Sealed...with Gratitude

Harbor seals herald winter on the Outer Banks, as Osprey signal spring's official arrival. 

Probably prompted by yesterday's minimum temperature of sixteen degrees, the season's first harbor seal hauled out to rest on the (comparatively) warm sand of Kitty Hawk this afternoon. As the shadows lengthened and the tide crept in, the seal went back in the water and swam away south. For the past several years, harbor seals have come ashore along the Outer Banks for a few hours to a few days in order to warm themselves and snooze in the sun. NEST volunteers typically place signs in the area asking folks to give the seals a wide berth and let them rest. This is a situation where a telephoto lens comes in handy. 

Healthy seals rest in a position that would send me running, make that hobbling, to the nearest chiropractor! The "banana" pose is a sign of a healthy seal, and this one stretched and rolled and raised its hind flippers multiple times.

 

Here is a first look, from several houses to the north.

Yes, they look cute. No, you may not go up to one. 

The only way to approach them is via binoculars or a long lens--for their safety and yours. 

Big yawn. 

Shortly after the tide came in, the seal left the beach. Nap time over.