Wonderful Weddells

Gourlay, the main study site here on Signy, is not just home to the Adelie and Chinstrap penguins but is also a popular spot for seals to haul out. We have had a Leopard Seal and regular appearances by Fur Seals, but the one I have particularly enjoyed recently are the Weddell Seals.

A Weddell chills out on the snow with a Fur Seal and Adelies on the rocks

The Weddells provide a lot of entertainment for us, despite often just lying there, as it is the reaction of the penguins wondering how best to walk around them that makes us smile.

With a seal in the way the penguins take a while to decide which way to go next

For the most part the seals are just relaxing, digesting their recent meals from out at sea, and getting some peaceful sleep.

Enjoying some warmth from the sun whilst relaxing

It's a hard life being a seal!

Occasionally they stir themselves to look around and have a bit of a scratch. But it is never long until they go back to sleep again.

Scratching away that annoying itch!

Weddells don't just appear one at a time though, sometimes there are small groups of them hanging out in a favoured spot.

5 Weddells all in the same bay at Gourlay

The most we have seen at one time, so far, is 6 with one of these being a weiner. This is a pup that has now left its mother and is learning to fend for itself. But that doesn't mean it can't also learn how to sleep!

A weiner chills out with some adults in the background

The weiner has actually popped up a number of times over a few weeks in places all around the island, evidently getting acquainted with Signy and finding preferred spots to haul out at.

Small, slightly furry still having not shed all its pup fur, but still impressive to see

Sometimes you just have to wonder, are they dreaming? And what of?

That typical tired look of a kid just waking up that wants to stay in bed!

My favourite moment had to be when the weiner decided to visit us on base. Hauling out just next to the main building here it stuck around for a little while and then left. But when it came back it decided hauling out was too much effort and sleeping in the tide line was a good enough option!

Relaxing in the calming rocking off the waves on the shoreline

The Weddells are fairly frequently seen in small numbers through most of the season, so hopefully we get to spend quite a bit more time with such charismatic seals!