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.