If you are reading this and you know anyone visiting the area then please let them know, thank you.
Showing posts with label Seals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seals. Show all posts
Monday, 17 December 2018
Christmas Sailings
Just to let you all know that we are still going to be sailing right until the New Year so if you are in the area and would like a trip to the Farne Islands and see all the cute seal pups then we will be sailing everyday from 11am, 12,30pm and maybe a 2pm. This is all weather permitting, so if you need to get out of the house over the Christmas period and give us a call on 01665 721667 or pop down the harbour and you will see our white booking office and the girls will let you know everything.
If you are reading this and you know anyone visiting the area then please let them know, thank you.
If you are reading this and you know anyone visiting the area then please let them know, thank you.
Tuesday, 6 November 2018
Hello World
During our trips on Monday there were a noticeable increase in new born seals on Brownsman, Wames and Staple Island compared to the last few days. We did not get out on Tuesday due to the weather but when we returned on Wednesday we were gob smacked as there was an explosion of pups everywhere. Guessing a few hundred were born in one day and when the National Rangers eventually got out to do their seal counts on Thursday the result was very evident, with 504 seal pups in total. What a great start to the season for the pups and long may it last.
We have also witnessed a new born which was incredible and then seen the awful side of nature with 2 gulls eating a still born. I know its nature and its not nice to see, but I suppose one hand feeds the other. The blood on their bills is something out of a horror film but again we might not like it but its how other they survive. I was talking to a diver a few weeks ago and he said that he saw a still born on the seabed during one of his dives but it did not phase him at all, as he watched a sea urchin, and starfish eating the decomposing body so it was helping them to survive as well.
At first we thought she had miscarried due to the amount of blood, but as we passed again on a later trip we saw the pup and it was covers in blood too.
We also watched a mother feed two seal pups. Our first thought was that the born mother must be dead, but as we watched it longer and longer we realised that this was not the case. The mother was feeding her own child but was then hitting the other pup to tell it to go away. She then turned over in such a manner that her own pup got some milk but the other pup got none. Again cruel but the pups mother would not be to far away.
We have also seen the very cute side too with some pups enjoying a little sleep in the sunshine. I swear the last seal pup picture was dreaming about something nice as it cuddles into the stone by the little grin on its face.
We have also witnessed a new born which was incredible and then seen the awful side of nature with 2 gulls eating a still born. I know its nature and its not nice to see, but I suppose one hand feeds the other. The blood on their bills is something out of a horror film but again we might not like it but its how other they survive. I was talking to a diver a few weeks ago and he said that he saw a still born on the seabed during one of his dives but it did not phase him at all, as he watched a sea urchin, and starfish eating the decomposing body so it was helping them to survive as well.
At first we thought she had miscarried due to the amount of blood, but as we passed again on a later trip we saw the pup and it was covers in blood too.
We also watched a mother feed two seal pups. Our first thought was that the born mother must be dead, but as we watched it longer and longer we realised that this was not the case. The mother was feeding her own child but was then hitting the other pup to tell it to go away. She then turned over in such a manner that her own pup got some milk but the other pup got none. Again cruel but the pups mother would not be to far away.
We have also seen the very cute side too with some pups enjoying a little sleep in the sunshine. I swear the last seal pup picture was dreaming about something nice as it cuddles into the stone by the little grin on its face.
Once again thank you for taking time to read our blog and I hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
OVER AND OUT
Friday, 26 October 2018
New Arrivals
Well its that time of the year once again and as we near the end of the season new arrivals are starting to appear. Yes, I'm taking about the new born seal pups.
We had a few early ones this year but unfortunately they did not make it but the ones that are starting to arrive now seen to be okay. I think the ones that were born early were premature or just not strong enough, so lets just hope the weather over the next few days does not reek havoc on the new born's and they find a sheltered spot and muddle through it.
Its lovely seeing the pups and its lovely seeing our guests faces when they see them for the first time. All we here is ahhhh aren't they cute. They might look cute but I would hate to be born on some rocks in the middle of the sea at this time of year. Its bad enough in the summer never mind now but I suppose it nature and that's what they have done for as long as they been here and they will now better than me why they wait until the winter.
It's funny over the last few weeks as I have been taking divers out to play with the seals and they have been having a great time and you get to hear lots of little stories when their dive. They are so playful I have never laughed as much in years. They love yellow fins. These are just some of the comments I've heard lately but little do some of the diver know is that they are as horney as hell, this is why they are so playful. I don't know how many times I've heard them say, they love yellow, black, blue fins (flippers) and they think they are special because they love that colour. I don't have the heart to tell them that it does not matter, just as long as they have fun and enjoy every minute in the water that's all that matters.
Lets hope the weather is kind to the new arrivals this year and I will keep you updated with all the numbers etc.
We had a few early ones this year but unfortunately they did not make it but the ones that are starting to arrive now seen to be okay. I think the ones that were born early were premature or just not strong enough, so lets just hope the weather over the next few days does not reek havoc on the new born's and they find a sheltered spot and muddle through it.
Its lovely seeing the pups and its lovely seeing our guests faces when they see them for the first time. All we here is ahhhh aren't they cute. They might look cute but I would hate to be born on some rocks in the middle of the sea at this time of year. Its bad enough in the summer never mind now but I suppose it nature and that's what they have done for as long as they been here and they will now better than me why they wait until the winter.
It's funny over the last few weeks as I have been taking divers out to play with the seals and they have been having a great time and you get to hear lots of little stories when their dive. They are so playful I have never laughed as much in years. They love yellow fins. These are just some of the comments I've heard lately but little do some of the diver know is that they are as horney as hell, this is why they are so playful. I don't know how many times I've heard them say, they love yellow, black, blue fins (flippers) and they think they are special because they love that colour. I don't have the heart to tell them that it does not matter, just as long as they have fun and enjoy every minute in the water that's all that matters.
Lets hope the weather is kind to the new arrivals this year and I will keep you updated with all the numbers etc.
A new born Atlantic Grey Seal pup enjoying the sunshine.
A new born drinking its mothers milk on the waters edge.
A new born's mother keeping a close eye on her child as we watch from a distance.
Once again thank you for reading our blog and hopefully you enjoy the updates and don't forget to follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM.
Until next time
OVER AND OUT
Monday, 9 October 2017
Pupping season begins
Today we not only saw the 1st seal pup on the rocks but we also spotted a 2nd one.
Finally the seal season is underway and lets hope it's another good one like last year.
A few weeks ago my brother spotted one on the Longstone Island but unfortunately it had pasted away, which was such a crying shame as it looked big too and the weather had not been bad at all but I suppose that's nature for you.
Anyway the ones we saw today looked in better health and one was even feeding from its mother and the other looked a good bit bigger so it must be a good few days old.
Exciting times are now ahead of us and I love seeing the pups as they are really cute so lets hope they all go up and live long and healthy lives.
It will not be long before they are playing with the divers and showing off to our guests on board Serenity.
We also have been spotting a good few tags this year but once again they are not the best and the numbers rub off which is really annoying. Never mind we still have got a few. Andy my crewman spotted this one today which was a great spot too.
A few of last years pups were enjoying the little bit of sunshine too. These little fella's are about 10/11 months old now and enjoying life to its fullest.
Finally the seal season is underway and lets hope it's another good one like last year.
A few weeks ago my brother spotted one on the Longstone Island but unfortunately it had pasted away, which was such a crying shame as it looked big too and the weather had not been bad at all but I suppose that's nature for you.
Anyway the ones we saw today looked in better health and one was even feeding from its mother and the other looked a good bit bigger so it must be a good few days old.
Exciting times are now ahead of us and I love seeing the pups as they are really cute so lets hope they all go up and live long and healthy lives.
It will not be long before they are playing with the divers and showing off to our guests on board Serenity.
We also have been spotting a good few tags this year but once again they are not the best and the numbers rub off which is really annoying. Never mind we still have got a few. Andy my crewman spotted this one today which was a great spot too.
A few of last years pups were enjoying the little bit of sunshine too. These little fella's are about 10/11 months old now and enjoying life to its fullest.
Once again thank you for reading this blog
OVER AND OUT
Saturday, 22 April 2017
Love is.........
Love is......
A female grey seal never leaving dead partners side.....
The look from a female grey seal broke my heart the other day, as she lay beside her man while he lay dead.
It might not have been her man and it might have just been coincidence that she was lying there but for me it felt like her man.
When she turned her head and looked across at the boat as if to say "bugger off and leave me alone" it was enough to put a tear into my eye. Ever since I lost my dog "Bud" my loyal northumberland collie, things like this make me really sad.
I did not really want to blog something like this but "Andy" my crewman said I had to as he felt the same when he lost his dog last year. Bloody dogs...
It is really sad to see and I know its nature and everything has to die eventually but it never gets any easier, but if there is one thing I can take from this is that the bull (man) dead from natural causes. Well that's what I'm telling myself anyway.
A female grey seal never leaving dead partners side.....
The look from a female grey seal broke my heart the other day, as she lay beside her man while he lay dead.
It might not have been her man and it might have just been coincidence that she was lying there but for me it felt like her man.
When she turned her head and looked across at the boat as if to say "bugger off and leave me alone" it was enough to put a tear into my eye. Ever since I lost my dog "Bud" my loyal northumberland collie, things like this make me really sad.
I did not really want to blog something like this but "Andy" my crewman said I had to as he felt the same when he lost his dog last year. Bloody dogs...
It is really sad to see and I know its nature and everything has to die eventually but it never gets any easier, but if there is one thing I can take from this is that the bull (man) dead from natural causes. Well that's what I'm telling myself anyway.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
First Seal Pup of the year.
On Saturday 8th October the first seal pup of the year was spotted on the Longstone Island.
It's lovely to see but I'm not sure if this pup will survive as its on a very low rock and the weather has changed since Saturday and the big seas have started to roll in.
I have also seen another two pups on Monday on a different island but unfortunately one of them has passed away. The other one looks in good health and a lot higher up the rocks too.
I will keep you posted on whats happening and hopefully the seas will calm down for them.
Don't worry its not dead just having a little snooze.
It's lovely to see but I'm not sure if this pup will survive as its on a very low rock and the weather has changed since Saturday and the big seas have started to roll in.
I have also seen another two pups on Monday on a different island but unfortunately one of them has passed away. The other one looks in good health and a lot higher up the rocks too.
I will keep you posted on whats happening and hopefully the seas will calm down for them.
Don't worry its not dead just having a little snooze.
Monday, 28 September 2015
Seal Pup
On late Sunday afternoon we were on our last trip when Andy (my crewman) noticed a seal pup on the Brownman Island. I quickly turned the boat around to see if it was ok and good news folks it was.
It looked in good shape and then it was looking for its mother for a feed. At this stage we decided to leave them to it.
On our way back we stopped again for a cheeky little look and the mother had moved from the rock she was laying on, to be close to the seal pup.
Everything looked great and fingers crossed this little fella will grow up to be big and strong.
I will keep you posted as there was a few mothers starting to get high up on the rocks so it will not be long before there will be loads of pups around again.
It looked in good shape and then it was looking for its mother for a feed. At this stage we decided to leave them to it.
On our way back we stopped again for a cheeky little look and the mother had moved from the rock she was laying on, to be close to the seal pup.
Everything looked great and fingers crossed this little fella will grow up to be big and strong.
I will keep you posted as there was a few mothers starting to get high up on the rocks so it will not be long before there will be loads of pups around again.
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Grey Seal Trip 23rd November
We did a Grey Seal landing trip on Sunday 23rd to the Longstone Island and the weather was good until the wind picked up later on.
We steamed out towards the Farnes and I had to go back to Knocks Reef to see if the Grey Phalarope was still there but sadly it was not.
We got some pictures of the seals and a few Mallards near Knocks Reef but that was it so we decided to go across to Staple Island.
On the way across to Staple we saw 3 Little Auks on the water but the light was dreadful and the wind was picking up. We all managed to get some good pictures before we headed across to the Longstone.
On arriving at the Longstone we were greeted by loads of seals in the water.
The guys got off the boat and went to take some pictures of the seals and scenery.
The Longstone is a very rocky island so you have to be very careful and have some good footwear as it is very slippy in places.
We intended to be there for two hours but the wind picked up and the boat started dancing at the jetty so after 1 hour 15 minutes we had to leave. A bit disappointing really but it could not be helped.
We did see a young pup which was moulting and a few other seals enjoying the sunshine.
We left the Longstone and headed towards Staple Island to where it was sheltered so we could get a cup of coffee.
While we were there we saw some Turnstones and a cracking Purple Sandpiper posing in the sunshine.
We had decided that we would go to Stag Rock again so see if we could find the Long-tailed Ducks and anything else was there.
As we were just about to leave Staple Island we had a Little Auk turn up and boy oh boy did it show well.
I don't think anyone on the boat would have a bad picture as this little fella was more bothered about us at all and it just washed and groomed itself while we floated beside it enjoying it in its full glory.
At one stage I heard someone say it was to close for them to get a picture due to the size of their lense. Now that's how close it was.
After spending quite sometime with this little seabird we steamed across to Ross Sands before slowly moving down to Stag Rock.
The Long-tailed Ducks did not show as good as they did the day before but it was still really nice to see them.
After arriving at Stag Rock with high hopes we were a bit disappointed as all we saw was a few Eider Ducks. Not that there is anything wrong with them at all but after the other birds we were hoping for something special. Oh well another time maybe.
As the sun was setting behind Bamburgh Castle we headed back to Seahouses and I think a good few people will have lots a pictures to sort through after this trip.
Once again guys thanks for joining me and hopefully I will see you again sometime.
We steamed out towards the Farnes and I had to go back to Knocks Reef to see if the Grey Phalarope was still there but sadly it was not.
We got some pictures of the seals and a few Mallards near Knocks Reef but that was it so we decided to go across to Staple Island.
On the way across to Staple we saw 3 Little Auks on the water but the light was dreadful and the wind was picking up. We all managed to get some good pictures before we headed across to the Longstone.
On arriving at the Longstone we were greeted by loads of seals in the water.
The guys got off the boat and went to take some pictures of the seals and scenery.
The Longstone is a very rocky island so you have to be very careful and have some good footwear as it is very slippy in places.
We intended to be there for two hours but the wind picked up and the boat started dancing at the jetty so after 1 hour 15 minutes we had to leave. A bit disappointing really but it could not be helped.
We did see a young pup which was moulting and a few other seals enjoying the sunshine.
We left the Longstone and headed towards Staple Island to where it was sheltered so we could get a cup of coffee.
While we were there we saw some Turnstones and a cracking Purple Sandpiper posing in the sunshine.
We had decided that we would go to Stag Rock again so see if we could find the Long-tailed Ducks and anything else was there.
As we were just about to leave Staple Island we had a Little Auk turn up and boy oh boy did it show well.
I don't think anyone on the boat would have a bad picture as this little fella was more bothered about us at all and it just washed and groomed itself while we floated beside it enjoying it in its full glory.
At one stage I heard someone say it was to close for them to get a picture due to the size of their lense. Now that's how close it was.
After spending quite sometime with this little seabird we steamed across to Ross Sands before slowly moving down to Stag Rock.
The Long-tailed Ducks did not show as good as they did the day before but it was still really nice to see them.
After arriving at Stag Rock with high hopes we were a bit disappointed as all we saw was a few Eider Ducks. Not that there is anything wrong with them at all but after the other birds we were hoping for something special. Oh well another time maybe.
As the sun was setting behind Bamburgh Castle we headed back to Seahouses and I think a good few people will have lots a pictures to sort through after this trip.
Once again guys thanks for joining me and hopefully I will see you again sometime.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Blood Bath
The other day I was out with some guests and we stopped to see the seals. As I was telling them all about the seals I noticed there was a dead seal draped over a rock. I continued with my speech hoping that know one would see it, but unfortunately you could not miss it.
After looking at the seal for a while we noticed that it was only fast asleep and was just exhausted from fighting. Boy oh boy what a mess. The blood was everywhere but as long as the seal was okay that was the main thing.
Here are some pictures of the seal and you can see why we thought it was dead when we first saw it.
After looking at the seal for a while we noticed that it was only fast asleep and was just exhausted from fighting. Boy oh boy what a mess. The blood was everywhere but as long as the seal was okay that was the main thing.
Here are some pictures of the seal and you can see why we thought it was dead when we first saw it.
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