I got a chance last Saturday to get a glimpse of a few at Washington DC’s National Zoo. My hostess in DC was a former caretaker of the Pandas. I also saw some other intriguing occupants of the zoo.
Pandas Are Leaving U.S. But….
Tag: Mammals
Mirounga angustirostris
More commonly known as the Northern Elephant Seal. Elephant seals get their name from their huge size (Male’s can get up to 5,000 pounds) and from the male’s large proboscis, which is used in making extremely loud snorting noises during the mating season. A successful bull is able to impregnate up to 50 females in one season. I’m impressed. Click on link for seal sounds Seal Sounds Post
Females grow up to 1,700 pounds. A pregnant female spends 7 to 8 months at sea and then comes back to land to give birth. While nursing and weening her pup, she will lose up to 40% of her body weight.
Pups weigh between 60 and 80 pounds at birth and after weening for 1 month, weigh up to 350 pounds. Quite a growth spurt!
Question! What do you call a breeding colony of seals? Answer below.
Answer to question above. A breeding colony of seals is referred to as a rookery. Nesting birds also use this term.
Rocky Mountain Moose
I had just entered Rocky Mountain National Park and while setting up at my campsite, these 2 moose decided to come by for a drink of water.
From my campsite.
Elephant Seals Are For The Birds
Images of Elephant Seals and a few birds along California’s Coastline.
Zion National Park’s Desert Bighorn Sheep
Zion National Park in Utah is not renowned for its wildlife but one species found here that I find interesting is the Desert Bighorn Sheep. They subsist on the vegetation in the park and prefer the steep rocky slopes. They are a bit sensitive to humans but you can see them on the east side of the park.
Images in from the cold. Winters past.
Many of you just endured a pretty harsh winter. It was way too cold to go outside. But, if you have a sense of adventure, a good down vest, winter boots, lots of fresh batteries, photographing winter can produce some memorable images.
Images in from the cold. Winters past.
Many of you just endured a pretty harsh winter. It was way too cold to go outside. But, if you have a sense of adventure, a good down vest, winter boots, lots of fresh batteries, photographing winter can produce some memorable images.
