Harp Seal-Snowstorm Day

D1x/400afs/tripod


Hello NatureScapers:

This is an image I made on the first day on the ice off of the Magdelan Islands in March. The first day produced an unexpected snow squall. We waited two hours outside in our survival suites at the helicopter pad, taking some block from the wind next to a truck. Finally the pilots decided we could make a go of it. After a 30min flight we were on the ice.

The snow was blowing sideways, it was very windy and cold but some of my favorite pictures were made during this first day. The other days were all clear and sunny, more usual weather and so although I did not realize it at the time, the snowstorm day was actually a blessing in the end.

The harp seal babies are left on the ice. The males are out swimming in the icy water nearby, waiting for the females to complete nursing and leave the babies. Then it is time to start the cycle all over again before the entire group splits off on their own. The females come and go from the babies to feed. They climb thru breathing holes in the ice to come up and nurse. This is one of the female seals just after climbing out onto the ice. It was so cold the water (salt water!) froze almost immediately.

The breathing holes should be given wide berth. They frequently will freeze over or become covered with some snow. I actually stepped down into one, carrying my tripod on my shoulder. Fortunately for me, the hole was only large enough to allow my one leg and boot into the water. Many of the holes, of course, could allow a person to go straight through. The tourist walk around with ski poles, poking at the ice in front of them. Difficult to do with your gear..

As always, thank for looking and any comments or suggestions..