My wife and I had some time while heading south from San Francisco, so we decided to take the coastal route along the outer ocean side of the peninsula, opposite the Bay Area.
Devil’s Slide Trail is likely a former road converted into a trail after the tunnel opened. It offers dramatic views of the ocean from sheer cliffs.
Brown Pelicans lined up on a narrow rocky outcrop.Looking down, the flat areas were covered in the black shapes of Brandt’s Cormorants. It seems to be a particularly rich marine environment.A Common Raven. Its stance is majestic.
Common Ravens are widespread in North America and often seen in pairs in suburban areas. I had previously spotted them flying at places like Cowell Ranch Beach Access, but this time I was able to photograph one from almost point-blank range on a nearby cliff. The overcast skies were perfect for capturing a raven’s features.
It has a large body and a thick, fluffy neck.This is an American Crow, a species very common in the U.S. It’s smaller than the Carrion Crow in Japan and has a rather cute call.I actually visited this place last week as well. By chance, I saw a pod of whales, but since it was a spontaneous stop, I didn’t have my telephoto lens and ended up taking pictures with just my phone. Naturally, there were no whales this time, making me reflect on the importance of always being prepared for opportunities.Near the trail, there’s a strange structure called Devil’s Bunker, which is said to be the remains of a survey station built during the war.Continuing along the coast toward Half Moon Bay, there’s a small peninsula and beach called Mavericks Beach. Seals were lazily swimming in the water, likely Harbor Seals.A juvenile White-crowned Sparrow, judging by the faint white lines visible on its head.The forest next to the beach was home to a colony of Great Blue Herons and Black-crowned Night Herons.Abandoned shipwrecks are commonly seen along the coasts in the U.S.
