Tag Archives: Tidepool Rookery

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It's always a happy occasion to see the first Harbor Seal pup of the year. He/she was born last Sunday at the Tidepool Rookery off The Sea Ranch. Karen Wilkinson was there with her camera. The mother and pup soon entered the ocean.

Here the pup catches a ride on the back of his/her mom.

There is a very sweet photo on page one of the Independent Coast Observer from this series by Karen. Hope you subscribe!

Thanks to Karen for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

There was 1.30 inches in our gauge from the storm that came through Thursday night/Friday morning. But today is dry and mild, with many clouds passing by. Gray Whales have been seen today, heading north. We'll be looking for the first mother/calf pair soon - another heartwarming sighting.

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The first Harbor Seal pups have been born at Tidepool Rookery on The Sea Ranch. I watched this blissed-out mom and her nursing pup.

Blissed out Harbor Seal mom and pup by Jeanne Jackson

I took this short video of the scene. It's a privilege to be able to see this!
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Three weeks ago Jeannie Claypoole was observing Tidepool Rookery on The Sea Ranch. She saw a Harbor Seal that seemed very antsy. Sure enough, she was about to give birth. Below you will see the baby just appearing, looking like a round ball.
I find this photo quite wonderful as it shows another Harbor Seal taking interest in the birth. The Gull is waiting to perform its job - it will consume the afterbirth.

 And below the pup is out and the mother is taking her first look at her young one.

 There is a final photo in this series and it's posted on the Independent Coast Observer's web site under On-Line Features, Sightings photos. It shows the pup and mother  bonding - a very sweet sight.
Here's the link to the ICO: www.mendonoma.com

Thanks to Jeannie for allowing me to share her wonderful photos with you here.