CE - 1/25: Observing Marine Mammals along the Central Coast

What are the characteristics that distinguish between seals and sea lions? Baleen and toothed whales? What ocean-dwelling marine mammal is a member of the weasel family? Discuss marine mammal adaptations for a life at sea, including diving physiology, thermoregulation, and echolocation. Learn about key identification features of local cetacean and pinniped species.

Van field trip from Morro Bay to San Simeon at coastal observation sites to observe gray whales migrating from cold arctic waters to calving grounds in Mexico, sea otters rafting in kelp beds, elephant seals on the beach at the height of pupping season, harbor seals hauled out in the rocky intertidal zone, barking California sea lions, and possibly pods of nearshore dolphins.

Bring a sack lunch and picnic dinner, snacks, water, binoculars, and field guide references. Dress warm in layers. Van transportation provided.