Last weekend, when we were at SlowBowl, we took a morning drive over to Seal Beach. Here are a few shots.
Each bull has his harem around him. As they all snooze in the sun, a rogue male will try to move in. The cows are having not of that, so they rise up and make a bit of racket to wake up their bull. He lazily lifts his head and bellows at the approaching male to let him know he isn't welcome.
From the looks of this bull, he has a bit of experience defending his harem.
And from the looks of his claws, he's inflicted some damage of his own.
Here is a picture of three well fed, well tended pups. When a pup gets hungry he begins calling his mother with a distinct call. The mother begins calling back, and the first thing you know they are reunited for meal time. See how smooth their skin is with the underlying layer of fat?
Sadly, the beach was also littered with pups who can't find their mothers. It could be for any of several reasons. The mother may be inexperienced and not know how to BE a mother. The mother may be dead. The pup may have been rejected. Or some bull may have isolated the mother from her pup. This photo is of a pup who has cried for his mother and can't find her. He only mewed a few times while we were there. Probably too weak to keep searching for her. As you can see from his wrinkled skin, his reserves are almost gone. He probably didn't last more than a day after this picture was taken. Nature is harsh.
Comments (6)
Nice photos. I didn't know their claws look like that up close. And so sad about the pups without their moms.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | February 8, 2009 2:01 PM
Posted on February 8, 2009 14:01
Interesting photos. Sad to read about what happens to some of the pups.
Posted by girasoli | February 8, 2009 7:38 PM
Posted on February 8, 2009 19:38
Deborah, Glad you made it up to see the seals. It was fascinating. Your pictures are so clear and close up.
Posted by Barb Cabot | February 9, 2009 12:13 AM
Posted on February 9, 2009 00:13
These is a very interesting post. It shows the beauty and harshness of nature. We are fortunate to be able to experience it. I like the details of the seals. Nice job.
Posted by marta | February 9, 2009 11:38 AM
Posted on February 9, 2009 11:38
Great photos, Deborah! But a shame about the pups that have been abandoned. Nature can be very cruel.
Posted by sandrac | February 9, 2009 1:36 PM
Posted on February 9, 2009 13:36
I'm so happy that your field trip up the coast worked out so well - great pictures.
Posted by Marcia | February 9, 2009 3:06 PM
Posted on February 9, 2009 15:06