Seals of South Georgia

[stubbsy]

South Georgia is a British overseas territory east of mainland South America. Argentina also lays claim to the islands and invaded there during the Falkland's war in the 1980's. It's an amazing place with huge amounts of penguins and seals. 95% of the world's southern fur seal population, 50% of the world elephant seal population and in excess of 5 million penguins and another 10 million birds can be found in it's 4,000 square km area. Below are some seal images taken during a 3 day stop over there as part of my recent Antarctic trip.

More images from South Georgia can be found HERE

These male elephant seals are HUGE (average weight for a male is 2,700kg) and slow moving on land so they're only dangerous if you get in their way



Unlike the Elephant seals, fur seals are fast moving, aggressive and happy to chase people






Generally fur seals are OK if you're sensible, but the beach landing below was a little scary. This beach isn't often visited by people so the seals were less used to humans and so more aggressive. The image below shows one of two males being held back by the expedition crew so we could disembark from our zodiac. You don't hit them - the sticks are just to ward them off and we came ashore 2 or 3 at a time before they'd close up on us again.

[colin_12]

The first two are great nature shots Peter but I really like the last, (great capture), and the description as it lets us in on how you were treated by the locals. This information is great.

[fozzie]

Peter - just love #2 & 3

#2 - great capture with spot on DOF and PP. Makes me feel that I am really there

#3 - looks like a family shot, another great capture

[Wink]

Love the second shot. It's firmly fixed on looking at you.

I like the third also, but the seal with it's mouth open looks a little past the focus point. Or is it motion blur?