IT IS always a pleasure when creatures from other habitats come to pay us a visit. And this is certainly true of the bearded seal. It has travelled from its usual home on Arctic Sea ice for the warmer (at times just) climate of Mull to pay us a visit.

The seal, also called the square flipper seal, is best known for its conspicuous and very abundant whiskers. When dry, these whiskers curl elegantly, giving the bearded seal a raffish look. Other distinguishing features of this earless seal include ...