United Kingdom · observation
Opposite Watcombe Cottages, just upstream of Oliver’s Island, in Kew
· London
Observer description: Big dark grey, almost black looking Roman nosed seal. I saw it swimming around in the centre of the river. I saw its head & then body as it ducked under the water. It resurfaced three times in 10 minutes & swam to the bank on the Kew side (by me). I saw it face on, watched it doing something like blowing bubbles & it was watching me. It had semi beached itself & was resting for awhile. Very relaxed & then swam back out into the river. Observer notes: Yes! So exciting! I hope to see more of him! I bought the house overlooking the Thames Path last week & have come from the countryside. I was sad about leaving so much biodiversity behind. To see a seal opposite my new bedroom window has made my year! I’ll keep an eye out. I have a good track record with animal sightings. Next time I’ll be sure to take better photos for you.
- Species
- Not recorded / not sure
- Number of seals
- Not recorded
- Attributed name
- Unidentified
- Source
- ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5570 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
About this record
- Supporting evidence
- ZSL public report 5570. Reported time: 16:30:00. Source species selection: harbour seal; identification unverified. Source coordinates: 51.48539835213295, -0.28266549110413264; location and coordinates have not been reconciled.
- Identification confidence
- Uncertain
- Editorial status
- Published by Seal Watch.
Source wording, attributed names and approximate date labels are preserved. A published report does not establish a verified animal identity.