DB Post Tuesday 6/30/2009

The Rabbit Island cast was "deja vu all over again" with M&M and pup at 3BS, and Duke with Sadie on the left end rock flats . The pup got wet in a tide pool right at the water line, but there was on other water activity on D#5.

On my first look at the island from Makai Pier I saw two white bellies tucked into a depression at the left end rock flats. When they came out into full view at 0950 it proved to be Duke and sister Sadie. I saw only snooze mode, with no interaction during the observation period.

On my Spitting Cave check at 0722 I found Irma doing 10 to 12 minute dives.

Rachel checked in from Diamond Head at 1400 to advise that she'd found Rocky at her usual spot below the middle overlook at 1100, and put up the stuff. Thank You Rocky... that is an infinitely better haul out spot than Ft. DeRussy !!

DB Post Monday 6/29/2009

I was on the road at 0500, first stopping to pick up the Irma stuff at Irma's, and then continuing on to Ft. DeRussy in Waikiki. At 0535 I found Rocky , still in last nights location. The cones and signs were still in place so I simply restrung the rope. Thankfully, she departed at 0903.

From MO at 1022 I found M&M and pup near the water line at 3BS, on Rabbit Island. When I got to MP I could see that the pup was playing in a tide pool, with Mom close by.

Also at 1144 I found what would prove to be Duke and older sister Sadie, together on the rock flats at the left end of the beach. Duke appeared to be chasing small prey items in the tide pools . This is the first time I've seen Duke interacting with any other animal .

Barbara Billand and her male pup did the Ka'ena Point trek day, and found Kerby & Benny together along the Waianae side trail, and BG & Yoda on "the runway" at the point.

Extra Extra Read All About It - Front Page of Marine Paper

Aloha Good People;

Check this link out --- it's the front page story of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii newspaper featuring the latest dehooking of a young seal from the Big Island. Thank you Brenda for sending the link. AND thank you to all for a great success. ~donna~

http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/Jun26A9.pdf

DB Post Sunday 6/28/2009

It's 2230 and I'm just doing the dailies. It has been a verrrrrry long day. At 0638 , from MO I found M&M with pup, once again at the 3BS, on Rabbit Island. The rest of today's Rabbit Island cast were Sadie, at the left end of the beach, and Duke who cruised in the shallows from 3BS to a point approximately 120 ft right of 3BS, before swimming back to the left, and hauling out to the Mid, Middle Cliff area (MMC) at 1145.

On my 3rd check of Irma's at 0738, I found Irma. She was still there when I picked up the rope and left the signs at 2038.

A call from Tracy at 1223 advised of an animal in Waikiki, at Ft DeRussy beach. Don, Becky and Barbara were there ahead of the Billands and then myself. The Billands confirmed that it was Rocky. She apparently hauled out around 1215 or so and the lifeguards put out cones. The Billands put up signs and rope when they arrived. Barbara Allen,Dominique & Robert and Jessica performed well above, Above & Beyond, remaining well into the night. I last had contact with them at 2130 and they and Rocky were still there. I advised them to leave the cones and signs put pick up the rope (entanglement issues), and get out of there.

I had left Waikiki at 1830 to return to deal with Irma . Irma was still there at 2038 when I picked up the rope, and left signs around her, and called it a day.

Hawaiian Monk Seal Outreach

Hi Donna,
Just wanted to send some photos of the 6/21 6/22 Waikiki outreach for the blog and say thank you to Barb & Ralph Allan, Karen Rohter , and Kirsten Plath for working the booth and getting over $60.00 in donations for HMSRTO. Kirsten even took the bus all the way from the North Shore just to help out! Mahalo! Barb & Ralph Allen also manned the booth at today's West Marine Mini Boat Show and there are a few pics attached from that as well.

Upcoming: There will be HMSRTO booths at Haleiwa Arts Festival July 18th and 19th and at Artfest at Kapiolani Park the following weekend on July 25th and 26th.

Mahalo to everyone for their help!Rafe MaldonadoHMSTRO outreach

W35 Baby Girl Gets Hooked

Aloha Good People!

Here's a story about a young female monk seal from the Big Island tagged W35, this young'en is RO42's sister. She managed to swallow a fish hook and was brought to Oahu for surgery. She spent a couple of days at the Waikiki Aquarium being watched around the clock by loyal volunteers of the Hawaiian Monk Seal Response Team Oahu (HMSRTO).

All went well with her surgery and after one more day at the aquarium, she was brought home and released! A HUGE success story... many many thanks to all the volunteers on both islands!

(photos sent in from Dana & Patty)

DB Post Saturday 6/27/2009

It was a busy little day in the SE quadrant. On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0700, I found M&M with pup, at 3BS. They would remain there all day, with lots of feeds and no water time on D#2. Also at 0700 I could see what would prove to be M38, and Kolohe , close together 50 ft right of Mom and pup. When I got back later I found that Sadie had joined the boys at that location. All would remain there all day.

At 0754 I found Buster at Spitting Cave, doing 8 minute dives. This was his 2nd day feeding there.

On my 3rd check of Kaupo Beach Park (KBP) I made a fascinating discovery. I found Irma , 40 ft off shore at the pier end of the park, busily working on eating a turtle. It appeared to be small to medium sized , and very much dead. I'm not sure if there was a shell, but it was recognizeable as a turtle. My shots suck, but an acquaintance assured me he had good shots. I have not recieved them as of this writing. At 1133 Irma would haul out to the beach, a couple of hundred feet pier side of the beach park. I went down an put up signs. She was still there at 1600. I'll return a dusk to check her status. There was only 1 idiot in her life today.

From the lanai at Makai Pier I could keep an eye on both Rabbit Island and Irma. The only other action at RI was Duke finally hauling out at 1547 to 3BS.

Rachel called at 1437 to report that Rocky was just hauling out at DH. She sent photos of a nearly naked Rocky.

DB Post Part 2 Buster and Irma

DB Post part 3 ... Miss Rocky's Molt

DB Post Friday 6/26/2009

M&M and Pup spent a quiet day at 3BS on Rabbit Island . There were many feeds, and no water time on D#1.

RIP started the day near 1BS at the left end of the beach, but later moved down to interact with both Sadie and Kolohe who were at the right end all day 30 to 50 ft right of M&M. Sadie's molt is 90%.

Duke would haul out to some Duke sized boulders at the water line fronting the Left Greenery at the left end.

On my Spitting Cave check I found Buster doing 9 minute dives.

Tracy called at 1033 with the report of Irma at Kaupo Beach Park. I had checked Kaupo 3 times this morning, since Irma has been there of late, but this haul out was in an entirely different location, at a very end of a spit of rocks at the pier end of Kaupo Beach Park.

Diamond Head Posse Person , Rachel , called at 0711 to report that Rocky was once again in her favorite molting spot a couple of hundred feet east of the Diamond Head path.

DB Post Thursday 6/25/2009

I am happy to report that at 0626 this morning, from the Makapuu Overview I got my first glimpse of M&M and her new pup, at 3BS on Rabbit Island. Because of the extensive water front rocks, it was difficult to get shots of the new arrival. The coming days should provide lots of opportunities.

At 0630 , also from MO I found Duke swimming , off shore of the left end of the Rabbit Island. At 1232 he would haul out fronting the Right Greenery (RG), mid way between 1BS an 2BS. He would remain there the rest of the day.

Sadie was the only other Rabbit Island resident. She stayed at the right end of the beach. Her molt is approximately 80%.

While at Makai Pier I happened to find Irma at Kaupo Beach Park, on some water front rocks at 1026. She would remain there until the tide got to her at 1250.

Since both Colleen and Rachel were off island today, I made a Diamond Head recon at 0823. Rocky continued to rot nicely, a few hundred feet east of the Diamond Head path. Her molt is approximately 50%. She was still there when I departed at 0900. I returned at 1530, but Rocky was not there. I found that Judd (Colleen's other half) had already stowed the signs. A beach walker assured me that there was not an animal at the Beach Rd end of the beach. I drove to the Black Pt. access road and at 1630 found Rocky 200-300 yds west of the access. The very high, and still rising tide made access to her location impossible for me, or any other beach user. Since the tide would continue to rise through dark, I figured she was going to be just fine at that location.

Rocky got a brand new coat.... DB Post

I love this sign... I spoke with Coleen and want to look into having more made up to use in addition to the formal signs... I think it says it all.

DB Post Wednesday 6/24/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island I found only M&M at 3BS. She would remain there until entering the water at 1327, swimming off to the right. Whether she was just going out for a feed, or off to Molokai remains to be seen.

At 0820 I found Irma at Irma's. She would remain there all day. I'll do a recheck at dusk.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0928 , I found Sadie at the right end of the beach. Her D#6 molt is approximately 70%.

At 1136 RIP hauled out at the left end of the beach. He would remain there all day.

My main concern for most of the day was not finding Duke. It was not until I went to the Makapuu Overview (MO),at 1300, that I found that he was just off shore of the left end of the beach. He had not been visible from the pier. When I got back to the pier at 1330, I had no trouble getting glimpses of him, knowing where to look. On a pan at 1412 I found Dukes bulbous butt staring back at me from atop a rock slab location fronting 2BS. I would have loved to have seen how he did that. It was an impossible location, nevertheless, there he was. He had to have had major help from just the right wave, and the rising tide.

Posse person Rachel, called at 1020 to advise that Rocky had overnighted , once again at Diamond Head. She sent excellent photos of a 15% molted Rocky.

Jenn Metz did the Ka'ena Point trek today, and sent excellent photos of Kerby (RW08), Benny (RE74), and Ka'ena (RO40).

Posse person Stacy called at 1910 to report that Irma had just been run off. I was on my way down at the time and arrived at 1913 to see that she was gone, with nobody around. I called it a day at 1930.

Lucy and Ethel on a neighbor island

Aloha good people.... well lookie here... we have some little girl weaners on one of the neighbor islands. No offense guys... but we need more women, and here are two known as Lucy and Ethel.. I want to thank volunteer Val for the great shots and sharing these great pics.

DB Post Tuesday 6/23/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0634 I found M&M and RIP close together near the 3BS at the right end of the beach. When I got to Makai Pier, at 0657, I also found that Ewa Girl & Duke were side by side up in the Morning Glory, 40 ft left of 1BS, at the left end of the island. They were still there side by side when I departed the pier at 0730.

After finishing my first round of SE quadrant checks I got back to Makai Pier at 0935, and found none of the morning cast still visible.

At 1051 I looked at Kaupo Beach Park from the lanai, and found that Irma was on some rocks at the beach park. Nobody had a clue she was there, so I elected not to respond and put up signs, since this would only draw attention to her. I aso knew that she wouldn't last long at that location with the rising tide. Sure enough at 1115 she departed due to the risingd tide , and I did not see her again today, despite an afternoon recheck of the entire SE quadrant.

At 1102 M&M and RIP hauled out together to the left end of the beach, and would remain there all day. There was no observed interaction.

Despite constant, non-stop panning of the island, I could never find EG&Duke. At 1148 I found a lone Duke hauling out to an impossible location fronting 2BS, amongst some gnarly water front rocks. It was then that I knew that EG had weaned her pup. Ultimately, Duke would be washed from that location by the rising tide, and at 1414 he would haul out to the left end of the beach. He would galumph up to the Morning Glory where his day had begun along side Mom. This time it was an entirely different world.

At 1236 Rachel checked in to advise that Rocky had one again overnighted at Diamond Heaqd.

Your In Our Thoughts

Aloha Good People;

I want to acknowledge one of our valuable volunteers has suffered a great loss. Many of us have worked with Karen Rohter, she lost her husband Ira unexpectedly. From what I can see Mr. Rohter was a remarkable man and along with Karen he will be missed by many here in Hawaii. http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090622/BREAKING01/90622055/Ira+Rohter++political+science+professor+at+UH-Manoa++dies

Karen, please know if you need anything many of us are here for you.... but I think the best medicine comes in the eyes of our beloved seals. Our hearts and prayers are with you my friend.

warmest regards,

donna

DB Post Monday 6/22/2009

At 0649 the Rabbit Island cast was Ewa Girl & Duke, with RIP right along side, 40 ft left of 1BS at the left end, and a 50% molted Sadie with Kolohe, up in the Morning Glory at the right end of the beach. Both Sadie and Kolohe would move down behind the water front rocks at 0831, and I would not see Kolohe after that. Sadie, however, did move up again, and remained on the beach until 1206.

RIP was once again being a major pain to Ewa Girl. No matter how hard she tried she could not get rid of him. Partly due to his presence , and partly due to the stormy , high tide rough conditions in the afternoon, they would do no observed swims today, however they did get in 5 feeds. RIP finally left, of his own volition at 1148. I did not see him again today.

At 1223 a very round and firm and fully packed M&M hauled out at the extreme left end of the beach.

The high, high tide, and rough wind and sea conditions made my early departure from the lanai at 1430 necessary. Occasional white water was hitting the lanai. It was a good thing that I left as it turned out. As always I did a drive by check of Irma's, and lo and behold therrrrre was Irma, down from the Kealahou traffic light. She was high and dry so she had been there for a while. Fortunately , there was nobody on the beach except Irma on this totally unfun beach day. I got her cordoned off and will recheck her at dusk.

Irma departed at 1922, of her own volition. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1930.

DB Post Sunday 6/21/2009

The Rabbit Island cast for today was Ewa Girl & Duke, with RIP as their constant companion, left of 1BS, Kolohe at the right end of the beach, and Sadie, even more to the right end, with a mid afternoon appearance by M&M, at the extreme left end of the beach.

The interaction between Ewa Girl& Duke and RIP was the most interesting aspect of the day. On my first look at 0647, from the Makapuu Overlook (MO) I could see Ewa Girl & Duke in the shallow water off shore of the left end. What would later prove to be RIP was right there with them, and EG and RIP were jousting, with lots of snaps and neck thrusts, however RIP would not get the hint. Ewa Girl just didn't seem to have the energy to effective deal with RIP. This interaction would play out for the rest of the day. RIP was never more than 20 ft away from them, and on several occasions was within 3 ft of Ewa Girl&Duke. His interest was more with Duke than Ewa Girl. There did not appear to be any aggression involved. RIP seems fascinated with the short fat kid. In a few more days RIP will have unlimited access to his new little buddy.

On a pan at 1024 I found Kolohe, newly hauled out to the right end of the beach. At 1125 , once again on a pan, I found Sadie newly hauled out to the extreme right end of the beach. She would later move down to join Kolohe. Her molt of D#3 appears to be approximately 30%.

Colleen checked in at 0935 to advise that Rocky had , once again, overnighted at Diamond Head. I'd like to get a better look at Rocky's belly, but it looks as though she may have begun her molt.

DB Post Saturday 6/20/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island, at 0640 , I could see Ewa Girl & Duke doing their morning swim, the first of 4 observed swims, and 4 observed feeds for today (D#44).

Also at 0640 I found Kolohe exactly where I'd left him yesterday, 90 ft right of 3BS. He would remain there all day.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0834, I found that M&M had joined the cast at the left end of the beach. She would remain there all day, with no hassles from EG.

At 0934 Sadie would emerge from her hiding spot, behind the Morning Glory, 40 ft left of 1BS. She would move down and enter the water at 1000.

At 1034, Team Billand and I would observe a small, swimming animal moving from left to right passing the lanai at the pier, approximately 100 ft off the lanai. I'm reasonably sure that I saw Sadie's bald (molting) head on two of the 3 sightings as she went by, but I'm not 100% sure of those observations.

Sadie would reappear at Rabbit Island at 1246, at the right end of the beach , where she remained for the rest of the day. Her molt had progressed to a conservative 20% by end of day.

Colleen checked in at 1120 to advise that Rocky had, once again, overnighted at Diamond Head.

Kau'ai Garden Isle News Story

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/06/19/news/kauai_news/doc4a3b4ab4398e8857428273.txt
(can't say I am thrilled with the comments left after this article, but not worth engaging in that insanity.)


Also on KHON2 news a special about Ni'ihau special series, this link talks about conservation and mentions the monk seals...
http://www.khon2.com/mostpopular/story/KHON2-Exclusive-Ni-ihau-the-Forbidden-Island-Part/JwR2vvAE_0qa9LRkKwK1Ag.cspx

enjoy!

DB Post Friday 6/19/2009

It was a busy little day on Rabbit Island. Ewa Girl & Duke began my day at 0644, snoozin' in the Morning Glory left of 1BS, and did 3 swims and 4 feeds through the observation period.

Also at 0644 I could see a partially visible animal near the cliff, left of 1BS. When he moved down to entered the water, I could see that it was Buster. It was not until 1210 that I discovered that Buster had not been alone at the cliff. Sadie moved down from the same location, and moved to the water line to cool off. As she rolled around I could see that she has begun her molt. Her face and the top of her head are clean, as is a midline strip on her chest and upper abdomen. I didn't have much time to check her out. Ewa Girl & Duke were swimming off shore of Sadie, and Ewa Girl charged and ran her off.

Continuing my 0644 look at RI, I found a partially visible animal high up in the grass, 90 ft right of 3BS. When he moved down to cool off I got the Kolohe ID. He would remain there all day.

At 1407 my chunky friend , M&M hauled out 80 ft left of 1BS. Later in the afternoon when Ewa Girl and Duke hauled out near her, she got some hassle from Ewa Girl, but moved off approximately 35 ft away and as of my departure from Makai Pier at 1600 they were coexisting .

Memorial Service on Kauai

aloha good people

Here is a link to the news coverage of the memorial service held on Kauai for the two seals that were shot in the past month. I am sure there will be some additional coverage and when it becomes available I will post. ~donna~

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/18460/40/

DB Post Thursday 6/18/2009

Ewa Girl & Duke put in a bit of a different day today. I found them at 0638 doing their usual morning swim session, but that was it for the day. When I got back to Makai Pier at 0858 they were on the beach doing a feed, the first of 5 feeds today, and then they remained on the beach through my departure at 1600. Duke appears to be bigger than Mom at this point. The kid is humongeous !

Speaking of humongeous... M&M hauled out at 2BS at 0905 and remained all day. The girl is huge. RIP would haul out to join her at 1039, and he also remained all day. There was never any observed interaction.

On a pan , I noticed that there was a partially visible animal up behing the Morning Glory to the left of 1BS. At 0956, what would prove to be Sadie, moved into view, and galumphed down to the water, and immediately entered the water. I did not see her again today.

At 1404, Buster hauled out to the left end of the beach, and immediately headed for Ewa Girl and Duke. When Duke saw him headed toward them, Buster chickened out and did a quit left turn and reentered the water. He would haul out later at 3BS, and remained there the rest of the day.

Colleen called at 0949 to report that Rocky had overnighted again at Diamond Head. She is definitely in her post weaning molt window, and this is certainly molting behavior. There is nothing visible yet.

DB Post Wednesday 6/17/2009

Ewa Girl & Duke were the only residents of Rabbit Island today. Duke spent the entire morning on the back side of Mom, so there were few photo ops. They did 2 swims and 3 feeds.

I found Buster doing 10 minute dives at Spitting Cave. It has been a while since I've seen anyone at SC. I was beginning to think the critters had forgotten the place.

Colleen called at 0745 to advise that Rocky had overnighted once again at Diamond Head.

Jen Metz did the Ka'ena trek today, and came back with the news that Kerby was the only observed animal. He is looking very, very green. His first molt is definitely in his immediate future, but the timing on that first one is always at tough call.

It's not easy being green

DB Post Tuesday 6/16/2009

All in all it was a very good day, as you will see. On my first look at Rabbit Island , at 0639, I found what would turn out to be M&M, and RIP , close together at the left end of the island, near the water line. When I got down to Makai Pier at 0650 I also found that Ewa Girl and Duke were at the left end also, but up in the Morning Glory, 40 ft left of 1BS.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0822, Ewa Girl and Duke were doing the first of their 2 swims. They would also get in 3 feeds through the day. On the 2nd swim, they extended their session time from 1/1/2 hrs to 2 1/2 hrs, and extended their range as well, venturing all the way down to 3BS, before returning to their starting point at the left end of the island, on D#40.

When Ewa Girl & Duke hauled out at 0827 Mom just had to make a point and haul out to exactly M&M and RIP's location, running both of them into the water in the process. M&M with RIP in tow would later haul out the the right end of the island where they spent the rest of the day.

Team Billand called at 1107 to report that they were at Electric Beach (Kahe Power Plant), and were witnessing with their own 4 eyes, the removal of the gill net by Earl Miyamoto and DOCARE Officers. Thankfully, there was nobody in the net !

Make no mistake about it, the successful conclusion of this nightmare is directly due to the finding of the net by the Billands, and their daily checks of the site, and daily calls to DOCARE to keep their feet to the fire. This would not have happened , had it not been for the efforts of these two people....period ! Thank You..................very much. Ya' Done Good !!

Haloes firmly in place , Team Billand continued on and found Irma at Ewa Beach today.

DB Post Monday 6/15/2009

On my 2nd look at Rabbit Island I found Ewa Girl & Duke swimming , off shore of the left end of the island. They would do only 2 observed swims today, and I observed 3 feeds. Except for a quicky visit by RIP, they had a quiet day.

At 1039, on a pan, I found that RIP had hauled out quite close to Ewa Girl and Duke. I saw no outward movement, but she must have given him "da' stink eye" cause he quickly departed, only to haul out at 2BS, where he spent the rest of the day.

Awesome Posse Person, Colleen Heyer, called at 1000 to report that her very own Monk Seal, Rocky, had hauled out near the bunkers at Diamond Head.

Team Billand reported Irma fronting cottage #1708 at White Plains at 1200.

A call to DOCARE at 1044, on this, D#4 of the nightmare, to check on the status of the Electric Beach gill net brought the same ol' line . "No Sir....the net has not been removed, and there is nobody available in District #3 today". Pathetic...Truly Pathetic !!!!

KP2 Update 6/14/2009

Aloha good people... well our little boy is determined to go where he wants to go... sounds like he prefers the surfing and company than the quiet life. I heard today he managed to swim to an area of his preference. The boy has a mind of his own. We all want him to be safe so keep good thoughts in mind for him. ~donna~

DB Post Sunday 6/14/2009

A very chubby M&M has once again shown up at Rabbit Island. She had last been there on 5-23-09. She is due anytime, so we'll just have to see what she decides to do.

Ewa Girl and Duke were once again doing their usual swim,eat,sleep act. There were 3 feed and 2 swims observed.

RIP and Sadie were together all day at two different locations at the left end of the island.

M38 hauled out at 3BS in the morning, but later in the day hauled out at the left end, and headed straight for Sadie and RIP. As of my departure he was maintaining his distance.

Team Billand reported Irma at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach.

Thea called with the report of an animal at Diamond Head. Posse person Chanel confirmed the Rocky ID.

DB Post Saturday 6/13/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0636 I found Ewa Girl & Duke doing their morning swim off shore of the left end of Rabbit Island. When I got back to Makai Pier at 0854 they were on the beach and doing a feed. It would be the first of 3 swims and 3 feeds that I would observe today.

At 0854, on a pan I found what would prove to be RIP , partially visible in a tide pool, at the right end of the Middle Cliff area. He would enter the water at 1250, and did a couple of "cruiser male" swims of the entire beach front, but he did not haul out again during my observation period.

On a pan at 1000, I suddenly found Sadie on the beach front, just left of 1BS. She had apparently been hidden from me up behind the left end Morning Glory, until she decide to move down to cool off. She would enter the water at 1129, and I did not see her again until she hauled out to the back of the beach at the extreme left end, at 1515.

Colleen Heyer would check in at 0922 with the report that Rocky had overnighted at Diamond Head.

Team Billand called at 0945 to report that Irma was at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach, with assistance from Team Sparks. Barbara checked in again at 1651 to report that Irma had just departed. Aloha, DB

DB Post Friday 6/12/2009

IT'S A BOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay.....I'm ready to go on record. I've basically known since 6-1-09, but ya' just gotta' be sure about some things. Now that DUKE'S first molt is progressing and the belly is slick and clean , his "maleness" was abundant clear yesterday, and today the kid was jus' flaunting it at me all morning. No doubt about it, it's definitely DUKE ! ( Um we need some little girls.... SOON)

Just so you understand the naming process, I've always named Ewa Girl's sons after world class "watermen". Buster was for Buster Crabbe (you whippersnappers can look it up !!) , and Kerby was the Terri & Terry Kerby, my most favorite water folk, and Duke , of course, is for the greatest of them all Duke ! (who says I don't use Hawaiian names.... Duke is as Hawaiian as you can get.

The rest of the Rabbit Island cast were Sadie and M38.

Colleen called at 0750 to report that Rocky had overnighted at Diamond Head. She called again at 0845 to report that Rocky had departed, and then once again at 1153, to advise that Rocky was now at "Rocky Island" fronting Jim Nabor's (again, whippersnappers....look it up) house at Black Point.

The Billands got a call from one of their sub-posse members at 0845 reporting an animal hauling out to the off shore reef at the Winds Sock, Kalaeloa Beach. They confirmed the Irma ID, but also advised that she had been run off by a loose dog, at 1225. Aloha, DB

DB Post Thursday 6/11/2009

The Rabbit Island cast of characters included Ewa Girl and her chubby pup (D#35),and RIP, newly returned from checking out the Molokai chicks. He was close by Sadie, and they remained together all day. He got a little competition from M38, who was in classic "cruiser male" form, but RIP managed to maintain controlling position.

On a pan at 1050 I became aware of a partially visible Kolohe, down in a tide pool at the right end of the island . Though I could never get a complete look at him, I did see all the necessary markers to confirm that it was, in fact, Kolohe.

Team Billand called at 0950 to report that Irma had been at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach, but had been run off by a loose dog.

Thea called with the report of an animal to the left of the path at DH, at 1535. Posse person, Rachel handled and confirmed the Rocky ID at 1620. Thank You........very much !

KP2 - You got to love him.

Aloha good people!
Well here he is our little KP2... these photos were sent to me by Val one of KP2's guardian angels. As you can see from the photos our little boy has become pretty comfortable hanging around some surfers. As adorable as he is, this is not a good thing.... seems to me there will be one little seal going for a little road trip.
So my volunteer buddies, keep this little one in your thoughts for his safety and that his friendliness doesn't get him into any trouble. ~donna~

DB Post Wednesday 6/10/09

It was a Rabbit Island day. Ewa Girl & Pup (D#34) did 3 swims and 4 feeds, staying at the left end of the island all day.

I would find Sadie tucked into the base of the cliff at the middle cliff area, back in the shadows at 0844. She would enter the water at 1055 and I would not see her again today.

I found Buster fronting the 3BS at 1432.

The real highlight of the day came on a routine pan of the beach at 1409. I just happened to see a small, very, very, green animal just moving up from behind some water front rocks at the far right end of the beach, due to the rising tide. I may not have ever gotten an ID, had it not been for a Red Tailed Tropic Bird that just happened to come tumbling down from out of the grass, and over the cliff, exactly were the little critter was located. It scared the scat outta' the little critter, and in the freak out, I lucked out and saw the "X" bleach on his right side. I would later see the dorsal epoxy, which all says that Kolohe is back !!!

I'd last seen the boy on 6-2-09 on Rabbit Island, but I had gotten a report from a person working at the Black Point end of Diamond Head last week reporting a "2-3 foot animal" swimming off shore of Black Point, but never hauling out. I thought then, and I think now, that based on size, Kolohe would be a prime suspect. He is known to have gone as far as Aina Haina, so it's definitely possible. Based on the heavy duty algae build up , it's obvious that the boy has been logging some serious water time since I last saw him . Aloha, DB

DB Post Tusday 6/9/2009

Ewa Girl & Pup had yet another quiet Rabbit Island day (D#33). There were brief episodes of RM38 and then Buster, stopping by to check out the pup, but neither was of any consequence to Mom. Simply giving the boys the eye was all that was required.

Sadie was also in residence today, and she too drew the interest of M38 and Buster, but neither stayed very long. All in all it was a peaceful day.

Team Billand reported Irma at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach, at 1150.

Rob & Barb Billand at Ka'ena Point

DB Post monday 6/8/2009

It was yet another rough, windy and therefore quiet day at Rabbit Island. Ewa Girl and Pup (D#32) did their usual 3 swim, 3 feed routine, and they were joined for a part of the day by Sadie who entered the water at 1103. I did not see her again today.

Team Billand were back on the job today, and called at 0959 to report Irma at the Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach. Barbara and her male pup undertook a Ka'ena Point trek in the afternoon, and called at 1607 to report Kerby (RW08) , and then at 1627 called again to report the arrival of Benny (RE74) and Ka'ena (RO40), plus another animal. Barbara's 1641 call confirmed the last animal as Yoda (R302). Ka'ena info has become hard to come by of late, so getting info on the KP gang was especially great.

I'll send off Barbara's KP shots when she returns to civilization later tonight. Aloha, DB

DB Post Sunday 6/7/2009

It was a wild and wooly, rough and windy day in the Rabbit Island area so the critters and I didn't have any bad guys to worry about today. I found Mom and the kid (D#31) doing a swim on my first Rabbit Island look at 0700. It would be the first of 3 swims and 3 feeds that I would observe today.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0856 I found Sadie just moving down from behind the Morning Glory, 80 ft left of 1BS, at the left end. I had not seen her on my first check. She would move down to the incline, just above the water line.

At 0902 Buster hauled out 20 ft left of 1BS, and move immediately to join Sadie. They interacted for a few minutes, and then with Sadie leading the way, they both entered the water. I immediately lost them in the rough conditions, and did not see them again today.

Team Billand checked in late in the day to say they had found nobody in the SW quadrant, and that was the only call I got today .

DB Post Saturday 6/6/2009

The Rabbit Island cast was Ewa Girl & Pup (D#30). They had the place all to themselves with the exception of a short visit by 2 bad guys (1 male/1 female) in an orange kayak . Fortunately , the male stopped at a point 25 ft or so from EG&P. Despite the usual call to DOCARE, there was once again, no response. Sad !!!

I got a call from the Billands (on Maui), at 0845, saying that one of their sub-posse persons (Kathy w/ a K), had reported an animal at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach. I tried to get an ID by phone, but no luck. I drove over and confirmed the Irma ID at 1055. A check of all other SW quadrant spots, was a bust.

Colleen Heyer called at 0815 to report Rocky near the "grafitti bunker" at Diamond Head.

At 1347 I recieved a call from Schofield, and seconds later from Thea, reporting that R5AY had given birth on Kauai !!!

The R5AY news would have been the highlight of my day, no doubt, but a late in the day email, that I received from Colleen, blew even that news outta' the water. Her new sign is absolutely the the neatest thing EVER !!

I mentioned in yesterday's daily that I'd spent the morning with 2 outstanding interns. Dominique (in the hat), and Elana. I sincerely hope that their media careers move up from this point, but making it to "da' blog" is a good first step . Aloha, DB

DB Post Friday 6/5/2009

I was lucky enough to spend the morning with office interns, Elana and Dominique on my rounds. Ewa Girl and Pup was our only find for the morning, however when I got back to Makai Pier in the afternoon,at 1315, I found that Buster had joined the cast, though briefly. He entered the water at 1337 and I did not see him again today.

Team Billand got a call from sub-posse person Kathy (w/ a K) reporting an animal at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach. I just could not get there, but I put my dollars on Kermit or Irma (probably Irma).

Thea called at 1320 with the report of an animal at Diamond Head. Posse person , Rachel confirmed the Rocky ID at 1341.

Thea called at 1240 with the 4 most wonderful words an Oahu Monk Seal person could hear .... "R5AY is on KAUAI" !!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank Youuuuuuuuuuuu !!!!!! No pup yet, but it oughta' be any second now.

DB Post Thursday 6/4/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island , at 0650, I found Ewa Girl and Pup doing a swim session off shore of the left end of the island. When I got back to Makai Pier at 1150, they were on the beach at the left end, in snooze mode. They would do another swim at 1224, and then did a feed after hauling out at 1328. They had the place all to themselves today.

I decided to do a SW quadrant check, and covered all the usual spots from Ewa Beach through White Plains, Kalaeloa, Nimitz Beach, and Campbell Industrial Park. It was 120+ miles of driving, and a complete bust. I found nobody.

Tracy called around 1100 with the report of a swimming animal off shore of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, in Waikiki. Since I was well away from civilization at the time, she said she would send a Waikiki volunteer, and let me know if there was a haul out. I never heard anymore on the subject. Rocky is the only animal to ever haul out at that location, but of course it could have been anybody. Aloha, DB

Happy Belated Birthday Kolohe

Aloha good people!
Kolohe's birthday was May 14th and DB did include it in his post. Unfortunately this was while I was off island and unable to upload the photos.... and update the nightly post. Soooooo I want to make sure Kolohe gets his day... we all know how special they are and every birthday counts!
So... Happy Birthday Kolohe Baby Boy!!

DB Post Wednesday June 3rd

Ewa Girl and the Pup (D#27) were the only Rabbit Island residents today. They were in the water when I first saw them at 0634. It would be the first of 3 swims, followed by 3 feeds, that I would observe today. There was lots of snoozin' in between, and in the afternoon the kid did a short session of playing with sticks.

Tracy called to report a new Mom & Pup on Kauai. No other info is available. Aloha, DB

DB Post Tuesday 6/2/2009

Once again there were spear fishermen, and boats in the area, but thankfully the Rabbit Island cast had a quiet and peaceful day. At 0626 I found what would turn out to be Kolohe , tucked into the base of the cliff, in a "cave", at the right end of the beach. He would move down to cool off at mid morning , allowing the ID. He would remain there all day.

Though I'd been looking for Mom and pup since my first pass at 0626, it was not until 0838 that I finally caught a glimpse of them cruisin' off shore of the left end of the beach. I would see 3 feeds and 3 swim sessions today, with snooze training in between. They were not hassled by anyone today.

On a pan at 0909, I found a newly arrived Sadie just hauling out at the right end of the beach. She would remain there all day. Aloha, DB

DB Post Monday 6/1/2009

Though the morning lighting and haze were a problem, it turned out to be a beautiful, and thankfully quiet day at Rabbit Island. Ewa Girl and the pup spent the day at the left end of the island. I observed 4 feeds and 2 swim session, with lots of snooze time in between.

Sadie was down near the 3BS in the morning but moved to the middle cliff area for the afternoon.

Buster dropped in at 1356, hauling out 50 ft or so right of Ewa Girl & Pup. When he got to within 40 ft, she gave him the hint, and he spent the rest of the afternoon well away from her.

For those of you who may not have the geneology down, this was an interesting cast. Buster is Ewa Girl's 4 yr. old son, and Sadie is her 2 yr. old daughter, both born at Rabbit Island. Aloha, DB