Alki and Bailey have been enjoying a very relaxing extended stay at their exclusive West Seattle beach ~ they swim a little, bask a little, swim a little, bask a little. The two seal pups have been coming and going all day and evening today, keeping Seal Sitters on their toes moving tape and cones. All in all, a very healthy sign that the pups are gaining strength from their long beach siestas. Alki (shown at left) is looking stronger every day and is easily identified by a little nick on his nose.

So, how do we identify the pups to keep track of their haulout patterns and health? By matching up spots, which is more difficult than it would seem. Seals look completely different wet than with a dry coat and the spot patterns are much easier to define when wet; however, it is not always possible to get shots of every seal shortly after hauling out from the Sound. Being certain of identity is of the utmost importance when there are concerns that a seal is in trouble and might need to be treated at PAWS or Wolf Hollow in the San Juans. There is no room for error. And you most certainly do not want to put a healthy pup through the trauma of being removed from a beach (only by NOAA authorized personnel) and the long transport in a car; the stress of that ordeal alone can greatly jeopardize him.

Seal Sitters, old and new, enjoyed quite a rare treat as the two pups hauled out together for the majority of the day. At right is a photo of Bailey hauling out at sunrise to join a sleeping Alki.

Tags: Bailey, Alki