Thursday, November 23, 2017

11/23/2017 Monk Seal Dailies: R016 Right Spot, 2 Rabbit Island Critters, RE74 Benny, RL42, R353, & RK36 Kauai Kolohe

I hope all of you had a wonderful day in however you chose to spend it and found something to be thankful about. Me, I am thankful for all of you who are out there protecting and watching over our beloved monk seals. I am forever thankful that once upon a time many years ago I met a bald headed bearded dude who share his knowledge and wisdom with me and others. 

Today's dailies are brought to you by Gayle and Team Billand. And for those who were out there that I don't know thank you.

Gayle found Right Spot (R016) this morning at Sandy Beach. Gayle was really wanting her to leave early today since there wasn't much coverage for her and Right Spot must have read her mind because sometime between 13:40 and 13:00 she left. Hopefully she was off foraging or in a secluded spot for the rest of the day. Gayle spotted two critters on Rabbit Island today.

Team Billand went from 8 seals yesterday to four critters today. There first find at 6:40am was at Makaha. They found an animal hauling up from afar, drove to the down and there was RL42. Benny RE74 was already on site up in the naupaka bushes sleeping. Hotline was notified. 
There was no interaction between the two of them, although Benny was aware of RL42 he looked and went back to sleep. At 8am a volunteer came out to take watch and brought signs. Team Billand returned after their "turkey feast" and L42 was still there at the waters edge Benny went down to her, looking but not doing anything. I guess his molt is really wearing on him. Barbara reports his neck and down to his chest is molted, but hard to make a call on his belly. They left both of them at the waters edge at 4 pm.

While driving by Yoks Team Billand saw signs and pulled over. Volunteer was on site trying to ID seal. She barely moved but finally lifted her head and they finally made an ID R353. She was resting in a zone that was set up by the Lifeguards.

On their morning check to Maili there were no seals but when they returned at 10:42am there was one seal on the lower rocks. Turns out to be RK36 Kauai Kolohe resting quietly all alone. Barbara noted his scar on the his right side and although his tags were not showing she felt comfortable in IDing him. He's a good size, looking healthy with a new coat. On their afternoon check he remained on the lower rocks.

 Right Spot R016 
 Benny RE74
 RL42 approaching Benny
 Guess she felt comfortable hanging out with da Benny
Later in the day RL42 by the water line 
 Benny moving slowly down 
 I guess they just wanted company today
R353 
 RK36 Kauai Kolohe

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