| There is a
tremendous amount of wildlife activity during the
December-January time frame in which I do the California
Coast Wildlife Safari. The bull elephant seals are returning
to the rookery at Piedras Blancas just north of San Simeon,
and staking a claim to sections of the beach, fighting other
males. The females are giving birth, then immediately
going into breeding (doesn't seem fair to them...) so the
activity is very high. In the past I've photographed
bobcats and coyotes along the coast, as well as condors,
eagles, raptors (especially white-tailed kites). We
travel to Pismo Beach for the wintering monarch butterflies,
then back north to Morro Bay to photograph the sea otters in
early afternoon light. There are usually opportunities
for shore/wading birds as well. |
For those
not traveling with me, we meet in Cambria at 7am. I
will let you know the location of the meetup when you book
the safari.
The deposit is 50% via check, Paypal, or credit card, and
the balance is due halfway between the deposit date and the
safari date unless you are booking within 3 months, then
full payment is due. Check the main safari page for other
information.
Link
Oddly, it
usually isn't cold on the coast in December or January, so
while it might be cool in the mornings, it should warm up
nicely through the day into 55-60 degree range.
Shooting gloves, a hat, and a couple of layers usually
works. An all-weather rain jacked is a good addition -
just in case. |
For the
past 38 years I've led nature safaris in the American West,
including along the California coast. I spend about
130-140 days per year on these safaris, so I'm an expert at
locations and species habits, and wildlife tactics to
photograph them. For example, I've spent 1800 days
shooting in Yellowstone and the Tetons, and have led nearly
300 days of bobcat safaris. |
| The day is long, with sunrise about
7:30am.
I
try to arrange lunch at mid-day, but
carrying some snacks to tied you over is always a good idea.
I will have a case of water available to everyone, so no need
for that. We finish the day back at Piedras Blancas,
usually around 3:30pm or so. |
Participants -
maximum of 5 photographers
Image Galleries:
Elephant Seals,
Sea Otters
Links:
Safari Checklist |
