wings with black tips and white bodies. When fully grown, they typically measure 25 centimeters and average a 75-centimeter wingspan.
The least tern hunts mainly on the edges of lagoons and shallow bodies of water. Since they stay close to the water’s edge the parks department also said they are vulnerable to be eaten by other animals or being trampled by people.
The new nests areas are closed off to the public and will be monitored by park staff.
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