Known as Seal Rock, and also referred to as Bird Rock, this giant chunk of granite off the shore of Monterey bay near Pebble Beach, California is home to masses of aquatic birds, seals and other marine life. Seals can often be seen sunning themselves on the rock or feasting on sardines that gather around the base. Gulls, cormorants, egrets, plovers and other birds spend a lot of time on the rock as well, using it to roost, mate and search for food in the surrounding water. The image was taken just before sunrise.