Lets deal with the "seals" bit first. These rather sleek beasts are in fact Australian Fur Seals - that means that they are a sub-group of seals - but not "classic" seals. And how can you tell I hear you ask! Well, they have external ears and can walk (sort of) on their front flippers. Clearly in these pictures the external ears are the things that you can see. True seals do have them.
Now lets get onto the hat. The wooden structure on which these fur seals are loafing is called "Chinaman's Hat" - it was built to replace and old navigation platform that was named long, long ago.
All these sealy looking animals are boys - or granddads - because this is a bachelor pad for males who do not have a mate. That may because they are too young or too old. I have to say that they do look rather relaxed!
Chairman's hat was a stop on my recent trip around the Bay - there will be bird pictures on Wednesday.
You can find more pictures from around the world (and less taxonomy) at Our World Tuesday.
Enjoy the pictures.
These are just great.
ReplyDeleteWonderful capture of the "men's club"! Love these shots!
ReplyDeleteoh great photo opportunity Stewart; something really different to the norm'
ReplyDeleteThose seals look too lazy to get a mate!
ReplyDeletethey're so cute! bachelorhood is good for them!
ReplyDeleteStewart these are awesome sir!!!
ReplyDeleteBachelors? Now I understand why they look so contented.
ReplyDeleteThey look very contented and cosy. They need a good woman in their lives to stir up some life and activity.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics Stewart, they are really cute.
ReplyDeleteWow Stewart!! Great post!!These are amazing photos!!Wonderful capture,and the seals are so cute!!!Thank you for sharing!!Have a lovely day!!
ReplyDeleteDimi..
Those seals look really happy. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteNothing like a happy bunch of bachelors!! They do indeed look "kicked back" on their on space! What terrific captures, Stewart! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteLove them. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that there were different species of seals. The old guys have cute ears!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the info. And your photos are awesome! Have a happy week!
Beautiful photos! I wish I could get that relaxed.
ReplyDeletelove these lazy lollygaggers!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great,great!
ReplyDeleteGood info, otherwise all seals look alike to non-experts! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThese shots are just delightful!
ReplyDeleteI love learning anything about nature and enjoyed your post on seals today Stewart, very interesting. Great pictures too. I look forward to entering my latest post on Wild Bird Wednesday tomorrow, as I took some pictures of Brown Pelicans. Wishing you a great day :)
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, It's GREAT to meet you. I always enjoy sharing photos and words with friends from other countries.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the seals... They do look relaxed. Maybe it is because there's no females around trying to give them a "Honey Do" list... ha ha ha
Please come back to my blog anytime. We travel alot --so my blog tells alot about our travels. My Photo Blog is published on Wednesdays and my main blog is published on Mondays and Fridays.
Thanks again.
Betsy from Tennessee
Wonderful and so cute. Lazy and relaxed animals. Great !
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I think their motto is "no mate no problem".
ReplyDeleteGreat ! Love the seals and I am sure they would get on nicely with Lola the 300 pound pig from Costa Rica.
ReplyDeleteSame relaxed features!
Adorable!
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! What cute creatures they are! And you were very clever with your title, too!
ReplyDeleteSo this is your version of a "man cave." Looks like a great day to be sunning. I like the bird flying through, too.
ReplyDelete