It's that time of year when it becomes common to spot seals on beaches around Hawke's Bay's coastlines.
Between July and September, it's not unusual for people to encounter seals resting at the beach, says Hawke's Bay Department of Conservation office.
Shaun Fraser had this experience on Sunday, spotting what DOC said is a kekeno/New Zealand fur seal lying ashore at Ocean Beach. Fraser was able to take some photos of the resting seal from a distance.
"This is normal behaviour for seals and mostly we're reminding people to just leave seals alone to rest and give them space if they are encountered on a beach," DOC Hawke's Bay senior community ranger Chris Wootton said.
"Seals can also often appear weepy-eyed, which is just how they can appear on land and not a cause for concern.