The also-rans: Wading in the North Sea

by Darren

Without a doubt the best place to see grey seals in the UK throughout the year is the Farne Islands up off Northumbria. I was there in May and had the opportunity to work with the seals both above and below the water.

However to see breeding seals the best place to visit is the Lincolnshire coast. In November each year the females come up on to the beach and give birth to a single creamy white pup. The pups are weaned at four weeks, and by early December the females are rounded up into harems for the males to fight over.

It’s a scene which shows the power of nature. A full grown bull is often in excess of 60 stone and they move across the sand faster than you or I could run. Often the fights are bloody and violent – tearing of their very thick skin is not uncommon.

But it’s also a scene of beauty. Some of the later pups still have their creamy white coat, whereas others like this youngster have shed it and now have a soft grey coat. They’ll wait on land for about a further month before they go to the sea, and in that time they’ll move around this vast beach, usually in water a few centimetres thick.

The life of a wildlife photographer is often one of great hardship, and braving the biting cold for seven hours on that beach, trying to make sure that sand doesn’t get inside the cover on your camera and lens while your body shivers and numbs is one of those times where you have to just grin and bear it. But it’s equally a great reward, to see these seals at a critical moment.

That’s why I’ll be going back this year. And next. And the one after. And ….

Incidentally, if there’s enough demand I’d be happy to run a workshop this year so you can join me on the beach to see this wonderful scene. If you’re interested then drop me a line through the contact page and I’ll be in touch.