Northern Elephant Seals, California

 

During the afternoon after photographing Sea Otters at Moss Landing we made the 2 hour drive south to Piedras Blancas to photograph the Elephant Seals. It was hoped to capture the seals in the later afternoon "golden light", however the seal colony is not ideally positioned to take full advantage of the afternoon light. Despite this, it was a productive afternoon as the male bulls were particularly active in securing their territories from rival males. 

As evening approached the marine layer (sea fog) preceeding a westerly frontal change slowly made its way toward shore. The mist was chilled the atmosphere several degrees cooler as it came closer to shore and quickly enveloped several rocky outcrops offshore. It soon became apparent why the California coast has many lighthouses and fog horn that sound continually. Any mariner would have a difficult time in securing passage in such foggy conditions. By night fall the fog had moved slightly inland a visibility driving back to Moss Landing was only a few meters at the most.

I am amazed at the diversity of habitats and wildlife that occur in northern California. Usually marine mammals breed on offshore islands

away from urban coastal development, however, California authorities have been determined to protect vital breeding areas for certain mammals allowing them full reign of prime coastal areas.

Sea Otters, Moss Landing, California

Two days have been spent at Moss Landing 2 hours drive south of San Francisco. Moss Landing is an estuarine habitat for California Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions and several species of shorebird. The harsh sunlight conditions on day one caused many images too be just too contrasty while the second day provided overcast conditions resulting in slower shutter speeds and small f stops! Ideal lighting was only available for a short period of time and I was lucky that at that particular time a few otters were out and about.
Sea Otters have variances in the colour of their fur and colour can range from jet black through to rustic browns to blonde. The otter population at Moss Landing is stable with three dozen or so individuals.

We observed several behavioural aspects; mating, feeding, sucking young, hunting and sleeping. Otters raft up together for protection and mothers carry their young on their stomachs. A variety of food is consumed with bi valves being the favoured prey, which they capture from the sea floor and devour on their stomach whilst swimming on their back.

Early Mornings and Late Evenings Take Their Toll - Eventually

The early morning starts have finally caught up with us and the last 2 days have been spent messing about the city visiting some museums, taking in some shows, visiting the botanical gardens and preparing for a three day stint south to photograph sea otters. Some additional supplies were needed from B&H in New York and were Fed Ex'd to San Francisco.

Wading Birds, San Francisco, California

California obviously has many beaches as the state sits adjacent to the the Pacific Ocean. The beach near my accommodation in San Francisco was habitat for a number of wading birds.

At low tide several "waders" make their way along the shoreline feeding between wave surges for mollusks (bi-values) and worms.

To capture these images I hiked to the beach just before dawn and waited in the cold winter morning for the sun to peak above the sand dune. As soon as the rays struck across the beach the birds were illuminated in a soft morning glow. I always find the best times to shoot are early morning and late afternoon where you can take advantage of "golden hour" (the time of day 1 hour after/before sunrise/sunset).

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.

LEFT:  The aggression that male bull elephant seals can show to rivals is evident in this photograph. Although blood can be seen, the very thick fatty layer present on all seals offrs exceptionally good protection.

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.

LEFT:  A female elephant seal scratches herself whilst her sisters snooze.

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.