Harp seal curious whitecoat pup (Pagophilus groenlandicus, phoque du Groenland, Saddleback Seal, Greenland Seal). Gulf of Saint Lawrence near the small archipelago of The Magdalen Islands in Quebec, Canada. 24-105 @45mm ISO 400 f/9 @ 1/640s. — **Harp seal curious whitecoat pup** (*Pagophilus groenlandicus, phoque du Groenland, Saddleback Seal, Greenland Seal*). Gulf of Saint Lawrence near the small archipelago of The Magdalen Islands in Quebec, Canada. 24-105 @45mm ISO 400 f/9 @ 1/640s.

Curious Harp Seal Pup

Christopher Dodds November 16, 2020

Facts About Harp Seals

Harp seals grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg).
Harp seals can live for an estimated 30 years.
Harp seal pups are born with long white fur that helps them absorb sunlight and stay warm while they’re still developing blubber. Pups shed their white fur after about three to four weeks old.
Harp seals are highly migratory and can travel more than 3,100 miles (4,989 km) roundtrip to feed.
Harp seals can stay underwater for at least 16 minutes at a time.
Harp seals Harp seals are named for the curved, black patch on their backs, which resembles a harp.1
Harp seals have a diverse diet, eating at least 67 species of fish and 70 species of invertebrates.
Harp seals prefer shallow water but can dive as deep as 1,312 feet (400 m).
Harp seals are the most abundant species of pinniped (seals, sea lions and walruses) in the northern hemisphere.
Aside from sharks, killer whales, and polar bears, the seals' worst enemies are human hunters.

Harp Seal Whitecoat Pup

Christopher Dodds November 15, 2020

The harp seal pup often has a yellow-white coat at birth due to staining from amniotic fluid, but after one to three days, the coat turns white and stays white for 2–3 weeks, until the first molt.

Harp Seal mother and pup HOWL

Christopher Dodds November 15, 2020

Dr. Jack Terhune studied seal communication at the University of New Brunswick and has measured the amplitude of seal calls. His research has shown that harp seals, often living in groups of up to 150, can alter the pitch of their calls so that each seal can be heard. Off the coast of Newfoundland, there are between 5.5 and 6.5 million harp seals in regular migration up and down the eastern seaboard. One seal’s call could be heard by 10,000 other seals at a range of two to four kilometers away, so the changes of pitch and frequency are important to avoid overlap.

Photo Competition: Buyer Beware!

Christopher Dodds October 25, 2009

Coyote Autumn pup (Canis latrans) Quebec, Canada (C) ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMark III, 500mm F4 IS, Gitzo Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 500, 1/160s F4 Manual Mode. Full Frame. Click HERE to purchase a print or license image for publication.

So, you work for a magazine and your publisher is trying to squeeze a profit out of your magazine during these difficult economic times. Earning kudos from the boss may be easier than you would think: Just announce a photo competition where all entrants assign all publication rights (editorial, commercial & educational) AND they send a $20.00 bill with each submission. Just 1,000 entrants produces an image bank of at least that many images AND $20,000.00 for the magazine. The grand prize: get you picture published in the magazine. The most shocking part is how hard it was to find the fine print and I'm sure most people who sent off a cheque never read it. Oh, I almost forgot: the magazine does not have to pay publication rights to photographers anymore. Just something to think about next time you think about entering a competition…

Entries become the property of (insert magazine name here), a division of (insert company name here) Inc., which reserves the right, without further consideration, to use all photos and text in any publication, media, and related prodcts or promotions. The company cannot confirm receipt or return entries. By submitting your materials, you agree that your contact information may be given to the contest sponsor, which may use the information for marketing purposes. You further agree that your photo, text, name, and city and state may be posted on (insert company name here)-owned websites and, on sponsor websites, as well. If you are younger than 13 years of age, you will need to provide signed permission from a parent or guardian allowing you to enter the contest. - REAL FINE PRINT FROM A REAL PHOTO COMPETITION

The Coyote , Canis latrans, runs with it's tail down, unlike domestic dogs with their tail up or wolves with their tail straight. Known as the best runner among the canids, the Coyote cruises at 25-30 mph (40-50km/h), with a top speed of 40 mph (65 km/h). Always an opportunist, Coyotes eat small mammals like mice, squirrels and rabbits, as well as birds, frogs, toads snakes, insects and fruit.

Comments welcome & appreciated.