Peace on the beach

Breeding season is winding down, and the beach is much calmer. Dominant males are still being challenged by other males, but the level of energy is lower. They care, but not as much. Everyone is tired.

Weaner pups are molting their birth black coats. It's more like shedding than the actual skin peeling off that comes later in life.

Males mate as they can with females before they leave on the next stage of their migration.

We've had some high tides and big waves, but the weaners are able to navigate the beach away from high water. Soon the adults will be gone and they will have the beach to themselves.