MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 4/27/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Friday, April 27, 2018

4/27/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn and and update from NOAA's Rabbit Island Excursion.

Team Billand started their morning at KoOlina at 6 am. Upon arriving there was Pohaku more towards the footpath side, she was sleeping in peace and quiet. They spent time educating 22 guest, all were good, except one bad apple. There is ALWAYS one that has to go in for the closer picture, just as they were leaving at 8:30. Volunteer Kathleen arrived at 8:22 am.

Their next stop was at a Leeward Beach where they found "Bosom Buddies" Kalani RN14 & RH32 Ka'ale hanging out together resting on the rocks. Team Billand hadn't seen Ka'ale for a couple of days so it's good to see him with his buddy. Both look good, no new marks, hooks and in good healthy. Ka'ale is getting quite green. Let's see how green before he gets a new coat.

Team Billand came across PvKauai RW02 twice today. Their first encounter was in Nanakuli, he was on shore. Volunteer Melina on site with signs. On their afternoon check he was seen at a Leeward beach on lower rocks. He looks like he's been eating well, big and healthy.
Also at the Leeward Beach they spotted a seal on left high rocks, they were trying to see any markers. Finally spotted his N2 bleach and knew it was Kekoa Alii Rk72. On their last check he was in the water foraging off shore.

Seems like all the boys were hanging out at the Leeward Beach, Team Billand also found Benny RE74 on rocks to the right snoozing. He later moved to the water and stayed.
On their last check he was still there in the small pond being covered by the incoming waves. He didn't seem to mind he stayed and "jiggled about like jello" <---(Barb's description)

The big news of the day comes from NOAA & Marilyn. NOAA's team of Jamie (jetski captain) Thea and Tracy with beach support from David headed to Rabbit Island this morning. Marilyn was at Makai Pier keeping and eye out, hoping Mystery Mom and PO1 would be there. When the team first landed, there wasn't a critter in sight. About 9:50 am Marilyn could tell Thea had located something in the nearshore area. Approximately 10:05, PO1 started hauling out on Left Point Beach, a short time later Mom hauled out.
Tracy confirmed out Mystery Mom is RL12 Aukai first time Mom. (Aukai was born in June of 2012) Tracy also confirmed PO1 is a female and Thea noted the pup's belly fur was starting to turn to "reddish" which would make the pup about 3+ weeks old. Marilyn first spotted the PO1 on April 7th, so she might have already been a few days old.
The Team was hoping to have some other critters haul out as they were ready for bleaching. Hopefully once PO1 weans they'll be able to get out there again.

Pohaku RO28