Sea dogs

New Zealand Fur Seal. (Arctocephalus forsteri)

This time of year the fur seals haul out on the rocky headlands of the NZ coast and outer islands. For last years pups, now yearlings, childhood is over as they leave or are chased out to make their own way as adults. Less than half survive.

Meanwhile, others arrive. Females congregate in the choicest areas to raise their young and mate. While males fight over these territories, often in bloody, violent clashes. I watch it all from afar, swaying on deck with my binoculars trained on these sea dogs. Naturalizing to the cadence of the waves.