DB Post Friday July 31st 2009

M&M and pup once again changed locations. I initially found them at 2BS. In the afternoon they had relocated to 1BS. This marks the furthest left they have hauled out.

RIP was at the far left end of the island but would do a swim in the morning and encounter M38 at 3BS. They would spat for a few rounds, but never got closer than 15 ft. It was all bark and no bite. M38 would depart, and RIP returned to the left end of the beach.

At 0904, Kolohe would haul out at the right end and move up into the grass. He would later move back down to cool off, and remained there the rest of the day.

Duke would haul out to 3BS in the afternoon.

I had to make a run to town and was on my way to my car at 0941 when I spied a swimming Monk Seal head just off the Waimanalo side of the pier, headed toward the shore line. It turned and swam back directly under my location and under the pier. I could see red tags, but that was the extent of it. I last the animal under the pier, and despite looking all over the area, did not see it again. When I got back to the pier at 1130, I noticed that M38 was back at RI. I can't prove it of course, but my dollar is on M38 as the pier swimmer.

At 1322 Hanauma Bay posse person Betty called to report an animal swimming near the "Backdoor" channel at the left side of Hanauma Bay. When I arrived and looked from the overview at 1400 I could see an animal doing consistent 6 minute dives. I got the spotting scope and at 1447 confirmed the animal as Rocky. She moved inside and checked the left side rock flats, but never hauled out . I lost her as she explored the left side flats, moving out toward the point. I went down and checked a few of the inlets on the left side, but found nothing. I then did the Toilet Bowl trek, and once again came up empty. I returned to the overview and searched another 15 minute, and then departed. Five minutes later (1657) , just as I was approaching Sandy Beach, HB personnel called to advise that the animal had just hauled out to the sand at the left end of the beach. When I got there at 1705, I confirmed that it was Rocky. I got her cordoned off, and the HB maintenance guy will check her tonight. My guess is that she will over night. I'll be there first thing in the morning.

DB Post Friday (cont)

It isn't easy being green...

Hi Donna, If you think Kerby is green........... Check out Molokai's green monster!! This is little RW00-01 (aka)WOO. I think he is the greenest monk seal I have ever seen. val :)

Animal Identifed on the Mokes as KC

Aloha,
Here are some photos from a guided kayak tour to Moku Nui on July 21st (approx. 11:30-1pm). If you have any questions, I can put you in touch with the guides.
Mahalo!
Anissa Gunther
Operations Manager
Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, Inc.

130 Kailua Rd Kailua HI, 96734 808.262.2555 (phone)

DB Post Thursday 7/30/2009

The first order of business was to check for Right Spot at Sandy Beach. When I arrived at 0520, she was no longer there. I picked up the signs and continued the adventure.

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup 100 ft left of 2BS, Duke at the right end of the beach, and M38 at 3BS. M&M and pup's new location was the furthest they have been toward the left end of the island since this thing began. They did a swim at 0946 and when they hauled out at 1013 they had returned to their usual Middle Cliff location. I saw I swim and 1 feed today.

Kerby's Hook

Aloha Good People
Here are some incrediable shots of our little Kerby who is looking quite green these days.
Hi Donna,
Here is a link to some photos I took around noon today of Kerby at Kaena Point. Unfortunately, NOAA didn't think that he was in a spot where they could safely get the hook removed. Hopefully, he will beach soon. Poor guy!
Diane Gabriel

DB Post Wednesday 7/29/2009

I found M&M and Pup at Middle Cliff at 0700. They would remain there all day. I observed 2 feeds and no swims.

At 0740 I found RIP and Irma doing 10-12 minute dives at Spitting Cave. It is a rarity that I see Mom and our 1st born son together.

Tracy called at 1000 with the report of an animal at Sandy Beach. When I arrived I found Right Spot at the east end of the beach. She would remain there all day, and was still there on my 1600 check. I will recheck at dusk.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 1045 I found that Buster had joined the Rabbit Island cast, at the right end of the beach. He would remain there all day.

At 1500 I relocated to the Makapuu Overview because I had not seen Duke all day. Sure enough there he was as the far right end of the beach. He has been totally invisible from the pier.

Tracy had called in the morning to advise that there were two animals at Turtle Bay Hotel. Colleen sent email of a FLICKR shot showing the two, however no ID is possible based on that photo, however I'm told one was a red tagged animal, and my dollar is on R5AY and R018, having moved on from yesterday's Laniakea haul out.

Right Spot was still there when I departed Sandy Beach at 2000. I picked up the rope and left the signs in place.

KP2 Update

Aloha Good People... I hope Val doesn't mind my sharing this ... but this is really HOPEFUL news ... lets hope there is more to follow.

HI all,
Diane just called and told me about her shift at the wharf today--Kp2 was fast asleep on the swim area platform with about 20 boys scouts all around him--they were very respectful and so delighted that they got up close and personal with our KP2. Here is the interesting part~~~~~~~~~~~~Kp2 was swimming with a FRIEND------------A SEAL FRIEND. Seems that another seal has crossed KP2's path. SO maybe there is hope that he will swim away with his new friend!!! God forbid that the other seal stays with him at the wharf............ Diane was unable to identify the other seal. I have seal duty tomorrow from 11-2 so I will keep my eyes peeled. Oh, let's hope that he wanders off with his new friend.
flippers crossed! :) val

DB Post Tuesday 7/28/2009

The Rabbit Island cast for today was RIP and Sadie close together at the left end of the beach, Mom & pup at the Middle Cliff area, and Duke at the extreme right end of the island. M&M and pup were only partially visible throughout the day, behind the water front rocks. I did manage to see 3 feeds and no swims.

Duke was an interesting find. He had no doubt been there all along, but I didn't notice him until 0950 on a routine pan. He was at a place I call 3rd Cave, 120 feet beyond the end of anything close to a beach. He was foraging in a tide pool on the rock flats. I saw him mouth lots of items, but can confirm the consumption of an eel, that he thashed to death and then ate.

Diamond Head posse person , Rachel , called at 1214 to advise that she had put up signs around Rocky, near the showers. This is the first reported sighting of Rocky since her trip to Ewa Beach. Rachel had responded based on a call from Tracy at around 1100.

Barbara Billand called at 1230 to report that she had been contacted by Barbara Baines KAREN BANES) at Laniakea, reporting that 2 animals had just hauled out there. One was known to have red tags. Barbara called again at 1355 from Laniakea to confirm that the red tagged animal was R5AY, but the other animal , thought to be a male (by behavior) was at that time an U/M. This is the first sighting of R5AY since weaning her pup on Kauai. A conversation with Tracy provided the info that R5AY had been attended by a male, R018 on Kauai, and subsequent photo analysis of the Billand's photos confirm that the Laniakea male was R018.

Tracy sent shots taken at Ka'ena Point on Sunday, 7-26-09, showing Kerby with a definite fish hook in the left side of his mouth. There is zero doubt in my mind that he is the same animal that I'd seen in the early morning hours of 7-23-09 at Rabbit Island. This is Kerby's 2nd fish hook incident. He returned to his birth place, at Rabbit Island on that occasion also, and the hook was removed there. This time he did not stay long enough, to be dealt with, and is obviously once again at KP. Keep your eyes peeled for a very little guy with a few big hook. DB

DB Post Tuesday (cont)

KP2 Behaving Himself

Aloha Good People,
Here are some great shots of KP2 being good, probably cause he's sleeping. These shots were sent to Jenn from one of the good volunteers over on Molokai.... We thank you for the pictures and looking after little KP2.

DB Post July 27 Monday

My day began atd 0645 by finding 3, white , males sleeping, wrapped in sheets, in a campsite to the right of 1BS on Rabbit Island. They had apparently overnighted, though they had not been there when I departed the pier yesterday at 1600. DOCARE (answering service) was immediately called and officers were at the pier at 0930.

After awakening the 3 proceeded directly to M&M and Pup. Previously made tracks showed that they had been there before. They proceeded to take photos from right on top of them, driving Mom and pup into the water, and then they stood on the water front rocks continuing to take photos of a barking M&M.

After tiring of that they proceeded to explore the rest of the island, first going to the left end and then going all the way to the top of the rabbit's head.

After taking the obligatory group shot (using the timer), at 1BS, they departed the island at 1037, and were met by DOCARE personnel at Kaupo Beach Park at 1130.

Despite the harassment M&M and Pup remained at the Middle Cliff area all day. Sadie hauled out to the right end at 1014, and I became aware of a partially hidden Duke at the right end at 1206.

Tracy called with the report of an animal at SB at 0850. When I arrived at 0900 I found Right Spot, hauled out to exactly yesterday's location. I got her cordoned off and rechecked her throughout the day. She was still there on my 1600 check. I'll be returning shortly.

A call from Tracy at 0843 advised that Kerby had been confirmed to have a fish hook in the left side of his mouth. He was seen yesterday at Ka'ena Point. It is entirely possible that he was my fish hooked animal of 7-23-09, since he has made the same swim before, under exactly the same circumstances. The Billands reported finding only Ka'ena at KP today.

okay this gets ridiculous... IDIOTS! they should be forced to clean up the beaches or better have seal bite them in the arse!!!

DB Post Monday ( cont )

DB Post Sunday 7/26

At 0601, Right Spot hauled out to Sandy Beach. She had last been to Sandys on 10-19-08 after weaning her Molokai pup. According to my records this is her pupping window. She is looking chunky, about pregnant ?????????? We shall see . She was last seen on Oahu on 5-18-09, on the North Shore. She was still there on my 1800 check. I'll be returning shortly to recheck her.

At 0747 I found Irma doing 9 minute dives at Spitting Cave.

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup, once again at the Middle Cliff area, Duke at the right end of the beach, and at end of day near 2BS, and an U/M with red tags, that I could just never get enough info on to make an ID.

A Sandy Beach lifeguard called at 1655 to report that a lady had reported an animal at the cove at Sandy Beach. When I arrived at 1700, I found nobody, but in conversation with the lady, she showed me in camera shots of a red tagged animal that briefly hauled out, did a few head bobs and then returned to the water. My dollar is on M38. She will be forwarding shots.

Right Spot departed Sandy Beach, of her own volition, at 1920. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1945.

DB Post Sunday (cont)

DB Post Saturday 7/25/2009

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and Pup at Middle Cliff, and Duke and Kolohe at 3BS. I would observed Mom and the kid do 1 swim and 2 feeds. Kolohe began the day up in the grass above Duke , who was down on the beach. Once Kolohe moved down, they would both spend most of the day near the water line fronting the 3BS.

At 1339 an U/M, with red tags, hauled out to join Kolohe. It was at that time that I realized that I realized that Duke and slipped away while I wasn't looking. The U/M is exasperating because I just couldn't get a decent look at him. It may well be one of the family , but I just can't get a good look.

From 1045 until 1234 there were two bad guys on RI. DOCARE ultimately got them at Kaupo Beach Park, but both drew barks from M&M when they passed by. They also stopped to check Kolohe and Duke, but the animals appeared to be unaware of their presence.

Team Billand reported , zero in the morning, but on the afternoon check of Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park they found Ewa Girl.

DB POST FRIDAY 7/24/2009

The day began at 0545 when I found Irma waiting for me at the Cove at Sandy Beach. I got her cordoned off, and because there was a bus load of teenagers in her area , I hung around. It's a good thing I did because at 0628, in swims M38 to join Irma. He must have learned something from his 4 day stint with her, because this time around he only stayed until 0705. At that time he reentered the water and swam off. It was not to be the last of M38. I rechecked Irma multiple times though the day. She was still there on my 1600 check, and I'll be returning at dusk to reassess.

At 0808 , from the Makapuu Overview I got my first look at the Rabbit Island cast. M&M and pup had moved to the Left Middle Cliff/ 2BS area, and remained there all day. In fact they were hidden behind rocks all day. Kolohe was up in the Morning Glory at the right end of the beach, and directly below him was Buster. Down from both of them, on the water front rocks was Duke.

When I got down to Makai Pier at 0820 I confirmed all those ID's and also found that there was an U/U on the left end of the beach. I never got a chance to ID that animal because at 0828 M38 hauled out and the U/U moved down to the water line to confront him. I never saw a belly or hind flippers on the U/U but based on behavior during the spats with M38 , I guess it was a male. It might well have been one of the regulars, but with the junk morning light, VOG, and wave action at that end of the beach, no ID was possible.

I did not see the fish hooked animal today, however I drew some joy from at least being able to rule out Kolohe.

M38 was in classic "cruiser mode" today, hauling out to bother everybody except M&M.

M&M was totally uncooperative today. She and the pup were behing water front rocks all day, near 2BS. I only saw bits and pieces of them, however I did see 1 feed.

At 1047 , Team Billand reported Ewa Girl at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park.

I last saw M38 on Rabbit Island at 1400. When I checked Irma at 1600 she was still there, and alone. When I went back at 1730, there was M38 lying there beside her. The boy definitely put in some mileage today. Both departed, with Irma in the lead, at 1953. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 2000.

DB POST (CONT)

CSI Whales Alive - Patricia Sullivan Article

http://www.csiwhalesalive.org/csi2009_07.pdf

Check out page 11-12.
Aloha,Jen

Dana's Report from Kauai July 16th-19th

Hi, I'm Baaack,
Spent 3 long and wonderful days with the "Seals of Kauai" at least several of them. Also had some great outreach working with Earl and local fishermen. The Kauai volunteers are incredible and it was such an honor to work with them.

R5AY, who we all know and love, is the protective Mom as always. Her baby girl is just about a week shy of this Mom's normal weaning date. Mom and pup look very healthy. 5AY isn't nearly as lean and emaciated as we have seen before, but that could change over the next few days. Right now she has quite a bit of bulk still on her and the baby is a fat little inquisitive thing. She was most interested in the signs erected to protect her little fat self. 5AY was also the ever protective Mom with two males swimming around her and the pup on several different occasions. In one of these shots she finally just got tired of dealing with one and chased him away instead of putting up with him sniffing around. He took off pretty quickly when she started coming after him. He came back yesterday, but she set him straight again. Gotta love that Honey Girl.

The other pup, now a weaner, was doing the typical swim and sun program. He was much watched over and looked after by volunteers, even though Mom had gone. Very healthy and inquisitive, when he wasn't snoozing. Had some funny moments getting in and out of the water off the shelf.

We had several HMSRTO Volunteers dedicate their time and finances to assist our friends on Kauai, they were treated with great respect and received with warm Aloha. Thank you.

Thanks,
Dana

DB Post Thursday 7/23/2009

When I arrived at Sandy Beach this morning at 0520, I found that Irma had departed. I picked up the signs and continued on. I did multiple rechecks of the Irma's/Sandy Beach areas through the day, but nobody ever popped up.

From the Makapuu Overview (MO) at 0642 I could see M&M and pup doing a swim in the Middle Cliff area. They would remain in that neighborhood all day. I observed 2 swims and 2 feeds.

From Makai Pier at 0657 I saw a smallish, red tagged animal, I believe to have been a male, with an old coat, haul out to just above the water line , 30 ft. left of 1BS. It was apparent from the fist moment that the animal was in distress. The way it was flopping and flapping around, and the exaggerated head movement, all indicated what I have come to know as a fish hook. It would take until 0832 before I could positively confirm a hook, leader, and line in the left corner of the mouth. Due to the horrible morning lighting, overcast conditions, VOG, and the fact that the animal was directly in line with the off shore backwash waves between the pier and RI, I had a difficult time with observations. The animal appeared to be smallish, perhaps 1-2 yr old, with an old coat, and lots of algae. I saw 2 red tags, I can't rule out Kolohe, but I believe it was a bit larger that that. The bottom line is, I have no ID. The animal was in obvious distress, and at 0832 began to reenter the water, however the line got stuck in the water front rocks and the animal once again began flopping around like a fish on a line, pulling the line taught. Something gave and the animal entered the water. I did not see the animal again today. I notified Tracy of all of this at 0832, however the animal was not seen again today. Hopefully, tomorrow will provide an opportunity to get the job done.

I relocated to the Makapuu Overview at 0920, hoping to be able to see the fish hook animal , however that did not happen. I did, however, find Duke from that location. He was hidden down behind some rocks at the right end of the beach, and was invisible from Makai Pier. He would later move up with the tide, and remained at the right end of the beach all day.

When I got back to the pier at 1100, I found that an U/M with red tags, was on the water front rocks, 60 ft right of 3BS. It was a M/L male , however I could not get an ID. My guess is Buster, but I really got no info. He entered the water at 1205 and I did not see him again today. The overcast conditions and VOG made observation difficult.

Posse member Betty, from Hanauma Bay, called at 0744 to report that one of the early morning swimmer ,regulars reported having seen "a small animal" in the cable channel at the right end of HB. No other info was available.

Team Billand checked in at 1105 with the report of Ewa Girl, at Palm Grove , Campbell Industrial Park. Fishermen witnesses said she hauled out around 0900.

Mary Jay called at 1329 to report that Rocky had hauled out in Ewa Beach, at the same location as day before yesterday.

Pic from the Mokes

Here are some shots Karen took while we ventured over to the Mokes.. no seals but sure is pretty. ~donna~

Psst..DB can you see us... over here

The knees!

No tracks here!

The bird wasn't telling us nothing !

Unidentified Female Seen Out on the Mokes

Aloha Good People;

Tuesday the good people at KSK (Kayak Sailboards Kailua) came by and told me there was an adult female out on the Mokes... and although they weren't sure it was the same seal they had seen for the prior three days...

So my little seal alarm went off and as soon as I finished my morning shift at the Pizzeria I called Karen Bryan and off the two of us went... paddling our tooshies off. Guess what? No sign of her, but based on the description I got (adult female, no tag and cookie cutter scar) we guessed it was KC and before leaving the little islands... I called my mentor the seal whisperer, who got a kick out of the fact that I was still on the island. He agreed good chance it was KC.

Wish I had some photos.. cause it was gorgeous!
~donna~

DB Post Wednesday 7/22/2009

Irma and M38 where waiting for me at 0520 when I arrived at Sandy Beach. They were right where I'd left them last night. They move down and up with today's tides, and were still there on my 1600 check. I'll be returning to SB shortly. This is D#4 of their Sandy Beach vacation.

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup, once again at the Middle Cliff area. I would observed 1 swim and 2 feeds today. Duke showed up at 1022 and spent the day at the right end of the beach. Buster joined him at 1504, and all were still there when I departed the pier at 1600.

Karen Bryan called at 1547 to report an animal at Pyramid Rock at MCBH. KC would be my guess, but I'm awaiting photos.

Tracy called from Kauai, late in the day to advise that she had tagged R5AY's daughter (RA20), and another male weaner at Larson's today. R5AY had weaned her pup yesterday.

M38 departed at 1908. Irma was still there when I departed at 2000.

DB Post Tuesday 7/21/09

Irma and M38 were waiting for my at 0530 when I pulled into Crappy Cove, at Sandy Beach. They were right where I'd left them last night. I restrung the rope, and continued on. They would , once again, remain all day. I checked them every two hours, and did lots of PR . They were still there on my last check at 1600, and I will return shortly.

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and her chunky pup at mid Middle Cliff, and Duke at the right end of the beach. There was an U/M at the left end in the early morning, but he left before I could get a confirmed ID. I believe that it was Buster, based on the mottled belly, but with Mojo known to be in the area, I can't rule him out.

Team Billand called at 1032 to report RIP and Ewa Girl at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park.

I picked up the rope at Sandy Beach at 2000. Irma and M38 showed no signs of leaving.

I thought the day was over , however Mary Jay called at 2008 with the report of Rocky in Ewa Beach.

DB Post (cont)

DB Post Monday 7/21/2009

The first order of business was to check Sandy Beach at 0530. Sure enough there were Irma and M38, right where I'd left them last night. I restrung the rope and rechecked them every couple of hours all day. Tracy and Dominique came to Sandys in the morning, and Tracy was able to visualize the inside of Irma's mouth. I am happy to report that she found nothing. Both critters were still there at 1600. I'll recheck them shortly.

My first look at Rabbit Island had been a bust in the morning, however when I got back to MP at 1040 I found M&M and pup at the middle of the Middle Cliff area. They would remain there all day. I observed 3 feeds and 1 swim. The kid is beginning the round stage, and there is a subtle change to the coat on D#25.

It was not until 1052 , on a routine pan, that I found that Duke had been doing a rock impersonation to the right of 3BS. He'd been there all along, I just missed him. He would enter the water at 1140, but would be back on the beach in the same location when I got back to Makai Pier from the noon Sandy Beach check. All would remain there the rest of the day.

I remained with Irma and M38 until 2000. They were still there when I departed

DB Post Sunday 7/19/2009

It was an extraordinarily grrrrrrrreat day in DB's World. The day began routinely enough with M&M and Pup, and Duke being the only Rabbit Island residents today. The highlight was M&M and kid hauling out at the right end of the middle cliff instead of the left end, but things were soon to get more interesting.

At 1249 Tracy called with the report of 2 animals at Sandy Beach. When I arrived at SB (Crappy Cove), at the back entrance to SB, at 1300, I found TA-DAAA !!... IRMA, and RM38 !!!!!

It has been 14 days........exactly 2 weeks, since I found Irma with a fish hook at Irma's. In that time I've logged many hundreds of miles, countless manhours, and lots and lots of stress, only to have Irma haul out a couple of thousand yards from where the Irma Quest began. I am very, very, very happy to report that neither my wife and I nor the Billands saw any evidence at all of a fish hook, or line, or any behavior or movement that would suggest a fish hook. Somehow, some way, Irma took care of the problem.

Oh yeah........ as an extra added treat, even though I've known M38 from many years.... today was the very first time that he has hauled out on Oahu proper, as opposed to Rabbit Island, so today we finally met, up close and personal !

Team Billand responded to an Ewa Beach call at 0813 this morning , but found nothing.

Team Billand got a call from Tracy at around 1400 reporting 2 animals at Campbell Industrial Park. The called at 1510 to confirm that it was RIP and Ewa Girl.

Karen Bryan called at 1400 to report 2 animals at MCBH. Mail from Karen confirmed the animals as KC and Mojo.

DB Sunday Post (cont)

Heeerrreeee's Irma and M38 ( wooo hooo Irma remember Kermit???? ) Well we all relieved Miss Irma is doing well minus some fishing line.

KC & Mojo in Kaneohe.

Karen Bryant sent these adorable pictures of KC and Mojo on a date in Kaneohe... hmmm... next year babies, have their toys already for them.

Kauai News Article

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/07/18/news/kauai_news/doc4a6135ece3405961225679.txt

Check out this article about the federal investigation regarding the killing of two seals on Kauai.

DB Post Saturday 7/18/2009

Rabbit Island had a bumper crop of critters today. M&M and pup were once again at their new hang out at the left end of the Middle Cliff area (LMC). They remained there all day. I observed 1 swim and 3 feeds. Once again I say... that kid is gettin' chunky (D#23)!

They were sharing beach with Duke, 90 ft right of 3BS, and Kolohe, 120 ft right of 3BS. Both would remain at those locations all day.

M38 made an appearance , starting the day at 3BS, but in classic cruiser male mode, he briefly visited Kolohe, and Duke. He and Duke did a swim, however Duke hauled out by himself an hour later. M38 would wind up hauling out by himself at the left end of the beach.

At 1507, Buster hauled out to join Duke. They would enter the water at 1510, and where still on their swim when I departed the pier at 1600.

Team Billand did the SW quadrant, and only found Ewa Girl at Palm Grove, Campell Industrial Park .

DB Post Friday 7/17/2009

At 0653, from Makai Pier, I found M&M and pup at the left end of the Middle Cliff , approximately 80 ft right of 2BS (D#22). This marks the very first time that the duo has moved from the birth site at 3BS. They were still there when I got back to Makai Pier at 1300, and doing a feed.

On my Spitting Cave check at 0720, I had an U/U with red tags pop up to the right of the big rock, and swimming in a purposeful manner. moving from left to right. It was a single up, and I had no time for an ID. My guess is Buster, and RIP is a possibility also. I was hoping that the Rabbit Island cast would provide the answer, but alas neither were at RI today. Maybe tomorrow ??????????

This was D#12 of the Irma Quest. I did a SW quadrant run, checking from Ewa Beach to Campbell Industrial Park. I met the the Billands at CIP, and they did all the walking (Thank You !!). Nobody was found.

I got back to MP at 1300, to find M&M and pup at LMC, and doing a feed. At 1346 I found Duke rolling in the shore break at 3BS. He would finally haul out 100 ft right of 3BS at 1425, and remained there the rest of the day.

Colleen Heyer called from Diamond Head at 1449, to report Rocky below the 2nd Lookout. Welcome home Colleen, Rocky and I missed you A LOT ! Rachel performed above and beyond the call, in your absence !!

Update from Kauai

Keep in mind...The hike is tough, esp through deep sand beaches. Take only what necessary and make it to drink. Cell coverage probably not gonna happen. Be safe!

Perry got nasty lacerations placing fencing and that's a long haul from the clinic! Draft any able bodies interested in what's happening to move signs, gather ropes, to spread the warnings, etc. It's hot!

One day 6 seals visiting or living there. 6AY is Oahu Kaena Pt mom pictured with pup 6AZ. She appears to be a great mom. Still w the pup, keeping him as far out on ledges as tide allows, hidden often from shore. (The other mom left her pup @ 5 wks and returned to Niihau??)

My highlite was certainly watching the weened pup interaction w adult male (Uncle), just off the beach for over 1/2 hr. I was unfortunately so enthralled that I didn't move to take pictures. They reared out of water and barked at each other, rolled over each other, batted and flippered each other, raced and chased, looked like pup would follow uncle out to the channel at one time, then he followed him back to the beach and dropped him off just before dark. Pup looked around for him in the shallows for a bit, peeked around on the beach, then returned to the enclosure where he was born, maneuvered way high on the beach under the trees for the night. And was out swimming when I returned the next am.

He was seen with fish in his mouth twice, playfully in the shallows. Daily he explored further up the shores and beaches. Quite fun. Acting indeed like a puppy, chewing sticks, rolling coconut, rooting holes in the sand, beating down the weeds to get comfy...busy. 3 hours on a busy weekend day the ropes, signs and poles moved with him! I was surprised twice, with a seal just majically emerging (head out looking around the beach, or dragging right up from nowhere.) The drop in visits on this beach keep you continually alert. A molting seal appeared my last shift. Several turtle visits, and hopefully deposits, every night. And last, there is one albatros yet to fledge...pretty ugly chick. Aloha, Dotty

DB Post Thursday 7/16/2009

The Rabbit Island cast included regulars M&M and Pup (D#21), at 3BS, and Duke at the right end of the beach. It was an all day job, but what would prove to be RIP (RR70) was at the left end of the beach all day. He'd last been seen attending Ewa Girl at Campbell Industrial Park, but he seems to have returned to his roots as of today. Buster showed up late in the afternoon to haul out with Duke. This was the first observed interaction between Buster (the 4 yr old, older brother), and Duke. They did a swim together, and hauled out at their starting point.

Robert Billand did the SW quadrant check , Ewa Beach to Campbell Industrial Park, and found nobody.

Barbara Billand and male pup did the KP trek, and where reward for their efforts by spending the day with Ka'ena, Kerby and Benny.

At 0640 I found M&M and pup doing the first of 2 observed swims, in shallow water fronting 3BS. When I got back to Makai Pier at 1300 they were snoozing but would , shortly thereafter, do another swim, followed by a feed.

The Rabbit Island cast had increased in the afternoon. Sadie was at the left end of the beach, Duke was at the mid, middle cliff area, and Kolohe was at the right end.

Since the rest of the SE quadrant was monk seal free, I took off for the SW quadrant, and D#10 of the Irma Quest at 0744. I covered Ewa Beach , White Plains, Kalaeloa, Nimitz Beach, and Campbell Industrial Park. Once again there was no sign of Irma, however I did find Ewa Girl at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park.

Regular readers know that Ewa Girl was last seen on 7-12-09 at Hanauma Bay, in the company of the new male, Temp 409.

Molokai posse person, Val Bloy came through with photos of Temp 409 on Molokai on 7-14-09, and provided follow on shots of the guy on 7-10-09.

DB Post Tuesday 7/14/2009

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup (D#19) at 3BS, Sadie at the left end of the beach, Duke at the right end, and Kolohe 80 ft or so right of 3BS.

I wrote in yesterday's "daily" that a small animal was reported in the Sandy Beach shorebreak , by bodysurfers. I made a comment about the animal maybe being the EG's U/M (Temp 409), or perhaps Kolohe. When I found Kolohe at Rabbit Island this morning I counted that as a check mark in the Kolohe Kolumn. As I was leaving the pier this afternoon one of the ancient , regular fishermen, told me that around 0600 yesterday morning he saw a "baby seal" while he was fishing at Bamboo Ridge (near Blowhole), and that the seal had a black spot on it's shoulder hump. It was heading toward Sandy Beach. I think that's another check for Kolohe !

The Billands covered the SW and W quadrants today, and found nobody.

Tracy forwarded an Irma shot to me, taken last Sunday afternoon (7-5-09) at Spitting Cave. Video footage already confirmed that she was there. This shot however, confirms a hook and fishing line with a knot and debris at the end on the left side. The hook still can't be seen so the placement is still a mystery. The Billands and I are still on the Irma Quest, but we could sure use a little help from Irma.

so irma is looking quite ROUND, lets pray she lets papa DB find her before she has a pup (if thats the case)

DB Post Monday 7/13/2009

The day began with a trip to Hanauma Bay at 0608, but alas Ewa Girl was not there. Tracy advised that the U/M that had been with her has earned his Temp 409 designation.

Sandy Beach regulars reported a large animal at the "Full Point" surf break in the morning, and a "small one" swimming in the near shore waters nearly, but not quite hauling out. I have no other information , but I'd put my dollar on Ewa Girl and Temp 409 maybe still being in the area. Of course it could be any of the other thousand also ?????

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup at 3BS on D#18, and Duke beginning the day in the Middle Cliff area, and ending up at the right end of the beach.

I did another Irma Quest SW quadrant run, but came up empty again . The Billands checkd Palm Grove and also came up empty.

The Billands saved the day, later on. Just as I arrived back at Makai Pier at 1155, the phone rang. It was White Plains life guard, Bryan reporting what he believed to be Benny just hauling out at the Ewa end of the beach. Fortunately, the Billands were still in the area, and quickly responded. Unfortunately, the animal was gone when they arrived, however when the got the Kalaeloa Camp Grounds (Al's Bench) they found Benny on the beach.

I recieved photos today from the Manleys taken by a friend at MCBH on Saturday 7-11-09. The video of KC was pretty bad, but the new stills more than confirm the KC ID.

DB Post Sunday 7/12/2009

The first order of business was to check Hanauma Bay at 0630. I found Ewa Girl and her U/M right where I'd left them last night, on the left side rock flats. Access to them was limited by the fact that both were alert, so I really didn't learn anything new about our U/M.

In a conversation with HB posse person Ann, at 1545 I was told that while Ewa Girl was still there, the U/M had departed somewhere between 1130 and 1245. I have no othere info.

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0824 I found M&M and pup at 3BS. They would remain there all day. I observed 1 swim and 2 feeds. The kid is chunkin' up.

At 1047 I found Sadie at the left end of the beach, where she would remain all day, and at 1100 his porkiness, Duke , hauled out to the middle of the Middle Cliff area (MMC). He would reenter the water at 1400, only to haul out again 80 ft right of 3BS at 1419 , where he spent the rest of the day.

Posse person , Rachel called at 0900 from Diamond Head to report that Rocky was in her usual spot below the 2nd Lookout.

Team Billand valiantly cover the Ewa Beach to Campbell Industrial Park are and found nobody, however a couple of witnesses reported an animal in the Kalaeloa/Nimitz area, just ahead of them, however the animal never hauled out.

I found a piece of footage on You Tube this morning of what is most certainly KC at MCBH on 7-11-09. She had last been seen my the Young clan at Laie on 7-9-09
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufFTUJ605W8

Ewa Girl at Hanama Bay

Martha called from Hanauma Bay at 1806 to report 2 animals on the left ledge. When I arrived at 1839, I fully expected to see Ewa Girl and RIP, but to my shock and awe I was only half right. There lay Ewa Girl as expected, but next to her was a smallish Unknown, Untagged male. There were numerous superficial markers, but I don't think I've seen this animal before.

Ewa Girl has pretty much been in the constant company of RIP (RR70) since the last days before weaning Duke, and the two have been seen as recently as 7-9-09 at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park. Somewhere along the line this new guy has come on the scene. I'm wondering if the Unknown , red tagged male I saw briefly at Rabbit Island today, might not have been RIP. Hopefully, tomorrow will provide more answers.

This is Ewa Girls first post weaning visit to Hanauma Bay.

DB Post Saturday 7/11/2009

On the first look at Rabbit Island at 0645, M&M and pup were at the 3BS, but for the first time were up in the Morning Glory. The were the only observed RI residents.

From 0800 until 1310 the wife and I did the SW quadrant run. We checked everything from Ewa Beach thru Campbell Industrial Park. Once again the Irma Quest came up empty. I have no clue what this girl is doing.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 1310, I found M&M and pup just finishing a swim, and a feed soon followed. The rest of the cast was Duke , on the water front rocks at the right end of the middle cliff (RMC), and Sadie along with an Unknown , red tagged male, at the left end of the beach. The U/M hauled out to her just as I looked through the scope, and stay just a moment, rolling back to the water. Since he was totally covered in sand, all I got was a male belly and red tags. I did not see him again today.

Barbara Billand did the Ka'ena Point trek today, and called at 0830 to report Ka'ena and Benny at the end of the world.

I26 Seal Seen by Divers on Maui

Aloha Good People!

Karen Rohter's good friend sent her these pictures and video from a diving trip she made to Maui. Seal's tag was identified as I26 (Karen's friend refers to it as Molly, but I think this more of a Morry). This siting and information was sent to NOAA. THANK YOU Karen and Karen's friend. ~donna~

DB Post Friday 7/10/2009

It was D#5 in the Irma Quest, and once again she has not been seen. I checked the SE quadrant and Ewa Beach to Nimitz Jetty, and the Billands covered White Plains to Campbell Industrial Park, plus an above and beyond check of Iroquois Point, by nothing was found. I have no clue what this girl is up to, which is the usual state of affairs.

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0700 I found M&M and pup (D#15) at their usual spot at 3BS. They remained there all day. Due to the Irma Quest, my Rabbit Island time was severely limited, however I did see a feed at 1315. Sadie and Duke were the other two Rabbit Island residents today.

Tracy called at 1410 with the report of an animal at Black Point . Posse member, Rachel put up signs and confirmed the Rocky ID.

The real high point of the day came with my meeting posse member , Gwen Young when I got back to Makai Pier at 1315. She advised that she'd seen an animal at Laie yesterday afternoon, and was kind enough to send her photos. I'm very happy to report that KC is back !!!!! She is skin and bones, and obviously in post weaning condition. Those of you who worked KC and Kolohe's site last year, will remember her. She was due this year around the last week of May to first week of June, but simply dropped off the radar at the appropriate time. Well.............. she's back !!! We may never know where she went . Thank You KC for making this year just a tad easier on all of us !!

KP2 knows how to boogie...... board

Looks like our little boy found himself some toys.... and is having fun playing... lets hope he doesn't get into too much trouble...

DB Post Thursday 7/9/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island , at 0648, I found M&M and pup at 3BS, as usual. Since my Makai Pier time was limited by the continuing Irma Quest, I saw no swims and only one feed.

I departed for the SW quadrant at 0835, and checked all of Ewa Beach, and also White Plains. The Billands covered White Plains to Campbell Industrial Park. I found nobody, however surfers told the Billands that there had been an animal in the line up at White Plains, earlier in the morning, doing what sounded like routine foraging behavior, and that somebody (same animal ?) had investigated a small sand area approximately 100 yds east of the east WP perimeter fence, but did not haul out. I checked the area but found nothing. The Irma Quest continues.

The Billands called at 1211 to report that they had found RIP and Ewa Girl at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park. The duo departed of their own volition at 1230. Well..... It was Ewa Girl's own volition. As a dutiful male, RIP just followed along behind.

I got back to Makai Pier at 1315, and found that Sadie had joined the cast at the left end, and Duke was at the right end.

I assisted Brenda Becker with another HPU group, and went back to observations afteward.

Rachel called from Diamond Head at 0900 this morning to report that Rocky was at her usual spot below the 2nd Lookout.

DB Post Wednesday 7/8/2009

It was another day in the Irma Quest. Sadly, after lots of hours and lots of miles, I must say that we never crossed pathes.

The day began with my first look at Rabbit Island at 0643. M&M and pup were at their usual spot at 3BS, and Kolohe was 50 ft to their right .

After a check of the other SE quadrant spots, I continued on to Black Point and Diamond Head. Those locations were a bust.

I got back to Makai Pier at 0948 and assisted Brenda Becker with an HPU class thing. The RI cast was the same. At 1034 I hit the road for the SW quadrant.

I began the SW quadrant at 1130, and found nobody, however one of the lifeguards said that an unknown animal had briefly hauled out as far as the shore break near the east end perimeter fence at 1000, but the animal departed after just a couple of seconds, swimming off in an Ewa Beach direction. There was no further ID info.

I continued on to Kalaeloa Campgrounds, Wind Sock, and Nimitz Beach, and then did all the Ewa Beach spots from Hau Bush to Ewa Beach Park. Unfortunately, it was a bust.

I then back tracked, ending at Palm Grove , Campbell Industrial Park. Once again it was a total bust.

I finally got back to Makai Pier at 1502. M&M and pup were right where I'd left them , as was Kolohe, however Sadie had joined the cast, 20 ft right of Kolohe.

At 1519 two animals began to emerge from the water at Kolohe and Sadie's location at the right end of the beach. The first animal in line was Duke, and right behind him was M38. Duke would move up onto the beach, but M38 stayed only a minute or so and then returned to the water. I did not see him again today. I called it a day at 1600, and came home to begin the dailies.

DB Post 7/7/09 Tuesday

On my 0630 from the Makapuu Overview (MO) look at Rabbit Island I found M&M and pup at 3BS, Kolohe just climbing into the grasses, 60 ft right of 3BS. When I got to Makai Pier I also found that what would prove to be Sadie was on the far left end of the beach, partially hidden behind water front rocks.

After my unproductive Hanauma Bay, Spitting Cave, and Kokee Flats checks, I took off for Diamond Head, since the Irma Quest is the top priority. At 0850 I found Rocky just hauling out to "Rocky's Island" fronting the Jim Nabor's house at Black Point. I put up signs and continued on with a check of the entire Diamond frontage, finding nobody. In a conversation with DH posse person Rachel I found out that a surfer she'd spoken with said that he'd seen an animal in the water at 1600 on Sunday that had a fish hook in it's mouth. I have no other info about that sighting, but assuming that it was Irma it would indicate travel in a westward direction .

I decided to do a Sand Island check, and found nobody.

The Billands covered everything from Ewa Beach to Yokes, and they too found nobody.

I finally got back to Makai Pier at 1228. M&M and pup were doing a feed, and Sadie and Kolohe were now totally visible at the morning locations. I found that Duke was now at mid middle cliff (MMC), where he would remain the rest of the day.

At 1411 I saw M&M posterior and bark at something in the water just off shore of thier location. It would prove to be M38, back from his most recent Molokai trip. The bark did the trick, and M38 would then proceed to move to all other cast member to bug them. In each case he got virtually no reaction at all, and after just a couple of minutes he would enter the water and move on to his next victim.

I was perfectly happy cruisin' with the RI gang, but a call from Rachel at Diamond Head, at 1440, brought that to an end. She reported an animal just hauling out down the beach from Colleen's house, below the 2nd Lookout. It is Rocky's usual location, and everything told me that it was probably Rocky, but I hit the road anyway, on the off chance that it might be Irma. As it turned out it was Rocky . Though Rachel had the stuff up, due to the lack of beach at high tide, it was impossible to get her any space. That is just part of the reality of Diamond Head.

I picked up the Black Point signs from the morning and called it a day at 1600 , and came home to start the dailies.

DB Post 7/7/09 (cont)

Happy Birthday Ka'ena

Happy 3rd Birthday Ka'ena, my #4 son out of Irma, waaaaaay out there at the end of the world (Ka'ena Point ).

DB Post Monday 7/6/2009

The #1 priority today was the Irma Quest. I checked Rabbit Island to Diamond Head, no luck finding Irma, though I did find Rocky cruisin' at her usual spot below the 2nd Lookout at Diamond Head. Team Billand covered everything from Ewa Beach to Yokes, and also found nobody.

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0640 I found M&M and pup at 3BS. I would observe 2 swims and 2 feeds.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 1115, I found that Sadie had joined the cast on the left end flats of Rabbit Island.

At 1320 Duke would haul out just right of 2BS, and all were still there when I called it a day at 1600.

In case any of you have been worrying and wondering about whatever happened to Kermit. I have excellent news. Yesterday I found a FLICKR shot that I believed to be Kermit. Tracy called at 1235 to report that she had just gotten off the phone with Mimi on Kauai, and Mimi confirmed that Kermit as been in the Poipu area since 6-29-09. Fellow west Oahu guy R018 is also on Kauai according to

DB Post Sunday 7/5/2009

The Rabbit Island cast for today was M&M and Pup at 3BS , where they remained all day. I observed 2 feeds and 1 swim today. The kid appears happy and well, and his gaining size each day.

Duke was at the right end of the beach all day, again spending time out on the water front rocks as the tide began to rise foraging for small prey in the pukas.

Sadie spent the day at the left end of the beach mostly in snooze mode except for occasional moves up with the rising tide.

At 1334 an U/M appeared in the shallows approximately 40 ft right of M&M. She barked and postured, and the animal made no attempt to come closer. My guess, based on size, and mottled belly, is that it was Buster, but I can't state that as fact.

The distressing part about today came at 0926 when I found Irma still wet, and newly hauled out at the water line at Irma's. As I began the routine cordoning off procedure, I saw from the corner of my eye, the dramatic movement of Irma's head, and in so doing I became aware of approximately 5+ feet of fishing line, with a tennis ball sized knot of line at the end. The entire observation was a matter of 1-2 seconds, so I can't say that I saw a hook, but the attachment point of the line seemed to be to the left side of her face, mostly probably her mouth. She immediately departed in a westerly direction, toward Sandy Beach etc. I spent the next 1 1/2 hours searching for her, but did not see her again . I notified Hanauma Bay personnel and Rachel at Diamond Head to be on the look out, and notified Tracy.

During my conversation with Rachel at Diamond Head, she advised that Rocky as there today, and had also been there yesterday. She said that she had been contacted by "the office" about Rocky presence, and had notified me because she assumed that I already new she she had recieved a call. A later conversation confirmed that she knew nothing about the response. I'm still checking that one out.

DB Post Saturday 7/4/2009

A Happy 4th to all ! The Rabbit Island cast was much as yesterday. M&M and pup were once again at 3BS, I observed 3 feeds and 3 swims.

Duke was 60 ft or so to their right, all day. He was doing alot of galumphing in the shallows in that area, and would haul out for a snooze break every hour or so. I presume he was hunting small prey in the shallows.

Sadie would haul out to the left end rock flats and remain there by herself all day.

Team Billand called at 0815 to advise that RIP and Ewa Girl had apparently overnighted at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park. They called again at 1520 to say that the duo had departed.

DB Post Friday 7/3/2009

It was a busy little day in the Monk Seal world. The day began at 0559 with Irma right where I'd left her last night. She had overnighted at Sandy Beach. She would remain there until around 1200, departing of her own volition according to witnesses.

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup at 3BS, Rocky 50 ft to their left at Right Middle Cliff (RMC), Sadie at the left end rock flats, and Duke who spent time at Mid Middle Cliff (MMC), and then moved to a point about 90 ft right of 3BS.

At 1214 Tracy called with the report of yet another animal at Sandy Beach. When I arrived I found Rocky on the main beach, with lots of people around her. I managed to get her some space, and got her cordoned off. I would have to redo the cordon at 1530, and I'll being to recheck her soon.

The Billands called at 0953 with the report of Ewa Girl and RIP together at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park. This is the first sighting of Ewa Girl since she weaned Duke on 6-23-09. I last saw RIP on 6-24-09. He had been as near as possible to Ewa Girl her last few days at Rabbit Island. If Ewa Girl shows up pregnant again next year, RIP will be my prime suspect for daddy. This is the first time that RIP has been reported beyond Diamond Head, on Oahu, though he regularly runs over to Molokai.

DB Post Thursday 7/2/2009

Ladies and Gentlemen...RA12 has joined the family !!! More in a second.

At 0608 I found Irma waiting for me at the east end of Sandy Beach. I got her cordoned off, and checked her through the day. She was still there at end of day. I'll recheck her at dusk.

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0657 I found M&M and Pup at their usual hangout at 3BS.

To my surprise I found Rocky about 50 ft right of M&M. She has not been to Rabbit Island since last year at this time, when she finished her molt there. She was at Rabbit Island all day.

At 0847, Duke hauled out to the far left end of the beach at Rabbit Island.

Thea,Tracy,Dominique,Chad and myself made the Rabbit Island run from 1000-1200. Duke got his RA12/13 tags today. There was a little waiting involved since Duke and Sadie were having a play session at the left end. Duke is a chunky little tub, and strong, but everything went well.

DB Post (cont.) Duke Got His Number

HOLY COW! That's one tubby weaner!

DB Post Wednesday 7/1/2009

It was a Rabbit Island day. I found M&M and pup in the shallows, amongst water front rocks, 20 ft left of 3BS, at 0637, which would suggest that they'd done a water session, since their usual location has been right of 3BS. A position to which they returned at 0705. They remained there the rest of the day.

I became aware of RM38 just hauling out to the beach approximately 100 ft right of M&M's location. He remained there for a while, but he was in "cruiser male" mode today, so he was back and forth along the entire beach front during the day, hauling out to all the other cast members, but was barked at, or disregarded by everyone.

On a pan at 0932 I found Duke, newly hauled out at the left end of the island. He would remain there all day.

Sadie hauled out to the left end rock flats at 0936, and remained there all day. M38 stopped by but got no response whatsoever, so he moved on to Duke with the same response.

On my 2nd Rabbit Island look, from the Makapuu Overview (MO) I found Kolohe at what I call Rocky Right Beach (RRB), at the extreme right end. He remained there all day but only became visible from Makai Pier when he finally moved up above the left side rocks at 1300.