The Annual Debate

[Coastal Flyer]

Each winter a collection of California seals take up residency on the beach of La Jolla Cove. Their presence creates an annual heated debate over who has more right to the beach, the seals or humans. Rope barriers are placed to prevent humans from encroaching upon seals during pupping season. However, pupping season officially ended yesterday, so I decided to go see what all the noise is about. Here is what I found.

As if we have nothing better to do than worry about seals....

David

[Hexnut]

Love the first shot. Really makes me miss my hometown. The childrens swimming cove has always been a great spot for seals.

[daq7]

These are great shots. Catch lights in the eyes would be a big bonus.

[mEasy27]

Great shots.. the 4th being my favorite..

[jetrim]

Great shots CF, love 'em all!

[Coastal Flyer]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate you leaving comments.

CF

[Frog]

Nice shots, CF.
Hard to critique nature shots like this. Not like you have a studio or can pick your backgrounds too much and I'm pretty sure they don't assume classic poses at your whim, though the second one gave it a heck of a try.
Looks like that lens did a great job in your hands.

[Coastal Flyer]

Frog,

Thanks so much. Very kind of you.

CF

[Anbesol]

All excellent shots. Id crop the Seal butt out of the 4th one. They really are awesome looking creatures, I wish I was near the beach to see them too. I say it belongs to the seals, humans can pick a different spot, I'm betting the seals were there first anyway.

[Coastal Flyer]

Anbesol,

Thanks very much for leaving a comment. I'm with you, the beach goes to the seals. However, every year this town turns on its head in debate with both sides just as adamant. In recent years, like every social debate, the cry is "but what about our children? Where will the children swim?" I have two kids and we seem to be ok with the seals on the beach in the middle of winter. But, that is just me.

Thanks again.

CF

[Canuck935]

I like the last one, but I wish the seal were looking into the photo rather than out of it..

The "children" argument is hilarious. For those here that are unfamiliar with the location, it's a really small spit of sand protected by a sea wall. It's called Childrens Pool, and it was built for children (as if the name doesn't give it away). So anyway, the argument is that well we built the dang place for the kids, so the seals need to move out. Right. Anyone want to tell the seals that? There's even been a court ruling on the matter. They wanted to put loudspeakers on the beach playing sounds of barking dogs to drive the seals away. It's such a huge issue over such a small spit of sand. I remember going there when I was a kid, and well it was probably my least favorite beach to visit due to it's puny size. There's plenty of other beaches and places to swim in La Jolla. Why do we have to control everything? We constantly apply our human rules, laws, and morals to all other animals. It is totally absurd!

We moved in and developed the natural territory of some animal, then made a rule or law that said it was for humans only. The animals are now in violation of our rules, so let's drive them off!! Nature doesn't know any better!! We know what's best for nature, so let's go in and enforce our policies onto it!! Dear nature, you're only allowed to have X number of wolves in Alaska. You are in violation and have more than what we say you should have. So we'll go ahead and shoot them from helicopters, because if we didn't do this you'd never be able to control yourself. This planet is so lucky to have us here to try to control everything! This place would be completely wrecked if it weren't for us humans!!

[GB1]

Great shots CF. I need to get my butt down there and do some shooting myself. And yeah, seems like a rich folks passtime over there in La Jolla, arguing about seals. I guess they never had to worry about not being able to pay their rent

The top three shots are incredible IMO. Great use of DOF. My only criticism is that they all may be a tad bit oversharpened? The colors are also very earthy for beach shots, but given it's May in San Diego ...

[Coastal Flyer]

GB,

Thanks very much for leaving the comments. These shots were taken before 9 a.m., to avoid the crowds and the harsh sun. I agree the color saturation came out really nice. Thanks again.

CF

[Jay C]

Love that second one, looks like hes singing to all the other seals. hah