Tag Archives: Harbor Seals

•

Though there are quite a few overhead clouds this Sunday, the sun has shone through for most of the day. Harbor Seals are known for sleeping on rocks in the sun. Ben Angwin found something unusual a few weeks ago - two Harbor Seals molting!

I sent Ben’s photo to Jan Roletto, marine mammal expert for NOAA. She wrote, “Yes, that's a molting in harbor seal. The seal looks like a very healthy animal but is molting a couple of months later than most. Harbor seals molt June - July, just after pups are weaned. This is a ‘shedding’ of fur but will look a little ‘patchy with older duller fur mixed with new shiny fur with brilliant spots. This is what I see in the photo.”

When I look close at Ben’s photo, both Harbor Seals appear to be molting. It’s a mystery as to why they are doing so this late in the year.

Sara Bogard did her census of the Harbor Seals at the Point Arena Lighthouse Peninsula and adjacent Point Arena-Stornetta Lands a few days before Christmas. She found 125 Harbor Seals. Harbor Seals are apex animals. If they are doing well, the ecosystem is doing well too.

Thanks to Ben for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

It's sunny and cool. We are promised at least a week without rain. My season to date rain total is 40.73 inches, which is amazing. 50 inches is a normal wet winter at Rick's and my place.

• 2 Comments

•

Perry Hoffman slowly approached the resting Harbor Seals, who were lounging on the sandbar on a sunny day. Don't they look happy and contented?

A Common Raven appeared, perhaps looking for remnants of the Harbor Seals' meal. The Harbor Seals didn't seem to mind.

Lastly, Perry saw a beautiful rainbow on New Year's Eve.

Now that's a nice sighting for the last day of the year.

Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Perry's nature photography, here is the link to his website: https://magentaraven.com/

A big storm is hitting the Mendonoma Coast now. With the first wave, in the wee hours of Wednesday, we received 0.75 inches. Lots more coming down now. Power it out for many of us. I am fortunate to have a backup generator, which is how I can send this to you today. Batten down the hatches!

•

Richard Denton noticed the beach at the mouth of the Russian River was covered in hundreds, perhaps thousands, of gulls. The two dozen or so Harbor Seals look to be surrounded!

Thanks to Richard for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

We had quite a bit of rain from the storm to the north. Then the fog settled in to spend the rest of the day on the Mendonoma Coast. Sunny and warmer is the forecast.

•

Sara Bogard noticed this Harbor Seal pup mimicking his mother.

Were they exchanging secrets? Covering up a possible yawn? Whatever is going on, it was a cute moment and Sara captured it with her camera.

The pups are getting bigger. The mothers are beginning to wean them and the pups aren't too happy about it. Free meals will soon be a think of the past!

Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share her photo with you  here.

Cooler weather with beautiful clouds, some dark enough to hold moisture, are drifting quickly by. It actually feels like we could get some rain. We'll see!

Spring doesn't know...

•

Yes, the first Harbor Seal pups have made their appearance in secluded coves. One area where they are born is at Tidepool Rookery off The Sea Ranch, another area is by the Point Arena Lighthouse/Point Arena Stornetta Lands. After the birth, the mother and pup touch noses. Sara Bogard recently witnessed a birth, and she photographed this photo which she entitled, "A Mother's Kiss." The mother is on the left.

A sweet, loving photo for you today. Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share it with you.

A few words of warning: never "rescue" a pup you might see along on the beach. The mother leaves her sweet pup to go feed. Also, make sure your dogs are leashed, or better yet, leave them behind if viewing Harbor Seals now. Make no noise or sudden movement, and you will be rewarded with a blissful sighting.

Another warm spring day here on the Mendonoma coast, with high clouds. Spring doesn't know...