Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs

Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs by RD Riccoboni, visiable in the blue gray distance are the Coronado Islands, just off Mexico to the south. Human figures look out to the sea and relax on the cliff tops. Located in a large metropolitan area just west of the city of San Diego, Point Loma encompasses more than 660 acres of native habitat. Cabrillo National Monument rests protected on 160 acres at the southern-most tip of the peninsula, which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, San Diego Bay on the east, and urban development on the north. At the time Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542, a rich diversity of life was present, ranging from desert cactus to moisture-loving algae, tarantulas to sea slugs, and gray foxes to sea lions. Today it's among the rarest in the world. Although only a remnant of that biologically diverse ecosystem remains, it is well worth visiting and protecting. This unique diversity of plants and animals occurs here because Cabrillo National Monument lies at the southern-most extent of some plant and animal ranges, and the northern-most extent of others. Point Loma is also a major migratory area for birdlife boasting the most diverse range of species that have been seen in one place in the USA. A bird lovers paradise.