Bulls return to molt

The mature adult males are starting to show up on the beach. It's their turn to molt. Some juveniles are still on the beach, but they have finished molting and will soon leave. They sure look nice, with their pearly gray new skin.

The adult males aren't very aggressive toward each other at this time of year, since it isn't the breeding season. One the other hand, they are very aware of each other. Every movement one makes ripples through the group. As one arrives, the others shift to recognize the newcomer. When one makes a move toward another, most of the animals on the beach rearrange themselves.

Their activities are mainly focused on each other. These young males appeared to threaten each other. They fought for a while, then settled down again. The rest of the group slept on.