7 Images

Wayward dolphin stuck in Bolsa Chica wetlands

Dolphin still in Bolsa Chica

The common dolphin that wandered into the Bolsa Chica preserve in Huntington Beach sprays a plume of water Monday. Rescue crews decided to allow the dolphin to return to the open ocean at its own pace. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Watching the dolphin

Susan Mahmood watches from her bicycle as the wayward dolphin surfaces at the Bolsa Chica preserve. “This is absolutely unique,” she said. “I could stay here for an eternity and watch this.” (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Wildlife habitat

A couple watches the wayward dolphin swim in the shallow water of Bolsa Chica preserve. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Watchful eye

A lifeguard floats next to a wayward dolphin in the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Huntington Beach. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Attracting a crowd

The marine mammal attracts a crowd at the Bolsa Chica wetlands. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)

Decision time

Biologists, lifeguards and officials with the state Fish and Game Department try to figure out how to best help a wayward dolphin in the Bolsa Chica wetlands. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Spectators

Crowds gather on the shoreline to watch a wayward dolphin in the Bolsa Chica wetlands. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)