Juveniles 2008

Saturday saw over 20 seals hauled out on the offshore rock ledges at low tide early in the morning. By Sunday, all the adult seals had left the haul out, leaving only juveniles hanging around the ledges. The most incredible sight at low tide was a golden brown 12 to 18 month old seal hauled well above the high tide mark! (see the position marked by the short yellow arrow on the photograph below.) This young seal was obviously very comfortable on its high viewpoint, which must have been reasonably close to the water line at high tide. As the tide went out, the seal was left high and dry at around 5 metres above the sea.

3 juveniles scattered around ledges (Left) : Juvenile high & dry well above the high tide line (Right)

The other young seals were equally happy on their lower ledges. Basking in the first warm sunshine in days, these juveniles looked totally relaxed, lifting their heads only to observe the occasional passing sea bird. Let's hope the Summer is now on its way!

Relaxed reclining juvenile enjoying the early morning sunshine (Left) : Sleepy juvenile stretches over the rocks (Right)

This is possibly the first time there has been a total absence of adults at the haul out - where have they all gone?

Young female in the sea eyes up the 3 dry juveniles on the rock ledges (Right)

Both male and female juvenile seals can go through a golden brown stage, between the ages of 12 and 18 months, but not all do. Those that do, return to the same patterned 'grown up' coat that they had when they lost their long white fur at between 2 and 3 weeks old. The golden brown phase may reflect a particularly long first moulting period.