Just a little bit north of San Simeon, California is a place we LOVE to visit. It is called Elephant Seal Beach. This isn't a beach you visit to catch some rays or some waves, but rather to view all of the Elephant Seals who have chosen this beach as their "hangout" (it is actually called a rookery). They are quite a lazy bunch. They lie in the sun and love to throw sand on themselves...I assume to prevent sunburn. They got the name "elephant seal" because of the large proboscis (nose) that the adult males have which resembles an elephant's trunk.
When they are not lying out in the sun, they do venture out into the water to feed and frolic.
If you look closely (zoom in by clicking on the photo) you can see the seals near the edge of the water. I know, not the best pic! I need a camera with a good zoom.
The juvenile males spend some of their spare time sparring with one another. This is in practice for later in life when they will need to fight for mating rights with the females.
Watching them spar is great entertainment...especially if they are "vocal" about it. It is kind of a barking, growling sound. No, they are not necking in this photo.
I will share some interesting facts with you about Elephant seals. They are extraordinary marine mammals. When they are not on the beach, they spend 8-10 months of the year in the open ocean, diving 1000 to 5000 feet deep for periods of 15 min - 2 hrs. They migrate thousands of miles, twice a year, to its land based rookery for birthing, breeding, molting, and rest. There are about 15,000 seals who call this particular beach "home." Males (or bulls) can reach a length of 16 feet and weigh up to 6,600 lbs. Females (or cows) are much smaller at about 10 feet and only 2,000 lbs.
1 comment:
Fun to learn about!
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