This massive Steller’s Sea Lion that we saw near Kodiak Island a couple of weeks ago seems to be in some sort of Sea Lion Ecstasy while he scratches the top of his head. Lately, I have photographed many birds scratching their heads and ears while preening and this big guy’s flipper reminded me of that so I decided I would add him to my collection of “scratch that itch” photographs. Watching them maneuver their massive hulks around the rocky outcroppings where they haul out of the water to sun themselves is fascinating. How do they do it? I wondered as I watched them. The males can weigh upwards of 1250 pounds, sometimes more. As to what causes the itch, I have no idea but looking closely at his head and haunch, there are clusters of tiny black flies on him. Maybe he’s just using his flipper as a fly swatter.