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My version of heaven on earth includes marine mammals. Monterey Bay is home to many of them. On my walks the pinnipeds I see most are harbor seals, sea otters and sea lions. I have a route that includes an area from Hopkins Beach to Monterey Wharf 2. When I'm in the mood for wildlife on my walk, I head in that direction.
On Wharf 2, if you walk to the very end there is often a raft of sea lions. Sometimes I find a sea otter and there is always birds. I love the sunrise from the wharf . Our skies have been gray the last few mornings, on a pretty morning, the view is incredible..
Sea lions are eared seals, I learn something new everyday. I have always noticed the ears, but I didn't know they were classified as eared seals. The ears are cute!
I spot sea otters all over the bay while I'm on my walks. They are a keystone species, the eco system of the bay are dependent on them. Sea otters are a threatened species and are being studied and counted.
The jetty is one of my favorite places to spot sea otter, seal lions, cormorants, birds and sometimes jellies. I often walk up and down the jetty looking for image taking opportunities.
In between the jetty and Wharf 2 is Fisherman's Wharf, there is an area that has resting harbor seals and birds.
Right now there are two harbor seal rookeries that I check. Hopkins beach is a great spot to check the pups in March and April. There are babies being born right now. At the 5th Street rookery there are fewer seals but they are easier to see.
They looked ready to have pups at any moment.....
Mom is tuckered out and this pup is just a couple days old, it is a chubby one.
The walk home, included a castle.
A couple of my earlier blogs show seal births, you can see them by clicking on the links below.
You were the best friend, soul mate and husband of my dreams.
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