Elephant Seals And Wildlife of the California Coast
January 23-28, 2011

Each year thousands of elephant seals travel from the open seas of the Bering Straits to a small sandy beach near San Simeon California. During the month of January the females give birth to their pups and than mate with the males before all return to ocean. This is an incredible opportunity to photograph these magnificent creates up close during birthing and mating. Females drop pups very frequently but you have to be fast as its over in minutes. There are continuous opportunities to photograph the new mothers interacting with their pups. Males, who can range up to 15 feet and 2 tons, viciously battle to determine who will mate with the females. There is excellent access to the action and in most cases its just a short walk from the car.

Monarch butterflies also winter on the California coast and we will also spend a morning photographing tens of thousands of them in an area where they roost in clusters. In the afternoon, of that same day, we will travel to Scott’s special spot where every year for the past 5 years he has found a pod of sea otters playing near the shore. We will be able to photograph them playing both from the shore and even closer up from a boat.

There are also numerous birds in the area to photograph, including hawks, herons and turkey vultures. If you, like an optional visit to the Hearst Castle is also available.

We will meet in San Simeon late in the afternoon on January 23 and depart the mid-day on the 28th. This will give you the weekend to continue to explore the area on your own. Trip includes hotel in San Simeon, boat for the otters, photo classes and photo critiques. Meals not included.

COST $895     A DEPOSIT OF $300 IS REQUIRED TO BOOK.     Please see General Information section for payment terms and details

Elephant Seals Wildlife of the California Coast January 23-28, 2011 $300.00 Add to Cart