| These playful and inquisitive
creatures always make for a fun time! Their antics underwater are
comical, as they circle a diver, blow bubbles, or nibble on your fins!
Young pups are particularly interested in everything around them, and
often engage in the game of hide-and-seek with snorkelers. Spending a
night on the boat at anchor near a haul out site always guarantees
little or no sleep! Boisterous bulls, calling out challenges to other
males, seem to be the nighttime serenade! Packs of pups vie to see who
can zoom closest to the boat, and even who can splash the most water
into the boat! The party goes on well past dawn! |
| Unfortunately for these Sea
Lions, their curiosity has cost them dearly. Poking their heads through
the mesh of gill nets to retrieve fish, the monofilament line has become
a “necklace” they can’t rid themselves of. This usually happens to
younger animals, still new to the dangers of nets. As the animal grows
larger, the net necklace does not. It ends up cutting deeply into the
neck, eventually probably killing the unlucky pup.
TIPS FOR SEA LION PHOTOGRAPHS: A playful and inquisitive animal the
California Sea Lion is easy to find and photograph. Ranging throughout
the Gulf of California and along the West Coast of North America they
can be found in the hundreds and even thousands. Be careful and
considerate at haul out sites, as these animals are quick to panic and
head for the water. Patience is a must! Underwater these animals are in
their true element, and will approach a snorkeler or diver with
curiosity and a zest for trying to scare you! They will often nibble
your fins, or blow air bubbles at your mask. Pups are often the most
curious and delight in zooming around you. For topside I prefer a medium
range zoom and often use my 70-200mm lens. For underwater images, a wide
angle is my preference. I usually will shoot either a Nikonos with a
20mm lens, or my housed SLR with a 17-35mm zoom. |
