A PHOTOGRAPHER has shared incredible pictures of a seal enjoying a rest in the mud at Maldon's Promenade Park.
The seal was first seen on Tuesday and has since been enjoying basking in the mud along the River Blackwater.
Photographs of the seal were captured by photographer Chris Bourne.
He said: "Being a professional photographer and residing in Maldon, every day it offers opportunities for a photographer.
"It's even more special when you see a rare visitor enjoying Maldon promenade."
The Maldon district has 75 miles of coastline to explore, plus two river estuaries, the Blackwater and the Crouch, so spotting sea mammals is not unusual.
The most common creature you are likely to see is the seal, as there are two well-established seal colonies near Burnham, one in the mouth of the river on the Foulness sands, and the second in the River Roach which joins the Crouch at Foulness.
The seal colonies here are common seals, the smaller of the British seal varieties, weighing up to 100kg.
The Maldon District website says: "What can be confusing is that the seals that live in the River Roach are remarkable for their almost red colouring – caused by iron deposits in the mud – making them look a little different from other common seals.
"Common seal pups are born from May to July and are capable of swimming within an hour of birth, and of suckling under water.
"At low tide they bask on the mudbanks – and this is the best time to see them. They are quite inquisitive and may well slide off the mud and swim over to get closer to your boat."
The seals are known to be inquisitive and two years ago police officer were joined by an unexpected member of the community whilst in patrol in the district.
Essex Police officers in the Marine Unit were just starting their patrol in Maldon when a curious seal approached the crew.
Pictures showed the seal circling the unit as they launched their water crafts.
Share