In late spring/early summer, visitors can witness western gull chicks hatch on Anacapa Island. At the time, the island is covered with dappled eggs, fuzzy chicks, and extremely protective parents. Here, a parent keeps a watchful eye on me as I take his/her photo with the historic Anacapa Island lighthouse in the background (completed in 1932 to guide ships thru the Santa Barbara Channel, after many failed to make the journey).