I love the water and swim all year round, when it comes to seals, I only "walk the path." 

Did you know that Long Island is the place to be when it comes to watching seals during cold winter months? If you want to go on a seal walk contact, SOFO or CRESLI, referenced below.

Some additional pieces of information that I was surprised to learn. These aren't discussed in the video.

• Harbor Seals don't stay around in the summer because the water is too hot for them.

• Harbor Seals come down to Long Island, because we have great feeding grounds.

• Harbor Seals give birth on the shore, unlike dolphins, though both are mammals.

• Gray Seals have a much larger face and nose, while Harbor Seals have a cute dog like face.

NOTE: In the video, there was mention of the Candian hunting of seal. Our Canadian reporter, Vishi Barendra, provided more insight.

"Ooohhh...the seal hunt--interestingly enough...there's been a few occasional protests in Toronto in the past two months..and I found a little something on this site (see reference below).

Basically, legislation has been introduced by a Canadian Senator to put an end to all this, but the bill hasn't been passed.  And, I think with this topic, there's more than one side...

... There are those in favour of abolishing the seal hunt for good...and then there are those who don't want such legislation passed, since it may affect cultural traditions for tribes like the Inuit.  Hopefully, I've added something new to the discussion?

If you have some more items that you would like to share about seals and their conservation, do add a comment below.

Update on Mar 6, 2010 by Mindy & Ray (whose spirit continues to inspire)

Sighted Seal in Port Jefferson vicinity - Pirate's Cove. Uncertain if Harbor or Gray Seal.