Evening Play
by Inge Riis McDonald
Title
Evening Play
Artist
Inge Riis McDonald
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
A group of Steller Sea Lions having a playful time, just before sunset, in the waters near northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia in Canada. Their antics are beautifully reflected in the calm evening waters. These Sea Lions are a unique part of life in the Pacific North West of North America.
The Steller Sea Lions are native to the North Pacific coasts of Russia, Japan, Canada and parts of United States. In Canada they are found along the rocky coast of British Columbia. They get their name because of the mane of long, coarse hair around their face.
Steller Sea Lions live and hunt in colder waters of the north. Once a year, beginning in May, they congregate on land for the mating season. Males usually arrive first to establish their territories. Only the strongest males are able to claim enough territory to form a harem of three to 20 females. Once the females arrive, the males herd them into their territories. Often, males will fight over females by throwing their bodies against each other and biting. Young pups are fed by their mother for at least the first three months and sometimes up to a year. At one month, they are able to swim and by the time they�re three months old, they are able to catch their own food. They feed on squid and octopus as well as herring, mackerel and salmon.
These sea lions are able to rotate their hind flippers forward, which allow them to support their entire weight when walking on all flippers. Steller sea lions have external ear flaps, known as pinnae which they shut when swimming so water doesn�t get in their ears. They are able to dive to a depth of 350 metres and stay underwater for five minutes.
Uploaded
May 21st, 2016
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Viewed 182 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 03/20/2024 at 7:08 AM
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Comments (15)
Hanne Lore Koehler
Magnificent action capture of this spectacular moment, Inge! Gorgeous water spray and reflections in this outstanding composition! L/F
Allan Van Gasbeck
Congratulations! Your outstanding artwork has been chosen as a FEATURE in the “Shadows Silhouettes and Reflections” group on Fine Art America — You are invited to post your featured image to the featured image discussion thread as a permanent place to continue to get exposure even after the image is no longer on the Home Page.
Greta Corens
It is impossible to pinpoint one best image in this grand portfolio. So, I will start with this and follow you on your travels. The light was used at its pinnacle! Bravissima, Inge. L/F
Morris Finkelstein
Fantastic photo of a group of Sea Lions, with fabulous use of back-lighting to accent the water spray, and the whiskers. The reflections on dark water adds to the great photograph!!! F/L