At Año Nuevo State Park in California, the breeding season for Northern Elephant Seals runs from December through the end of March. When I visited in November, I wasn’t able to see many, so I decided to try again. During this season, only guided tours with reservations are allowed. Although January to February would have been ideal, weekend spots filled up quickly, so I visited in March instead.
The viewing area requires a walk of several dozen minutes from the park’s parking lot (where you must show proof of reservation). The scenery is beautiful, so enjoy that as well.
As I approached the beach, it was noticeably more boisterous than in November. Many young seals were present.A male with the characteristically enlarged nose of an elephant seal. Its massive size makes it instantly recognizable. Unfortunately, the peak season had already passed, and the largest “alpha males” had reportedly left. This one appeared to be a lower-ranking male still lingering in the area.Still, it’s plenty large enough to be dangerous up close. Some seals rest in the brush along the trail to the viewing area, so there’s a chance of an unexpected encounter.A bored-looking male and a Killdeer walking across the sand.Suddenly, the male lunges toward a female to bother her.After being rejected, the male quickly moves on. He’s surprisingly fast.The younger seals were simply lounging around.Some of them gazed back with curious eyes.One seal lay on its side, fiddling with its flippers. Though they resemble fins, they really do look like hands when seen this way.
