This migration combined with the influx of breeding birds throughout areas of the state, makes this a superb time to look for all kinds of raptors, songbirds, seabirds and more. Adult and sub adult elephant seal males arrive at the seal colonies. At Ano Nuevo, July continues to be an excellent time to view Steller sea lions and sea otters. July is a superb time to look for bird species throughout California. Point Reyes, the North Coast, Sierra Nevada and Shasta-Cascade areas are excellent places to look for unusual migrant and resident species.
Stately bulls stand guard over their harem while bugling to rivals to stay clear.
This is a time of great excitement and activity amongst the herds as bulls, some weighing up to 1000 lbs or more, charge each other and lock antlers in tests of strength. At Ano Nuevo and other Central Coast areas, August through October is a good time to look for female sea otters and their single pup. The pair will be inseparable for at least 6 months and pups can often be seen riding on their mothers' stomachs. The last of the male elephant seals finish molting. August marks the start of an influx of migratory shorebirds at coastal areas like Point Reyes, Pescadero and Ano Nuevo.