Sea Lion Says 'Ah' Off South Orange County Coast

DANA POINT, CA — Ever seen a sea lion in the middle of a meal?

Travelers aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel got a special sight over the weekend.

A sea lion was spotted eating anchovies among a pod of about 500 long-beaked common dolphin and various sea birds, Dana Wharf CEO Donna Kalez told Patch.

The anchovy exploit took place just off the coast of San Onofre, she said.

The moment was captured by photographer Laura Lopez, much to the delight of marine enthusiasts.

"He was having a feast outside the harbor," Kalez said.

It's common for California sea lions to eat alone or with other sea lions, depending on the amount of food available — however, they sometimes cooperate with other predators while hunting large schools of fish.