Two Alpha Males settle a boundary dispute.

Two Alpha Males settle a boundary dispute. Elephant Seals of Piedras Blancas, during harsh mid-day light Tues. 06 Jan. 2009, in a test run before the Sat., Jan. 10, 2009 6:15 AM Digital Photo Walk (San Simeon Elephant Seal Viewing Area). On this twilight/sunrise elephant seal photo walk, bring your point-and-shoot or SLR digital camera with long lens and tripod. Beginners welcome. Experienced docent photographers will be available to answer questions. No formal instruction. (M) 0.5 mi., 2 hr. See photomorrobay.com and elephantseal.org for more information. Optional carpools leave Morro Bay Azure Street beach State Park parking lot at 5:15 AM to arrive in San Simeon by 6:15 AM. Shooting starts by 6:40 AM. Wheelchair friendly. * We are limited as to how close we can get to the e-Seals, so a long lens may be advantageous, as would be a tripod. We will not venture into the nearby Arroyo Laguna beachhead used by windsurfers and fisherpeople to the south, out of concern for safety, and for being good citizens in not harassing the e-Seals. There are no restroom facilities at the destination – the nearest being at the San Simeon Pier a few miles south. Bring water and snacks. Dress in layers. Familiarize yourself with the destination - check out the Friends of the Elephant Seals at www.elephantseal.org/ which says "The adult animals come on to the beach in the winter for the birthing and breeding season, with adult males arriving in late November or early December when they contest for a dominant position on the beach. The males are followed by the adult females in mid-December to late January. As the females come on the beach they become, in effect, part of a 'harem' controlled by one of the alpha males. They give birth to their pup within a few days of their arrival on the beach and nurse them for approximately four weeks." Called by Mike Baird; invited Kevin, Jerry, Garry to co-lead as able. Photo by Michael "Mike" L. Baird, Canon 1D Mark III with 600mm IS f/4.0 lens with circular polarizer, on hefty tripod.