Salty
Three seal day stretches Seal Sitters thin
Feb/06/18 07:32 PM
NUMERO UNO CONTINUES PREDICTABLE STREAK
Today turned into an interesting and challenging Seal Sitting adventure. First Responder David was down at “Cove 3” along Harbor Avenue just about 8 am, awaiting Uno’s arrival. She surfaced about 8:10 and took the next 12 minutes making trial runs at hauling out. Finally making the commitment at 8:22, volunteer John was there to assist in setting up the perimeter and talking to passersby. The tide was very high this morning – almost 13 feet, and Uno ended far up on the beach.
The rest of the day was her typical behavior of turning toward the water and moving down with the outgoing tide. Scheduler Jimi did a great job lining up volunteers until she returned to the water at 4:07 pm. We had a wonderful surprise visit by Hotline guru Larry, curious to finally see beautiful Uno.
Photos of Uno's belly were sent off to WDFW MMI's marine mammal biologist to confirm thoughts that Uno is female. That suspicion was confirmed. This is Uno’s 6th consecutive day at Cove 3 (she arrived in Elliott Bay from Lincoln Park on January 18th and has been using Cove 3 exclusively since January 21st ).
SECOND WEANER HAULS OUT BY SALTY'S
Hotline Operator Larry called at 12:33 pm with a report of another seal on the rocks at “Cove 1”, just north of Salty’s Restaurant (photo below). While volunteer Victoria kept watch over Uno, Responders Eilene and David arrived just in time to spot the weaner, set up a perimeter, only to have him leave the rock and swim away. **First Responder Robin** came down to help cover Cove 3. After checking out the area for a while with no additional sightings of the seal nicknamed Salty, they returned to help with Uno.
THIRD SEAL ONSHORE IN THE AFTERNOON
At 1:46 pm, a report was received regarding the third seal of the day. This one was at Cormorant Cove Park on Beach Drive, next to Harbor West Condos (photo below). The weaner was out on the gravel bar, barely discernible in the muck and trying to keep up with the outgoing tide. In this case, no perimeter was set up. David and Eilene watched both ends of the beach for approaching beachcombers and people with dogs. Dropping by to follow up on the seal, were the reporting party and her 5 year old granddaughter, who suggested Peachy for a name. First Responders Ralph and Melinda, along with volunteers Karen and Stefanie, arrived to relieve David and Eilene. Peachy returned to Puget Sound just before 4 pm.
David and Eilene arrived back at Cove 3 in time to watch Uno come to a decision to return to Elliott Bay around 4:15.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out today - and kudos to David and Eilene for a very trying day.
Today turned into an interesting and challenging Seal Sitting adventure. First Responder David was down at “Cove 3” along Harbor Avenue just about 8 am, awaiting Uno’s arrival. She surfaced about 8:10 and took the next 12 minutes making trial runs at hauling out. Finally making the commitment at 8:22, volunteer John was there to assist in setting up the perimeter and talking to passersby. The tide was very high this morning – almost 13 feet, and Uno ended far up on the beach.
The rest of the day was her typical behavior of turning toward the water and moving down with the outgoing tide. Scheduler Jimi did a great job lining up volunteers until she returned to the water at 4:07 pm. We had a wonderful surprise visit by Hotline guru Larry, curious to finally see beautiful Uno.
Photos of Uno's belly were sent off to WDFW MMI's marine mammal biologist to confirm thoughts that Uno is female. That suspicion was confirmed. This is Uno’s 6th consecutive day at Cove 3 (she arrived in Elliott Bay from Lincoln Park on January 18th and has been using Cove 3 exclusively since January 21st ).
SECOND WEANER HAULS OUT BY SALTY'S
Hotline Operator Larry called at 12:33 pm with a report of another seal on the rocks at “Cove 1”, just north of Salty’s Restaurant (photo below). While volunteer Victoria kept watch over Uno, Responders Eilene and David arrived just in time to spot the weaner, set up a perimeter, only to have him leave the rock and swim away. **First Responder Robin** came down to help cover Cove 3. After checking out the area for a while with no additional sightings of the seal nicknamed Salty, they returned to help with Uno.
THIRD SEAL ONSHORE IN THE AFTERNOON
At 1:46 pm, a report was received regarding the third seal of the day. This one was at Cormorant Cove Park on Beach Drive, next to Harbor West Condos (photo below). The weaner was out on the gravel bar, barely discernible in the muck and trying to keep up with the outgoing tide. In this case, no perimeter was set up. David and Eilene watched both ends of the beach for approaching beachcombers and people with dogs. Dropping by to follow up on the seal, were the reporting party and her 5 year old granddaughter, who suggested Peachy for a name. First Responders Ralph and Melinda, along with volunteers Karen and Stefanie, arrived to relieve David and Eilene. Peachy returned to Puget Sound just before 4 pm.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out today - and kudos to David and Eilene for a very trying day.
