Wednesday, December 5, 2012

12-5-2012 DB's Dailies


Conditions were horrible for Rabbit Island observations, but IDs were possible, even though the shots were hideous. At 0715 I found an 80% molted M38, once again to the right of 1BS on RI. I will spare you having to look at VOG with vague imagines in there somewhere.

On my 2nd look at RI, at 0855 I found a 1005 molted Kaiwi (RK96) at Rocky Right Beach.

It was not until my 1226 recheck of RI, from the Makapuu Overview that I discovered Aukai (RL12) hidden in behind a piece of driftwood at Seal Rock Inlet. Thankfully, she just happened to look up and do a flipper flex at exactly the right time, or I would never have seen her. She may well have been there all along.

At 1015 posse member Susan called from Spitting Cave. She and Zeeny had seen "a small animal" with a charcoal coat and 2 red tags. They reported that it had departed around the point, headed east, before I got there. Zeeny called to advise that her original shots confirm a K73 tags, and I believe that it is in fact, Kekoa (RK72). One of her shots definitely confirms the Kekoa ID.

At 1030 Zeeny called to advise that she had seen an adult sized animal for one up at Spitting Cave. 
It too went around the point, headed east. Her photos show a red tag, but an ID is impossible.

Team Billand called at 0700 to report Ewa Girl (RS00) at Wind Sock.

Teri ranged the upper east side today on an R5AY trek, but alas did not find her. She did however report finding RL54 on the Kahuku side of Kahuku Point.

Dana called at 1234 to advise that Debbie was with RL42, once again at Yokes, on the west side.
The Billands checked in at 1429 with the report of RI34 and Pohaku (RO28) together at Secret Beach, KoOlina.

At 1634 they reported Kermit (R012), fronting 1707, White Plains.

Sean sent photos from the KP trek yesterday, showing Kerby (RW08) with his new N8 bleach, and Ka'ena (RO40) showing off his new N9.

R5AY's travels
 Kekoa
 UU
 Kerby N8
 Ka'ena N9
 RL54
 Kermit
 Ewa Girl 
 THESE people are WAY too close. Amazing to me that parents allow their children to be that close to a 500 pound wild animal.
 RI37
 RI37 and Pohaku 
 Pohaku


1 comment:

barbara said...

Sorry we missed another siting of L42, I really wanted to see that sweet little seal again. BUT..we had four other seals to care for.

Kermit was at Plains, Ewa Girl at Windsock and later we got a call of two seals at KoOlina.

When we got there, Secrets, I was shocked to see, well, I shouldnt be shocked by now I guess...These people up close and personal with I37!!! And we werent aware I37 had come up at 9 am...Pohaku came up at 2pm.

ANy ways, we done the SEAL 101, got folks back a safer distance, put out our equipment. It really bothers me HUMANS, just dont get the message of STAY AWAY FROM A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MAMMAL. I can understand the excitement, but does one have to get in their face for a shot???? I37 was clearly bothered, looking every few moments, wondering if she should stay or RUN. She must have been pretty tired...she stayed. Some times I feel, nothing we do is working...it is quite frustrating.

We had to check on the other two seals, so we left Pohaku and I37.

Kermit was ok, a surfer put out the signs in the am, and the cabin folks were kind enough to help as well. Thanks to Amanda and her sweet MOM.

Ewa Girl was still at her site Windsock. There was no one around at 5pm, so we thought, lets take all the ropes and signs down. Just as we bid Ewa Girl farewell, here come the FISHERMEN. They had a KAYAK, dont know what they were going to do, but we stayed a bit longer to educate the guys. Explained Ewa Girl would soon leave, she is facing the water and at waters edge. blah blah blah. Then we said our prayers, left our lovely EG.

Off we went, back to KoOlina, 5:40pm. There was Pohaku R028, still on shore. I37 had left in between our departure. Jim Brown now at site, just arrived to help out. Thanks Jim, you are appreciated.

Sun was setting, which was beautiful again with the VOG. We decided to take most of the signs, ropes, just leave a few up. Jim would keep an eye out for Pohaku. People still coming out to see the sun set. But it was much quieter than earlier...we left.

So, our last seal..L42 was taken care of per Debbie...sorry we never made it out there to YOKS. WE tried...but sun goes down so early now, we wouldnt be able to see her. Thanks Debbie for being there for the kid..L42.

Day is done...B