Harbor Seal or maybe Sea Lion (not sure)
This location is (per sign) the "Netarts Bay Shellfish Reserve", where commercial and recreational taking of clams is prohibited. It is just for research by universities and federal and state agencies. That being said, it seemed that there was definite interest in people on shore from a pinniped or pinnipeds. Very focused interest, with eye contact. We wondered if they wanted to get fed. Certainly the regular fish seemed to be plentiful - a couple of guys were out on a small boat and surrounded by seagulls.
We have out here the likelihood of California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and (also possibly) Steller's Sea Lions. "Looks sealish" to a number of us but I cannot be certain - we didn't get a look at anything other than their heads popping up like this.
Harbor Seal or maybe Sea Lion (not sure)
This location is (per sign) the "Netarts Bay Shellfish Reserve", where commercial and recreational taking of clams is prohibited. It is just for research by universities and federal and state agencies. That being said, it seemed that there was definite interest in people on shore from a pinniped or pinnipeds. Very focused interest, with eye contact. We wondered if they wanted to get fed. Certainly the regular fish seemed to be plentiful - a couple of guys were out on a small boat and surrounded by seagulls.
We have out here the likelihood of California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and (also possibly) Steller's Sea Lions. "Looks sealish" to a number of us but I cannot be certain - we didn't get a look at anything other than their heads popping up like this.