Grey Seals

Went to the Norfolk coast to try and photograph the seals this afternoon, seen as the weather person said it would brighten up. Unfortunately it didn’t and it was grey skies all the way. Still, I managed to get a shot of this little beauty, and as always it was amazing to watch and hear them.  It’s a bit early to see any pups yet, but plenty of adults where hauled out on the beach or playing together in the shallows. Out of the hundred or so shots I took I have five ‘okay’s’ , nothing brilliant, so a slow start to the week, but things can only get better right?!

There is an ongoing debate at the moment regarding the grey seal colony at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, a real ‘honeypot’ site for wildlife watchers and photographers. Recently there has been much disturbance and a rise in the number of pup deaths. I’ve never been, so I can’t really comment, but one thing I do know is that where there are large numbers of humans, and large amounts of wildlife, there will be conflict. It only takes a few ‘bad apples’ to ruin it for everyone, but at the same time, the shear numbers of people visiting will of course cause disturbance to the seals.

What people don’t seem to realise is that there are plenty of places around the UK to watch seals, and we are very lucky to have them. I cannot claim to be well travelled, but even I have seen seals on the Welsh coast, the Northumbrian coast, as well as the Norfolk coast.  So my advice if you’re looking to watch or photograph seals this year – do your research and find your own site – you may be surprised to discover some right on your doorstep. If you’re looking for a fun family day out with the opportunity to photograph seals  – try a seal watching boat trip to Blakeney Point. The trips are reasonably priced, and offer great photographic opportunities and the boat driver can make sure you are always at a safe distance from the seals.

For more information about grey seals, take a look here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/species/Gray_Seal