Naraki Yusuke Photography

Nature photography and daily life records

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Nature Watching at Elkhorn Slough (Monterey Bay) – Part 2

2025年12月30日 Short trip, Nature observation, Birds

Continued from Part 1

After the sea lions, sea otters, and loons, more wildlife kept appearing. The density of sightings was quite high. On the boat, if you let them know you’d like to take photos, they may guide you to the rear seats where there’s more room to move around. They try to accommodate if space and other requests allow.

Two Great Blue Herons fighting in midair at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A rare display between two Great Blue Herons.

Two Great Blue Herons fighting in midair at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Two Great Blue Herons fighting in midair at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Two Great Blue Herons fighting in midair at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Two Great Blue Herons fighting in midair at Elkhorn Slough in winter — I’ve never seen such a dramatic fight between herons. That must hurt their necks.

Great Blue Heron flying along the shoreline at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Turkey Vulture perched on a support post at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A Turkey Vulture. Since they’re usually seen flying, it’s unusual to spot one perched.

Eared Grebe swimming at Elkhorn Slough in winter — An Eared Grebe with striking red eyes. There are a few differences between this and the similar Horned Grebe, but the slightly upturned bill is clear in this photo.

Eared Grebe feeding on aquatic vegetation at Elkhorn Slough in winter — This one seems to be eating something like seaweed.

Eared Grebe spreading its wings on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Group of Harbor Seals lying on a mudflat at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Sea otter mother and pup floating on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Brown Pelican flying with wings fully spread at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Group of sea otters with Brown Pelicans gathered on the embankment at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Sea otters usually stay in calm water. Some individuals appear to be tagged on their feet for identification.

Double-crested Cormorant flying low along the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Double-crested Cormorant

Brandt’s Cormorant flying low along the water surface at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Brandt’s Cormorant. Since it’s the same composition as the Double-crested above, the differences are easy to see.

Close-up of a Harbor Seal swimming in the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A Harbor Seal gliding smoothly through the water

Close-up of a Harbor Seal swimming in the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Sea otter chewing a shell while floating on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Its expression while biting into a shell gives off an otter-like vibe.

Sea otter surfacing from the water holding a shell at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Sea otter mother and pup floating on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — We saw many sea otters with pups. This was the fluffiest one of the day. Most otters were soaked to the head, so to stay this dry must take serious effort.

Waterside landscape with a Great Blue Heron standing at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Equipment used: 500mm f5.6

Continued in Part 3

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