Seals still hanging around

In my travels I’d occasionally see a harbor seal here and there. Usually my sightings would be during the winter months and I’d see just one of them. A few years ago things start changing. Not only would I find seals almost daily I’d see them in great numbers usually chilling out on a small parcel of land at Sandy Hook called Skeleton Island. The seals would beach themselves on the secluded island to sun themselves and rest.

A harbor seal suns itself on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area.   Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A harbor seal suns itself on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)

I can only assume that conservation efforts and resulting population explosion in the home turf of Maine and Massachusetts have allowed them to expand their migration area south which I think it pretty cool. I know that it’s allowed me to make photos of them like I’ve never had an opportunity in the past. This past year I’ve photographed seals both in groups and solo in the heart of winter and as late as last week. Here’s some of my favorites that show their presence in the area.

A harbor seal suns itself on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area.   Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A harbor seal suns itself on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A large group of about 75 harbor seals suns themselves on the beach of Skeleton Island on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area.   Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park especially a group this size. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A large group of about 75 harbor seals suns themselves on the beach of Skeleton Island on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park especially a group this size. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A group of about a dozen harbor seals as they rest on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park in the spring. (Michael J. Treola Photography/©2015 Michael J Treola Photography All Rights Reserved.)
A group of about a dozen harbor seals as they rest on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park in the spring. (Michael J. Treola Photography/©2015 Michael J Treola Photography All Rights Reserved.)
A lone harbor seal lies belly up on a large piece of sea ice in Raritan Bay, New York Harbor.  A two week stretch of near zero temperatures created pack ice which this seal is obviously enjoying. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A lone harbor seal lies belly up on a large piece of sea ice in Raritan Bay, New York Harbor. A two week stretch of near zero temperatures created pack ice which this seal is obviously enjoying. (Michael J. Treola/Michael J. Treola Photography)
A group of about a dozen harbor seals as they rest on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park in the spring. (Michael J. Treola Photography/©2015 Michael J Treola Photography All Rights Reserved.)
A group of about a dozen harbor seals as they rest on exposed rocks on the bay side Sandy Hook National Park part of the National Gateway Recreation Area. Seal sighting are relatively rare in the park in the spring. (Michael J. Treola Photography/©2015 Michael J Treola Photography All Rights Reserved.)

Here’s the rest of the seal photos

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