End of field work

This field season has officially come to a close.  Will be leaving the island tomorrow.   Had a wonderful time, vacation is over and will be back to the real world again!

Meet the New Animals

Here's the new gang of pups I will be working with over the next year.  Cute bunch, one has gone almost entirely black! One still has it's fluffy white coat, will be a few days till we see how he is going to turn out.

Close up

This little guy was very curious with me, and let me take some lovely close ups. 

The seal team

A pic of most the team (our leader simon is missing), however never fear, a male seal was keeping watch from the water.  Supervisor!

Whiskers in the sun

Yearlings

The yearlings (one year old pups) returning to the island are amazing; they have a unique coat that is very orange in appearance.  They are very skittish, and hang out on the outskirts of the colony. 

Weaned

I am so excited, two of my six pups have weaned.  Grow up so fast!  Still waiting for them to molt...I am sure they will turn out as handsome as these weaners.   Will wait for the other four, and then back home we go! 

Hey Ladiiiieeess

This male heard some ladies on the other side of the wall and decided to check it out.  He proceeded to climb over the wall for a booty call.  The ladies had none of it though...chased him off away from there pups.  Just wouldn't be appropriate in front of the children.

Daily dose of baby seal

Bad weather

There have been a few days without posts on the Isle so far...all due to weather.  When it is really windy and rainy I can't get much work done, so I end up staying in and don't have pictures. Was really windy out today, but was able to get in some work this morning.  Found this weaner doing what I would have preferred...Just chillin'.

Pillows

Using rocks for pillows is the top of the line comfort Isle style.

Bleck!

That grass tastes awful!  Let me go back and try it again to be sure...

Happy thanksgiving!

Couldn't sneak up on this pup; craned his head all the way back and spotted me out.  

Whale of a weaner

May I present the largest weaner I have seen.  His head is the normal size, but he is as wide around as the pregnant females.  Mom did a good job with him!

Pup yoga

The pose of the day is upward facing dog.

Peak a boo

Bud's little brother

Meet Bud's little brother!  He is very rowdy compared to Bud; he tried to attack/eat my dead cat (the windcover protecting my microphone)

Field work supervisor

I am being highly micromanaged during my work....this weaner double checked my speaker playback settings this morning.

Zola's sister

She is also very vocal.  Mom stepped out for a swim, and she is left crying hungrily.

Scenic views

Was beautiful weather on the isle today, with a stunning sunrise and dramatic lighting for the light house

Pup pushups

Up down up down, pups stay fit

Blurgle

Mandy asked me to post this for her.  This is a sound she recorded off a seal pup (the one seen in the picture).  It goes Bluuuuuuuurgle!

Playing in the grass

Playing in the grass is tiring work...better take a nap with mom!

Nobody like mom

One of my study pups spent the morning cuddling and kissing with mom. 

He also happened to shove his head down a rabbit hole, and when it came out one eye was covered in mud as if he had looked through a comedy telescope with shoe polish around the rim :)

Meet the New Crew

New babies are in!  Any ideas for names? 6 names, starting with the letters G-L.  Folks back at the office reckon we should have a Gandalf the grey seal...

I am a bit worried I may have chosen a 'special' pup this round...he keeps sleeping in rabbit holes.  perfect sized little head for it!