Saturday, February 27, 2010

Seal

Amy, David, Lachlan, Bill Jones, and I were on the beach two days ago when we noticed an unusual movement ahead of us, near the water's edge. As we approached we realized it was a seal. We backed up to give the seal space and not disturb it. Luckily Amy had her camera. She was able to get several great shots, especially with her telephoto lens.

A view down the beach (the seal is just a small dot near the water in the distance):



Zooming in on the seal:



Another great picture:



(Click on any photo to view a larger image.)

If you see the seal please keep your distance. It is illegal to approach or harass seals in any way.

I was told by a park ranger that a harbor seal had been reported on Ocracoke. This fellow appears to be a juvenile. Maybe some of our readers can shed more light.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoker, Kelly O'Neal, and the 1951 revolution in Siam (Thailand). You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012910.htm
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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:19 PM

    I wonder if harbor seals can predict earthquakes. Is it true cows seek higher ground when they fear the oncoming earthquake? Those poor people in Hawaii , the tsunami sirens are blasting

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  2. Anonymous9:04 PM

    A seal? On Ocracoke?

    What's up with that?!?

    Is this in any way typical? I presume maybe it's migratory or seasonal, but this is the first I've ever heard of it.

    Is there any history of seals on Ocracoke?

    What luck to have a camera equipped to capture those images.

    Talke about a "Thanks for sharing."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Philip9:09 PM

    Seals are not common on Ocracoke, but I have seen them here before.

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  4. Anonymous12:50 AM

    Wow.

    A seal.

    I've seen snakes, small deer, and dolphins; heard of whale sightings offshore and the occasional bear sighting on shore.

    Aside from all the other "usual suspects" (wild ponies, sea turtles, crabs, birds, shellfish) and the shipwrecked circus animals of yore, any other natural wonders known to inhabit or occasionally lay over on the island that we might be surprised to learn of?

    (Aside from we tourists.)

    Thanks.

    P.S.
    Looking at the expressive eyes and face of the seal in your photos reminds me of a wonderful film written and directed by John Sayles called The Secret of Roan Inish. If you're not familiar with it I highly recommend it. It's a mythical tale about a family of island dwellers along the Irish coast and their strong ties to home and the sea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:47 AM

    Whoever you are, that is a great film...

    ReplyDelete

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