I arrived at the elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) rookery before sunrise and walked out in heavy fog, not able to even see the water. Gradually the fog burned off as the sun appeared and I could start to see some of the seals. Here is a big bull splayed out on the sand, just visible through the clearing mist:

An enormous elephant seal bull male lays on the beach, partially obscured by typical central California coastal fog, Mirounga angustirostris, Piedras Blancas, San Simeon

An enormous elephant seal bull male lays on the beach, partially obscured by typical central California coastal fog.
Image ID: 20399
Species: Elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris
Location: Piedras Blancas, San Simeon, California, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!