tiabunna's photos with the keyword: seals

Australian Fur Seals were almost wiped out in the 1800s for the fashion of wearing fur. They now are protected and numbers are recovering. Their territory is confined to the south eastern coasts of Australia, where they gather in harems in the breeding season (see PiP) - these are at Montague Island.

Fur seals on the beach below a lookout. Almost wiped out by the 19th century sealing trade, they now are protected and it's good to see their number increasing. Here's a musical link.

This New Zealand Fur Seal and pups were on the east coast. Almost hunted to extinction in the 1800s for their fur, these seals now have recovered and are commonly found along the coasts. Explored.

The beach on the east coast of the island, between the living area and working areas of the station, with resting elephant seals and wandering penguins.

Young male elephant seals wallowing among the kelp that surrounds the island and is strewn on its beaches.

Macquarie had its usual low cloud when we landed, at least it wasn't raining! The first sight, for most visitors, is of the elephant seals spread along the gravel beach, interspersed with penguins.

From an old slide. Typical beach scene on the east coast on one of the few "good weather" days. Giant Petrel nearest camera, Skua Gulls and more Giant Petrels beyond, with Dominican Gulls in and over the water. Elephant Seals to the right, and the usual tangle of giant kelp on the beach. Penguins way in the distance.

Young male elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) spend their days either sleeping or practicing fighting (done by bashing together, as was happening here till I interrupted). Fighting skills will become important later in life, when they try to attain "Beachmaster" status. From an old Kodachrome slide taken with a Minolta SR1 and Auto Rokkor 1.4 58mm lens..

Taken during station changeover (see DUKW unloading in background), December 1967. Elephant seals in the foreground.