Had to coax this critter back into the rising tide at Ainsdale early this morning, after it had obviously decided to come ashore overnight and have a snooze at the north end of the beach.
Grey Seals do come ashore for a nap now and again, and are obviously frequent offshore, but this fella was interesting, pretty small (3ft long aprox), tail held up off the ground, nice "V" shaped nostrils, dog-like head and snout and even the hint of a few spots and rings in its fur....I think it's a Common (Harbour) Seal, and if it is, it's the first I've seen on our coastline, although I know they do occur occasionally.
Nearest big breeding colony is Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland I think.
Anyone into seals? What do you think?
I can't speak "seal", but I could guess it wasn't happy at being chivvied back into the sea before it had had its forty winks, judging by the spitting and snorting.
Fit and healthy though, and shimmied/wobbled back into the surf in double quick time.
Excellent animal.
The morning tide brought predictably large amounts of gulls to Ainsdale again, but I could only pick out one adult winter Med (a different bird to yesterday's, with just black ear coverts, rather than a summer hood forming).
Fine first year Kittiwake flew south along the tideline early doors.
Over the tide, Weld Road played host to both Glaucs, the first winter bird in the marsh close to the car park, and the second winter bird roosting further out at the end of the Shrimpers' track.
Late on in the afternoon they were in the same small roost out on the sands about 400m south of Weld Road.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Looks like Common (Harbour) Seal to me. The "V" shaped nostrils are supposed to be diagnostic.
Ta Phil. Certainly lacks that "Roman nose" of a Grey, and it ain't got that big rectangular head either...
Yeah looks like a Common, great find!
Short Eared Owl 200m south of Marshside Rd at 4.15pm perched upon a log. Stayed for 25 mins until the light was too poor to continue watching but the bird never flew off. RSPB Warden, Alex also present to witness the bird. 1st SEO I've had there since Christmas Day.