yeimaya's photostream  

While doing an observation a motherless pup hauled out right beneath my seat. Story to follow when I get the chance. It is the story of all the things I will caution you NOT to do below.

On the North east coast It is pupping season ... the first pups were born around the first week in May and could be weaned by now, but the very last births are happening now. Please leave pups in peace and make sure people and dogs stay away. It is very possible their mother is out feeding. If the pup is still around after 24 hours call your local marine mammal rescue organization.

Saw her again yesterday!! I have seen her every summer since 1988, for some of you she is a familiar "face" too. I think she may be menopausal ... no pups for the last several summers... she must be at least 28 or 29 years old (she was mature when I first saw her) and seems to be enjoying her retirement immensely... I swear she looks over at the nursing mothers with something resembling pity,

I first identified Orion in 1988!! She was mature then so she is at least 29 years old! I am so glad she is back. Always good to know they survived the winter.

today I was asked by Allied Whale to go check on a pup that seemed to have lost its mom. It looked like a newborn, still pretty vigorous and healthy... we are leaving it overnight in hopes its mother will come pick it up. Its cries are loud and strong. So there is a good chance she will find it... fingers crossed