Seal in Great Ouse

[colincurry]

There have been several sightings over the past two or three years of seal(s) in the River Great Ouse. I saw one two years ago.

Today, I was on the river bank looking for a mythical kingfisher on the opposite bank when I heard a great snorting and snuffling coming from the river. To my delight, there was a seal swimming across the river and the downstream right past where I stood.

Here are three snaps:







Really quite a thrill because the only other place I have seen seals is the Farne Islands.

No kingfisher, but mustn't be greedy.

Colin

[RKB]

Looks like a Grey Seal. They do often get up into the Ouse (and also sometimes the Trent/Yorkshire Ouse). They follow the tidal rivers, and seem quite happy. occasionally, they get up above the locks on the Ouse, and end up trapped for a while.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Oh excellent sighting and nice photos to boot.

[Dogghound]

Yes a Male Grey Seal. These are not to common in rivers, as RBK says they do turn up particularly in tidal rivers, this isnt the first one ive heard on in the Great Ouse.