Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Steller sea lion
Scientific name: Eumetopias jubatus
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Family: OTARIIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Shyness: Not shy
Safe distance: 100 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 15.05-15.07
Gestation: 330–360 jours
Births: 01.06-31.07
Habitat:
Rocky shores, beaches and temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific
Description:
The Steller sea lion is the largest otariid, with males reaching up to 3.3 m in length and weighing 600–1000 kg, with thick chestnut fur and a large head. It inhabits rocky shores and temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific, feeding mainly on fish, squid and crustaceans. During the breeding season, dominant males arrive in May to establish territories and harems, and females give birth to a single pup on shore in June–July.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Position yourself on a quiet boat at a respectful distance, keep your lens at water level to capture rafting groups and breaths ; shoot at sunrise in raking light, using a fast shutter speed to freeze splashes and a shallow depth of field to isolate the silhouette against the water.
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