Seals

Seals and their habits

A group of seals is seen regularly around Red Head peninsula on the New South Wales South Coast - most often drifting near the rocks with their fins erect to adjust body temperature. Recently, and for the first time, I saw several seals basking on the rocks, and also some signs that they may have been feeding on seabirds.

The seals at Red Head have previously been identified as Australian Fur Seals.

This is the rock on which the following photographs were taken, all within a few metres of each other at the flat ridge near the top of the rock.

Remains of a seabird, its body largely eaten.

A hollow about 75 cm diameter forming a ‘‘nest” lined with feathers. A nice size for a resting seal?

Deposits - regurgitated or scats? with a high content of feathers.

Another seal resting.

Beach-side survey sites

A bird survey by the sea last week had some unexpected visitors. A group of Australian Fur Seals basking close to the rocks and then Humpback Whales on their trip north.

At first glance it looked like seaweed dancing in the waves - but it was a group of twelve or more seals - close to the rocks on this South Coast NSW beach.

At first glance it looked like seaweed dancing in the waves - but it was a group of twelve or more seals - close to the rocks on this South Coast NSW beach.

The Australian Museum identified the photos as Australian Fur Seals and said that they were actually cooling off by raising their fins in the air - their fins have blood vessels close to the surface forming useful heat-exchangers.

The Australian Museum identified the photos as Australian Fur Seals and said that they were actually cooling off by raising their fins in the air - their fins have blood vessels close to the surface forming useful heat-exchangers.

Two (or more) Humpback Whales pass close to the beach on their way north to warmer waters.

Two (or more) Humpback Whales pass close to the beach on their way north to warmer waters.

This young Australasian Gannet flew over while I was taking the seal photos.

This young Australasian Gannet flew over while I was taking the seal photos.