Nature Shots in Southern CA 2009 - 2010

This sea lion was hanging out at the end of the Seal Beach pier, and it's the first I've seen there, since I went fishing with my dad there in the 60's. We've seen others nearby since the summer. We've also seen them climbing onto and laying out on personal watercraft in harbors around the area. If enough seals get onto a boat, their weight and movement can cause the boats to take on water or even sink. But, it is hilarious to watch from afar, (if you're not a boat owner!), as they bark and use the boats as their private sundecks. They look cute and are agile in the water, but the males get up to 600 lbs.
A mated pair of gulls enjoying a warm sunny day near the pier. I didn't realize there are so many types, so now the challenge is to learn the difference. Meet the Heermanns, who live only on the western coast of the US, from British Columbia down to Mexico.