A SEA COURTSHIP

by Sylvia Hume

One very hot and sunny July morning my husband and I set off for Feall Bay where we decided to rest and sunbathe. I was just closing my eyes when I spotted movement amongst the seaweed on the tide line. We went to investigate and there, nestled together, were two young grey seals who became very noisy as we approached. It was interesting to see them at such close quarters, but on inspection we saw their skins were dried out and fluffy. As the tide was ebbing and it was the hottest time of day, we became concerned for their welfare, wondering if they could survive till the tide turned.

My husband thought he could carry them down to the sea, but when he tried to lift the male by the tail, its head swung round viciously, snapping and barking. However, he eventually managed to drag him and dampen him in a pool, then take him to the water's edge. The female managed down the beach by herself, with a lot of encouragement from us. She seemed tired, but happy to be reunited with her mate who was patrolling back and forth in the sea waiting for her. We stepped out the distance from where they had been to the water's edge and found it 120 yards. Hopefully, we spared them from becoming dehydrated.

On the way home along the bay in the late afternoon, what did we see but two more young seals coming out of the water and slowly porpoising and flippering their way up to the high tide line. After two rests they halted and what we witnessed then was something we shall never forget - a courtship ritual. The seals nestled into one another, then stroking with flippers started, very gently but gradually becoming frenzied, their little bodies pulsating with excitement. After a short rest, activity started again, with the male nuzzling and probing the female, to her obvious enjoyment. Between pauses for relaxation and recuperation the courtship continued with great tenderness. When we left them, they were lying close to each other, the male asleep, and no doubt dreaming of autumn mating! Unlike the two we saw in the morning, they could catch the tide when it came in and were perfectly safe to be left in peace.

Feall Bay was quite busy with visitors for a day or two after hoping to witness the same sight, but to no avail. We have related this experience many times, but have been unable to find anyone who has shared it. (Have any of our readers? - Ed.)