7/10/2018 Monk Seal Dailies (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought you by Team Billand, Lesley and a brief Rabbit Island Update from me. Lesley's update is part two of the dailies.

I met with Marilyn at Makai Pier this morning to grab the scope. NOAA was suppose to tag PO6 this morning on Rabbit Island, but as I waited it became apparent they weren't coming. After a couple of text back and forth Brenda sent word they were diverted to check on RK24 who had been hooked, and they were bringing him into the facility. By noontime I got word he had not ingested the hook, got his booster shot and was on his way back to the beach. ( Little weaner kid took a field trip)  In the meantime, I sat at the pier and watched Rabbit Island.  
Before Marilyn left for work, we observed one critter high up in the morning glory. By the time I set up the scope on the lanai, it appears that critter moved down to the shore line by the 1BS. It's coat was still dry and showing a belly that appears to be 30% molted. Given the behavior and timing I will guess this adult is Aukai RL12 going through her molt.

About 9:30ish I spotted a second critter to the far left of the Island on the rocky flat area. It was small and fat like a weaner not showing any tags. Visibility was a little tough giving the morning sun, and the waves crashing right by the weaner. 

In the end it's probably good NOAA was diverted since I lost sight of both them by 10:45. I can't say for sure the weaner had gone into the water or was in a good hiding spot.

Team Billand found the new kid 8HD/8HL again this morning and spent about 4 hours hanging out with him. They even saw a very brave cat approaching and chased it away. They called the hotline to report the seal and location.


Team Billand checked in on RH32 Kaale who was just outside the outfall foraging. The Ulua fishing dudes were around so Kaale came into the outfall going about as usual. He caught an akule off the fishermens line took it, AND the fisherman was able to get the line and hook back.  He didn't stay long today and shortly after the found him hauled out at a nearby location. He is getting pretty green and chubby.

Next stop to a west side beach they found RH48 Lei Ola and RN14 Kalani together. Kalani had been foraging for almost an hour when he and another seal were speeding towards land. Turns out Lei Ola was being chased by Kalani, they both came flying over the rocks with the waves, Lei Ola desperately trying to get away from him. He was holding her down on the rocks, raising his flipper, and she wasn't having it by crapping by his face. Rn14 Kalani took off and they never saw his again. She later moved up was alone and resting peacefully.

Last find of the day for Team Billand was on their Ka'ena West Trek and they found da Benny RE74. He was at the 30 min mark resting alone peacefully. No people, no other seals, no one to bother him.

 Molting adult 

 weaner 

8HD/8HL

 oh kitty run away

Ka'ale

Lei Ola and RN14 Kalani

 Look out

 that will teach you to bother her

Benny