Wild Harbor Seal

Sometimes when I'm out photographing birds, I come across a mammal here or there. While walking down the icy rocks of Barnegat Inlet, this Harbor Seal popped out of the water a few hundred feet ahead of me on the rocks. I got down on my stomach and approached slowly, but it's obvious the seal could see me. It almost looks like it's trying to make sense of me here. After a few photos, I backed away and continued down the rocks for birds. The seal continued to rest for a few hours before sliding back into the water.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Barnegat Light, New Jersey

December 30, 2009