October 1: The Beachmasters!

The bull elephants seals, The Beachmasters! Three to four metres long and  up to 3 tonne. Despite their big sluggish appearance these fellas can move. Avoiding getting between them and the water, then and the female seals, and them and pretty much anything else that they may be interested in, is highly recommended.
More amazing pics from Justin Chambers. Thanks jj.

Beachmaster on east beach. Photo: Justin Chambers

Beachmaster in the tussock. Photo: Justin Chambers

Beachmaster. Photo: Justin Chambers

Beachmaster . Photo:Justin Chambers

September 30: Seal harems on the east coast

The elephant seal harems are growing on the beaches around the isthmus. Each harem has a Beachmaster, a big male, and a posse of female seals who chose the harem that they wish to join. The Beachmasters then battle it out to take control of each others harems, winning the rights to mate with  all of the females. First though the females need to finish having their pups. As the harems get bigger the  Beachmaster has a greater area to cover to ward off sneaky suitors. If a rival male sneaks up on the harem, the Beachmaster will often charge through the seals, crushing females and pups to ward off the challenger. These battles can be a fight to the death, and the sight of two 3 tonne seals smashing against each other with tremendous force is a sight to behold.
To perch up in the tussock and watch this unfold has been likened to watching a soap opera of sorts.

Elephant seal harem on east beach. Photo: Justin Chambers

Seal harem on east beach. Photo: Justin Chambers

Beachmaster and his harem. Photo: Justin Chambers

Thanks for the photos jj.

September 23: When your admirer is bigger than you....

There's no getting away from a male elephant seal that wants some lovin'.

These shots are from Sandy Bay just to the north of Brothers Point. You can see the red googie shape of Brother's Point Hut in the rear.
Thanks Ranger Andrea for the great pics.

Beachmaster and seal at Sandy Bay. Photo: Andrea Turbett

Beachmaster with his captured seall at Sandy Bay. Photo: Andrea Turbett