Cetaceans in Central California

Here is the second post of cetaceans. This one is more recent. These pictures of gray whale calves and bottlenose dolphins from Estero Point. (Estero point is just north of Morro Bay) This day in particular there were several whales and dolphins loitering in the near-shore area inside of the kelp line. They were fun to watch! (More fun than the otter that we were watching, who was sleeping!)

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) giving us a show

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) giving us a show.

Gray whale mom and two calves (Eschrichtius robustus). There were two mom/calf pairs hanging out together. In this photos the two calves have their heads resting on one of the moms.

Gray whale calf (Eschrichtius robustus) spyhopping with a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the foreground. Notice the size difference!

Gray whale calf (Eschrichtius robustus) fluke.

Gray whale calf (Eschrichtius robustus) fluke.

 And, just like the last cetacean post, I'll end with a non-cetacean species.

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) grooming in Moss Landing

A coyote on the beach

This post is also a little behind. These photos are from April 9. This coyote was hanging out on the beach early one morning. There were no foraging otters, so I watched him/her for a while.

Coyote (Canis latrans) checking out some drift wood.

Coyote (Canis latrans) on the beach.

Cetaceans in the Santa Barbara Channel (Part 1)

Another delayed post! This is from the beginning of 2014. I have just finished editing some cetacean photos from last week as well. Those will be the 'Cetaceans part 2' to be posted in a few days.

Common dolphin adult and calf (Delphinus delphis)

Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis)

Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)