Saturday March 31st, I went on the American Princess Cruises Seal and Sea Bird watch. Bright sunshine, 45 degrees, light winds and the waters of Lower NY Harbor were calm. We pushed off at noon and made our way to Swinburne Island to catch sight of what’s on and around the island. Its always a nice cruise to the island and we get an intimate look at Coney Island and the lighthouses of Lower NY Harbor. It was a very clear day and there were great views of upper NY Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

We came around the old Swinburne docking pier, the rocks came into sight. There were the many seals sprawled out on the rocks of Swinburne. Very few seals in the water today but for the ones that were, it looked like they were having some fun. Lots of action by way of jumping, breaching and playing around the island, it looked like some were feeding. The rest of the seals were hauled out, very content in being high and dry on the rocks.

Today there were a lot Grey Seals on the island with an estimated 5-7. We're being told by seal experts that in time the Greys will build in numbers and will outnumber and push out the Harbor seals. But for now, the Harbor Seals rule Swinburne Island.

Times up and need to return to Riis Landing. Great day out on the American Princess with Gotham Whale, about 60 Harbor Seals and 5-7 Grey Seals were seen.