Wading Birds, San Francisco, California

California obviously has many beaches as the state sits adjacent to the the Pacific Ocean. The beach near my accommodation in San Francisco was habitat for a number of wading birds.

At low tide several "waders" make their way along the shoreline feeding between wave surges for mollusks (bi-values) and worms.

To capture these images I hiked to the beach just before dawn and waited in the cold winter morning for the sun to peak above the sand dune. As soon as the rays struck across the beach the birds were illuminated in a soft morning glow. I always find the best times to shoot are early morning and late afternoon where you can take advantage of "golden hour" (the time of day 1 hour after/before sunrise/sunset).

Northern Elephant Seals, California

An early departure at 0330 set us up for a long haul south to Piedras Blancas to photograph northern elephant seals breeding on a small section of coastline at San Simeon.

LEFT:  The aggression that male bull elephant seals can show to rivals is evident in this photograph. Although blood can be seen, the very thick fatty layer present on all seals offrs exceptionally good protection.

The drive south was very picturesque after night turned to day. The coastal road meandered along the precipitous cliffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Many of the road sections lacked guard rails and care was needed to negotiate several sharp turns.

The elephant seals were well worth the 4 hour drive one way south from San Francisco. Unfortunately, we did not make our location before sunrise, therefore the "golden hour" had passed. The sandy beach was littered with approximate 15o animals. Female seals were basking in the morning sun with several suckling youngsters. Darting between the seals were California ground squirrels. These animals feed upon seeds within vegetation beside the rockery and are exceptionally cute.

Each Harem was controlled by a bull seal who kept careful a careful eye on his breeding stock ensuring that any rival male did not sneak into his area and breed, without appropriate authorization, with one of his females.

LEFT:  A female elephant seal scratches herself whilst her sisters snooze.

It was interesting to observe rival males swimming slowing offshore up and down the wave break waiting for their chance to creep ashore (can seals creep) to try his luck! Several arguments developments between males and a loud "thump" could be heard as the alpha male pounded any intruder. Blood is often drawn and fights can last several minutes until the would be suitor is either intimated to retreat or is injured.

I found comprising shots difficult. The animals are large and often congregated together; obtaining a portrait shot is almost impossible. In addition, in my opinion, the light was far too harsh for pretty images. I'm hoping to return to this location for better images in the not too distant future.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a vibrant colourful city and cannot be compared with its southern cousin Los Angeles. The two aspect of San Francisco which stand out in my mind is the architecture and the Golden Gate bridge. Lines and style compose this city and each apartment and house block sports a different style of iron gate. Restaurants and food in general are world class and the people very friendly and accommodating.

There is so much to see and photograph in this city and its surrounds that deciding what to do and what to photograph is quite difficult. The morning and evening winter light is exceptionally photogenic and one can easily spend a fortnight on location.

To be honest, when I thought of photographing the bridge I wasn't too enthused.  After all this is not wildlife.  But, after seeing the bridge you cannot help but want to photograph it in the many moods that SF offers.

Point Reyes, California, USA

Although the day was chilly and slightly overcast Rebecca decided it was worth the drive north to Point Reyes. She was not wrong in her assumption as the soft lighting provided ideal photographic opportunities. A number of Mule Deer which were very cooperative were observed adjacent to the access road and two coyotes were seen on separate occasions patrolling the ridge line. I lucky enough to be quicker on the draw with my camera and snapped this coyote portrait.

Later that morning a Bobcat was also observed stalking prey along the boundary fence of a rancher's property. Bobcats are notorious for being elusive and to observe one at relatively close quarters in the wild is very lucky. Even with a 500/4 with 2 X converter attached the resultant images of the animal were small, but the experience of viewing this animal more than compensated for the minimalist images.

 
The following day, after awaking at 0500 for the drive north to the point we climbed from the SUV to discover that the temperature was hovering around 34 F (2 C) with a wind chill factor of -10%. Our aim was to photograph the first sun rays striking the rocky cliffs. This was accomplished after quickly climbing the bluffs via torch light and freezing our butts off in the chilly wind waiting for the light to break the horizon. With the light still low on the horizon we traversed to another area of the Seashore Park to stalk and photograph Tule Elk (endemic to California). Unfortunately, I was slow off the mark and missed a grand shot of a bull elk staring at me from the ridge not 40 meters away; it saw me and scampered to what it thought was safer ground. After some careful and slow hiking it was possible to approach the herd quite closely and observe the younger male elks practicing "jostling" with their "racks".

Port Reyes is part of the US national park system and is classified as a Seashore Park. The park has little development other than a park station and several historic ranches that were utilized before the park was gazetted.

Considering this park is relatively close to the large urban centres of San Francisco, I was surprised to see such a large diversity of animals and landscapes.

I definitrey would like to return to this area for a few days

United States of America

I have decided to visit the US again in January after only 4 months back in Australia since returning from Alaska.  It seems that every time I visit the US I say to myself this will be the last time, however, inexplicably I seem to return to the US.  America has an incredible diversity when it comes to landscapes and wildlife that I am continually drawn to.

My main reason was attend NANPA, however, the time allocated was soon extended until mid March to take advantage of shooting in a number of locations. Specifically, I was interested in photographing the Northern Elephant Seals and Sea Otters that inhabit northern California. I also was keen to shoot landscapes in the California and Arizona deserts, and spend some time in Yellowstone National Park photographing winter wildlife.

I am based in San Francisco for two weeks before leaving by four wheel drive to tackle the deserts camping. Following this I will attend NANPA and live in the luxury of a small motel room for 4 nights before pushing on to accomplish more desert photography and then two weeks in Yellowstone. A very long drive will then be undertaken back to San Francisco before flying out with QANTAS back to Hobart (hopefully my day job will still be there).