I wanted to be a writer since I was about eight years old. That’s when I started to keep a journal. One of the first things I wrote about in the journal was how I wanted to be an animal behaviorist. I was torn. Such a momentous decision for an eight-year-old!
Now, thanks to the Internet, we have blogging. Thanks to digital photography, we can take photos of animals and learn about them.
I love how sea lions bask in the sun. They keep their eyes closed a lot. I noticed this because I wanted a photo of this guy with his eyes open. My theory is that their eyes are meant for seeing under water where it’s relatively dark, so the bright sunlight is painful.
I notice they really like to hang out together, too. They seem sociable.
These pelicans were hunting as a pair, which also seemed sociable.
This bird was resting by herself, though.
This sea lion was the only one I saw working today.
All of the above photos were taken outside in the wild. Inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a glorious place, they had these birds, which were injured. They can’t survive in the wild but have found a wonderful home.
This exhibit shows animals who wait for food to come to them.
I love how animals are masters at the art of allowing what they need to be provided.
I was also pretty thrilled with the soft pastel colors of these ones, especially compared to the bold colors of the ones above.
These were very difficult to photograph in low light because they are constantly moving, sort of the opposite of the stationary creatures above.
The jelly fish are the “wow” exhibit. Actually, there’s a lot of competition for that name, but this show was truly exceptional.
Another hard working, constantly moving, yet playful animal, the sea otters were nearly impossible to photography and equally impossible not to love.
Tomorrow I head to New Jersey to visit friends in a completely different environment. I hope to do as well as these animals at enjoying camaraderie and sunshine.
May your weekend be filled with warmth and friendship.
Nicci
Nicci Carrera 
That’s a great collection of photos, Nicci. I especially liked the jelly fish and congrats with capturing a photo of an otter. My last encounter with an otter I came away with nothing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brick! Otters are so fast! The aquarium set up the jellyfish to be easy to photograph. That blue background is part of the tanks. Makes fpr spectacular viewing. Plus they move slowly, LOL.
LikeLike
Excellent post, Nia, as always! Have a safe and enjoyable trip to the other coast. Take care, my friend! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Fabio!! You too. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful pictures. Glad you’re enjoying Monterey.
Beautiful pictures. Glad you enjoyed Monterey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne. It’s great for photos.
LikeLike
Amazing photos, I adore sea world, it’s the most mysterious one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, An! It is so mysterious, you are right!
LikeLike
My, we did have a big day out at the sea shore Nicci. I love the head shot of the seal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I did! Tanks, that’s my favorite too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing like a day by the shore. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There really isn’t. The smell of the water and sounds of wildlife and waves were so soothing. I am going to start going here on a regular basis. Taking the hubs, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the smell of seaweed on the rocks and the biting tang of salt air. Of course you can’t beat crashing waves. 🙂 You should take him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like how you describe that. Yes I hope I have learned to get out and enjoy the shore more.
LikeLike