All Dried Up

(January 2nd) I took a little time again in the early morning to do some slow-shutter work. I tried for a bit more of a reductionist perspective on things. I feel that I need a neutral density filter to take this where I'd like to go with it.

After dawn, I had another great morning with the seals. I took some time to try and communicate the impression given by the large bulls. These males truly dominate the beach. You can see the power in their hulking form and the experience they have in their heavily scarred necks. As they age, their nose begins to resemble their namesake's trunk.

The mother and pups were adorable today. The dark black fur on the young pups contrasts sharply with the sandy color of their mothers.

If there is one activity that dominates the day of all the seals on the beach, it is sleeping. With so many seals around, there is always activity. At any point in time, ninety percent of them will be resting like this female.

I left the seals and headed inland to visit Carrizo Plains National Monument. This location is home to several endangered species and was also billed as a wintering spot for cranes, shorebirds, and waterfowl. When I arrived there I found that a decade-long dry spell has dried up the lake, causing the birds to find some other place to winter. The plains are surrounded by some picturesque hills.