Northern Elephant Seals, California

An early departure at 0330 set us up for a long haul south to Piedras Blancas to photograph northern elephant seals breeding on a small section of coastline at San Simeon. The drive south was very picturesque after night turned to day. The coastal road meandered along the precipitous cliffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Many of the road sections lacked guard rails and care was needed to negotiate several sharp turns.

The elephant seals were well worth the 4 hour drive one way south from San Francisco. Unfortunately, we did not make our location before sunrise, therefore the "golden hour" had passed. The sandy beach was littered with approximate 15o animals. Female seals were basking in the morning sun with several suckling youngsters. Darting between the seals were California ground squirrels. These animals feed upon seeds within vegetation beside the rockery and are exceptionally cute.

Each Harem was controlled by a bull seal who kept careful a careful eye on his breeding stock ensuring that any rival male did not sneak into his area and breed, without appropriate authorization, with one of his females. It was interesting to observe rival males swimming slowing offshore up and down the wave break waiting for their chance to creep ashore (can seals creep) to try his luck! Several arguments developments between males and a loud "thump" could be heard as the alpha male pounded any intruder. Blood is often drawn and fights can last several minutes until the would be suitor is either intimated to retreat or is injured.
I found comprising shots difficult. The animals are large and often congregated together; obtaining a portrait shot is almost impossible. In addition, in my opinion, the light was far too harsh for pretty images. I'm hoping to return to this location for better images in the not too distant future.

The image above shows the aggression that male bull elephant seals can show to rivals. Although blood can be seen, the very thick fatty layer present on all seals offrs exceptionally good protection.