Friday, July 29, 2011

7-29-11 DB Dailies

I was on it at 0600 as usual, but it would be 1147 before I finally found my first critter. I'd gotten to Makai Pier for round #2 at 0900, only to find rain and no animals. Finally, at 1147 Duke (RA12) hauled out to the far left end of the beach, on RI, where he would remain the rest of the day.

I was beginning to stress on not finding Nani, but at 1327 she hauled out of Seal Rock Inlet and immediately went to snooze mode for the rest of the day. She is spending more time in the water each day. Having to work for your daily feed is a grind, as we've all learned.

Team Billand checked in at 0810 with the report of Irma (R010) in Maili. She would be run off by beach walkers at 1000.  At 0915 the Billands called to say that posse member Clay Gates had reported T21M at Iroquois Point.

Rachel Frank checked in at 1016 to advise that Rocky (RH58) was once again near the showers at Diamond Head. She would enter the water at 1036, but returned at 1502. Rachel initially thought she might have started her molt, but on afternoon sighting she changed her mind. Nothing yet, but it should and could be any second now.

Team Billand called at 1202 to reported Max (R5EW) snoozin' on Kermit's Reef, on the west side of the Nimitz Jetty.

Lesley called at 1515 to advise that she and visitor friend had gone to see the TB pup this morning and then drove to the west side to make the Ka'ena Point trek. She reported 4 animals at the end of the world. As of that call, 761 was her only confirmed ID. Another call at 1810 as she was just leaving KP, provided further word of T15M confirmation . The other two which were together were run off by kids before she could get an ID. Check the blog in the morning for Lesley's shots. (no pics at this time, if they come in later I'll put them up).

In the Yesterday's News department, I'm attaching Team Billand shots of R5AY and Pup late yesterday. The files were too big for Donna's email so they didn't make it to yesterday's blog.

Karen Turner was at the Keiki Pool today, and provided R5AY&Pup pictures. Thank You Karen !

  Sir Duke @ Rabbit Island
 Nani @ Rabbit Island
 R5AY and pup early morning shift
 Momma and kid kissing again.
 Big Momma Irma ready to go... where oh where... we just don't know!
 Max cutest "juvenile" around
 He actually looks like he has some weight on him here.... must be the angle
 Art Max - Max Art

1 comment:

Barbara said...

We spotted Max on the reef, where just a couple of weeks ago, it was this spot he was hooked. As soon as he was located, we checked him out and saw he was ok. I worry for this kid, daily. He just seems so little, still not gaining as much like other seals do. He seems slow in development, but he gets around some how. He still shows no signs of molt at all, just still so GREEN! He got washed off the reef, then he decided to go for a dive, at five minutes a part, then came up for a breath and back down for over an hour. We left, came back and he finally hauled up in a small area at the sand cliffs. The waves were still getting him, but he just kept creeping up as much as he could. He still looks about 3 and 1/2 feet to 4 feet long. We didnt put out any signs, he was blending in good, even we almost missed him. Max, what a sweet innocent little seal, a real joy to observe, but, I cant help to feel worried for him and his safety. Only one fishermen in area, and we know him. He was happy to see the little seal..asked if it was alright.
When we dont find MAX, I feel so unhappy...thinking he may be some where with another big hook. Rob and I do our best in watching out for him..He sure has many locations to bask..we go many miles, looking for the kid.