Seals at Pett Level
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2019 9:54 pm
Just had a very exciting afternoon - went to Pett Level beach with a couple of friends (to the long stretch east of the sadly boarded-up Smuggler pub). Whilst we were sunbathing and swimming on a beautiful afternoon, a big seal popped his head up and watched the (few) bathers - just about twenty yards from the beach and looking very handsome with a somewhat mottled brown/grey head, very rounded and sleek. Huge dark eyes!
I have never seen one in my life before and I am amazed that he came in so close, obviously rather curious. He popped his head up several more times before moving off. I gather that seals are often seen along this stretch of shore - the sea is shallow for a quarter of a mile out, in a gently curving bay, so maybe fish come in there? I don't know about these things.
I'll try to get a photo of him next time - he was such a surprise that I forgot I was carrying a camera!
This stretch of shore is one of my favourite areas. Far from the crowded "Brighton beach" of Hastings/St Leonards, it is empty and peaceful and behind it is a wide area of marshland inhabited by sheep and a variety of interesting birds. Near to the boarded-up pub is access to the Military Canal - you can walk along it for miles through a beautiful, peaceful landscape.
I have never seen one in my life before and I am amazed that he came in so close, obviously rather curious. He popped his head up several more times before moving off. I gather that seals are often seen along this stretch of shore - the sea is shallow for a quarter of a mile out, in a gently curving bay, so maybe fish come in there? I don't know about these things.
I'll try to get a photo of him next time - he was such a surprise that I forgot I was carrying a camera!
This stretch of shore is one of my favourite areas. Far from the crowded "Brighton beach" of Hastings/St Leonards, it is empty and peaceful and behind it is a wide area of marshland inhabited by sheep and a variety of interesting birds. Near to the boarded-up pub is access to the Military Canal - you can walk along it for miles through a beautiful, peaceful landscape.