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Weddell Seal


Weddell Seal
Photo Information
Copyright: Shir Goldberg (shirgold) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 288 W: 109 N: 571] (2620)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 1994-01-11
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Nikon FM, Nikkor 50mm 1.8
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Seals, Birds and Animals in the Snow [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-05-06 17:44
Viewed: 10176
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Weddell Seal - Leptonychotes weddellii

Known for their loud underwater calls that can be heard on top of the ice. The species is named after Captain James Weddell who first spotted the seal in the 1820s.

This seal's population is estimated at 800,000 around the Antarctic continent. Small populations also breed on South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, the South Shetland Islands, and the South Orkney Islands.

Feeds mostly on antarctic fish species, and has some unique hunting behaviors. They have been observed blowing air into crevices in the sea ice ceiling to flush out fish. They are stealthy hunters and can "sneak up" on a fish from only 3 cm away. They are deep divers reaching up to 600 m in depth.

In 1994 I was lucky to 'hitch' on a boat to Antarctica. The trip set out from Puerto Arenas in Chile and the destination was the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

This picture was taken near one of the Chilean bases from a distance of less than a meter.
It seemed the seal was taking a nap after a hard day of fishing.
puffy, Violetteddy, slrnovice2 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • puffy Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 314 W: 0 N: 352] (1349)
  • [2005-05-07 7:16]

What a gorgeous animal, nice shot of it Shir, very nice composition, sharpness and details is good, well done, thanks for sharing.

What a nice photo! Good composition, clearness and sharpness. Seems like he is having a really good dream.

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3065 W: 231 N: 5834] (19602)
  • [2005-05-08 1:55]

Great mugshot of the seal, Shir. What an expression of contentment on his face. Very sharp details, good exposure and excellent POV. Well done. ; )

Hi Shir, lovely image :). I love the close up and the way you have composed this. It is also sharp and well exposed. Very nicely done :)

I just love the way Weddell Seals look like they're smiling when they're dozing.

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