Images of California condors, whales, dolphins and Big Sur vistas
A collection of 1,427 images from now through 2011

Two male elephant seals decide diplomacy is not for them as they battle for a piece of the beach (and presumably, the females therein) at Piedras Blancas. (1/14/2012)

A mother elephant seal checks on her young pup at Piedras Blancas (1/14/2012)

Condor #167 "Kingpin" flies past a stand of trees. (1/7/2012)

A peregrine falcon makes a close pass. Not sure if the flecks of blood on its body and left leg are its own or from its last meal. (1/15/2012)

Today in Big Sur was all about defense - we had condors chasing condors, and peregrine falcons chasing just about anything that moved. Here a peregrine falcon (top left) passes over the top of a red tailed hawk who is in full defensive mode as the falcon stooped. (1/15/2012)

A male elephant seal blows sand in the air as he exhales today at Piedras Blancas. The beach is full of newborn pups and their mothers, complete with adult males threatening each other and occasionally fighting. If you get the chance, go visit! (1/14/2012)

Seven condors, including pair #167 "Kingpin" and his mate #190 "Redwood Queen" dine on a sea lion carcass last weekend in Big Sur. It looks like the sea lion died after getting tangled in green netting. (1/7/2012)

California condor #335, a male from the Pinnacles flock, makes a close pass as he leaves the area after feeding on a sea lion carcass (note his crop peeking through his chest) on a beach in Big Sur. (1/7/2012)

A group of six condors, including #194 "Whalewatcher" decide who gets the best perch to watch the last rays of the sun go down. (1/7/2012)

California condor #351, a male from the Pinnacles flock, descends to the Big Sur, CA beach below