Grey Seal

Capturing Grey Seals on a trail camera requires a strategic approach focused on 'haul-out' sites—the specific rocks or beach stretches where they come ashore to rest. Because these environments are high-salt and high-moisture, ensure your camera has a high IP rating (IP66 or better) and consider using a dedicated marine housing. Mount the camera low to the ground (about 12-18 inches) on a stable rock or a weighted tripod to capture their natural movement and that iconic 'horse-head' profile. Avoid using tree straps on soft sand; instead, look for driftwood or rocky crevices for secure anchoring.

Timing is everything when photographing seals. They are most likely to be on land during low tide, so cross-reference your camera's active hours with local tide charts. If your camera allows for time-lapse mode, set it to trigger every 5-10 minutes during the transition from high to low tide; this ensures you catch them as they emerge from the surf. For movement-triggered shots, set the PIR sensitivity to 'High,' as the seals can move slowly and their body temperature may be close to the ambient temperature of the wet sand.

Never use food or lures to attract seals; it is illegal in many jurisdictions and harmful to the animals. Instead, focus on camouflage. Grey Seals have excellent eyesight and may be spooked by a camera that stands out against the pale sand or dark rocks. Use a camera with a 'No-Glow' or 'Black LED' flash to prevent startling the seals during nighttime activity, as white light or red glows can cause an entire colony to flush back into the water, wasting their vital energy reserves.