I headed down to Moss Landing yesterday morning not really knowing what to expect. I was testing out the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II prior to doing a safari in September, so wanted to get a feel for the lens before I spend an arm and a leg to rent it for six weeks!
This was my first time actually visiting Moss Landing although I have been numerous times to Elkhorn Slough. What a surprise to find a ton of cute sea otters hanging out on their backs, grooming, playing and sleeping. This little guy was the closest to the shore, so I had fun watching and capturing him in action.
In this photo he appeared to be laughing, when in fact he was grooming his fur. The Sea otters fur keeps warm also by trapping air in its coat, but the Sea otter's coat does not shed. They have two sets of hair: longer guard hairs and dense underfur. The guard hairs, when clean, are waterproof, protecting the underfur, which traps a layer of air to provide insulation. The use of air as insulation is very efficient, providing four times the insulation of the same amount of fat or blubber. If the hairs are dirty or clogged with oil, then the Sea otters coat won't be waterproof and the Sea otter will die from the cold. You can see now why Sea otters spend a large portion of time daily grooming themselves as they float on top of the water!
Oh happy day!, a photo by Images of the Natural World on Flickr.
AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
Monostat Monopod
MH-01 Pro: Monopod Head with B2-Pro II
See bigger and better at: http://www.jacquelinedeely.com/Galleries/Marine-Life/15051490_pwPdV#1427639424_DMKVbZP
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