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ゾウアザラシ / Elephant Seal in Año Nuevo

Short trip, Nature observation, Birds

On the outer coast of the San Francisco Bay Area, about a 40-minute drive south of Half Moon Bay, there is a small peninsula called Año Nuevo. The tip of this peninsula and Año Nuevo Island across from it serve as a breeding ground for elephant seals, where large colonies can be seen. The season lasts from December to the end of March, and during this time, access is only allowed through guided tours by reservation. Wanting to explore freely first, I visited Año Nuevo on the last day of the self-guided tour season.

Group of Brown Pelicans gathered on cliffs at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
Brown Pelicans resting on the cliffs.

Reaching the tip of Año Nuevo requires a 40-minute walk along a trail, including sandy terrain. Visitors must first obtain a permit from the visitor center.

Uninhabited island seen from the beach at Año Nuevo State Park
Año Nuevo Island, visible from the tip, is teeming with birds and seals.
Young Elephant Seal on the sandy beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
Upon arriving at the observation point, I was lucky to spot one right in front of me. Elephant seals are known for their large, swollen noses, but this one appears to be a juvenile.
Young Elephant Seal on the sandy beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
You’ve got a runny nose!
Group of Elephant Seals resting on the beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
It seems that only young seals are gathered here, as I couldn’t spot any adults with the characteristic large noses.
Group of Elephant Seals resting on a sandy beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
Group of Elephant Seals resting on a sandy beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
They’re all peacefully resting.
Group of Elephant Seals resting on a sandy beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
Elephant Seal sleeping on the sandy beach at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
Some prefer solitude, sleeping off to the side, away from the group.
Northern Harrier flying low over grassland at dusk at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn
As the sun set and I headed back to the visitor center, a Northern Harrier suddenly glided into view.
Northern Harrier flying low over grassland at dusk at Año Nuevo State Park in autumn

Next time, I’d like to visit during the season when adult elephant seals are present.

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