Naraki Yusuke Photography

Nature photography and daily life records

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Nature Watching at Elkhorn Slough (Monterey Bay) – Part 3

2025年12月31日 Short trip, Nature observation, Birds

Continued from Part 2

Continuing with highlights of the sea otters, seals, and birds observed.

Distant view of a sea otter floating on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Marbled Murrelet floating on the water surface at Elkhorn Slough in winter — The Marbled Murrelet is a seabird found only along the west coast of North America. Its population is declining, and it is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.

Juvenile Western Gull about to dive into the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — It looked like it was picking up something—perhaps a shell discarded by a sea otter? Since it’s a young gull, maybe it was just practicing.

Juvenile Western Gull about to dive into the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — It looked like it was picking up something—perhaps a shell discarded by a sea otter? Since it’s a young gull, maybe it was just practicing.

Group of Short-billed Dowitchers flying over the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A flock of Short-billed Dowitchers. In the Bay Area, Long-billed Dowitchers are more commonly seen.

Distant view of a large group of Harbor Seals gathered along the shoreline at Elkhorn Slough in winter

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

Group of Harbor Seals all facing the same direction at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A group of Harbor Seals all suddenly looking in the same direction in response to some sound. One of them has its eyes closed but raises its head anyway.

Waterside with a Great Blue Heron and rolling hills in the background at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Group of Long-billed Curlews flying against a blue sky at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Long-billed Curlew

Sea otter holding its pup while floating on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter

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

Harbor Seal arching its body while resting on mud at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Red-breasted Merganser swimming on the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A female or immature male Red-breasted Merganser

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

Forster’s Terns perched on wooden pilings standing in the water at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Forster’s Tern

Sea otter swimming on the water surface at Elkhorn Slough in winter

Brandt’s Cormorants gathered on a pier at Elkhorn Slough in winter — Brandt’s Cormorants were gathered around what looked like an old dock structure.

California Sea Lions resting around a boat at Elkhorn Slough in winter — A California Sea Lion had taken over someone’s boat.

Elkhorn Slough was an outstanding location that did not disappoint. Next, I’d like to report on wildlife observation by kayak.

Equipment used: 500mm f5.6

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