DB Post Saturday 10/31/09

I found Buster in precisely the same position and location that I found him yesterday morning, tucked into the base of the cliff at the left end of the beach on Rabbit Island, 100 ft left of 1BS. When I got back to Makai Pier at 0929 he had moved down to cool off and on a pan at 0932 I noticed that he was gone.

As I panned the RI coastline looking for him at 0932, I happened onto two animals playing in the shallows just right of 1BS. I discovered very quickly that it was Buster and Duke (thanks to the wonderful N18 bleach). I lost track of them at 1012, and on pans I found Duke hauled out to 3BS at 1014, and Buster just hauling out 60 ft left of 1BS at 1015. They would remain at those respective locations the remainder of the day.

The real highlight of the day came at 1001 with a call from Team Billand. They reported that they were with EWA GIRL !!!! at Campbell Industrial Park, Palm Grove. Her last sighting had been at Iroquois Point on 9-24-09 (Billands). Her last known CIP visit was on 9-7-09. Of course I can't rule out that it wasn't Irma in an Ewa Girl mask. (She doesn't look it but Irma has a really weird sense of humor). Anyway I goin' with the Billand's ID call. Happy Halloween everybody !

DB Post or shall we call him Detective DB

Since the "dailies" took only a few seconds to knock out, I had time to put on my Monk Seal CIA hat, and do a little afternoon analysis. On YouTube I found footage shot today by somebody kayaking to a "remote island". I'm guessin' the Mokes, but ???? The person definitely met Right Spot.

When I checked FLICKR I found a shot from today, taken at Ka'ena Point showing an U/F with a relatively new belly. There just isn't enough to go on for an ID.

DB Post Friday 10/30/09

At 0707 I found Buster tucked into the base of the cliff at the left end of the beach. He moved down....he moved up.... da' end
Amazing how some days are full of animals all over the place and others... well, a one liner. ~donna~

Another KP2 Moment

DB Post Thursday 10/29/2009

VOG made Rabbit Island observations challenging. "They" say Trades tomorrow !!!! ????

At 0641 , from Makapuu Overview I could barely make out a male belly up in the grass at the right end of the beach. It would later prove to be Buster. When I got back to Makai Pier at 0941 I found that Buster had moved down and was now in the company of the lovely Mikala. They would enter the water at 1007 , and haul out along with Duke, at the left end of the beach at 1129, where they remained the rest of the day.

Team Billand spent the day on wild seal chases. There was a report of an animal on the othere side of the Ewa end fence at White Plains, but nobody there when they arrived. They and a report of possibly and large and small animal in the Maili Point area, but again, nothing. They did manage to find a swimming head at Palm Grove, CIP and followed it as far as the lighthouse at Germaine's, but it was well off shore, and kept on going. The photos were inconclusive , but in one, a possible scar behind the right eye is visible if you blow it up, which offers up the possibility of T15M, but that is waaaaay to "iffy". I wouldn't even bet YOUR cat on that call.

KP2 Resting

Aloha good people and KP2 fans.....
Just wanted to let you know he is doing well and continuing to adjust to his new way of life. He is eating very well the last couple of days. Here are a couple of pictures I had in my camera taken over the last week.... Oh and notice the board in the pool... this is probably the most fun he has had... he immediately took to this board... laying on top, underneath... pushing and dragging... mostly just having some silly seal fun. ~donna~

KP's distinct bleach mark!

DB Post Wednesday 10/28/09

At 0644 I found M&M on the left end of the beach at Rabbit Island, and Buster along side Kolohe at the right end. All would remain at those locations all day. On a pan at 0935 I found Mikala just hauling out to the far left end of the beach, where she remained by herself all day. On a pan at 0945 Duke hauled out to join M&M and remained near her all day. M&M barely raised an eyebrow.

Team Billand did alota' "hoofin" in the SW quadrant today. They found Kermit's swimming head moving in a Kalaeloa direction first thing in the morning, and found him hauled out to the reef at the keiki pond at Wind Sock, Kalaeloa. Rising tide, sent him on his way and he went to a location between the two bunkers on the right side of the Nimitz jetty next. After a short stay he cruised back down to Kalaeloa Campground at Al's Bench, where he spent the rest of the day.

DB Post Tuesday 10/27/09

I didn't see a critter until I got to Spitting Cave at 0717. There I found Buster doing consistent 7 minute dives.

When I got back to Makai Research Pier at 0925 I found Mikala, at the far left end of the beach on Rabbit Island. She would remain there by herself for the rest of the day.

On a pan at 1045 I found a newly hauled out M&M at the right end of the beach. She too would remain there all day.

Team Billand called at 0935 with the report of 2AW at Maili Point, and again ats 1007 to report Kermit, once again, at White Plains.






I hit the send key for da' dailies and then realized I'd forgotten to add the small fact that Irma showed up on "the other" side of the White Plains fence as the place was closing. Team Billand managed to snap a few before having to leave. It looks like Irma's Sandy Beach and Diamond Head vacation has ended

DB Post Monday 10.26.09

Although I was on the road, as usual, at 0600, I didn't find a critter until 0948 when I found Mikala at the left end of Rabbit Island, M&M at the right end, and Duke in the middle. They would remain there all day.

Fortunately , the posse had a more interesting day. An unidentified posse person called at 0812, reporting an animal right of the showers , at the base of the Diamond Head path. Colleen Heyer confirmed the Irma ID at 0930. My guess is that she is headed back to the SW quadrant, but ONLY Irma knows. We shall see.

Team Billand reported Kermit at White Plains at 1115. Mochiko, one of their sub-posse persons said he hauled out at 1030.

At 1335, posse person Jen Christian called to report 2AW at Ka'ena Point. Thank you Jen. Info from "the end of the world" is hard to come by.

DB Post Monday 10.26.09 (cont)

In addition to today's cast, I got an email from posse person Liz Kumabe, with photo proof of just who the mystery swimmer was on 10-19-09,at Hanauma Bay. I thought at the time that Benny was worth , once again , risking the wife and both cats on a bet, and sure enough Liz provided photo proof that it was , in fact , our boy Benny cruisin' through the inside of Hanauma Bay. Note Benny's right side facial scar. DB

Sunday in the Park with KP2

Aloha Good People!
Well our little KP2 is doing great... Doc Greg is monitoring him very closely and finally there is a consensus that our boy doesn't like herring... imagine that.. most marine mammals world wide eat herring. KP has been dieting on talapia and for the last couple of days hes been chasing down his dinner (the talapia has been live)... Its amazing to watch him in chase, so fast, although I have to say a couple of time where he wasn't getting to them. Personally I don't know if its his vision or just a laid back hunting style, either way he is eating, swimming and get top notch care.

For all you KP2 fans here are a couple of photos for you... he is such an amazing animal I don't think there is anyone who hasn't fallen for him. ... until next time.. ~donna~

DB Post Sunday 10/25/09

I was on the road at 0554, stopping first at Sandy Beach to check for Irma. She was not there so I picked up last night's signs and continued on.

The Irma mystery was solved when my wife and I got to Spitting Cave at 0800. There we found Irma to the right of the big rock, doing 7-8 minute dives.

When I got to Makai Pier for the day I found Mikala by herself at the far left end of the beach, where she would remain all day. Ranging from 70 to 110 ft right of 3BS I would find a gang of 4. They would prove to be Buster, sister Sadie, Mojo and brother RIP. They would remain near the water line all day, with no observed interactions.

On a pan at 1056 I found that M&M had hauled out well to the right of the gang. She too would remain there the rest of the day.

Colleen Heyer checked in at 0858 to report that Rocky was on the Black Point side of Diamond Head. On her 1215 check, Rocky had departed.

Team Billand called at 0921 to report Kermit at White Plains.

Buster, Sadie, Mojo & Rip

Irma
M&M
Mikala
Rocky

DB Post Saturday 10/24/2009

At 0554 I found Irma waiting for me at the east end of Sandy Beach. Despite many checks through the day I was spared another day with Benny and Right Spot. Dare I hope that they may have moved on.................Nah !!!!!! Irma remained all day. I'll be reassessing at dusk.

My first look at Rabbit Island was a bust,but when I got back to Makai Pier at 0930, that had definitely changed. Ranging from 60 to 100 ft left of 1BS at the left end of the beach were Mikala, her mom M&M, then RIP and then little brother Mojo. Also at 0930 at 3BS, at the right end of the beach I found Buster and younger sister , Sadie. At 0958 Duke, who is Sadie and Buster's baby brother, hauled out to join Mikala and the rest of the gang at the left end.

At 1148, posse person Chanel (from Diamond Head) called to report that she was visiting friends at Ko Olina Resort, and that there was an animal just hauling out before her eyes at Lagoon #1. In response to questioning, she described Kermit to a tee. The Billands confirmed the Kermit ID at 1428. Kermit had last been seen (by the Billands) at White Plains on 10-20-09.

At 1122 a Rabbit Island DOCARE Incident began with the arrival of 2 males and 1 female who hauled out in the mid Middle Cliff area. They explored to the left , passing 2BS, and spotting the 5 animals at the left end, but to their credit they did not approach. They spent time sitting on the beach immediately fronting 2BS, and departed the island at 1149. I called DOCARE dispatch at 1125, and the trio was met and cited at Kaupo Beach Park upon their return at 1438.

Barbara Billand called at 1650 to advise that Kermit had departed Ko Olina.

I picked up the Irma rope at 1845, and left the signs. She was snoozin' peacefully.

Okay this has to be first.... Kermit - best man?

KP2 Snacking Friday Evening.

Aloha Good People!

I was at the aquarium last evening while our little boy was being fed... I thought you might enjoy watching him chow down a tilapia.... he does enjoy playing with his food. Wanted to give all his fans a little update.

DB Post Friday 10/23/09

The day got off to an early start with a 0542 call from Sandy Beach posse person Dave Martin reporting 2 animals . When I arrived at 0548 there were (who else) Benny and Right Spot, center stage, right in the middle of the main beach at Sandys. They would remain there the rest of the day.

Once I got them taken care of I went on the Irma Quest , and sure enough at the far east end of Sandy Beach, there was Irma at 0604. She too remained there the rest of the day.

My initial two looks at Rabbit Island were a bust, however when I got back to Makai Pier at 0943 I found Mikala just hauling out, 70 ft left of 1BS. She would remain there the rest of the day.
On a pan at 0950 I became aware of a partially visible female belly behind the water front rocks at the right end. It would take until 1258, but it would prove to be M&M. She would remain there the rest of the day.

On a pan at 1155 I found Mojo, newly hauled out to the water front rocks at the right end of the beach. His natural bleach on the top, left side of his head was shining brightly with his new coat on.

Once again on a pan at 1224 I found that RIP had hauled out to join Mojo at the right end. He maintained a 20 ft. separation, and there was never any interaction at all.

I returned to Sandy Beach at 1658, and found that Benny and Right Spot had departed at 1630. I picked up the stuff and moved on to Irma at 1710. Witnesses said she had left at 1705. I picked up the stuff and called it a day.

DB Post Thursday 10/22/2009

The day began at 0550 when I checked the cove, and found that Irma was gone. I picked up the signs and continued on. At 0600 I found Benny and Right Spot , together at the east end of Sandy Beach. I cordoned them off and they remained there the rest of the day. I rechecked and readjusted through the day.

On my 2nd look at the cove at Sandy Beach , I found Irma at the east end. I cordoned her off, and rechecked her periodically. On my 1234 check she was no longer there. When I checked Irma at 1300 , there was Irma, 300 ft east of the Kealahou traffic light. I cordoned her off and returned to Makai Pier.

The Rabbit Island cast , at first look , at 0745, would prove to be M&M, 100 ft left of IBS, and Mojo 30 ft left of 1BS, and RIP up in the Morning Glory to the right of 3BS. Mikala would haul out the the far left end of the beach and remain there by herself for the rest of the day.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 1035 I found that Mojo was in the water and playing with Duke in the shallows fronting 1BS. I had last seend Duke on 10-18-09, so it was comforting to see that N18 bleach. They would haul out together at 1046 only to return to the water again at 1054. Duke would haul out again to 1BS at 1103, and Mojo would haul out to join M&M at 1105.

At 1153, RIP would haul out to join Mojo and M&M. Several round of schuffling would ensue between Mojo and RIP, with M&M just trying to stay out of the way. Ultimately, all would calm down and all would spend the rest of the day in close proximity for the remainder of the day.

At 1500 Irma was snoozin' at Irma's and the dynamic duo (Benny and Right Spot) were also blissful at SB. I'll return to reassess at dusk.

Benny and Right Spot were gone when I arrived at Sandy Beach at 1744. I picked up the stuff and continued on to Irma's. I picked up the Irma rope at 1844, but left the signs. Irma was snoozin' away.

DB Post Wednesday 10/21/09

Irma began my day when I found her waiting for me at the east end of Sandy Beach,at 0612. I checked her throughout the day, but on my 1445 check, she was gone. Just a few minutes later I found her just hauling out at 1554 to the cove at the back entrance to SB. I cordoned her off again, and will recheck her at dusk.
At 0839 as I was coming down the hill from Blowhole to Sandy Beach I found Benny and Right Spot just hauling out to center stage, right in the middle of Sandy Beach. I got them cordoned off, and kept track of them all day. They were still there at end of day. I'll return again at dusk.

The Rabbit Island cast would consist of Mojo (100% molted on D#9), and M&M at the left end of the beach, and RIP at the right end. At 1324 little Mikala would haul out at the left end , fronting 1BS. RIP would later move down to join her. I last saw Mikala on 10-17-09.

Colleen Heyer called at 1158 to report that Rocky had finally come to her senses and returned to Diamond Head. Welcome Home Rocky !!!

Apparently, Walter Ritte and associates came over from Molokai, to stage a media event at the Aquarium regarding KP2.

DB Post Tuesday 10/20/2009

The day began at 0609 with Irma at Irma's. She would remain there all day. I'll be returning at dusk to reassess.

Next , at 0632 , I found Right Spot and Benny close together on the main beach, at Sandy Beach . They would remain there all day, departing at 1546. Diane Gabriel saved the day by readjusting the cordon a couple of times at mid day. Thank you..............very much !

The Rabbit Island cast for today would be RIP, Mojo, and Buster at the left end and M&M at 2BS. All would remain there all day, though RIP would relocated to the right end of the beach.

At 0950 a DOCARE Incident began when I arrived at Makai Research Pier to find a white, one-man, outrigger canoe hauled out 50 ft. right of 1BS. On a pan I would find a male justs walking out the left end rock flats. He would venture up into the grassy areas to shoot photos and when he came back down to the beach, continued shooting both Buster and Mojo and then moved to 2BS to shoot M&M. I called DOCARE at 0951, of course, and the guy was met and cited by DOCARE Officer Jason Lee at Kaupo Beach Park at 1127 .

Irma

Benny & Right Spot

Pictures from Barb Billand

Aloha Good People, Barb was kind enough to resend some photos from Sunday. The original files were a little too big for me to upload... soooo enjoy these great shots of KP2 hanging out in his temporary home.

Irma at Waikiki -
Kermit at White Plains

DB Post Monday 10/19/09

The day began at 0600 with 2 animals at the east end of Sandy Beach. One was perfectly situated within the signs that I'd left around Benny last night, and so I presumed it to be Benny, and went to the other animal and got her cordoned off. It was Right. Spot , When I went over to string rope at the other animal, I became aware that is was, in fact, Irma. As you all know Irma was in Waikiki yesterday, and was quite likely the animal that Rachel reported at Diamond Head last night. This morning, there was Irma waiting for me, looking all spiffy in her new coat. She was last at Sandy Beach on 7-24-09 Both animals remained at Sandy Beach all day. I'll recheck them this evening.

The Rabbit Island cast for today included Mojo (no percentage of molt available today due to partial visibility), RIP, Kolohe, and after a long absence, M&M. M&M had last hauled out at Rabbit Island on 8-10-09. She had gone to Ka'ena Pt. to do her molt and has been hanging around the SW quadrant of late. She had last been reported at Ka'ena Point on 10-11-09.

Team Billand reported a swimming head in the White Plains area, heading in a Kalaeloa direction at 0600. White Plains life guard , Bryan reported an U/U hauling out at the Ewa end fence at 1016. They were putting up a cordon . I have no further info at this writing.

A Hanauma Bay life guard called at 0828 to report a swimming head, which came in the "backdoor channel", swam the length of HB, five feet off shore, and then exited the inside bay at the "cable channel". Though I have no ID, I know from having personally observed this exact behavior on two separate occasions that this a Benny thing. My dollar is on him. I thought for sure I'd be seeing him at Sandy Beach with the girls, but it never happened.

Irma Departs Waikiki Sunday Evening

Irma has left the Beach. Thank God. Aquarium personnel showed up and informed me that there was a seal on the beach and HPD had put crime scene tape around and cordoned off (man they did a terrific SPZ). I was doing an all nighter with KP2 and Diane Gabriel showed up for duty at 4:00AM. Not knowing who it might be she rushed off to make an ID. After a call to Jen (I woke her up twice this AM before 7:00AM) Diane called me back to say that DB could not get in because of the Susan G Komen Race for Breast Cancer. THEN Karen Rother showed up to tell me "there's a seal on the beach" but I gotta finish the race. About that time I'm outside the Aquarium fence waiting for Diane to come back so I can tell her I've got signs in my car there at the Aquarium. Lo and behold here comes Barb B. doing a foot walk race right along with the cancer survivors. Well Barb grabs the signs I had and hoofed it back over to SPZ Irma. She and Diane proceeded to do "the thing" with keeping her safe and all was well. By that time Jen had most everyone lined up for Irma duty, including Karen Rother after she finished the race. Except at first it was thought that Irma was at WP. Another missed identity, easy to do in the dark. Also, then the call came that there was Kermit at WP, a seal at Sunset, etc. Where were all these critters yesterday???? Thanks to everyone we had a genuine response team response almost Island wide in spite of all the other events going on.

So back to KP2. Would not eat. I left eventually. Jen called and woke me up later in the day (turn about I deserved). She and Rafe were at the Aquarium AND with Irma. Eventually it would become a family affair and my Mother Becky would go down and work with Blu a new volunteer that Rafe trained. Everyone eventually rendezvoused back at Sunset on the Beach (Irma always shows up for the big events as we all know) in Waikiki. I arrived back over from the Aquarium to figure out what to do with a seal on the beach at dark with who knows how many people milling around and a concert going on. I guess thanks to some people who would not quit flash photographing her, IRMA LEFT THE BEACH at 6:40PM. That girl sure knows where and how to party.

Come to find out Kermit left White Plains about 5:30PM. Hopefully their Sunday night date will be as uneventful as I hope mine is. Two days of incredible volunteer efforts. Isn't it amazing what these animals can inspire in all of us.


--
Mahalo,
Dana

P.S. It was brought to my attention that on Sunday the 18th (day after seal count) there were 21 volunteers responding to seals on OAHU. This is a mile stone that should be noted... this is a reflection of a great volunteer coordinator and dedicated people doing what they do everyday... I say thank you to all of you.... me... I was rocking out at the Aerosmith concert ~donna~

Barb & Rob run a race

Just so people know Barb and Rob sent some great pictures, unfortunately the files are a little too big for me to upload ... so hopefully the can condense the file and I will re-post. ~donna~
6am found a large seal in the dark on shore, high up. Assumed it was Irma who been in the same spot for evers every day. Roped the mammal off, made it large as Irma moves alot. Quickly left site for KP2 Duty at Aquarium.

7am or so...get a call from DB a seal is at Waikiki near 2F tower. Police marked area off with yellow tape, NO SIGNS.

As we reach Waikiki we are flagged off Kalakaua due to some Race for Cancer!! We can not go to the AQuarium at all. Rob drops me off and I run to the site of the seal. I begin my observation and run into Diane Gabriel by surprise. She said she thinks the seal is Irma, it was hard to tell. I look and to MY SURPRISE, it WAS IRMA. Oh my gosh...I look at my photo taken at early morning and I see a green seal...KERMIT!!! See, I took it for granted, since Irma been in the same spot, seeing a seal in the darkness...I made a booboo. I am so ashamed of myself. I was so worried about getting to White Plains fast to mark off IRma, then rush off to Waikiki immediately. Sorry guys. He. HE. Kermit you RAT!!!!

Diane and I were discussing, DB wants signs up for Irma. We didnt have any. I called Rob, who had a few signs left and he said as soon as he could get to the aquarium, he'd bring signs and rope. That never happened...traffic was nuts. NO parking.

Then Diane mentioned Dana Jones was at KP duty, I said GREAT!!! SHe should have signs and rope. Diane called her, I ran to the Aquarium and spotted Dana , she ran to her vehicle, gave me four or five signs and some signs without poles. I ran back to the site of IRma.

A stranger, saw me running and struggling with all the equipment and my bags, he said, I am chuck, I can help you...going to the seal on shore. YES!!! I said, he joined me, followed me to the site. Said he was from Florida and saw the seal. He wanted to HELP US.

We were placing the signs, this man chuck helped. Another man appears, asks my name, I told him, asked what was the other volunteers names and the name of the seal, when did it arrive? HE writes it all down in a tablet. Dont know who he was, I had to run to KP duty. As I leave a couple needs a pen, I gotta stop again, give them my pen while they exchange e maill.

Finally arrive at Aquarium on TIME. Dana is still there. Doc Levine calls, will be late with all the traffic. He came around 9 and he immediately told us to feed KP2..10 herring. We also had to stuff medicine in a single fish. We split the fish between Rob, Diane and me. Dana didnt want to do it. But to our great disappointment, Little KP wouldnt accept a single fish. Doc stops feed.

Finally everyone leaves the KP site, I spend time with the little guy with those sassy eyes. He was sleeping.

Rob decides to go back to our vehicle parked in Timbucktoo, wants to park closer to aquarium...he leaves.

Kp awakens from his short snooze and is motor boating, making all kinds of sounds, then tries many attempts to jump out of TANK. I watch him in awe, this little guy is powerful and very determined. He continues for like 20 or 30 min. and then..settles. Wow, what a display to observe.

Just before 12, the Maldonados arrive...I take our last shots of KP, bid him farewell. Maldonados drain pond, Kp2 immediately goes on his side to bask and sleep. Awe, is that what he wanted, to bask??? Or did he just want to jump out and escape??

We leave at 12:15 to go to White Plains, check on the KERMIT. We arrive at close to 2:28..Kermit is right in the middle of the perimeter we had set up in the dark, snoozing on his back. Jim Brown and Allen R. are there at the site, watching over Kermit. We chat and observ Kermit till after 3:00pm. Called it a day....oh what a day it's been....

The end!!!!

B

KP2 Arrival Pictures.. a couple of days late

Donna, Rafe & Jen waiting for his arrival

Are we there yet?
Are you my friend?
Awww I'm so tired I think I'll rest here.
Thank you Dana for sending the photos from KP's arrival at the aquarium on Friday... I know we can never get enough of his cuteness... never too late to post some pictures of the "star seal"

DB Post Sunday 10/18/2009

Family visitors will be arriving shortly, so the "dailies" will be brief. Be sure to check the blog in the morning. Alot happened but Team Billand will be telling you about most of it.

My day was spent with RIP, Mojo (D#6 35%), and Duke , all in a little group at the right end of the beach on Rabbit Island.

Benny was being a real pain in the flippers today, hauling out at Sandy Beach on two separate occasions. He is there at the end of day, and I'll recheck him soon.

Diane Gabriel called at 0656 to report an animal at Queen's Beach in Waikiki. Her description sounded like Irma, and the Billands confirmed the Irma ID later. Yet ANOTHER race, made it impossible for me to get there, and of course then Benny happened.

Kermit spent the day a White Plains, right in the middle of everything.

I heard there was an animal at Sunset Beach today, and I found out just moments ago that it was apparently, R5AY.

Okay.......... gotta' go be a good host. Check da' blog.

Saturday Seal Day

Aloha Good People!

I spent my Saturday surrounded by seals... and I wasn't even on "official" seal count duty....

My morning started by heading for the Aquarium to help David and Dr. Greg load KP2 for transport. Our star seal had a examination today at the Honolulu Zoo and it is my understanding the state of the art equipment used in this examination was donated by Holden Hospital Supply. So whats so special about that you might ask... well I will tell you... Aunty Sharon thats what is so special... Our aunty Sharon (chester's aunty sharon) works at Holden Hospital Supply and she took the call from Doc Levine.... Well once the ball got rolling, the very very generous owners.. donated the equipment. You see people the power of a volunteer network can accomplish AMAZING things... So THANK YOU Aunty Sharon... Thank you Holden Hospital Supply!

Okay back to my story... while little KP was being checked out by the docs.. I was making my way back to the windward side when I put a call into DB... since I was passing Sandy's DB asked me to check on Benny who he had roped off early. PAY ATTENTION>>>> lesson to be learned... never assume a seal on the beach is the same seal you think you are there to be checking on....

Long story short... I checked the SPZ .... no seal.. looked to the right and realized the BIG rock was a seal... moved the SPZ to the WHO I thought was Benny.... I was pretty proud of myself... as I set up the zone I managed to answer a few questions from the looky-loos.... yes he's fine, that's an adult male... blah blah blah... Got in my car stopped by to see DB.. meantime, Mrs. DB stopped over to Sandy's saw the great SPZ I set up and called DB to tell him ... its wasn't Benny it was Right Spot.... DUH! Do you think I should have checked and verified who the animal was... Well let that be a lesson to you all.

By the way, KP2 is doing well and I am sure David will be sending out a status soon... although it sounds like he will be staying a wee bit longer at the aquarium. ~donna~

Article from the Molokai Dispatch

KP2 Seal Taken from Molokai Yesterday
Saturday 10-17-09
Filed Under: Announcements Sports & Outdoors
By Catherine Cluett

KP2, the young Hawaiian monk seal that had made Kaunakakai Wharf his home, was taken from the area by NOAA yesterday morning. He is currently being held at Waikiki Aquarium for a thorough medical exam, according to NOAA biologist David Schofield. Schofield would not say how long KP2 would remain at the aquarium or what the next move might be.
The community has mixed feelings about the seal’s departure. NOAA has discussed relocating KP2 to Ka`ula Rock near Niihau west of Kauai. Karen Holt of the Molokai Community Service Council said she is worried about the seal’s safety.
“The tiger shark population in the Ka'ula area is large and aggressive,” she explained.
Holt said she hopes that NOAA would do enough research to be able to assure those who had come to love KP2 that he would be safe.
But NOAA officials say they have believe KP2 has already survived shark in his travels around Molokai and Lanai. They say he displays enough “wild” behaviors, like foraging on his own, that show he may still have a chance to live a normal seal’s life if relocated away from people while he is still young. NOAA officials say Niihau has the largest breeding population of Hawaiian monk seals in the Main Hawaiian Islands.
Molokai activist Walter Ritte hoped the seal would remain on Molokai for the education he has brought the community.
“It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity,” he said.
Volunteers have spent countless hours in the last six months at the wharf monitoring the seal to make sure both he and humans stay safe. While they have come to care deeply about the seal, they said they worried that either KP2 or people would be intentionally or unintentionally injured if he remained in the area.
“For [KP2’s] wellbeing and the safety of the community, we feel [moving him] was the best thing,” said volunteer Julie Lopez. “But it was very emotional for all of us.”
NOAA has not given definite plans for KP2, but as of two weeks ago, relocating him to the Niihau area as well as placing him into captivity at Sea Life Park were still in discussion.

DB Post Saturday 10/17/2009

Happy Seal Count Day !! It was a 6 critter day here in Zone 12. Hopefully, you were all equally as lucky.

The Rabbit Island cast began with Mojo (D#5 molt 25%) 40 ft left of 1BS at the left end of the beach, and RIP and Sadie at the right end, fronting 3BS. A bit later , Mikala would haul out at 1BS, Mojo would galumph over to join her. At some point RIP entered the water and hauled out at 1BS, incurring the wrath of Mojo. They had a spat, and RIP moved off, returning to his right end location. In the aftermath of the spat, Mojo and Mikala entered the water together. A short time later Mikala hauled out by herself at the far left end of the beach, while Mojo hauled out to the right end, near RIP. They had no further problems since there were no chicks involved.

At 0938 I got a call from one of the zillions of people I've given a card to. He reported an animal just hauling out at the east end of Sandy Beach. When I arrived at 0942 I found that it was Benny. I got him cordoned off, and did some PR, and then returned to Makai Pier.

At around 1245 Donna Festa happened to call and since she was in the neighborhood I asked her to drive through Sandy Beach and check on Benny. She called back at around 1300 to say that he had moved and she had redone the cordon. Since my wife, Marilyn was just departing the pier I asked her to check Sandy Beach . She called back to say that the animal was not Benny, but was, in fact, Right Spot. Apparently, somewhere between 1100 (when my wife saw him) and 1245, Benny had departed, and around 1230 per lifeguards, Right Spot had hauled out at the Half Point rocks, 50 yds west of Benny's morning location. I rechecked at 1500 and confirmed that it was Right Spot.

As a fitting end to this part of the story, at 1349, Benny hauled out fronting 1BS on RI , and proceeded to galumph to Mikala. They were still there when I departed MP for SB at 1445.

Team Billand called at 0835 to report 2AW at Tracks, and then again at 0906 with the report of Irma at White Plains. Lastly , came a call at 1041 to report Kermit between the bunkers on the right side of the Nimitz Beach jetty.

KP2 Vacation in Honolulu

Aloha Good People!
Today was a big day in the monk seal world... we had our usual suspects which you can read about in DB's Post, we had a seal up on the North Shore Lanikea Beach and many of our volunteers here on Oahu busy awaiting the star of the day... KP2. You will read a little further down from a couple of our main peeps a little bit of what they experienced.

For me I was helping out Jen, Rafe and Dana prepare his tempary home.. we cleaned, we organized, and waited.... and finally he arrived. Please enjoy the mini clips!
~donna~

Operation Relo - Oahu Arrival

Hi, DB asked me to send you some pics. Here you are. And he asked if I could write a story...here it goes. Found Irma at White Plains at 7:30am, alone, snoozing and ok. Placed all the signs out and roped her off. Today, all the places we looked were monk seal free. Just tons of ulua fishermen.

Jen Maldonado called us and asked if we could help with KP2. Wanted to know if we could drive the truck...we would meet at the Barbers Pt. Base at 10am. We said, OK. Jen called again, the plane will arrive at 11:30 or 12. We said we'd be there. Had some time left, checked out Campbells area to find nothing too.

We were on our way to the base, Jen called again to get MINI DV Video to document KP, we said...ok. Rushed to Kmart, RUSHED to make the 11:30 pickup. Got there at 11:38, hunted for Dave Schofield, he picked us up and we made our way to KP2. My heart was pounding...we were going to see KP2, after 10 months, he was back. Memories ran through my brains of all the times we had with KP2 back in Sept to Dec 15, 08.

The coast guardsmen directed Dave to the plane. The men carried the large cage out...THERE WAS KP2!!!!!! Oh my gosh, he looked so clean, sleek, handsome and so fricken CUTE!!!!!! My heart was going two eighty. I tried to take pictures, but eveyone else was too, coast guardsmen, me and more. It was fast, KP was glaring at all of us with those sassy big eyes. I thought, WOW, here he is....KP2, the celebrity from Kauai, Molokai. I thought of Val and Diane and all the others and how they must have felt letting go fo KP2's flippers. I just couldnt get a good space to take his photo. Then he looked right through me....oh how powerful a spirit that was....I LOVED IT!!! Then a lady with a baby walked in front of me. NOOOOOO!!!!!! Then Dave said, ok lets move out people.

We got out, Dave with KP2, Robert with Gregs Truck, me in our vehicle. Talk about pumped up!!!!! But, sadly, Rob and I got stuck in the traffic as an accident with a truck hitting a bridge happened. So, we missed all the transport of KP2.

1:11pm Arrive at Aquarium to find KP2 in his beautiful large tank, sleeping in a peaceful manner. I asked Dave if I could photograph KP...he let me. He never did any thing but one stretch...he was out cold. Poor Baby... The HMSRTO team, had it all under control. Rafe Maldonado, Jen Maldonado, Dana Jones and Donna Festa....THE BLOG LADY, along with Dave Schofield, Greg Levine and some other men there.

Well, the day of KP2 has come...the pictures arent all that good, I did the best I could. We stayed till two...I kept taking KP's spirit of peace in his tank. He was absolutely magnificent. Oh I how I wish his life was better and he could stay. But...NOAA has to do what is best for our sweet creature of the sea and shore. Our Prayers are with him and his new home far away from his original place. How many planes, how many helicopters has this little angle been on???? Born on Kauai, abandoned by mom, from day one, taken to Oahu in a little tank for months, then taken to a sea pen, raised by volunteers, dr's, NOAA, Marine Mammal Center people........we all saved his life...yet he is not a seal, more like a puppy. But...perhaps his new home will give him ONE MORE chance of being the GREAT HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL he is!!!!!!

Now we all must watch over him one more time and then.........we need to let go of his flippers, wish him well...........Good luck sweet KP2....I love you with all my soul, now and forever!!!! B

Operation Relocation KP2 On The Move

Aloha,
Well, our little Kp2 was relocated today. I have attached just a couple photos. It was a bittersweet day for all of us volunteers who worked tirelessly for months watching this little creature. There is a interesting story to his capture, but I will share that at another time.
I just want to thank all of the volunteers who helped today, it indeed was a beautiful experience and one I shall never forget.
For now, I think the Molokai volunteers need some time to process the whole ordeal and a glass of wine!!

ah...now for the seal count tomorrow---

Ok, Oahu volunteers--take care of our Little Boy!!!

fondly,
val bloy

DB Post Friday 10/16

It has been quite a busy day in the Monk Seal world. In my own little corner , the Rabbit Island cast would turn out to be RIP, and and 15% molted, little brother , Mojo at the right end of the beach, with Sadie beginning at 3BS but relocating a couple of times through the day, ending up near where she started at the right end of the Middle Cliff area. Later on I would find Mikala at the far left end, and Duke right of 1BS. Good ol' M38 was around again today, and in "cruiser male" mode hauling out twice to Mikala, once to Sadie and then once to Duke, but RIP hauled out with him on that one, and a 3 rounder ensued before RIP did a technically perfect "end around move" and got prime position on Duke, leaving M38 to sulk 30 ft to the right.

On my 4th pass of Sandy Beach I found Right Spot on the sewer outfall at the far east end of the beach. On my 7th pass of Sandy Beach at 1120 I found that she had been joined by none other than Benny. They were spatting when I arrived, and Benny and the rising tide managed to get them both into the water at 1139, With Right Spot in the lead they would haul out again 60 ft west down the beach, at basically the location where Right Spot has spent 4 of the last 5 days. I redid the cordon and checked them hourly, redoing the ropes as required. They were still there on my 1500 check. I will return at dusk.

The other day I made a big deal about Benny being back at Rabbit Island when he had been in the SW quadrant the day before. I then reneged on that and said that I thought that Lona may have been the Rabbit Island animal. I think Benny's arrival today at Sandy Beach says that it probably was him at Rabbit Island that day. The boy is obviously in the area.

Team Billand reported Irma at White Plains at 0624.

I have recieved reports from both the Molokai end and the Oahu end, and apparently KP2 has been successfully relocated to the Aquarium. Hopefully, the front line participants will be sending stuff to da' blog, so check in the morning to get the latest.

When I arrived a Sandy Beach at 1810, Benny and Right Spot were just departing. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1830.

Mojo

Right Spot

Benny & Right Spot

**** 1000 ENTRIES ****

Aloha Good People!

Well today is a big day for the monksealmania blog... our 1000 entry! Its hard to thank each and everyone of you that have contributed and supported this effort. It really is about a team of people coming together... ONE of my favorite connections is with our good friends in Molokai... Val came across the blog and sent me some information on seal sightings on Molokai... with Val's permission I started posting her emails... but beyond Val's sharing her experiences, Barb and Rob made a connection with her and took a trip over to Molokai... and so it began, friendships and connections. For me personally... I have made so many new friends and I am thrilled to be in the company with so many that share the same passion as me.

So here are some blog facts & statistics:

• First entry/post February 8, 2008
• Total of 518 entries in 2008
• Since January 2009 we have 14,818 visitors (obviously many repeat readers)
• 67% of the entries are from DB
• 29% talk about Irma
• 23% talk about Buster
• 22% talk about Ewa Girl
• 21% talk about Kermit
• 19% talk about RIP
• 17% talk about Kolohe
• 15% talk about Sadie
• 13% talk about M&M
• 13% talk about R301
• 13% talk about Rocky
• 13% talk about Volunteers
• 11% talk about Kerby
• 11% talk about RBO8
• 10% talk about Duke
• 10% talk about Hoku

In the last 20 months:

• 5 pups were born on OAHU (4 males 1 female)
• Hawaiian Monk Seal was named the official State Mammal
• Volunteer organized and created HMSRTO non profit 501C3
• KP2 - a star is born
• We lost Chester & Hoku
• We had 2 seals shot on Kauai
• One person serving prision time for one shooting
• First official fund raiser
• 3 completed seal counts

Well my good people THANK YOU for making this place a success... Starting in November I would like to feature an animal a month... See if we can get people relating their stories about this cast of characters.
~donna~

DB Post Thursday 10/15/2009

My day began at 0609 with Lona , who was waiting for me at the east end of Sandy Beach. She had last been seen on 9-20-09 at Shark's Cove. Her last SB visit was back on 9-26-08. Lona does a Circle Island Tour once or twice a year, always coming down the east side, and moving all the way back to the North Shore via the south, west shores. She could very easily be in the SW quadrant in the very near future. We shall see.

Another brief word about Lona. I made a big deal about Benny being back at RI the other day. I may have been wrong about that call. Lona has dark lines on the sides of her face that mimic Benny's scars. It may very well be that it was Lona instead. When I found the "Benny" animal on the beach at RI, I did not see a belly, nor did I see the right side. I simply keyed on the facial scars. Benny may be a mere mortal after all ???? Nah !!!!

On my next pass of Sandy Beach at 0743, lo and behold there was Right Spot hauled out about 50 ft west of Lona. I had two separate cordons going all day.

The Rabbit Island cast began with Sadie left of the 3BS, and Mojo (D#3 molt 10%) to the right of 3BS at 0706. Later RIP would haul out to join Mojo, maintaining a 20 ft separation at 0859. Mikala would haul out at the far left end of the beach at 0940, and Duke would show up directly below 1BS at 1043. The entire cast remained there all day.

Team Billand reported Kermit at Maili Point at 1010, and called again at 1108 to report Irma fronting the #2 lifeguard stand at WP.

Brenda Sparks called at 1250 to report that she had seen Ka'ena, Kerby and T15M today at Ka'ena Point.

Lona

Right Spot

Right Spot & Lona

Kaena KerbyT15

KP2 Teaches Val an Important Lesson

Aloha,
Well today Kp2 once again was the teacher!! As I sat and monitored him in the hot sun he showed me the steps one needs to do to cool off while at the beach or swim steps.

1. recognize that you are over heated
2. Move down to the water line.
3. Roll over on your back and submerge your head into the water--length of time under water will be determined by how long you can hold your breath.
4. Now, after Steps 1-3 don't you feel better. See all cooled off. Then it's back to the swim step to start the process all over again. Repeat all steps as necessary

Another lesson learned!!

val :)

Recognize the problem

Move down to water line

Roll over on back AHHHHH now thats cool All cooled off

DB Post Wednesday 10/14

From 0600 until 0900 the only animals found were RIP and Mojo, close together at the right end of the beach on Rabbit Island. Mojo's D#2 molt is 2%.

I did multiple checks of the Sandy Beach and surrounding areas, looking for Right Spot, and found nobody. I had a plumber date somewhere between 0900 and 0930, so I was at home waiting....and waiting...and waiting. Apparently 0900 to 0930 in Plumberese translates to 1130 !!!! I was sweating blood , hoping that Right Spot wasn't waiting for me somewhere amongst the hordes. Fortunately, she was MIA today.

I finally got back to MP at 1206 and found that the Weaners, Mikala and Duke were close together at 1BS. I'd last seen Duke last on 10-12-09, so it was good to see him back home. They would remain there all day.

Team Billand reported Irma at cottage #1708, at 0617. All six of their signs and rope had been stolen overnight, but they put out more, and continued on.

They reported Kermit on the right side of Nimitz jetty at 0659. Barbara called at 1646 to say that Kermit was still there, but that somebody had stolen the 3 signs they'd left there. In way to many cases our fellow man leaves a VERY great deal to be desired !!!!

RIP & Mojo

Mikala & Duke
Mojo - molt day 2
Irma looking all Purdy!
Kermit

DB Post Tuesday 10/13

I was on the road at 0545, and on my first look at Sandy Beach, there was no Right Spot, I picked up the signs and continued on. On my 2nd check of Sandy Beach at 0635 there was still no Right Spot, however on the 0651,on the 3rd check, there was Right Spot waiting for me , all of 20 ft left of yesterday's haul out location. I got her cordoned off, and checked her through out the day. She was still there on my 1600 check. I'll return at dusk.

From Makai Pier at 0638 the Rabbit Island cast would begin with RIP at the left end of the beach. When I got back to MP at 0940 I found that Mojo had joined the cast at the right end , and Mikala at the left end. Both would remain at those locations all day. RIP would enter the water at 1019 and join Mojo at the right end at 1224, where he would spend the remainder of the day.

The Totally Amazing aspect of the day ocurred at 1237 when to my complete shock and awe, BENNY hauled out to join RIP and Mojo. There was some low level barking but no major action. Benny would reenter the water at 1331 and haul out again at the left end of the beach at 1337. Why the amazement you ask ?............... I'd last seen Benny on Rabbit Island on 10-7-09. Then yesterday , 10-12-09 , the Billands provided photographic proof that he was at "Kermit's Reef" on the west side of the Nimitz jetty at 1418. Twenty two hours later he is back at Rabbit Island !!!!! I am not amazed by the time....... that is more than enough time to make the trip. What Amazes me is that he would DO such a thing !!!

Sane people are always asking me how I can spend my life watching these animals sleep all day on the beach all day. Moments like Benny's travels or knowing the M38 can zip back and forth from Molokai to RI , or how Rocky can go from Colleen's backyard at Diamond Head to Kermit's Reef, and soooooooo many other little factoids of day to day Monk Seal life is WHY !! I've said zillions of times that is amazing what you see, when you look. I highly recommend to each of you that you look at the beaches of your own backyards. Ask the Billand, ask Diane & Val, ask Colleen. Try look, maybe you'll be amazed too.

Team Billand reported that they had received a call about animals at White Plains and at Nimitz Beach at 0833. They confirmed Irma at White Plains at 0940, and Kermit and Rocky on the west side of the Nimitz jetty, at Kermit's Reef and the beach behind at 1007
A subsequent call at 1454 advised that Irma was still at WP, but that Rocky had Kermit's Reef to herself, with no Kermit in sight.

When I arrived at Sandy Beach at 1811, Right Spot was gone. There were no witnesses in the area. There was no evidence of encroachment into the cordoned area so I presume she left of her own volition. I picked up the stuff and called it a day at 1830.

Mikala Benny
Benny, RIP & Mojo

DB Post (cont) 10/13

Right Spot

Irma
Kermit & Rocky
Kermit

DB Post Monday 10/12/09

Friday, 10-9-09 was D#42 for Right Spot and her Kalaupapa pup, so I was kinda' lookin' for her. This morning at 0620 I found her waiting for me at the east end of Sandy Beach. She is skin and bones, as you would expect. She has remained at Sandy Beach all day.

The Rabbit Island cast would prove to be Buster and Mojo at 3BS, Mikala, left of 1BS, and Duke right of 1BS. I would find a 100% molted , RIP at the far right end of the beach, and when I relocated to Makapuu Overview, I discovered that Kolohe was there with him.

Once again, Team Billand had a busy little day. They reported Irma at Tracks (Kahe Power Plant) at 0925, and then found Kermit to the right of the Nimitz jetty at 1012. Kermit would ultimately haul out between the 2 bunkers to the right of Nimitz jetty.

At 1259 I got a call from White Plains lifeguard , Bryan reporting an animal swimming the beach front at WP, but it was unable to haul out because of the horde of humanity following down the beach. The Billands responded and ultimately found that the mystery guest was none other than Benny ! He would finally haul out to Kermit's Reef, right of Nimitz jetty at 1418.

I called it a day at 1900. Right Spot showed no interest in leaving so I picked up the rope and left the signs.

Buster & Mojo

Duke

Mikala

RIP & Kolohe

DB Post (cont) Right Spot Back on Oahu

Right Spot

Right Spot

Benny

Irma

Kermit

Birth Announcement

We have a little pup born on Maui!
The mom is RO15 - "lighthouse mom" from the Big Island and YES this is - RO42's mom!

DB Post Sunday 10/11/09

The day got off to a wet and totally no fun day, but improved slightly as the day wore on. On my initial look at Rabbit Island I found what would prove to be RIP at the far left end of the beach, and Mojo just moving down from the Morning Glory at 3BS. Both would move down, but remain at those locations all day.

At 1045, Buster hauled out to 1BS. I hadn't seen him since 10-7-09. Just a few minutes later Mikala hauled out to join him. Seeing that chunky , little girl, made my day. I had last seen her on 10-6-09 at RI. She had been MIA since. There is some back story to Mikala's return. Yesterday I got a call from Hanauma Bay posse person , Betty, reporting that one of their regular morning swimmers had reported having seen 2 small seals out in the "Witches Brew to Baboon's Nose" area outside HB. This morning Betty called again to say that there had been some miscommunication in the report. Apparently, the guy said he saw a single small animal with 2 red tags. He reported those numbers as "414 and 415". That is an impossibility, however mistaking an "A" for a "4" is very easily done. There is ZERO doubt in my mind that it was anybody other than Mikala. Ever since her disappearance I'd thought that maybe Buster and/or Benny might have something to do with this. Those two were still on RI the day after my last sighting of Mikala, but it's still possible. Buster is known to hang out in that area between Hanauma Bay and Spitting Cave. Divers report him often at "Sea Cave" which is just yards from Hanauma Bay. Regardless of all of that, it was a great load off my mind to see her there on Rabbit Island.

On a pan at 1103 I found Kolohe newly hauled out to the far left end of the beach. He would remain there the rest of the day.

Team Billand put in some mileage today. They reported only Kermit, but with multiple haul out locations. It all began with a call at 0724 reporting Kermit near "Kermit's Reef" on the right side of the Nimitz Beach jetty. The next call at 0830 reported that Kermit was now hauling out near the east end fence at White Plains. Next came a call at 0931 saying that Kermit had reentered the water, and had hauled out to "Al's Bench" at Kalaeloa Campgrounds, which is the exact location where his fish hook had been removed, oh so many months ago.

Mikala & Buster Kolohe
RIP

Mojo

DB Post ( Cont ) Kermit at White Plains

Molokai - KP2 Guardians/Patrol/Volunteers

Aloha Good People!

Well our good friend Val who has looked after KP2 on Molokai sent me this great picture of ALL the people who have been tirelessly looking after our little boy. I would like to personally say THANK YOU to each and everyone of you for your dedication and big hearts.

Many of us here on Oahu know how this little animal has touched your hearts... I think its safe to say little KP2 has really had an impact on many people, not just volunteers, and not just people in Hawaii. So to all of you behind the scenes out there helping to watch over this little character WE appreciate YOU.

Standing L-R Christine, Peter, George, Ron, Gordy, Sharon, Sue, Joe(hidden),Val, Diane, Tom and Julie Sitting-Shirley, Carol, Alona's #1 daughter, Alona, and Erica.

DB Post Saturday 10/10/09

The Rabbit Island day would begin at 0638, with Mojo and Kolohe to the right of 3BS, and a rotting RIP tucked into the base of the cliff at the far left end of the beach. His D#6 molt is 35%.

Even further out to the left , on the rock flats, and also tucked into the base of the cliff, was Duke, though it would take until 1137 to make that determination. I was hoping for Mikala the whole time. This is D#4 with no Mikala ????

At 0703 my old pal , M38 showed up in the shore break fronting Mojo and Kolohe. He never fully hauled out, but remained in the shore break rolling around and doing the occasional bellow. Mojo answered back once. After 15 minutes or so, M38 reentered deeper water, and on a pan at 0932 I found him on the water front rocks at the far right end of the beach, where he remained the rest of the day.

Team Billand reported Irma, once again in front of the showers at the Snack Bar, at 0620. Barbara would call again at 1017 to advise that Irma had entered the water at 0950 and swam in a westerly direction, hauling out again, fronting cottage #1943, the last cottage at the west end of White Plains.

A 1630 call from Team Billand reported Kermit and Rocky on the right side of the Nimitz Beach jetty , and no Irma at White Plains.

Though technically from 10-9-09, Diane Gabriel's Ka'ena Point trek brought photos of Ka'ena and Kerby.

Kolohe & Mojo

M38
RIP
Kermit & Rocky
Irma & Friend

DB Post (cont) Ka'ena Point

Kerby

Ka'ena

HMSRTO Seal Count Announcement

Aloha Good People
In case you missed it on KGMB 9 here's the link of my interview with Brooks Baehr... Thank you Brooks for bringing this story back to dear Chester... who I personally will be forever grateful. I caught the footage on the 10:00 news and noticed they used some footage from DB too... felt good to be in both their company.

But more exciting is the recognition of our group! I spent a good 15 - 20 minutes talking with Brooks and much of the interview didn't make it onto the air... I talked about all the great work we been doing as well as what we are looking to do.. I see great things coming our way.

THANK YOU to all the volunteers that make this happen ANY and EVERY day. Bless your hearts! ~donna~

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/21864/40/

DB Post Friday 10/9

At 0650 , from the Makapuu Overview, I found Mojo and RIP up in the Morning Glory, directly below 3BS. When I got back to Rabbit Island observations at 0839, from MO, Mojo and RIP were no longer visible at that location. I did find Duke and another animal , which would prove to be Mojo, partially visible behind the water front rocks at the far right end of the beach. Only Mojo was visible at that location when I got to Makai Pier for the day. On a recheck from MP at 1506 I found that Duke had remained there with Mojo today.

At 0839 from Makai Pier I found Kolohe out on the left end rock flats. He would remain there all day.

At 1213, two females on Stand Up Paddle Boards landed at the left end of the beach on Rabbit Island. I called DOCARE at 1215, and by 1227 DOCARE Officer Alex McBarnet had checked in to say that he was observing the two from Kaupo Beach Park. The pair explored the beach for a while as far as 2BS, and then began returning to their boards. They discovered Kolohe out on the left end flats, and went out to take photos of each other with Kolohe in the background. Fortunately, Kolohe appeared totally unaware of their presence. The pair departed the island at 1301 and were met by Officer McBarnet upon their arrival back on the Oahu side at approximately 1415.

Team Billand called at 0558 to report Irma at White Plains and again at 0728 to report Kermit's arrival. Judging by subsequent phone calls, and today's photos it looked like yet another day in the White Plains ZOO !!! Waikiki and Sandy Beach are nothing compared to the nightmare of White Plains. Thank You to all who spent the day in "the belly of the beast" !

Kolohe

MOJO RIP

DB (cont) DOCARE 10/9

Just want to THANK the DOCARE officers for taking care of this one... Feels good when we get a win!

DB (cont) White Plains Zoo Day!

Kermit staying close to Irma

Irma... are we boring you?

Irma has amazing capacity to not let the crowds phase her

This is what volunteers do on a busy day, keeping those animals safe!

Mark Your Calendars!

Aloha Good People

Just a friendly reminder... there are two more opportunities to sign up and attend Seal Count Meeting...

Saturday Morning Waimea Valley 10 am - noon Pikake Room (Upstairs)
Monday 10/12 Manana Community Center Pearl City 6 pm - 8 pm

Also check out KGMB News tonight at 6pm SEAL COUNT announcement.

~donna~

DLNR Taking a Proactive Approach to Kapapa Island

Aloha Good People

I caught this news clip during the evening and wanted to comment on it...

http://www.kitv.com/video/21246010/index.html

The good news... its nice to see and hear that DLNR is taking a look at places like Kapapa Island and seeing there are problems that have to be dealt with. Since Kapapa Island isn't a wildlife sanctuary there aren't any rules to enforce and from this news clip they're looking to change that. Wonderful!

Now... how do we get them to enforce the rules and laws on the places that are already deemed wildlife sanctuaries? I know there are some hard working individuals out there... I know they are short handed and I know the state doesn't have funds.. BUT... something needs to be done at places like Rabbit Island which is a wildlife sanctuary... Perhaps some regular patrolling of the area will discourage people from landing on the island.. seems those LARGE BLUE SIGNS that say NO LANDING isn't enough... maybe a speaker system so they can be yelled at... maybe surveillance cameras??? Who knows..? I would like to know they at the very least acknowledge there is a growing problem out there... AND it needs attention. Thank you for listening.

DB Post Thursday 10/8/09

RIP, Mojo and Kolohe were all waiting for me when I did my first Rabbit Island check at 0636. RIP's D#4 molt is 20%.

At 0911, Duke hauled out fronting 1BS, and would remain there all day. This is D#2 without seeing his fellow weaner, Mikala, but with all that testosterone around of late, I'd be hiding too.

My routine Spitting Cave visit was shot down when I arrived to find what appeared to be the amassing of men and equipment for the invasion of Iraq....Ooooops ! Nope, it was only the "Lost" crew no doubt shooting a 10 sec. scene. I just turned around and went back to RI.

This was the second day of no Kermit, at RI. The highlight of the day came when Team Billand solved that question. Barbara had made the now routine 0605, Irma at White Plains call, but her next call at 0917 , reporting that one of their sub-posse had reported a "very green animal" newly arrived at White Plains at 0900, definitely sounded promising. Their confirmation that it was , in fact , Kermit made my day. Why in the world that boy would travel all the way from White Plains to Rabbit Island...stay one day... and then return to White Plains, Only Kermit knows !

Posse person, emeritus, Mary Jay, called from Ewa Beach at 0730 to report Rocky today. Photos should be on the way, but I had to get the dailies done a bit early today because of tonight's Hanauma Bay talk, so you'll just have to take our word for it. Sorry I missed the lecture tonight, but I had a pain in my neck.. no for real... don't know what I did, but definately didn't want to be driving.

DB (cont) Irma & Kermit White Plains 10/8

KP2 Checks In

Hey Blog Lady,
It's Kp2 and I've got some stuff to tell ya!! Well first, my molt is all done and I am feeling gooood. I have been going out and foraging the past few days, cuz you know I didn't eat much during my molt. Last night all the great Molokai Monk Seal volunteers had a potluck at the wharf. Well, I wish they would have told me a few days earlier about the party. They were all a little disappointed when I was a no show, but they had a good time getting to know the other volunteers and eating ono food.

Today I was out and about till mid morning and then I decided to hang out at the boat ramp. You know we have a big canoe race starting here on Molokai this sunday, so I was just watching all the escort boats, paddlers and canoes arrive. Poor Auntie Julie had to keep me from being a pest. Ah... the wharf is such a busy and fascinating place to be at times.

Now for some other fun news! Did you know I have a "Fan Club" in Texas?? Well, because of that little article that was in the Wall Street Journal some students in Texas are trying to find out more about me and the other Hawaiian Monk Seals. Their teacher Ms. H wrote a note to Chris at the WSJ and asked if they could find out more about my situation. Chris emailed the aunties on Molokai (Diane and Val) and now they are getting all sorts of information about ME!!! It's a 8th grade reading class at a small school in Texas. There are 10 kids in the class and Ms. H says that some of the other kids at the school are interested too. They even offered up some solutions as to what should happen to me in the future. How cool is all of this......Some great kids in Texas care about what's happening to me here in Hawaii. I am sure those are some pretty smart kids!!! I'm looking forward to hearing more from them.
Better go, need to find some tako because tomorrow is another day at the Kaunakakai Wharf.

Aloha, kp2

DB Post Wednesday 10/7/09

When yesterday's dailies magically turned into da' blog, Donna suggested pop corn before settling in to read yesterday's saga. Today, there is no pop corn required, although a Mochi Crunch and a small Coke might be nice.

At 0640 from MO, I found what would proved to be Mojo and big brother RIP (D#3 15%), up amongst the Morning Glory at 3BS on Rabbit Island. Mojo would remain there all day. RIP would do a late afternoon swim and haul out again further down the beach to the right.

Benny was at the right end in the morning, and his pal, Buster was at the left end of the beach. Benny began to galumph to RIP and Mojo, but at about 30 ft, turned and entered the water.

At 0931, Duke hauled out at 1BS and galumphed over to join Buster. They would enter the water and do a swim/play session which I could follow for a while. They were joined by a 3rd animal which I believed to be Benny, but I can't prove that at all. I would lose everybody at 1010. Benny would do a partial haul out at Mojo and RIP's location at 1035, but once again, reentered the water before any confrontation. I would see neither Benny of Buster again after that.

On a routine pan at 1042 I found Duke, by himself, well out on the right end of the island, halfway to the rabbit's nose, in no man's land. He would remain there the rest of the day.

From 1130 until 1245 I departed the pier and did another recheck of the SE quadrant, paying special attention to all the secret Kermit spots, since he was a no show at RI today. Alas I found neither he nor Buster & Benny. I returned to MP.

At 1330, on a routine pan I found Kolohe, newly hauled out to the left end rock flats. He would remain there the rest of the day.

At 0650, Team Billand reported Irma at White Plains. She was still there on their evening check.

Buster & Duke

Duke

Kolohe

MOJO

RIP

DB (cont) Irma at White Plains

DB Post Tuesday 10/6

Aloha Good People - I recommend before you read today's daily grab yourself a bowl of popcorn cause this story is full of action and passion !! Thanks to DB the seal whisperer we have all the blow by blow details!

Whew !!!.. The opening few minutes of today's observations provided more action that I've seen total in the last year, and the day just got more and more interesting .

When I looked into the scope from the Makapuu Overview I could see what would turn out to be Buster and Benny on Rabbit Island, right of 3BS, even though the hazy and morning light made for junk visibility . I immediately relocated to Kaupo Beach Park. From that location I realized that Kolohe was just above Benny and Buster up in the grass. Just as I looked into the scope I found what would prove to be Mojo , just hauling out to Buster and Benny's location, 60 ft right of 3BS. Benny went into full battle mode, and charged Mojo and total chaos followed. It was full body contact, no joke Battle ! Mojo finally got disentangled from Benny and moved further up to get to Kolohe, who was by now headed higher up away from all the fun. Eventually, Kolohe and Mojo would end up 40 ft right of 3BS.

Just as that battle was ending another animal hauled out at the same location and once again Benny went to full battle mode and charged what would turn out to be Kermit. Once again it was full body, teeth, hair and eyes, no joke battle. Kermit would back off a bit to get clear of Benny, and then do a macho , slow roll back down to the water. You see this often. It is a male's way of maintaining his "machoness" and says, I'm leavin' but it's because I want to.... not because I'm afraid of you.... punk !!! Mojo had been watching this from afar, and when Kermit entered the water, he moved down and entered the water too.

I'll take a break in the story to bring everybody up to date on Mojo and Kermit. Regular fans know Kermit from his SW quadrant exploits, but some may not even be aware of Mojo. Kermit , as you know has been over in the SW quadrant of late, along with Irma at White Plains. He has not been to Rabbit Island since his fish hook ordeal began back on 4-22-09. After yesterday's dailies were sent off I got a call from Tracy about an animal in the water at Queen's Beach in Waikiki, that never hauled out, due to all the people lining the beach front, taking pictures. I never got a haul out call after that, so the episode ended. When I found Kermit at Rabbit Island this morning there was ZERO doubt in my mind who the Waikiki swimmer had been. Kermit usually molts at Rabbit Island in December, so whether his arrival has anything to do with that or not, only Kermit knows.

Mojo ( Irma's #2 son.... born at RI) has been a Molokai resident of late , but even then Val hasn't reported him since 7-31-09, over there. He was last seen on Oahu, in the company of KC at MCBH on 7-19-09. His last trip home to Rabbit Island was on 3-8-09. It was a great find to find my #2 son, at Rabbit Island again. He molts in October, so it remains to be seen if his trip home has anything to do with that.

Okay...... now back to the story. When I got to Makai Pier at 0730 I found that Mojo had hauled out 40 ft left of 1BS. He would be joined by Kermit at 0819, and after some barking from Mojo, both settled down to snooze mode. Kermit woud later do his best "cruiser male" thing and on two more occasions tried to sneak up on Benny and Buster. Benny got him at 30 feet both times. On the last one Buster took off while Benny was doing battle. When Benny realized that his pal was gone he took off too. I saw neither again today. Both Kermit and Mojo would end the day at 3BS.

On a routine pan at 0908 I realized that RIP was at the left end of the Middle Cliff area. I'm sure he had been there all along, and I'd just missed him in the funky morning lighting. He would eventually haul out to join his little brother Mojo for a while and end the day along side Kolohe. RIP's D#2 molt is approximately 10%.

At 0815 I found little Mikala at the right end of the beach. She would run afoul of both Kermit and RIP at various points during the day, but managed to ditch both of them and ended the day by herself at the far left end of the beach.

At 1421 the cast came to a fitting conclusion when Duke hauled out to join Mojo at 1BS. They would enter the water together, but at 1432 Duke would haul out by himself, 100 ft left of 1BS , where he spent the remainder of the day. I had last seen Duke on 10-2-09.

Team Billand called at 0603 to report Irma, once again near the Snack Bar, at White Plains. Irma had departed when they got back to WP at 1600.

Like I said.........Whew !!!

Kermit, Kolohe, Buster & Benny

Kermit & Benny

Mojo & Duke

Mojo & Kermit

DB (cont) 10/6 Irma @ White Plains

WEEKLY EVENTS REMINDER!!!!!

ATTENTION MONK SEAL ENTHUSIAST
SIGN UP FOR THE SEMI-ANNUAL MONK SEAL COUNT

This weeks Pre-count Mandatory Meetings:
Monday - Waikiki Aquarium - DONE
TUESDAY - 10/6 Ewa Beach Library 6-8 pm
WEDNESDAY 10/7 Kailua Sailboard & Kayak Eco Lounge 130 Kailua Rd 6-8 pm

In Addition....
Thursday Evening at Hanauma Bay Free Lecture

“Initiatives to Boost Juvenile Monk Seal Survivorship in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands” by Dr. Kathleen Gobush, NOAA – Monk Seal Survival Enhancement Lead and Research Ecologist

DB Post Monday 10/5/2009

It was a thoroughly miserable day at Makai Pier with multiple periods of dumping rain, and short periods of marginal visibility in between. At 0713 I found RIP up in the Morning Glory, 40 ft left of 1BS. He would entered the water at 1010 and haul out again at 1021 at 3BS.

When I got back to Makai Pier at 0940 I noticed that there were two Unknowns, close together 60 ft right of 3BS. It would take some time , and a couple of rain squalls but they would ultimately turn out to be Buster and Benny. When RIP hauled out to 3BS at 1021, Benny got all "big body" and galumphed toward him, but never got closer than 30 ft. Benny postured and barked, but immediately returned to Buster's side. RIP couldn't have cared less. He just hauled out and moved up into the Morning Glory, 40 ft right of 3BS.

There were a few more squalls but at 1230 RIP moved back down to the water line. At that time I could see for the first time that his molt has begun. On D#1 I would guesstimate 5%.

At 1145 I spotted a likely looking rock, behind some other rocks at the far left end of the beach. At 1153 the rock moved, and by 1226 I could confirm that it was Mikala. She would remain at that location the rest of the observation day.

Team Billand reported Irma at White Plains at 0549. Barbara would make the Ka'ena Point trek today also, and reported Ka'ena, Kerby and M&M at KP. Jenn Maldonado reported a molting U/U on 9-30-09. I thought it likely at the time that M&M could be possibility. Apparently, that was the case. Barbara reported that all animals were now 100% molted.

DB (cont) Barb & Rob Hike out to Ka'ena Point

Video of Buster and Benny at Spitting Cave

Aloha Good People;
Our DB sent this link to me this afternoon... its great footage of monk seals swimming in the water doing monks seal stuff... make sure you turn up the volume, in about 2 minutes there is some interaction between Benny & Buster and they are pretty vocal with one another... Pretty cool stuff!
~donna~

DB Post Sunday 10/4/09

It was wonderful to have a nice quiet day at Rabbit Island, with no drama, and no bad guys. RIP, Sadie and Mikala all had a relaxing day. At the beginning of the day RIP and Sadie were up in the Morning Glory, 40 ft right of 3BS, however at 1215 RIP would enter the water and at 1220, haul out to join Mikala at the far left end of the beach. There was no interaction.

On our 0755, Spitting Cave check, Marilyn and I found Buster & Benny doing 8 minute dives. Once again there was no observed , surface interaction. It appeared to be straight foraging.

Team Billand reported Irma at White Plains at 0615. They found Kermit just entering the water at "Al's Bench" at the west end of Kalaeloa Campgrounds. He would haul out to join Irma at 0940. They report that Irma is 100% molted. I received word at 1750 from Jenn that apparently both Irma and Kermit had departed White Plains.

DB (cont) Irma and Kermit

In addition to DB's post... Jen sent this email out to the volunteers... MANY THANKS to all that helped out!
Aloha all,

Got the call I have been waiting for two weeks now! Irma has left White Plains! Jan Williamson called at 5:30pm to say that Irma had just departed in the direction of Diamond Head. After, they checked up on Kermit who was down at the cottages and he too had departed. The kids at the beach all had a blast mimicking Irma's departure from the beach.

Many thanks to all who watched over Irma during her molt. I think she had a much more peaceful stay this year and it's because of all of you! It was a great opportunity for the community to see a monk seal up close (without disturbing of course!) and our volunteers were able to help educate about what an important species they are.

Mahalo and job well done!

Aloha,
Jen Maldonado
HMSRTO.org

DB Post Saturday 10/3

It was a long and stressful day for several today. I did nothing but watch and I'm plum tuckered out ! I'll be brief.

The Rabbit Island cast for today included RIP, Sadie, Kolohe and Mikala. Mikala is the highlight of my day. A crew went to Rabbit Island in the afternoon and removed Mikala's lure. It would have been much easier had not a bad guy in a yellow kayak decide to land right were all the critters were located, running all but RIP off the beach. DOCARE was called, of course, but there was no response. Fortunately, everyone hauled out again and the rescue operation went smoothly. Thank you from the bottom of my little, bald heart to Tracy, David, Rafe & Chad .

The White Plains mob had just as stressful a day with tons of people and, of course, Irma and Kermit.

Colleen responded to Makalei Beach Park in the afternoon where Rocky was in residence.

Rocky

DB (cont) Mikala's Big Day

DB (cont) Kermit and Irma at White Plains

DB Post Friday 10/2

The Rabbit Island cast for today would include RIP and Kolohe at the right end of the beach, and Sadie, Mikala and Duke all at the left end of the beach. Yes.... once again Duke has returned from an adventure (yesterday) and next morning there is Sadie . This is the 2nd time that has happened. Is there a connection ?????????? I'll return to the Rabbit Island story later.

I found Buster and Benny doing 6 to 9 minute dives at Spitting Cave. Although they were close together, diving and surfacing together, I never saw any interaction at the surface. It appeared to be an all business, foraging session.

Team Billand called at 0602 to report Irma still at White Plains, near the lifeguard stand. They also reported Kermit in separate locations at White Plains. Last but not least they also found 2AW at Tracks at 0756.

Okay, let us return to the Rabbit Island scene. Another Day........Another Drama !!!

At 1228 Mikala hauled out to the left end of the beach, and it was immediately apparent that she had a bright pink "something " on the left side of her neck. Because of the poor observation conditions, and Mikala's obstinance in not giving me a decent look , it took a full afternoon to get some idea of what is going on here. Please keep in mind that we are talking 8/10th of a mile here, with less than ideal viewing circumstances, but by end of day it appears as though she has a bright pink fishing lure in the neck area on the left side. It appears as though the attachment point is at her left fore flipper pit, with the bright pink tendrils toward her head. I don't think there is any mouth involvement. She is not happy about the situation but at least it did not appear to be any life threatening hazard. All pertinent parties were notified, and no intervention was attempted today due to very poor sea conditions. I will, of course, be on it , first thing in the morning, and will advise NOAA personnel of the situation. Another Day.... Another Drama !! As I've said sooooo many times before.........these kids are killin' me !

Duke Kolohe & RIP

Mikala & Sadie

Mikala

DB (cont)

Kermit

2AW

Irma almost baked.

My first pass through the SE Quadrant was a bust, but when I got back to the Makapuu Overview (MO) at 0909 I found what would prove to be RIP on the beach , directly below 1BS on Rabbit Island. He would remain there all day.

From Makai Research Pier at 0920 RIP remained the only RI resident, but on a pan at 1129 I found a newly hauled out Mikala on the beach, 100 ft left of 1BS, at the left end. She was happily playing with sticks, but soon settled down to snooze mode for the day.

The highlight of the day came at 1133 when , on a pan, I found Duke newly hauled out to the extreme left end of the beach. I had last seen the boy on 9-25-09 in the same location. This absence was 5 days. Where is is going, only Duke knows. It was comforting to see his chubby little N18 bod back home !

Team Billand checked in at 0606 to advise that Irma was still on White Plains beach just east of the main lifeguard stand.

Diane Gabriel called at 1038 to advise that Kermit had hauled out at the far west end of the beach fronting cottage #1944. Barbara would call again at 1125 to advise that Kermit had relocated to join Irma.

DUKE .. duke of earl

Mikala
RIP
Irma looking half new.. Irma & Kermit

REMINDER TONIGHT HANAUMA BAY

Aloha!
This was great! I recommend people to attend next week's lecture! Tracey did great and I never get tired hearing about these little critters... Added bonus, got to spend time with fellow volunteers. Good people... good times!

October 1 - “Monk Seals of the Main Hawaiian Islands: Status and Interactions”
by Tracy Wurth, NOAA-PIRO/JIMAR – Monk Seal Sighting Coordinator and Biological Technician


As always, these events begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening in the theater at the Hanauma Bay Education Center . Events are free and open to the public, with no charge for parking after 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you on Thursday evening! These programs are supported and funded by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.