I think I would have preferred a landscape format on this one Major especially as there is such a strong line of sight to the right of the image. Am I right in saying this is a common (not so) seal? I've never seen one.
Robert
Sorry Major can't find any nit's to pick.
Excellent capture. Keith.
Posted by Major Gilbert on October 20, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Now I had this one ready just for you Robert.
I am not an expert on seals but I took this to be a young Grey Seal. It was in the company of Greys and the only one young individual.
Major.
Posted by Matt Cole on October 20, 2008 at 3:32 PM
a lovely shot Major, I prefer the repost. Nice lighting and composition.
Matt
Posted by Brett Lewis on October 20, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Hi Major, this is a young Common seal, (Phoca vitulina).. 110% sure..One that is not in very good shape either. The first post shows some wounds on the hind flippers, probably suffering quite the infection. Also quite a bit of saliva around the mouth which is indicative of an infection in the mouth. Probably gingivitis.. A good and very useful descriptive image of this young animal.. Well taken and like both images..
Thanks for sharing.. Where and when did you take the image..?
Brett
Posted by John Robinson on October 20, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Like the second post better.
Swap you for a Lizard
JR
Posted by Rene de Heer on October 20, 2008 at 5:11 PM
The landscape is the one for me, very nice and great light.
Rene de heer
Posted by Tim Gregory on October 20, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Nice shot, catchlight, expression and the lovely pebble beach all combine to make a fine image.
I much prefer the landscape crop with some room for him/her to gaze into, colors also appear slightly more vibrant.
Posted by Major Gilbert on October 20, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Brett I always thought Common Seals were born minus the white coat. There supposed to moult this before birth. If not surely this is a rare occurence. Taken 16/10/08 Norfolk.
Major.
Posted by Brett Lewis on October 20, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Hi Major, that isn't the lanugo you might associate with new born animals but a downy version of the adult pelt. You are correct in your assumption that commons do lose their lanugo pre-birth or very quickly after. However, as you can see on the back of the animal, this is very much the secondary pelt of a young common seal. Further more the colouration is that of a common seal with the more 'freckled' colouration than that of the 'dalmatian' or 'block' colouring in Grey seals..
Just to put this into context, I have been working with seals for over a decade (almost 15 years) now and have monitored the population in the south/south east for all this time... I undertake rescue and rehab as well so ID from the outset is very important from my point of view.. LOL!!
Kind regards,
Brett
Ps. It is almost certainly one of this years animals, born in June/early July..
Posted by Major Gilbert on October 20, 2008 at 6:10 PM
THanks for that Brett my ID had bothered me somewhat.
Major.
Posted by Brett Lewis on October 20, 2008 at 6:14 PM
No problem Major, happy to help.. If that animal was wet, it wouldn't look so 'white'...
Brett
Posted by Ian Mason on October 20, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Yes, I much prefer the second post Major. I just knew you would have a landscape shot as well! As for the identification, although I've never seen a common I'm so used to seeing those heavy 'roman' noses on the greys that the rounded look of this one led me to my ID. It's a good job we have such a wide knowledge base with people like Brett on this forum, it's comforting to know that whenever we may struggle for an ID there will always be someone who has in depth knowledge of that particular area.
Robert
Discussion
16 replies1/800 @ f8.
ISO $)).
Gitzo + Wimberly
Major
Robert
Excellent capture.
I am not an expert on seals but I took this to be a young Grey Seal. It was in the company of Greys and the only one young individual.
Major.
Matt
Thanks for sharing.. Where and when did you take the image..?
Brett
Swap you for a Lizard
JR
Rene de heer
I much prefer the landscape crop with some room for him/her to gaze into, colors also appear slightly more vibrant.
Major.
Just to put this into context, I have been working with seals for over a decade (almost 15 years) now and have monitored the population in the south/south east for all this time... I undertake rescue and rehab as well so ID from the outset is very important from my point of view.. LOL!!
Kind regards,
Brett
Ps. It is almost certainly one of this years animals, born in June/early July..
Major.
Brett
Robert
Much prefer the repost - very nice!
David