Grey Seals at Horsey Gap - 7th October 2023

A family and friends break in Norfolk, so not a lot of birding but some great views and food. Based in Cromer there was time for a spot of sea watching with lots of Razorbills and a few Red Throated Divers offshore. Caspian and Little Gull were unexpected bonuses. Cromer is a great base and an attractive seaside town with its resident Peregrines on the church.

When up this way, especially at this time of year I always love to go and see the Grey Seals at Horsey Gap. Unsurprisingly there are usually a few confiding Turnstones as well. 

The seals mainly spend most of the year higher up the coast around Blakeney Point, but move down to Horsey and Winterton later in the year to pup. We were too early for pups but the beach was still open allowing for firstly a short video.

The pups are usually born around November after an 11.5 month gestation period. While there, there were probably about 100+ seals either hauled out on the beach or in the sea.

Always a delight to watch and photograph them! And finally, an Autumn sunset, with the view from Cromer towards West Runton.