Not the first & certainly not the last pup (Halichoerus grypus)

This is always unfortunate to see but I thought I would post it as I think it is important to see the ugly side of wildlife.

From the information I have been given this was a still born, I'm not so sure myself, but either way it won't be the last this year I'm certain.

On another point, how close is too close when photographing. I have always had my opinions and did a study on photography and wildlife but I would like to get an idea of how close people are willing to get with wildlife, for me the image comes second but observing others really makes me wonder what drives people for images. Shooting today, I was observing about 15 joggers on a beach, they were running as close to the see as possible, while parents and pups were on the beach, they run within 10 feet of them all making them go back to sea(apart from pups of course). This may sound all irrelevant but it was something that seemed so wrong and I wanted to get it off my chest. RANT OVER !!


D300
Sigma 180 & 2x teleconverter
1/60 @ F11

Drew

that would have really annoyed me too. A complete lack of consideration for the wildlife.

This is a sad image, although well taken.

Matt

Sometimes the result of the parent being spooked and stressed can lead to abandonment of pups. This is probably not the case here but does occur. In January I spent a good deal of time slowly approaching the groups on the beach and getting them acclimatized to my presence, only to have 2 guys show up and stride towards them with shutters blazing. They wandered why the seals all fled into the surf and why I was so angry at them.

Rob

It is always a sad sight to see death, especially among the young, but it is a large part of nature too.

A very sad image and a sad story. Sounds like the jooggers could do with substituting some of their fitness for some commonsense.

Very sad indeed Well worth paying attention to it!

Sandra

Unfortunately Drew your image has not appeared on my screen.
Robert