Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley
Our Backyard

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Morro Bay - Elephant Seals

Up the coast a few miles near the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is a major Elephant Seal rookery.  In December, pregnant female seals arrive in preparation for giving birth.  Bull Elephant Seals also start arriving prior to trying to establish mating harems on the beach, after the females have given birth.


Looking north towards Piedras Blancas Lighthouse



Mostly females and youngsters



They seem to like to gather together.



But some keep to themselves.



A couple of immature males practice fighting



The first newborn seal pup of this season



A bull in the surf



Another bull resting up for mating time







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