For most of the year the beach at Donna Nook could be described as ‘just’ another expanse of North Sea coastline, but during the months of November and December there is an added attraction which draws visitors (and photographers) from far and wide. Donna Nook Grey Seal Colony is a real gem and a wildlife spectacle not to be missed.
Anyone who has witnessed this kind of wildlife spectacle in places like California’s Pacific Coast might be forgiven for expecting something a little less dramatic from our own version, after all we are only a few miles from Skegness, not Malibu ! But don’t be fooled, every year at Donna Nook there are something like 1300 grey seal pups born and this year saw 1417 new arrivals. At the end of November there were 405 bulls and 1085 cows on the beach. Stats from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and no I don’t know how they manage to count them all! (www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/index.php)
The helpful and informative guides which are present are a mine of information, with interesting tales of bulls getting up on the path! Please heed the warning signs and don’t be tempted to try and touch or stroke the cuddly little fellows; they have lots of sharp teeth, can bite and are probably hungry. Also, stay off the beach as this is a serious issue for the colony and can lead to pups being lost and abandoned by frightened parents.
Photography tips:
· The seals and pups are very close, some literally up against the wooden fencing and virtually at your feet, so you don’t necessarily need a long lens.
· Be prepared for some action and have a fast shutter speed ready (at least 1/500th) for when the big bulls start squaring up to each other – I didn’t and got caught out, missing a few shots.
· Consider upping your ISO if there isn’t too much light and you need that faster shutter speed.
· Get down low and shoot through the fence for a better angle, especially when the seals are close.
There are some more shots at www.flickr.com/photos/do-digital, including images of a bloody confrontation between two big bulls (not for the weak of stomach!)
So if you get the opportunity to visit, it’s well worth the effort. It can get busy at weekends, so midweek is better and don’t forget your camera!
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