Grey Seal Pups at Donna Nook.

It's that time of year again to go and catch up with the grey seals now it's pupping season.  We are very fortunate in Lincolnshire to have the Lincs Trust Reserve at Donna Nook.  It is owned by the MOD but managed by the trust.  The MOD use the beaches hereabouts as a bombing range.  Amazingly the wildlife does not appear to be disturbed at all.  During November and December each year around 3000 seals haul up onto the beach and dunes when the females give birth to their pups and then mate with the waiting bulls.  Around 1000 pups are born each year and at the moment there are around 100 as it is still early in the season.  As soon as we opened the car door we could hear the seal.  The pups crying to be fed sound just like a child crying 'Mum' while the eerie whoo call of the female is one of aggression if another seal (or person) gets too close to their pup.  The bulls make very little sound other than snorting or snoring.  They show excitement or aggression by raising their whole body and letting it crash back down with a reverberating thump.  Many bear the bloody scars from battles competing for the attention of the females.

To see the images large, click on a picture.

Sleeping female.

Grey Seal Pup.

Female taking her ease.

Bliss!

Pup.

Bull.

Just don't disturb me!

Aahh!!

Pup calling for its mum.

Where is she?

Relaxation.

Love is in the air!

Mum and pup.

Hey! Look at me!!

This female has just given birth.

Watching over a very newly born pup.  The yellow stain is from the amniotic fluid.

Mum and pup.

Now, who bit my nose.

Not a seal