They were all photographed last week along California’s Central Coast. I was thrilled to see the Condors as they hovered along the steep cliffs just south of Big Sur. The Zebras were grazing at Hearst Ranch near San Simeon and the Elephant Seals were chillin just a bit north of San Simeon.
Reblogged from a few years ago.
They use the sand as a sun blocker. Looks like an SPF 30
Most of these were tagged. This one is number 70. As you probably know, Condors are on the Endangered Species List. There are approximately 425 left in the world although at one time there were only 27. Conservation efforts by Ventana Wildlife Society amongst other groups made these images possible. There are 75 along the Big Sur Coastline.
dawn2dawn photography 
22 responses to “What do an Elephant Seal, a California Condor and a Zebra have in common? A Zebra?”
The Condors are amazing. I’m surprised there are Zebras in CA. Is that something that Hearst brought in?
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’ve been there for at least 10 years and Hearst brought them in just to show off I believe.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always considered condors impressive, but sort of ugly… your photos make them look magnificent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they are not very pretty up close.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But lovely against a perfect blue sky.
LikeLike
Great photos, Michael, and what a surprise to have zebras in the mix. Amazing that they are still at Hearst.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jane. Looks like those Zebras have good grass to eat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must have been thrilling to see those condors. Imagine being that close to extinction, then saved from the brink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have Condors at Zion NP but I’ve never seen them so close.
LikeLike
Great shots of the Condors. Great effort to bring them back. The elephant seal looks very relaxing. 🙂
LikeLike
They need to relax because they swim thousands of miles to their feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do… Merey Christmas to you!
LikeLike
That first shot reminds me of me on christmas day, minus the sand lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like he had too much squid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha
LikeLike
Those condors are cool! I think the last time I saw one was in Peru? Is that possible?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s possible. The only condors I’ve seen in the US are near Big Sur and at Zion NP and Vermilion Cliffs NM. Didn’t see nay in Peru.
LikeLike
Great photos. Interesting and unexpected combo of wildlife.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They ARE really different from each other!
LikeLike
I totally enjoyed your combination of such different animals, One cruises in the sky, the other lives in the water and last one gracing at the castles grounds.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t noticed that Cornelia
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s how I viewed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person