Norfolk seals, could someone confirm species?

[shardman]

Hi all,

I took these shots of seals hauled out at Blakeney point in Norfolk last month, I wonder if someone could confirm the species for me?

I think these first two pics are common seals (Phoca vitulina)


And this one I think is a grey (Halichoerus grypus),


Is this right? I know grey seals have a longer muzzle than greys and that's what I'm going on here.

Thanks,
Sam

[aeshna5]

All appear to be Common Seals to me. The head shape + nostril pattern don't look like Grey Seal.

Blakeney is one of the top sites in the UK to get close to Common Seals (as you no doubt now) where they breed in early summer.

Nice photos!

[Dogghound]

Both photo's show common seals. (although I have not really inspected whats in the background) however they usually stay within species at haul out sites.

[shardman]

That was quick! Thanks. How do you tell them apart? The top two have a shorter muzzle than the bottom picture that's why I thought it was a grey. I know the nostrils are useful for ID but they aren't all that clear here.

Thanks Again,
Sam