Seals on sea ice

It is the end of the summer, and the sea-ice surrounding Dumont d'Urville is nearly all gone. Just enough remains, however, for a quick trip to visit the local seal population. JY and I went this morning, stepping very gingerly to keep our footing on the slippery surface and taking care not to wander too close to the water or onto thin ice.

There was a large group of seals some way away, but the ice looked too watery there to be safe for us. Instead we approached an isolated seal lying in the sun on thicker ice, warming itself and digesting its most recent meal. Although it had a very sweet face, and seemed to have a quiet disposition, I was vary wary of getting too close. The photo shows how close I did get...