by Jeff Gales    Special to the ICO

   A flotilla of sea lions found themselves unusually close to shore at the Point Arena Lighthouse during the early morning hours of January 12.

   The group numbering approximately 200, were all floating in the water on their side with one flipper standing up out of the water.  "Sea lions are known to this in order help warm themselves," said Brendan O'Neil of State Parks.  "The flipper acts like a solar panel, collecting the rays from the sun," he continued.

   The spectacle lasted until the early afternoon, when the current brought the group back out to sea.

   Sea lions are highly adaptable to any surrounding and use a variety of habitats.  When resting on rocks or beaches they point their noses skyward and may be seen lying atop one another.

   When at sea they raft together, playing and leaping clear of the surface.  Their long fore flippers enable them to make powerful strokes while swimming, and they may reach speeds of 25 mph.

   The California sea lions bark like dogs, and prey on schooling fish, rockfish, squid, flatfish, hake, lamprey, dogfish and salmon.  This healthy population continues to flourish despite ongoing conflicts with commercial and sport fisheries.

   The Point Arena Lighthouse is the perfect spot see a variety of wildlife this time of year including migrating whales and Tundra Swans who recently arrived in the estuary formed at the mouth of the Garcia River.