Tag Archives: squall

Stormy Weather

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Today it is just plain nasty outside with 35 knot nor’easterlies and blowing snow. No sign of the sea lions but the elephant seal family appears to be enduring the storm well. After a few days of poor feeding the pup and mom appear to have figured out their responsibilities and now the pup seems to be nursing vigourously. Misery, the father, is behaving well so far..

Below are some shots of Bertha and Squall, as well as the undisputed king of this island Misery of Race Rocks. Also the sub-adult male showed up last night. Does he have a name?

Newborn!

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I was right about that fat female being pregnant. A few minutes ago she (with Mysery adding some weight to her abdomen) squeezed out a beautiful and seemingly healthy pup! Some of the students witnessed it first-hand! They told me Mysery was getting very close. I observed him snuffling the pup and wanting to be very involved in the experience. He certainly poses a threat because of his size but he seemed to bear the little pup no ill will. Perhaps it is his progeny. The pup picked the nastiest day of the month to be born with strong winds, snow and hail squalls. It will be a long and cold first night, and hopefully a long and fruitful life. I suggest he be named Squall in memory of this auspicious day.

For more info on the Elephants of Race Rocks please see:

http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/taxalab/ashleyc.htm