DB Post 8/31/2009 Monday

My Rabbit Island day began at 0702, when I found RIP and Buster having a spat right of the 3BS. Buster would relocate to the rubble beach at the far right end. RIP was in "cruiser mode" today, and hauled out to join every other Rabbit Island resident.

Mikala started the day in her tide pool and foraging in the surronding shallows. She hauled out right of the 3BS in the afternoon.

Duke would haul out mid morning to join Buster at the rubble beach. They remained there the rest of the day.

Kolohe hauled out left of 1BS at 1121, and would later be joined by RIP. Despite visitors they would remain there the rest of the day.

At 1315, 2 males and 1 female hauled out at the left end of the island in a blue and white outrigger canoe. Kolohe and RIP were definitely aware of them but did not depart. The bad guys left the island at 1341, and were met by DOCARE Officers upon their return to Kaupo Beach Park. Though I fail to see the justice in the decision, DOCARE gave them a warning and they were not cited. Pathetic !!!!!!

Barbara Billand, made the KP trek in the morning, and I found out late in the day that Rafe also made the trip. Both saw Ka'ena and T15M at the end of the world. Distressingly, Ka'ena seems to have sustained a partial CC scar on his chest.

Team Billand also responded to Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park, where they found Ewa Girl.

DB Post (cont)

DB Post Sunday 8/30

On my first look at Rabbit Island , from the Makapuu Overview (MO), I found M38 doing battle with an U/U in the shallows fronting 1BS. I would never found out who the unknown was, but Buster would be high on my list. Mostly it was all mouth at 10 ft, but there were two round of definite physical contact. M38 would stay, the other animal beat flipper and no ID was possible.

Duke would haul out at 0900 for a brief break at 3BS, only to reenter the water and not be seen again until he hauled out at the rubble beach at the right end of the island at 1021, where he remained the rest of the day.

Sadie would haul out at the right end of the island at 0928. She would have some peace and quiet for a while, but M38 was in her immediate future.

On a pan at 0841 I noticed that M38 was no longer at his left end location. At 0949 he and Mikala would haul out to 3BS. Once he spied Sadie off to the right he dropped Mikala like a hot rock, and beat flipper to join Sadie. Being the Mr. Congeniality that he is , he ran Sadie into the water, but she gave him the slip for a while, hauling out just a few minutes later. Ultimately he would find her again, and would spend the rest of the day in her company, though there was no interaction.

Shortly after M38's departure, Mikala would reenter the water and I observed her foraging for small prey items in the shallows at the right end of the beach. She would haul out to the right end of the Middle Cliff (MC) area at 1122, where she spent the rest of the day.

On a pan at 1134 I found Kolohe newly hauled out fronting 1BS. He would later move to the Middle Cliff (MC) area where he spent the rest of the day.

On a pan at 1304 I found a partially visible animal on the right end rocks, at 1st Cave,which is beyond the right end of the beach. It would take some time, but ultimately the animal turned just the right way , at just the right time at 1402 and I got the Buster ID. He would remain there the rest of the day.

Live Late Breaking News (as of Saturday)

Tracy called at 1855 with grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat news !!!! Right Spot gave birth today..............at KALAUPAPA !!! Thank Youuuuuuuuuuu Right Spot !!! DB

DB Post Saturday 8/29/2009

The weaners, Mikala and Duke had lots of company through the day. Duke would spend time with his big sister Sadie, and Mikala drew interest from both RIP and M38, who as usual were in constant competition today. Kolohe tried to steer clear of RIP and M38, but he too had to endure visits from both.

Unfortunately, the critters also had to endure a visit from two male snorkelers who arrived at 1419 and departed at 1449. Of course the DOCARE call was made, and I was assured that there was an officer responding. At 1458, ten minutes after the bad guys departed the responding officer called to say that he was in Punaluu and could not get to this response prior to the end of his day in one hour, so the bad guys got away clean................again !!! Just another day in the farce that is DOCARE !!!

Team Billand called at 0928 to report that they were with Ewa Girl at Palm Grove, Campbell Industrial Park.

DB Post Saturday (CONT)

ALL POINTS BULLETIN

Aloha Volunteers,

David Schofield called today and he would like volunteers to be on extra alert for Kerby this weekend. If you spot Kerby please call David while on site at 721-5343.

Kerby was last seen at Ka'ena Point a couple of days ago (pic attached). He could also possibly haul out in Mokuleia/Waialua or Yokohama Bay.

Mahalo to all who have been out to Ka'ena to look for Kerby and to the many of you who have provided excellent documentation of his progress. Keep up the good work!

Mahalo,
Jen Maldonado
Volunteer Coordinator
HMSRTO.org

DB Post Friday 8/29

On my first look at Rabbit Island the cast for today was RIP and Sadie together and Kolohe tucked into the base of the cliff at the left end of the beach, 40 ft left of 1BS. They would all move down to cool off, and remained at that location through the entire observation period.

At 0717 I found Mikala, foraging in the shallows, 50-60 ft right of 3BS. She would haul out to the beach at 1220.

On a recheck from the Makapuu Overview (MO), at 0834,I found Duke, just as yesterday, on the left side rocks at the rubble beach at the right end. He had been totally invisible from Makai Pier (MP).

White Plains lifeguard, Bryan, called at 1229 with the report of an animal fronting the last cottage. Since the Billands were unavailable, I decided to make the SW quadrant run. When I arrived at 1337 I found Ewa Girl fronting cottage #1943. This is her first return to the SW quadrant since completing her molt at RI.

I checked the rest of the SW quadrant from KAL to CIP, but found nobody else.

Barbara Billand, Tracy,Shawn and others made the Ka'ena Point trek on Operation Kerby, and found Ka'ena, T15M, and BG, but alas, no Kerby. BG is 100% molted, and Ka'ena got a new N9 bleach.

News from Molokai Friday 8/29

Aloha,
Wow, just had to share the big find for today. Making our way back to the car from our trek to Laau Pt we found this little gem at KauPoa beach... This is RA02-03. Male seal born at Kalaupapa this spring. He has ventured Kalaupapa around Ilio Pt and is headed for Laau Pt. We have decided to give him a name----from now on he will be known as Anders or nickname--Andy!!! Diane named him after her young grandson-Anders.
He looked so sweet and innocent just soaking up all the sunshine. Attached are a couple photos.Diane and I were at Kalaupapa earlier this summer when he got his flipper bling!! Now we will wait and see when some of the other A's start showing up in our trek area!!!
twas a fun day on Molokai watching seals.......................

fondly, val :)

DB Post Thursday 8/28

On my first look at Rabbit Island , from the Makapuu Overview (MO), I could see Duke, with his N18 bleach clearly visible, out on the water front rocks, right of 3BS.

When I got down to Makai Pier (MP), I could see Mikala floating in her favorite tide pool, right of 3BS. She would later haul out to the beach at that location and cruise there the rest of the day.

On my 0744, Spitting Cave check I found Buster doing consistent 8 minute dives.

When I got back to MP at 0958 I found that M38 had hauled out to the left end of the beach. He would remain there until 1044,when he departed, and I did not see him again today.

At 1053 Kolohe hauled out to the left end of the beach, 30 ft left of 1BS. He would remain there all day.

At 1059, Sadie hauled out the the far left end of the beach, where she remained the rest of the day.

Ever since I got back to MP at 0958 I had been constantly searching for Duke. I never found him, but my substantial gut told me that he was probably hiding behind the left side rocks of the rubble beach at the far right end. I relocated to Makapuu Overview from 1400 to 1500, and sure enough there was Duke flopped flat on his back on the rocks at the rubble beach, clearly visible from MO, but totally invisible from the pier.

DB Post Wednesay 8/26

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0642 I found Kolohe just left of 1BS at the left end of the island. He would move down and enter the water at 0656, but would return in the afternoon.

On my 0848 look at Rabbit Island I found Duke and Mikala playing together in their favorite tide pool, right of 3BS. Mikala would haul out at that location at 0922, but it took until 1152 to finally find Duke hauling out at the left end of the beach.

At 1228, Kolohe returned, hauling out to join Duke at the left end. They played a bit on the beach, and entered the water together at 1316. I was able to observe their entire swim/play session fronting their entry point. They hauled out together at 1347, but reentered the water again at 1408 for another session. At 1429 Kolohe hauled out 40 ft left of 1BS, and at 1444 Duke hauled out 80 ft left of 1BS. All were in snooze mode when I departed the pier at 1500.

KP2 & All His Cuteness!

*** Alert ****

aloha good people

this is highly unusual post but i wanted to help sooo here it is....


This is Jean Compton who went to Kaena Point with you. Larry Stamey has disappeared. He has left his job. His was ill last time I saw him-Sunday the 16th and left about 6 PM. called about 7PM and then vanished. He was no longer employed at his work on Monday the 17th. I'm worried about him and I am trying to find him. Have some things of his to return.

dana i believe jean is referring to being out to kaena point when you were there.
i will say if anyone knows anything please contact jean. i hope this turns out for the best.

DB Post Tuesday 8/25

It was an off and on drizzly day in the SE quadrant. On my first look I found Ewa Girl high on the beach near 2BS. She would depart at 0840 and I did not see her again today.

Also at 0645 I could see Duke and Mikala playing in their favorite tide pool at the right end of the beach. When I got back to Makai Pier at 0845 Mikala and Duke were snoozin' on the water front rocks at the same tide pool, however they were approximately 10 ft apart. Mikala would move into the water at 0911.

At 0913 Buster showed up, and hauled out to join Duke. They did some little nuzzling, and Duke began moving toward the water, with Buster right behind. I got occasional glimpses of both playing together through 0948. Thereafter I no longer saw Buster, and I did not see him the rest of the day.

The rest of the morning was quiet, so I took a break from 1200 until 1300. When I got back I found that Kolohe had joined the cast. He was by himself at the far left end of the island. Mikala was on the water front rocks at her tide pool, and Duke was by himself at the far right end, rubble beach. All were in snooze mode when I departed the pier at 1500.

Team Billand finally broke their dry spell, calling excitedly at 1136 to report Rocky, near the 2nd bunker on the west side of the Nimitz Beach jetty. She had last been seen (by the Billands) at Nimitz Beach, on 8-11-09. Where she has been, only Rocky knows.

I received shots from the Maldonados of a molting female at Mokuleia on 8-24-09. The inital photos were inconclusive, however a second batch of shots received this morning clearly show Lona's right side , mid body CC scar, and her left face scar. She appeared to be approximately 85% molted.

An email received from Jenn just moments ago, advised that Lona was still at Mokuleia today. No word on percentage.

DB Post Tuesday (cont)

DB Post Monday 8/24 2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0655, Buster was high on the beach, fronting 1BS at the left end, but when I got back to the pier for the day at 0845 he had departed and I did not see him again today.

On that 0845 check I found that Kolohe was tucked into the base of the cliff at the left end. I had not seen him in the early morning shadows and glare on the first check. He moved down at 1104.

Initially I found Duke and Mikala playing together at the right end of the beach, to the right of 3BS, but at 1002 Duke hauled out, 80 ft left of 1BS at the left end. When Kolohe moved down, Duke galumphed over to join him. They played on the beach for several minutes before entering the water together where play continued.

I took a break from 1200 until 1300, and when I got back Duke was on the beach at the far left end of the beach, while Kolohe was on the beach 80 ft left of 1BS. They would remain at those locations the rest of the day.

Mikala hauled out at 1325 to her favorite rock, 60 ft right of 3BS. She would remain there the rest of the day.

DB Post Sunday 8/23/09

My first finds of the day, at 0656, were Buster and Kolohe at the left end of the beach on Rabbit Island. They would move down and enter the water together at 0931. I would not see either animal again today.

At 0900 I found the weaners, Mikala and Duke, playing together in their favorite tide pool at the right end of the beach. They would spend the bulk of the day together, either in the tide pool or playing in the shallows. Duke would haul out at 1150, 60 ft right of 3BS, and Mikala would haul out to the beach at 1212, 50 ft further to the right of Duke.

At 1320 , RIP hauled out 20 ft right of 3BS, and began galumphing to the right toward the weaners. He came to a halt mid way between them and could not seem to make up his mind who to haul out to. In the end he chose Mikala. There was light nuzzling and interaction, but Mikala gave him very little interest, and RIP tired of the game, moving back down toward the water line. At about that time Duke began galumphing toward RIP, doing the bulk of the traveling, though RIP moved to him over the last 15 ft or so. They interacted a bit, and then both entered the water together at 1414. Due to the rough conditions I got only brief glimpses of the play. It lasted until until 1417 when Duke hauled out, alone, to join Mikala. They would remain together the rest of the day.

At 1424 RIP would haul out alone at the far left end of the beach, where he spent the rest of the day.

There was late breaking news after I sent off the dailies yesterday. Tracy called around 1800 to report that she was looking at Right Spot, on the beach to the Kahuku side of the Turtle Bay Hotel. I was hopeful that Right Spot's 3 week or so stay in the Sandy Beach area was a prelude to a trip to Molokai, but with her haul out to MCBH the other day, and now being seen at her "home" area, I have concerns as to whether she will go to Molokai this year. We shall see.

DB Post Saturday 8/22/2009

At 0648 Ewa Girl was waiting for me , up in the Morning Glory, left of 1BS on Rabbit Island. At 0709 Duke, followed closely by Buster, hauled out just below Ewa Girl's location. Duke would return to the water, but Buster remained with Ewa Girl for most of the day.

From 0842 until 0918 I had two bag guy on Rabbit Island . They had snorkeled to the island. During their stay they encountered one or both of the weaners in the water and took photos from land. They would have two interact with Ewa Girl and Buster at the left end. On the first they took photos of each other with the animals. The animals alerted but did not depart. After that they stomped around up in the "bird area" in the grass, and then returned to Ewa Girl and Buster. On this photo incident both animals entered the water.

Multiple attempts to call DOCARE dispatch got me only the dreaded recording saying that the office was closed, and to leave a message, followed immediately by yet another recording saying that the mailbox was full, and no messages were being excepted. That was a whole new low in my experience in dealing with DOCARE.

It was just plain luck that at 0935 , on a totally unrelated matter, DOCARE Officer John Silberstein happened to called me from the Makai Pier gate. He busted to two when they got back to the pier.

Once things calmed down and I got back to paying attention to Rabbit Island, I found the weaners, Mikala and Buster playing together in Mikala's favorite tide pool , right of 3BS. Mikala would later haul out the that location , while Duke would haul out at the far right end of the beach.

On a pan at 1348 I found Kolohe being chased up onto the beach at the left end of the island, by M38 . There was some initial nuzzling and interaction, but Kolohe managed to slowly but surely move off from M38, and he did not follow.

The whole cast was in snooze mode when I departe the pier at 1500.

DB Post Saturday (cont)

Don't be sad.... she'll be right back

aloha good people! i will be traveling to the mainland... so there may be a little delay in saturday's post but i will get to it as soon as i can. i have my computer and will be keeping our daily blog up to date... in the mean time enjoy your weekends ... da blog lady

DB Post Friday 8/21/2009

Ewa Girl was once again at the left end of the beach today, but she left at 0909, and I did not see her again today.

Buster stopped by looking for Ewa Girl, but was too late. He laid around in the left end Morning Glory for a while and then departed for the day at 1119.

While Buster was snoozin' in the Morning Glory, M38 hauled out to the incline directly below him, but he remained on the incline and Buster never had a clue he had been there. Once again M38 was in full "cruiser male mode", never spending more that 5 minutes in any one location. He was a particular nuisance to the weaners who were have a quiet day together.

I found Mikala and Duke playing and frollicking together in the same tide pool to the right of 3BS. When not playing Duke mostly snoozed but Mikala was nearly constantly active, nosing around in the tide pools and puka on the flats, finding small prey items, or just playing with stuff. The sight of the two weaners spending that kind of a day together was very warm and fuzzy, but on three separate locations, good ol' M38 had to bomb into the middle of the tranquil scene with all the personality and charm of a bulldozer and disrupt everything. The weaners had no problem outwitting him and would just move off until he lost interest.

DB Post Thursday 8/20/2009

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0710 I found Ewa Girl snoozin' near the Morning Glory mound left of 1BS. She would occasionally move about a body length to the left which put her in a slight depression and out of my line of sight, however she would move back up after a while. On a pan at 1201 she was once again out of my sight, but I did not see her again after that. Whether she departed or simply moved out of sight is unknown.

On my return to Makai Pier at 0920 I found Mikala cruisin' in her favorite tide pool at the right end of the beach. She would finally haul out , with the rising tide at 1132, and remain there the rest of the day.

At 1022, Buster would haul out to the left end of the beach directly below Ewa Girl's location and began to move up toward her, however he stopped at mid incline, approximately 30 ft from her. On a pan at 1121 I found that he was no longer there. I did not see him again today.

On a pan at 1107, Duke hauled out from behind the left side rocks at the rubble cove at the right end of the beach. He would move high on the beach with the rising tide, and remain there all day.

At 1429 Karen Bryan called with the report of an animal at MCBH. Her friend, Priscilla Clark, took shots. I've forwarded the shots to Tracy and I don't want to bet the wife and cats on the ID until I hear Tracy's input, but in my humble opinion I think it's probably Right Spot, based on size, female belly, and a unique notch in the lower lobe of the right hind flipper, just visible in one of the shots. Unfortunately, all the shots were of the left side which is tough when your fans all know you by your right side.

DB Post Wednesday 8/19/2009

Rabbit Island provided the only action today. Ewa Girl and her 4 yr. old son Buster, were close together , 50 ft left of 1BS, where they remained all day.

At 0945 I found a partially visible Kolohe, at the right end of the beach. He would later move up into full view, and remain there the rest of the day.

Duke hauled out to the far left end of the beach at 1005. His big, beautiful N18 was immediately visible. He would reentered the water at 1132, and haul out for the rest of the day at 3BS.

Mikala hauled out 40 ft right of 3BS at 1020, and would remain there all day.

DB Post Tuesday 8/18/2009

I was on the road at 06:00, but my first look at Rabbit Island, as well as the rest of the SE quandrant was a bust. It was not until my return to Makai Pier at 09:05 that I finally found a furry freind. It would prove to be Kolohe, who was hiding behind some rocks at the right end of the beach. He would later move up with the rising, high tide.

On a pan at 10:01 I found a newly hauled out Mikala at the Middle Cliff area. She would later galumph to the right and join Duke, who moved up into my view at 10:09. Though the shot doesn't show his new bleach justice. Duke's N18 bleaches are grrrreat! Totally visible, and readable with the scope. Tracy done good !

Duke and Mikala would spend the rest of the day at the right end of the Middle Cliff area. On a pan at 13:08 I founf that RIP had arrived at the far left end of the beach. He did a cruiser male trip from the left end to the right end and back, and hauled out again to the same spot at 13:38, where he spent the rest of the day.

Barbara Billand, and my favorite PIRO person Jean Higgins, did the KP trek today. They found Ka'ena at the end of the world.

DB Post Monday 8/17/2009

It was definitely a thrill pack Rabbit Island day today, with alittle bit of everything. First of all there was a bumper crop cast of characters. From left to right it was Ewa Girl, M38, RIP, Sadie, Mikala, Kolohe and Duke.

The NOAA gang, of Tracy, Thea and Ilana kayaked out to Rabbit Island to tag Mikala, and perhaps bleach others. In a masterpiece of junk timing 4 Bad Guys, in 2 kayaks arrived just ahead of the team. The took great pains to cover their kayaks in sand back at the left end cliff, so they knew they weren't supposed to be there. Tracy and Thea made contact with them just as they were moving up into the bird area, and advised them that the island was off limits and that they were under observation from Oahu, and DOCARE had been notified, which I had done the millisecond they landed. I'm happy to report that they were busted at Kaupo Beach Park at 1030.

With all the human action, M38 departed as did RIP. I did not see them again today. The gang moved down to the right of 3BS ,where Mikala received her brand new RA14/15 tags. Tracy also managed to get an N18 bleach on Duke afterward. Sadie and Ewa Girl were alert and no bleaching was possible.

The Billands checked in at 1040 with the news that they were with M&M at the Feed Lot, Campbell Industrial Park.

DB Post (cont)

duke duke duke of .... rabbit island N18

sadie sadie pretty lady - rabbit island

m&m at campbells

m&m at campbells

Ocean Awareness Training - Fall 2009 - Click on image to enlarge

For Your Interest - click on image to get details

DB Post Sunday 8/16/2009

Though I was on the road at 0600 , as usual, it was not until my 2nd Rabbit Island check from Makai Pier that I finally found an animal. It was Mikala, floating in her favorite tide pool at the right end of the beach. She would finally haul out for the day at 1010.

The rising high tide finally drove Duke up into view at the far right end of the beach at 1100. He would remain there by himself, all day.

M38 arrived on the scene at 1204. He initially hauled out to check out Duke, but stayed only a couple of minutes, before continuing his cruiser male mode. He would swim back and forth on 2 1/2 trips before finally hauling out by himself at the left end of the beach near 1BS, where he spent the rest of the day.

His fellow cruiser male, RIP showed up at 1230, and he too did multiple trips back and forth the length of the beach. Each time he went by M38's location there was a little "talking" between them and posturing . It was all mouth, and neither really made an effort to get serious. RIP would ultimately haul out to join Mikala at the right end of the beach, at 1318.

At 1338, Sadie hauled out 80 ft right of 3BS. She would remain there the rest of the day. At 1430 RIP noticed her and moved over to join her. He was still there when I departed for the day.

My day came to a rather abrupt end when my Cadillac of a chair, from Sports Authority, complete with it's own awning, broke first one and then the other of the 2 cents per thousand plastic joints, sending the short, fat , bald guy to a rather unceremonious crash to the floor of the lanai. I choose to believe that it was the shoddy Chinese workmanship that was responsible for the scene. It couldn't possibly have anything to do with the giant butt that it holds 7 days a week..................couldn't it ??........nah !

I think the replacement chair should resemble some type of throne... and if all the volunteers have their way db going to end up with a tier of chairs... thats cuz we love our seal whisperer.
~donna~

DB Post Satuday 8/15/2009

Until late in the day it was a Rabbit Island kinda' day. It began with finding Mikala lolling in a tide pool at the right end of the beach at 0644, from MO. When I got to the pier for the fist look, I found Ewa Girl at the left end of the beach at 0652. At that time her D#7 molt was approximately 85 %. She would depart RI at 0701. At 1409 I got a call from posse person Ethel, at HB reporting a newly hauled out animal on the left side rock flats. When I arrived at 1430 I found a 95% molted Ewa Girl.

At 0822 I became aware that what would prove to be Sadie was at the left end of the beach. She would remain there all day .

M38 was the next arrival, at 0914. He was in classic cruiser male mode, hauling out to every other cast member. He ended the day, by himself at 1BS.

RIP showed up at 1133, and he too was in cruiser male mode, hauling out to all the same spots as M38. They had a few spats, all of which RIP seemed to control.

The neatest find came at 1022 when on a routine pan I found a suspicious looking rock 250 ft beyond the right end of the beach, at a place I call 3rd Cave. At 1048 the rock moved !!! By 1133 I could confirm that it was Duke. By 1133 he had galumphed his way to the right end of the beach.

I called it a day after the Hanauma Bay run at 1530.

DB Post Friday 8/14/2009

At 0609 posse person Greg, (via Betty) reported an animal newly hauled out at Sandy Beach. When I arrived at 0614 I found Right Spot on the main beach. I got her cordoned off and rechecked her multiple times through the day. SB lifeguard posse person , Shannon called at 1650 to report that Right Spot had departed. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1715.

The Rabbit Island cast for today began with RIP at the far left end, and Ewa Girl, 70% molted on D#6, just left of 1BS, and Kolohe and Mikala close together 100 ft right of 3BS, and Duke by himself at the far right end of the rubble beach.

At 1210 Buster would show up, first hauling out to RIP's location, but departing quickly as RIP gave him a snort. He then hauled out to join Ewa Girl, and everything was cool until RIP decided to swim down and take over the chick. After a growl, Buster moved off 20 ft or so, and let RIP grab the prime location. The entire cast was in snooze mode when I departed the pier.

Barbara Billand called at 0756 with the report of Kerby and Ka'ena at Ka'ena Point. She called again at 0830 to add BG (75% molted) to the list, and again at 0922 to say that Yoda was now on scene. Kerby's fish hook is still there. This nightmare has been going on since 7-23-09 with no professional response.

DB Post (cont) Ka'ena Point

DB Post Thursday 8/13/2009

At 0633, on my first Rabbit Island look, from the Makapuu Overview (MO), I found M38 just hauling out at the left end, and head bobbing his way up to the Morning Glory. Duke was not too far to the right, at near the first greenery, playing with sticks, and Mikala was way down at the right end, flopped in a tide pool.

When I got down to Makai Pier (MP)at 0646 I found that Ewa Girl was partially visible behind a sand dune and Morning Glory, 40 ft left of 1BS. When I got back to the pier for the day at 0857, Ewa Girl had departed, so I have no percentage information on her molt status. I did not see her again today. Most animals do not forage, during the molt process, but Ewa Girl is one of the exceptions. She does a swim and feed everyday.

When I settled down for the day at the pier at 0857, I found that Duke had now moved to the far left end of the beach. and M38 had relocated to the far right end of the beach. Mikala had hauled out of her tide pool, and spent the day on the rock flats. When M38 finally repositioned at 0932 I saw that there had been a small, red tagged animal behind him, since my arrival. It would take until 1115 to confirm that it was Kolohe.

Team Billand called at 1210 to report that Irma was at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa Beach

DB Post Wednesday 8/12/2009

It was a thoroughly miserable , wet and windy day on Makai Pier. Visibility was a challenge, but there was a good cast of characters. At 0653 I found Ewa Girl back at Rabbit Island up in the Morning Glory to the right of 3BS. He molt on D#4 is approximately 25 %. She would enter the water at 0947 and I did not see her again today.

Also at 0653 Duke was high on the beach about 60 ft right of 1BS. He would remain there all day.

At 0716 I found M38 to the left of 1BS. He would enter the water at 1046 and haul out again just a few minutes later at 3BS. I should say he attempted to haul out. He barely cleared the water and was met by RIP, moving down toward him. M38 reentered the water and I did not see him again today.

On a pan at 0916 I found Mikala all the way at the far left end of the beach. She may well have been there earlier, and I simply missed her in the rain. She would remain there all day.

At 1000 Buster hauled out to 3BS, and headed straight for Ewa Girl's earlier location. She had already departed but he seemed to know exactly where he was going. There was a lot of head bobbing as he moved up, and he thoroughly investigated the dunes area, finding nobody. He would rest there for few minutes and then move off to the left to join Duke, where he spent the rest of the day.

At 1046 RIP hauled out to 3BS, and began moving up toward Buster and Duke, but stopped about 30 ft away. When M38 attempted to haul out a couple of minutes later, RIP hurried down to meet him , bellowing all the way. M38 beat a hasty retreat.

The last member to join the cast was Kolohe who arrived at 1112. He disregarded everybody and move up into the grass to the right of 3BS, where he remained the rest of the day.

DB Post Tuesday 8/11/2009

The first order of business was to check on Ewa Girl and Buster at Kaupo Beach Park. When I arrived at 0536 they were still there. I rechecked them multiple times but on my last check at 1052 they were gone. I'd last seen them at 0910, and a lady on the beach who had arrived at 0945 said they were gone when she arrived, so that is the window. I did not see either of them again today. I would guesstimate Ewa Girl's molt at a conservative 20%.

As I drove through Sandy Beach on my first pass of the morning, there was Right Spot, waiting for me, at 0602. I cordoned her off and rechecked her through the day. I know posse person Lesley was there for some portion of the day so I know the girl was in good hands. I saw her on my 1530 check, but she was gone when I looked again at 1600.

By recent standards the Rabbit Island cast was small kine. I found M38 just hauling out at the left end of the beach at 0636, and he would remain there all day. When I got back to MP for the day , at 0924 I found that Mikala was now tucked in behind some water front rocks, 20 ft left of 3BS. She would remain there all day. On a routine pan at 1034 Duke was suddenly visible far to the right of the island, beyond the beach and out on the right end rock flats at a place I call 1st Cave. I'd seen him out there a couple of weeks ago foraging in the tide pools, and apparently that was the plan today also. He would remain there all day.

Team Billand called at 1136 to advise that they were with Rocky at Nimitz Beach. Colleen was stoked to get the Rocky news.

Todd White had two animals at Chun's late this afternoon. His blog shots appear to be R018, and another unidentifiable animal, that I would says is almost certainly R5AY based on the constant companionship since they got back to Oahu. Todd saw them at 1615 at Chun's. My surf photographer pal, Vince Cavataio sent me a shot of two animals behind his house at Keiki Beach (next to Shark's Cove) from this morning. He shots great waves, and grrrrrrrrrrrreat girls, but is a sad Monk Seal photographer. My guess, based on the scars on one of them is that it was also R018 and R5AY.

Duke

M38

Mikala

Right Spot

Rocky

Buster

Ewa girl & Buster

Ewa Girl

DB Post Monday 8/10/2009

As I was driving down the hill from Blowhole toward Sandy Beach at 0632, for my 2nd SB check of the morning, there was a familiar shape on the main beach. Right Spot had returned, after a 5 day absence. I had allowed myself to believe that she had moved on. Wrong...........again !!

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0653 I found the same cast as yesterday. RIP and Ewa Girl were together at the left end of the beach, while M&M and M38 were together near 3BS. Duke was 60 ft further right of 3BS, up in the Morning Glory, and Mikala was floating in a tide pool below 3BS.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0958, I found that things had changed. To begin with neither RIP nor Ewa Girl were visible at the left end. I would not see Ewa Girl again today. When I panned to the right I found a lone animal below 3BS, which would prove to be M38, and 60 ft further right there were M&M and RIP close together. Obviously, I had miss something while I was gone.

Duke had moved to a spot further to the right of this mob, and Mikala had hauled out to the Middle Cliff area.

Even though they were 60 ft apart, M38 and RIP would occasionally bellow at each other, and slowly but surely M38 moved closer. At 1027 the battle was on. M&M got caught in the middle initially, but managed to get out from under, and move off to the right. The contact was only 30 seconds or so, but they both had their hearts in it. Ultimately, RIP would win the day, remaining with M&M, while M38 galumphed off further to the right, stopping 80 ft or so to the right. That is where I left the situation as rain began to fall and visibility became impossible.

The afternoon cleared up nicely, and I ventured out again at 1430. Right Spot looked comfortable at Sandy Beach, and I continued on to Makai Pier. There I found Mikala still at the Middle Cliff spot, M38, 60 ft right of 3BS, M&M 100 ft right of 3BS, and RIP 120 ft right of 3BS. Duke was at the extreme right end of the beach, and all were in snooze mode.

Barbara Billand called at 0907 to report Benny and BG at Ka'ena Point today.

Right Spot was kind enough to depart Sandy Beach at 1700. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1715.

DB nPost (cont)

DB Late Entry

After I picked up the Right Spot stuff at Sandy Beach I thought my day was over. Wrong......again ! Tracy called at 1800 with the report of two tagged animals at Kaupo Beach Park, which is across from the back entrance to Sea Life Park. They were near the Makapuu end Pump Station. When I arrived at 1814 I immediately recognized Ewa Girl, but it took more time to ID the small male beside her. Lo and Behold when I finally saw his tag (V08) I was stoked. It was Buster, who is Ewa Girl's 4 yr. old son, born at Rabbit Island on 5-6-05.

This was a special moment for me since this marks the very first time that Buster and I have been "up close and personal" since the day he was tagged, and I shot baby pictures of him. I've seen him regularly at both Rabbit Island and a Spitting Cave, but this was our first close encounter since he was a weaner. It was an especially warm & fuzzy moment.

DB Post Sunday 8/9/2009

Though it would take many hours to actually get all the necessary ID's , the summary of the day's Rabbit Island cast was Ewa Girl in the company of RIP at the far left end of the beach, with M&M and M38 a short distance to the right . This marks M&M's first return to Rabbit Island since weaning Mikala. It was also interesting in that both of this year's Moms were on Rabbit Island with their off spring at the other end of the beach. Ewa Girl has begun her post weaning molt. It has been 47 days since she weaned Duke.

I had first seen both the weaners at 0849. What would prove to be Mikala was floating in a tide pool to the right of 3BS, and Duke was at the far right end of the beach, visible only from the Makapuu Overview. Mikala would haul out to the water front rocks and become fully visible at 1105, and Duke would relocate to right end of the beach at 1254. Once they became aware of one another both began moving toward one another, finally making contact at 1307. They played and cavorted in the shallows with a general drift to the left, and finally hauled out together at the middle of the Middle Cliff at 1353, where they remained for the rest of the day.

DB Post Saturday8/8/09

The Rabbit Island cast was looking pretty sparce in the morning. It was Ewa Girl and RIP at the left end until mid day. Thankfully, Mikala hauled her chubby bod out of the water to the right of the 3BS at 1207. Shortly thereafter Buster showed up further to the right. Once he spied Mikala he galumphed her way. She didn't seem particularly glad to have the attention, and didn't hesitate to snap at Buster. She would beginning galumphing off to the left and away from Buster, who did not follow, but chose instead to reenter and swim off toward the left end of the beach.

At 1406 he hauled out to join RIP and Ewa Girl. RIP wasn't goin' for that at all. He immediately charged and ran Buster back into the water.

While that was going on, Mikala, and Duke connected in the shallows fronting the 3BS, and hauled out together at 1406. Buster stopped off to join them on his way back from his RIP experience, and interacted with both weaners, but there was nothing heavy duty about the meeting. All were snoozin' when I departed the pier at 1530.

Barbara Billand and the Johnson Team did the Ka'ena Point trek today. Barbara called at 0812 to report Ka'ena and Benny, and then called again at 0858 to report BG and Yoda.

DB Post ( cont )

DB Post Friday 8/7/2009

It was an 8 critter day at Rabbit Island. For those of you that don't know, the record is 10.

Ewa Girl, RIP and M38 where at the left end of the beach, and would later be joined by Sadie who had been hiding back near the cliff, behind a sand mound covered in Morning Glory. M38 would leave mid morning to begin his "cruiser male " day, hauling out to every other cast member, and being a big pain in the flippers.

The rest of the cast, as I panned to the right, was down at the 3BS and further right. Buster was on the water front rocks fronting 3BS, Mikala was lounging on her back in a tide pool, and partially visible. Then came came Duke who has discovered that moving up into the Morning Glory is a good place to be for alittle peace and quiet, and finally Kolohe was newly hauled out straight down from Duke.

Simply having a cast of 8 is great enough, but the really wonderful part was watching Mikala and Duke interact with each other, and also their having to deal with interactions with M38, Buster, and Kolohe. I was hoping that they would get more quality time with Buster, but M38 managed to run him off in the afternoon. The weaners did get to spend quality time with Kolohe however, which is the next best thing. He is small enough to be able to deal with, and he can teach them a lot.

News on Kauai Investigation

http://kgmb9.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19862&Itemid=40

Here is the link to the story that aired on KGMB9 regarding an indictment for the death of a female seal. PLEASE REALIZE THIS IS AN INDICTMENT NOT A CONVICTION. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

On my first look at Rabbit Island at 0630 I found Ewa Girl at the far left end once again, and what would prove to be Kolohe up in the grass at the right end of the beach. He would later move down onto the beach.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0909 I found that Sadie had joined Ewa Girl at the left end, as she has the last few days.

At 0913, as I panned down the beach, I found Duke snoozin' at mid Middle Cliff. He would remain there all day.

At 0929 I found Mikala rolling around in the shallows fronting 3BS. She would haul out at 1003 and spend the rest of the day at what has become her spot just left of 3BS.

On a pan at 1156 I found that M38 had hauled out at the left end and was in the process of nuzzling Sadie. She did just the right thing, and gave him no response at all. He ultimately tired of the game and reentered the water at 1212, only to move down to the right end and haul out to join Kolohe. Once again he got a minimal response. Kolohe just moved up and away from him, and M38 returned to the water. I did not see him again today.

David Schofield called at 0746 to report N3 at Nimitz Beach . He said he had already contacted the Billands. Team Billand confirmed the Irma ID. They called again at 1450 to advise that Irma was no longer there

Mark Your Calendars..

SAVE THE DATE!*

Interested in protecting the marine life of the North Shore – in achieving a community vision of “more fish and healthy reefs” – in learning about the current scientific research behind our very special Pupukea-Waimea State Marine Life Conservation District?

Hui Malama O Pupukea-Waimea
invites to you the first annual
“Pupukea-Waimea Science Talk Story”

When: Friday, August 21, 2009, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Waimea Valley Pavilion

Who: Three distinguished scientists who have studied the Pupukea-Waimea MLCD – Dr. Alan Friedlander (Univ. of Hawaii), Eric Conklin (The Nature Conservancy), and Dr. Carl Meyer (Univ of Hawaii, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology)

* Details are still being confirmed so please check the web site (www.pupukeawaimea.org) and watch for further emails from the Hui for final confirmation.

The event will be open to the public and free. All Hui volunteers and `ohana are particularly encouraged to attend.

Email Hui Board Member Denise Antolini if you have questions that can't wait until another announcement ... (Antolini@hawaii.rr.com).

We hope you can join us for this exciting event!

DB Post Wednesday 8/5/2009

It was a Rabbit Island kinda' day, with no Right Spot in my life for a change. At 0710 I found Ewa Girl at the left end of the beach. She would later share that end with Sadie who was there when I got back to the pier at 0935. For those of you who are not up on the family trees, I should tell you that the neat thing about Ewa Girl and Sadie being anywhere near each other, is the fact that Sadie is Ewa Girl's 2+ year old daughter, born at Rabbit Island.

At 1018 I became aware of two partially visible domes , behind some water front rocks in shallow water . It became apparent that it was both the weaners, but who was who became the challenge. Brief though the togetherness was, it was nonetheless a warm & fuzzy moment, just knowing that the two weaners have met.

The lead animal would remain at the 3BS location, partially visible, and the other would flap and flop and get back out over the shallow rocks, all the while staying partially visible. The animal would later haul out 120 ft or so further right on the beach and move up into the Morning Glory and grass. On the galumph up, I saw red tags, so that made it apparent that it was Duke, therefore the other animal had to be Mikala.

When Duke got up to the vegetation he began doing what he loves to do... playing with the Morning Glory vines. He has been doing this a lot . He then moved on to playing with a plastic bottle, and then up in the grass, he found a coconut to toss around. He would move back down to near the water line, and spend the rest of the day there.

Mikala finally hauled out to full view approximately 100 ft right of 3BS and would snuggle up to a Mikala sized rock, and spend the rest of the day there.

DB Post Tuesday 8/4/2009

Horrible visibility and pass showers made the first pass of the SE quadrant a total bust. It was not until I got back to Sandy Beach on my 4th check of the morning, that I found Right Spot at the far east end of the beach. I got her cordoned off and rechecked her throughout the day. She was still there on my 1600 check. I'll return at dusk.

The Rabbit Island cast for today was Mikala at 3BS, Sadie and Ewa Girl at the far left end of the beach, and Duke and Buster at the right end. All would remain there all day, and there was no observed interactions.

Right Spot departed at 1920 of her own volition. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1930.

Pretty Much A Perfect Day

Aloha Good People!
There are some days that are just perfect. I flew this morning from Oahu over to Molokai on a perfectly clear blue sky white cloud day. Upon arriving in Molokai I was met at the airport by volunteer Val... Now I have been in touch with Val via the blog and emails for almost 8 months but we never met, for me this is one of the many rewards of being involved with the monk seals as well as maintaining this blog....
Val immediately took me to see the "boy" KP..... He looks great, and how nice to see him again. Apparently he has quite a fan club and has taken over someones boat From what I observed and was told this little one has won the hearts of many in the community there... young and old people came by to ask about the seal. Diane and Val along with the handful of volunteers over there have managed to take good care of him in spite of some of the difficult circumstances.
I was able to talk story with some of the people about Mr. KP and how important it is we look out for his well being.... We all shared a tremendous connection with this little "bugger".
Next Val took me on a mini tour of some of KP's hang outs... for a little guy he sure gets around. Here's a couple of shots of the day... THANK YOU VAL, AND DIANE for making me feel at home. ~donna~
p.s. by the way... i got some competition for who is db's biggest fan...

DB Post 8/3/2009

At 0637 I found what would prove to be M&M....alone near 1BS on Rabbit Island. D#39 was weaning day. It took me a while to recognize that it was , in fact, M&M, without the hulk beside her. M&M would depart RI at 1102 and I did not see her again today. This marks the first time I've ever seen a Mom on the beach on weaning day.

At 1026 the weaning was confirmed when the weaner hauled out , alone at 3BS , and remain there all day.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you our new FEMALE weaner, Mikala !!! I've known for over a week now that she was a she, but confirmation of that opinion from the office, made it official. Why Mikala you ask.............. She was born on the day that Michael Jackson died, and Mikala is Hawaiian for Michael (or Michelle), and Farah just didn't work !. It's not that I was a big Michael fan or anything, it was just a fact of her birth that I thought I'd use in naming. So..........Mikala it is... "So let it be written...So let it be done" .

The rest of the Rabbit Island cast would be Ewa Girl and Sadie at the left end of the beach, and Duke at the far right end.

On my 0725 Spitting Cave check I found Buster on his 2nd day of 9 minute dives. To my surprise, at 0735 I found another animal 200 ft to the right of Buster. It would turn out to be Kolohe doing 6 minute dives. There was never any observed interaction.

Colleen called from Diamond Head at 0830 to advise that Rocky was still on the beach behing her house. She called again at 1000 to report that Rocky had departed.

Barbara Billand and the Team Johnson did the KP trek today, and reported Benny, BG, and Ka'ena.

DANA Out at Kaena Point

Aloha My Friend,
I was just too pooped and could not get the pictures downsized to send last night after the treak out to KP. Larry Stamey and Jean Compton were wonderful companions from the Makaha penetration point.

Our goal was to find Kirby, Alas no luck. We found 3 animals one hauled somewhat out with the head under water for the longest time, reported what could be seen of the tag to Tracy. The animal had a definite white spot about the middle of the back.

The other two were just beautiful basking on a nice little haul out spot. Would have been perfect if one had been Kirby. As you can see I tried to get snout shots even though one animal was huge and even the other one I thought was too large to be Kirby. Reported to Tracy and DB that no Kirby spotting on our shift was happening. Sorry folks. Hopefully today's crew will have better luck.
Dana Jones

Well...Well...Well... That was interesting. If I understand your email correctly, you saw 3 animals. Is that correct ? The R041 tag, as Tracy probably told you , is Ka'ena, Irma's #3 son, born at KP. The other two animals are Benny (RE74), the guy with the scars on each side of his face, and a KP regular, though he gets around.............A LOT ! The last animal was the reeeeeeeeeally neat find. It's BG (R303), and young female that has been around the last couple of years. I gave her that name because when I met her she was Benny's Girl.........BG !! She has been in and out alot, having been seen on Kauai, and Molokai. There is no age on BG, but she is a young girl. Ya' Done Good !! Love, DB

DB Post Sunday 8/2.2009

My day began with the find of Ewa Girl at Rabbit Island at 0643. She is due to begin her post weaning molt soon, and since she customarily does that molt at RI, I'd say that is why she is there. M&M and pup were doing their only observed swim at that time . They would later haul out just left of the 1BS, and would remain there all day. I observed the porker doing 5 feeds.

On my 0742 Spitting Cave check I found Buster doing 9 to 13 minute dives.

At 0852 I found Right Spot, newly hauled out at Sandy Beach . She was in exactly the same location as yesterday's visit. We got her cordoned off, and rechecked her through the day. She was still there on the 1500 check. I will return at dusk.

Back at Makai Pier at 0930 I found that in addition to the above mentioned RI cast, Duke had hauled out at the right end of the beach.

At 1600 the Ultimate Posse Person, Colleen Heyer called from Diamond Head. The rest of you think you are volunteers..... HA !! We are all but mere mortals. How many of you can get a Monk Seal in your backyard ? Not only does this woman make the best signs EVER......... she managed to have Rocky stop by her backyard....NO ... REALLY...LITERALLY, I mean in her backyard !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right Spot departed Sandy Beach of her own volition at 1921. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1930.

Colleen I know you work hard, but getting the seal to come to you, now THAT'S TALENT!

DB Post Saturday 8/1/2009

The wife and I were on the road at 0530, and at Hanauma Bay when the gates opened at 0600. It was immediately apparent that Rocky had overnighted, but there was a surprise when we found that Ewa Girl was out on the left side rock flats at her usual location. Only minor adjustment of the Rocky cordon was required. We had trudged up the hill, and were just at the car when posse person Adele ran out to say that Rocky was departing, so it was back down the hill to pick up the stuff. I did not see her again today. Posse person , Ethel called at 1327 to say that Ewa Girl had departed with the rising tide.

The morning excitement wasn't over yet. When we got to Blowhole I spied an animal at Sandy Beach, near the smaller life guard stand at the east end of SB. When we got down there, we confirmed that it was Right Spot, and I cordoned her off. She remained there the rest of the day. I'll be returning at dusk to reassess.

The Rabbit Island cast was M&M and pup (D#37) at the left end of the beach, RIP at the far left end, and Kolohe right of the 3BS. Duke spent the day at the far right end. The pup is ginormous, and showed lots of independence today, moving off to 25-30 ft from Mom and getting rolled around in the shore break, and spending lots of time playing with sticks and rocks. I observed 5 feeds and 1 swim.

Right Spot departed at 1925, of her own volition. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1945.

DB Post (cont)