Pup continues to thrive and mother puts in an appearance

Seal Group members have seen Pup 2005P being fed regularly this week, so the pup continues to thrive. Today was the first time I've caught a glimpse of Mum. She is unusually dark in colour and quite plain all over. As I arrived at the cliff top, Mum was already feeding the pup. Unfortunately for me, this was in one of the few places on the haul out beach that cannot be seen from above, so I had to be satisfied with the observing from the cliff top at the far side of the cove. Soon after finishing its feed, the pup moved further up the sand and settled at the base of the cliff. Mum remained by the water's edge and was soon visited by the Beachmaster (DP176). He approached her slowly and cautiously. The mother turned herself round to face the male and began to howl to show her displeasure at his approach. 5 howls later, the male gave in, and was forced to roll submissively back into the sea.

Pup 2005P at 5 days old (Left) : Mum feeding her pup (Mid) : Pup 2005P at 12 days (Right.)

Just as I was about to leave, I spotted another adult seal had recently hauled out of the water and appeared to be checking out the onlookers at the clifftop. This turned out to be Wriggle. Wriggle had her pup on this beach on 29/11/04. After weaning her pup last year, Wriggle mated with the Beachmaster (DP176), whose attention is currently firmly focused with the Mum of Pup 2005P. Wriggle looks like she may be pregnant again, so a second pup could be born on the haul out beach within days! Keep your eyes peeled!