December, 2023 Wildlife

 December, 2023 - Approaching the end of the year was very quiet from a wildlife standpoint. It wasn’t until late November when activity picked up. I love this time of year, because even on days when it appears slow, something always catches your eye. Here are some images from the month. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year.

Reddish Egret

Red-Breasted Merganser (Female)

Cooper’s Hawk

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler couple

Surf Scoter

Red-Tailed Hawks

Red-Breasted Merganser (Male)

December, 2023 Surf

 December, 2023 - In the final week of the year, the wave gods blessed Seal Beach with a large swell. Unusually, the waves were breaking in odd directions, similar to the Wedge. Occasionally, the waves would meet and throw a splash 15-20 feet in the air. Anyway, after Thursday, December 28th they closed off the pier to pedestrians for safety reasons. Here are some images from Friday, December 29th.

My friend Ed Smith (@seatechphoto)