These "rival males" are establishing boundaries, as they pursue the opportunity to mate. In the foreground, a young pup keeps a "watchful eye" on the activities.

This whelping ground shows the gregarious nature of seals, as they mingle on the shores of Melmerby Beach.

A female affirms authority towards an aggressive "horsehead" male. Notice the "wrong-way" directional growth of the fur along the females back - visually, it resembles frost.

A curious tranquility prevails over this group of grey seals...

The unique abstract pattern of irregular shaped splotches are highly visible on this grey seal. In its simplicity - a still calmness of nature is portrayed in this image.

With nimble flexibility, a female grey seal stretches out her neck. Uninterested, the other two individuals relax near the high water mark.

The contoured shape of this female blends in nicely with the marine environment. Plus, this newborn pup looks to be heading in the direction to feed.

After the excitement of feeding, both mother and pup take a well deserved break. A recent newborn - yellowish/orange colour, can be seen to the left of this picture. Offshore in the distance - a lone male floats.

In the background, the "Roman nose" of this large horsehead male is quite distinguishable when compared with the narrow shaped female noses - cautiously they watch the onlooker.

A few weeks old, this white-coated pup appears, literally - "quite grounded" with its new found life.

Here, a few of the societies members are genuinely enjoying a "welcome break" from the past weeks activities...

When comparing these two grey seal pup pictures - their displayed individualism is profoundly visible.

With amorous affections: "Romeo and Juliet" (free-float) unencumbered in the open sea..."envious am I"- how we appear to pale in comparison.

Recently, Rebecca Aldworth of the (IFAW) visited Halifax - an environmental crusader wishing to draw attention to the planned killing of 350,000 harp seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence - starting in mid March, 2005. She supports the efforts of the Grey Seal Conservation Society (GSCS) and while looking at some grey seal pictures, stated politely: "you are incredibly fortunate to live in this type of environment that allows such ease of access to this kind of experience with these marine mammals..."

Ultimately, their continued existence is our responsibility...