A big male Northern Elephant Seal at Cook's Beach, as photographed by Paula Ray Power

A very large Elephant Seal occupied the south end of Cook's Beach for some days in December. Rick and I visited the beach and watched from a safe distance as he threw sand over his back.  Paula Ray Power photographed him and I have to wonder at the fellow in the photo. He's too close for comfort. Elephant Seals can move faster on sand than most humans.

Paula took this photo from the overlook. It's interesting to see the tracks made by the big fellow. Males should be headed south to Ano Nuevo State Reserve where mating has begun. Perhaps this Elephant Seal decided to forgo  all that and take a vacation on the Mendonoma Coast.

I thank Paula for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To see an aerial photo of this beautiful pocket beach, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/05/aerial-view-of-cooks-beach-as.html