After a long day of Petrel nest hunting we returned to Bauer Bay hut, to witness the first seal pup that we saw for the year, cuddled up and bleating beside its mother. With little other food choices on the beach, an armada of skuas, also arrived, ready to pounce on the pup if it became weak, or to nibble of its umbilical cord, given the first opportunity. They also are on the ready to harass the pup off the nipple when it is feeding, and take advantage of the free flowing rich seal milk.
The elephant seal pups are black furry little things, with a hoarse yelping bark, and big round eyes that seem to fill most of their faces.
There are still only two cows on the beach, something sure to change rapidly in the coming days as the breeding season draws closer.
Spring has sprung.
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| Two cows , one pup and many Skuas lined up ready for a meal. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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