It was a beautiful, sunny morning today at Lincoln Park, which bustled with walkers, runners, and cyclists. Amid all this activity was a harbor seal pup trying to catch some zzzz’s on the beach. Hotline operator Susan fielded a call around 9:30 from reporting party Ann about the pup just north of Colman Pool. While Seal Sitter’s First Responder Lynn drove down Admiral hill towards the south-end park, Ann kept an eye out for dogs. She helped Lynn locate the pup, who was sleeping soundly high above the tideline at the edge of the log debris.

Seal Sitters’ Scheduler for the day Abigail quickly began calling volunteers, lining them up in shifts to help protect the pup. Laura was first to show up for duty with 2-year old Rhydian and super-kindergartener Cyrilla, who excitedly helped Lynn stretch a yellow tape perimeter between cones and barricades. Soon after, volunteer Victoria arrived to distribute educational materials and talk to fascinated onlookers, explaining that all seal pups in Puget Sound are weaned and have been on their own for many months now.

As two bald eagles circled in the deep blue sky high above them, many people (including a group from a Wallingford retirement home) stopped to marvel and learn a bit about seal biology and pups’ need to rest undisturbed.

Just before noon, the pup stirred and stretched. He started making his way toward the tideline and slipped away into the choppy water. Volunteers remained on site for about 20 minutes to make sure he didn’t return to the beach. With no sign of the pup, they gathered materials and hiked back out of the park. Thanks to everyone who helped today!