Tag Archives: bonding

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Eric Zetterholm was at the bluffs overlooking Tidepool Beach at The Sea Ranch last Saturday when he saw perhaps the very first Harbor Seal pup appear. This little one headed for the water rather than resting on the sand.

And while in the water, the pup touches noses with his or her mother, a sweet bonding moment.

Docents are out on The Sea Ranch bluffs to make sure people are quiet and that they, and their dogs, stay away from the peaceful scene below. The beach is for the Harbor Seals now.

And a word of caution - many mothers leave their newborn pups on the beach while they go into the ocean to find food. The pups do NOT need to be rescued. If you believe a seal is in distress, call the Marine Mammal Center at 415 289-7325 [SEAL]. They will send a trained volunteer to assess the situation. Rarely does a pup need to be rescued. The mother returns to her sweet pup and all is well.

Thanks to Eric for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Fog is shrouding the immediate coast, but it is sunny a little ways away. I am looking out at a sea of white today; it's covering the Pacific Ocean. No wind today, which is nice.

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Yes, the first Harbor Seal pups have made their appearance in secluded coves. One area where they are born is at Tidepool Rookery off The Sea Ranch, another area is by the Point Arena Lighthouse/Point Arena Stornetta Lands. After the birth, the mother and pup touch noses. Sara Bogard recently witnessed a birth, and she photographed this photo which she entitled, "A Mother's Kiss." The mother is on the left.

A sweet, loving photo for you today. Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share it with you.

A few words of warning: never "rescue" a pup you might see along on the beach. The mother leaves her sweet pup to go feed. Also, make sure your dogs are leashed, or better yet, leave them behind if viewing Harbor Seals now. Make no noise or sudden movement, and you will be rewarded with a blissful sighting.

Another warm spring day here on the Mendonoma coast, with high clouds. Spring doesn't know...

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Harbor Seal pups are being born on secluded coves. The bluffs at The Sea Ranch are one of the places you can quietly watch without disturbing them. Barbara Thrush saw a birth from start to finish.

A Harbor Seal pup being born by Barbara Thrush Mother Harbor Seal looks at her pup being born by Barbara Thrush

Finally the little one is born.

And the Harbor Seal pup is born by Barbara Thrush

Next the pup and its mother bond. They are also marking each other's scent so they can find each other.

A newborn Harbor Seal pup bonding with its mother by Barbara Thrush

And lastly the newborn pup tests the waters with mom watching close by.

A newborn Harbor Seal pup in the water by Barbara Thrush

Once again let me caution people not to "rescue" a pup left alone on a beach. The mother will leave her newborn while she fishes to feed herself. She will return!

Thanks to Barbara for allowing me to share her wonderful photos with  you here.