IN COOK’S WAKE

One by one the fur seal pups edged their way into the sunny tidal pool at the edge of their creche. Thick, lush bush where they had been hiding was the curtain, the smooth granite rock shelf was the stage and, anchored only metres away with a stern line ashore, we were the audience.

One by one they slid into the pool and entered the realm in which they are perfect, splashing and frolicking with one another, their play so innocent.

Enter the villain! The grey heron apparently had rights over this pool and was having none of this intrusion. Shoulders hunched and feathers extended, she fitted the stereotype admirably. A peck on each pup’s nose sent the stars of the show scurrying back behind the curtain, a tad less innocent, their play curtailed. But not for long – one by one