We took a look at the weather and decided Wednesday would be best for a short day trip. Rain began as we drove, and continued sporadically. Weather reports are clearly fallible.
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| "Is this my best side?" |
Every year, after the breeding season, sea lion males leave the rookery (breeding ground) and move to haul-out sites along the coast. One of these sites is the Government Dock at Cowichan Bay. We could hear the barking and growling of the sea lions from at least a mile away.
One of the reasons they come is to gorge on the salmon now gathering in the estuary before entering the river to spawn.
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What fun to watch the sea lions lounging on the dock. They flop themselves over the low railing, wave their flippers in the air, yawn, and resemble huge slugs. On land they move slowly; it looked almost painful, but once in the water they dive and swim with grace.
A number of years ago, during an El Niño season, the warm current brought California sea lions to our waters. They liked it so much they stayed. They are smaller and darker in colour than our local Stellar Sea Lions. The locals have golden fur and are much larger; some males weigh up to 1100 kilograms.
In November, when the population is at its highest, the smell and sound of the sea lions carries a long way. They are both pungent and noisy. Today we didn't smell anything.
After watching for awhile in the drizzle, we enjoyed lunch at the pub. The Coconut Prawn Fish Tacos were delicious. He had his with french fries and I had mine with salad. Then home for a quiet afternoon and evening.
They are funny creatures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sight, thank you for the photographs
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that, having the sea lions so close too you! The photos are just terrific, Lorrie, and what a great experience.
ReplyDeleteSeeing animals in Nature makes for a wonderful afternoon. Lovely photos
ReplyDeleteMay aka Salty Pumpkin
You are very lucky having the sea lions so close although I can just imagine their pungent aroma. Glad you had a lovely lunch too. A perfect day. B x
ReplyDeleteI've only seen them from far enough away that I didn't realize they smelled bad. Great pictures though.
ReplyDeleteI like the way they are rest ! You are lucky to be able to get a close picture. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing and smelling dozens and dozens of sea lions in San Francisco! On one of my visits to Victoria I saw the odd one near the harbour, at least I thought they were sea lions. They looked small. I will look again when I am in Victoria in a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteHa! Fun creatures to photograph. Thanks for the info you gathered, too.
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