Take a stroll along almost any marina from Costa Rica to Alaska, and you"ll likely hear the playful barks of sea lions echo through the air. California sea lions, like the one pictured, are a common sight basking in the sun along the rocky shores of North America"s western coast. These marine mammals, belonging to the pinniped group, are often mistaken for seals. An easy way to distinguish between them is by looking at their ears—sea lions have visible flaps, seals don"t.
Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
Today in History
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National Moth Week
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National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, DC, United States
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One giant leap for mankind
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Earth Day
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Strong sibling bonds
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World Maritime Day
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Green shoots
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A delightful day for donkeys
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International Literacy Day
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Least chipmunk, Kootenai National Forest, Montana, United States
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Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England
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World Turtle Day
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A braided river
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Best views tower
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Green Friday
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Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
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Dad on duty
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World Theatre Day
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Stormont Estate, Northern Ireland
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Guarding the pass
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Farewell Ma’am
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World Elephant Day
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An island crossroad of culture
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Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering, Nebraska, United States
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Incan ingenuity
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
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Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri, United States
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Nimble and stealthy
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Rides above the tide
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Marine Day, Japan