Behind You - Northern Elephant Seal
by KJ Swan
Title
Behind You - Northern Elephant Seal
Artist
KJ Swan
Medium
Photograph
Description
Two young elephant seals slipped away from the squabbling, snoring and sand-throwing crowd below. They managed to climb a steep embankment topped with comfortable green grass.
As the ladies began to sun themselves, they realized they had come to rest several feet from a hiking trail - oops. Before they left, one shot me a upside-down glance.
I respect and obey wildlife protection laws, including those governing the California Coastal National Monument - Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery (just north of San Simeon, California.) These are wild, fast and dangerous animals so although I was excited, I kept my distance. I've never seen elephant seals at the same level before, I'm usually looking down on them from a platform. This was an unusual encounter.
Uploaded
March 24th, 2021
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Comments (10)
Larry Kniskern
KJ – I wanted to let you know that your stunning image was a top thirty-five candidate from 82 initial considerations for selection as the August 2025 "Photo of the Month" in the Go Take a Hike Photography Group. Even though not advancing as a finalist, this image is most worthy of recognition as a superb photographic effort, so congratulations and well done! Please feel free to add this gem to the “Candidates for Photo of the Month” discussion thread in the group.
Brian Baker
Fabulous capture! Congratulations on your well deserved win in the Wildlife Looking Back Over The Shoulder contest!
AnnaJo Vahle
Congratulations on your third place win in Wildlife Looking back Over the Shoulder, KJ. f
Linda Brittain
Wow! What an amazing photo and chance-opportunity! Congratulations on your 3rd place finish in Wildlife Looking Back contest! fv
Larry Kniskern
Congratulations, KJ – your stunning scene finished third place in the Go Take a Hike Photography Group’s Wildlife Looking Back photo contest! It will be placed on the group homepage as a special feature for the week, as well in the Contest Winners thread in the group discussion board for archive.
KJ Swan replied:
Thank you very much, Larry! You're a great group administrator and I appreciate your congrats. :)
Rainbow Artist Orlando L
I was visiting a wildlife looking back over the shoulder contest and saw this amazing, intriguing and marvelous capture! i know i have to give a vote to your image!! L/F/voted
KJ Swan replied:
Thank you very much, Rainbow Artist! Such praise (blush) - much appreciation for your vote too.
Kay Brewer
I voted for your outstanding entry in the Wildlife Looking Back Over the Shoulder contest. l/f
Gary F Richards
Congratulations on your Top Finish in the contest… ONE SINGLE MAMMAL - PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY ! F/L
John M Bailey
Congratulations on your feature in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!" Sharing on Twitter!
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