It was a mild mid-morning at the end of January here on Vancouver Island when I received a text message from friends just a few houses away. They know me well enough to alert me when something interesting is happening on our beach. This time, it was a young Harbour seal lounging on the sand, prompting me to check if it was alright.

Seal pups on our beach always evoke a mix of concern and curiosity in me. You see, this stretch of shoreline is a hot spot for dog enthusiasts, often with dogs running free. Despite efforts to inform beach goers about regulations—like the two-month dog-free period during March and April due to migration and nesting season—some choose to disregard them. I once encountered a couple playing ball with their golden retriever, proudly declaring their defiance of rules. It’s moments like these that make me lament the necessity of those rules, even as I cherish our daily beach walks with my dog, Ivory.

With nesting birds camouflaged among the dunes and eggs hidden from sight, accidental disturbances are all too common. Rules, whether we appreciate them or not, serve a purpose, and I’ve learned to respect their importance, even in the face of inconvenience.

So, you can understand my apprehension when seal pups come ashore to bask in the sun, vulnerable to the unpredictable whims of beach goers.

Before you go to the beach, here’s an excellent webpage about seal pups: https://sealsitters.org/marine_mammals/seal_pups.html

So, my first task is a call to Conservation in Vancouver!

I wanted to ask them about the possibility of a rescue in case it was needed. And to answer that, an exam was required.

The officer reminded me to keep a safe distance and no touching, as tempting as that is! My task was to carefully inspect the seal for any signs of physical ailments or dehydration. She gave me specific guidance as to what to look for.

I circled the seal searching for any problems, while the conservation officer and I shared a chuckle over an understandable error of calling the little one a “wiener” instead of a “weaner”! I couldn’t help but seize the opportunity for a light-hearted moment. Of course, I suspect she’s heard that one more times than she can count!

Indeed, this little seal was a “weaner” and was quite content basking in the sunshine all by herself on the beach. A happy little beach bum soaking up the rays.

At under two months old, baby seals rely on mom for feeding. Though, at about a month old Harbour Seal moms will either leave their pups swimming or plop them on the beach while they go foraging for food, ensuring the little ones get their continuing fill of nourishing milk. After two or so months, the little gaffers are on their own!

Despite knowing that Harbour Seal pups strike out on their own after just a few months, I can’t help but marvel at how young they are to be fending for themselves. It’s like sending a toddler out into the world with a backpack and a wave goodbye!

In the end, the conservation officer and I wrapped up our chat with the seal pup granted a clean bill of health. It turns out, she was just looking for a little sun-kissed relaxation on the sandy beach. No need for the seal ambulance this time

It’s not uncommon for young seals to seek out a quiet nap on a warm beach. Sometimes, loose dogs harassing them or well-meaning people mistaking them for distressed animals can pose risks. Interfering with a seal pup, especially if its mother has left it temporarily to hunt, can lead to the mother abandoning it—a heartbreaking outcome for lack of understanding wildlife.

Remember, a quick search on your smartphone before taking any action could be a lifesaver for wildlife and help avoid unintended consequences.

And now, the seal pup and I were free to chill out on the beach together. She observed me with a curious gaze, clearly unbothered by my presence. As I have no way of determining the pup’s gender, I decided to dub the young seal as ‘she.’ It’s a bit like guessing the weather on Vancouver Island—unpredictable and often inaccurate.

With lunchtime looming and the inevitable dog walker or two imminent, I decided to make myself comfortable beside my newfound finned friend. She had settled on this spot for her nap, and I couldn’t think of a more satisfying activity than playing seal-sitter. I appointed myself as the guardian of the beach’s most adorable visitor, ready to ward off any potential threats—whether human or other animal.

This shoreline may not boast the pristine sands of a Caribbean postcard, but for wildlife enthusiasts like myself, it’s a veritable Eden teeming with avian life and beauty. In fact, it’s so renowned for its bird migration that the area holds a two month celebration for the Brant geese as they stop off here to recover from their long flight. To ensure a peaceful environment for all migrating birds, dogs are prohibited from the beach during March and April, coinciding with the nesting season for various beach birds, like Sandpipers and Oyster Catchers to name just a few. The “pause on dogs 🐾” also safeguards them from disturbance.

While the Brant geese may hold the festival’s namesake, they’re just one of the many waterfowl that grace us with their presence. Joining them are the majestic Trumpeter swans and, of course, our beloved but vociferous Canada geese, whose raucous honking fills the air like a heavy metal band.

Some of these Canada geese are year-round residents, residing at the estuary and taking daily jaunts down the beach—perhaps to enjoy a seaside picnic or simply to chat with friends. In the summer, you can set your clock by them! Each summer morning, they fly low overhead in their distinctive V formation, like a squadron of diligent workers on their daily commute, complete with lunch pails in tow. And upon their return to the estuary, their noisy greetings echo through the air, as if exclaiming, “Hi honey, I’m home!” Their routine adds a touch of whimsy to the day.

I sat down in the sand about 6 feet away from the seal and slipped off my backpack that held a good book and my camera. Depending on the length of the seal pup’s nap, both would likely come in handy. Then. a few minutes to deep breath the sea air and mindfully take in the surroundings.

Earlier, while walking along the beach to where the seal pup had been seen, it was difficult to make her out. Sitting beside her now, my little friend blended seamlessly with the natural hues of the beach—various shades of gold, orange, and brown reminiscent of a paint palette left out in the rain. The beach was a patchwork of sand and stone, sea weed and sea shells, driftwood, and the occasional skeletal remains of a scavenger’s lunch.

As the tide retreated to its halfway mark, it was accompanied by the cacophony of gulls squawking overhead, engaging in their daily fishing frenzy. A pair of Sandpipers performed their comical hop ‘n bob dance along the shoreline, while a lone fishing boat anchored near Lasquetti Island provided a picturesque backdrop. Meanwhile, a pair of domestic bunnies grazed nonchalantly on the damp lawn of the Seaview Beach Resort—a reminder that even in this wild sanctuary, civilization is alongside.

The young seal had nestled herself snugly in a small sandy alcove, strategically positioned to minimize her exposure to potential threats. It was a tactic reminiscent of my dog Ivory’s penchant for seeking the support of hedges or walls on one side while we walk—an instinctual defense mechanism against unseen dangers. Clearly, this baby seal, like Ivory, was no amateur when it came to beachfront security. (And, FYI, seals are known as “dogs of the sea”. 🐾 🐬)

Seals, with their dual life in water and on land, can embody freedom, resilience, and the mystical—qualities much admired in many cultures. Their symbolism varies from culture to culture but often revolves around themes of transition and protection. It’s fascinating how different cultures can see similar or contrasting meanings in the same animal!

In North American indigenous cultures, the seal is a symbol of adaptability and transformation, thanks to their ability to navigate both water and land. They’re seen as intelligent and clever, capable of overcoming all sorts of obstacles and outsmarting predators. Imagine the mental gymnastics required to maintain a safe distance from both sharks and rowdy beach goers!

Seals are often associated with protective qualities, guarding individuals as they travel over water—think of them as the aquatic equivalent of a guardian angel with flippers. Especially for seafarers, seals are seen as protectors, guiding and ensuring safe passage through treacherous waters. This day, I was more than happy to return the favor.

And, to carry on that happy note, Japanese culture view seals, with their playful nature in water, as symbols of joy. A reminder to people to embrace the simple pleasures of life! Absolutely, we all need more play.

In Celtic stories, like the tales of Selkies, they’re connected with the supernatural. Selkies are mythical beings capable of transforming from seals to humans, often depicted in romantic or tragic narratives. Take the Story of Roan Inish, both romantic and tragic; a lot like “Romeo and Juliet,” minus the balcony.

It didn’t take more than a few minutes before the little seal settled into some vigorous yawning. I’d obviously passed the “mom test.” I wished her sweet dreams and leaned back against a beached log, listening to the ocean’s hum. Thoughts of seal symbolism floated through my mind, interwoven with the gentle rhythmic waves.

This experience underscored the importance of not interfering with wildlife. It”s incredibly tempting to approach or even touch, but it’s crucial to remember that they are best admired from a respectful distance. And if you don’t believe me, just take a look at their teeth — in a photo please!

Each time the seal opened her eyes she gazed directly into my eyes. She was never startled and seemed to remember she had a human companion. She would wiggle and stretch out her hind flippers, turn over, then give in to sleep again. While she slept, she always wore an adorable smile. Once or twice, that cute smile inspired me to sing her a calming lullaby.

When it comes to a stroll along the beach, those rather short front flippers just don’t make the grade. So, how do they move on land? Okay, first we chuckled at “wieners,” and now we have “galumphing” – a charming term for flopping and sliding along on their bellies. You’ve probably seen it in a documentary or at the beach. That’s one way to tell it’s a seal and not a sea lion. Sea lions, with their front flippers placed more under their bellies, can at least manage a minimal passing grade in “walking”.

At sea, true seals move their rear flippers back and forth like a fish tail to propel themselves through the water. But, on land I got to view the amazing flexibility of this seal’s versatile rudders. . . I mean, flippers.

The video shows the control this little seal has of her rear propellers. Each flipper has five ‘toes,’ or digits, just like we humans. But, what I saw was that their hind flippers behaved more like human hands than feet. . . though, all fingers, no thumbs!

And, talk about the “wringing of hands”. Without the worry and distress, of course. I was mesmerized watching the intricate movements she made. You really must watch the video!

How often do nature photographers get the chance to capture relaxed photos of wild animals? Typically, we’re in a race against time, with mere seconds or minutes to get that perfect shot. But here I was, blessed with a few precious hours to sit quietly, basking in the company of my charming subject, and snapping away to my heart’s content. My day was absolute bliss!

While I savored this rare time of tranquility, a movement down the beach caught my attention – a woman strolling with her dog and headed our way. Like my experience, she seemed oblivious to the seal’s presence. But her furry companion, with his keen sniffer, had other ideas and was tugging at its leash. He was eager to investigate. Suddenly, our serene scene was interrupted as the seal pup jolted awake, and her body tensed at the sight of the approaching dog. With a controlled, calm gesture toward our sleepy friend, I managed to point out the seal to the woman, and after a brief, quiet chat from a distance, they continued on their walk. With the canine interruption complete, our little seal promptly flopped over and resumed her nap, none the worse for wear. Ah, the wonders of a well-behaved pooch on a leash and an owner with a respect for wildlife – truly a happy result!”

After a few hours, I explained to the seal that I’d only be gone 10 or 15 minutes. Ivory was overdue for her walk and, though she had the best bladder control ever, it was time she went walkies! Advising the seal to stay put and wait for me to return, she watched while I stood and donned my back pack.

A hurried run-walk down the street and back along the beach; As we came closer to where the seal and I spent the morning, I couldn’t see her. Gone! What happened? Ivory didn’t need my invitation to put her nose to the spot where the seal pup slept. The smell was strong and she inhaled vigorously. Asking her to follow, she put her nose to the sand and made a bee-line to the water.

Why did the seal leave? Was she alright? Since Ivory tracked her to the water’s edge, she almost certainly hadn’t been seal-napped by a well-meaning human.

Ivory looked out at the water, nose in the air, obviously smelling the seal’s still strong scent. Sadly, I missed saying my goodbyes to her.

A woman approached us, quite excited; she had a story to tell. Just a few minutes before we arrived, she witnessed an encounter between a young seal and an off-leash dog. The dog was a young pup, large, curious and exuberant—a typical youngster pushing the limits of politeness. He playfully harassed the seal for several minutes. The little seal, clearly unimpressed by the pesky pup’s antics, decided to make her exit. She slid through the sand, made her way to the water and disappeared beneath the surface. She left behind a disappointed dog gazing out over the seal-less sea.

The woman added that the seal looked uninjured, though clearly peeved!

And, from further down the beach, the unconcerned owner called her mischievous pup. I doubt she put him on the leash.

For years, I believed that my acts of kindness towards animals were insignificantly small, like the grains of sand on the beach. And, no matter how sincere my intentions, they were never grand enough to truly matter. It was a constant battle between the desire to help and the belief that my efforts were futile. Whenever I encountered an animal in need or paused to let one cross my path safely, I couldn’t help but feel that my gestures were far too minuscule to make any real impact.

Little did I know that my encounter with this baby seal would help me understand the magnitude of even the tiniest acts of kindness. Witnessing the tranquility and trust of the seal pup helped me realize that small acts, like sitting quietly with a wild animal or showing respect for its space, can indeed make a difference. This experience planted a seed in my heart and mind, that changing the world doesn’t always require grandiose actions. Sometimes, it’s the accumulation of small, thoughtful deeds that can lead to profound change.

“So ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack, a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.”

~ Leonard Cohen (Anthem)

While I continue to fine tune my belief system, I’m reminded of the importance of patience and persistence. Sometimes, a belief shatters in a single, dramatic moment, like a bolt of lightning that changes everything. Other times, it’s a gradual process, a series of small realizations that accumulate and transform our perspective over time. When I look back at my beliefs and behaviors one or more decades ago, there is a world between then and now. Some things I feel grief and guilt about that I did not feel then. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that when we know better, we do better!

I’ve learned that each small act of kindness, though seemingly insignificant, contributes to a larger ripple effect, creating a more compassionate and connected world. This journey isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about each one of us, the everyday moments that crack open our hearts and minds, letting in the light of understanding, compassion and empathy. And who knows? Maybe, just like the seal pup, we’ll find ourselves feeling more at peace and trusting in the gentle power of our everyday actions.

While seals and sea lions are not in the same Family, they share many similarities, including their magical presence in the underwater realm. If you’re fascinated by marine life, you might find David DuChemin’s photos and blog post about his scuba diving adventure off the coast of Vancouver Island particularly captivating. He creates stunning images of the curious sea lions encountered during his expedition. As a seasoned photographer, David’s work never fails to inspire awe, and I’ve been an avid follower of his adventures for years!
https://davidduchemin.com/2015/12/steller-sea-lions/

For information about Harbor Seals:
marinemammalcenter.org/animal-care/learn-about-marine-mammals/pinnipeds/harbour-seals