52 Walks in 2010 - Walk 38 - Donna Nook Beach, Lincs (27th October 2010)

When autumn turns into winter hundreds of Grey Seals start hauling themselves onto the sand banks on the Lincolnshire coast to give birth to their pups. Donna Nook on the north-eastern coast of Lincolnshire is a seal watchers' paradise. It boasts one of the largest and most accessible breeding colonies of Grey Seals in the UK. Interestingly the reserve which is managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is also shared with the RAF's military bombing range but thankfully on the day we visited there was no bombing going on.

We arrived at the beach, parked our car and followed the many dozens of other people who had come to Donna Nook to see the seals. As we walked along the dunes in the distance we started to make out large black rock like shapes on the beach.



On getting closer it was clear to see that the rocks were the seals. There were about 100 or so on the beach and from the fenced off viewing area at the foot of the sand dunes we were able to watch them.



On rounding a corner we came across this chap just about 10-15m in front of the fence having a snooze in a pool. Seemingly oblivious to all the visitors who were watching him



Further on were more seals. I'm no seal expert but the ranger told us that they were mainly male 'bull' seals and that the majority of the female 'cows' would start arriving later that week and that by next week there would be double the number of seals on the beach as well as their pups. We did see one pup. In this next photo just behind the closest seal you can just about make out a white shape - that's the pup.



After watching the seals for a while we headed back to the car and on our way we passed a couple of huge seals having a bit of a spat. These photos were taken from about 10m from the seals.

Even Lara decided to have a go at taking some photos.

It was a lovely morning and really magical to see these wonderful creatures in the wild and up so close.

Since posting I've read the Wildlife Trusts Pupping Update and on Monday 1st November they recorded approx 176 adults present and 35 pups born to date.