Seal FM...!

Seals & the use of satellite telemetry maybe a bit controversial for some but it's how we get to know about the ecology and life history of these animals. I am lucky enough to have been working with these animals for a good number of years now and, albeit one from the archives, shows how science & photography can come together for the purpose of education and information about such procedures.. I bet you don't see too many of these at DN..

I must add that all procedures are carried out under a Home Office License which is only granted on a 'per project' basis and therefore scrutinised by leading animal health professionals before undertaken. We have learnt so much about their diving and foraging behaviour as well as dispersal patterns etc.. Did you know that seals will soon be communicating with each other and us via Bluetooth..?

I thought, Just a bit different..

Welcome comments and crits.. and discussion where necessary..

Brett

Canon 300D, 18-55mm, 1/160 @ f9, HH..

Very interesting shot indeed Brett. Obviously up close and personal with this one. Did you photograph this as it was being released after having the tag fitted? Incidentally, am I correct in thinking this is a Common Seal?
Nicely composed and the background sky is very complimentary to the image.
Robert

Hi Robert,

You are correct in all aspects.. This image was taken as it awoke from the sedation, hence the eyes look a little 'drunk'.. I was very close to it as I was monitoring it's health status whilst under sedation. I could not allow the animal to go into the water until I was completely satisfied it was free from the sedative effects. It is indeed a Common seal or Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Thanks for taking the time.

Brett

Brett, I think it is worth telling people a little more about the dispersal patterns your research threw up. It turned out that "local" seals on the Kent coast were foraging as far away as Brittany and the Wash - at least as far as I remember from your talk!

Lovely shot by the way, much nicer to see it at this higher resolution.

David

And we moan when we get a bird with a ring on it.
How on earth do you fix that on or daren't I ask? I too would be interested to know some of the stuff you have discovered using this technique.
I also like the shot a lot. He doesn't look all that flustered does he.
eric

Thanks for posting this one Brett, I too would be very interested in knowing what the research has discovered.

Andy...

This is something a bit different Brett.
How long do the collars stay on? Do you track the seals and at some point remove them?

Tony

When is he on-air?
Great shot and great story too. Do you have more info about them?

very interesting Brett and I think the shot is very nice too. Well composed and I like the sky.

Matt

Interesting shot and story Brett - thanks.

Mark

Nice image with an interesting story to go with it....

Great shot & story. Like many others I would be interested in knowing more.

Lee

An interesting and excellent shot/story, looks like you have shot yourself in the foot judging by all the questions you have generated.