Sea lion head profile, showing small external ear, prominant forehead typical of adult males, whiskers. This sea lion is hauled out on public docks in Astoria's East Mooring Basin. This bachelor colony of adult males takes up residence for several weeks in late summer on public docks in Astoria after having fed upon migrating salmon in the Columbia River. The sea lions can damage or even sink docks and some critics feel that they cost the city money in the form of lost dock fees.
Species: California sea lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: Columbia River, Astoria, Oregon
Image ID: 19420
Mated pair of Brandt's Cormorants tend to the nest they have built on sea cliffs. Note the colors they assume during mating season: striking blue gular pouch (throat) along with some blue-green iridescence in their plumage.
Species: Brandt's cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40144
Male Brandt's Cormorant Skypointing, Courtship Display, Breeding Plumage with blue throat and white pin-feathers, La Jolla. Skypointing is an interesting courtship behavior that many birds practice. Among Brandt's Cormorants the male performs this, likely as a way of attracting a mate to the nest he has built by showing off his striking blue throat. He tips his head backward showing off his striking blue throat, and partially raises his wings. Seen here on seacliffs above the ocean.
Species: Brandt's cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40145
Brandt's Cormorant Portrait Overcast Light on La Jolla Cliffs, Brandt's cormorants gather in winter and early spring to nest and rear their chicks on the cliffs near La Jolla.
Species: Brandt's Cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40877
Brandt's Cormorant Portrait Overcast Light on La Jolla Cliffs, Brandt's cormorants gather in winter and early spring to nest and rear their chicks on the cliffs near La Jolla.
Species: Brandt's Cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40879