Saturday, January 9, 2021

01/09/2021 Sunday Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn and Lesley. Lesley's Ka'ena update is part two of the dailies.

Marilyn viewed Rabbit Island from 11:30 to 1:30 today and there were only two critters on island today. 

When she first arrived there was only one seal at SRI. UAF, unknown adult size, medium gray mottled female belly and two tags. She moved up and down several times. She is a healthy size but not sure if she just been eating good or pregnant.

About 12:25 Marilyn became aware a newly hauled out very small seal about 30 feet of the 3BS.

Marilyn is pretty sure this was RM90/N5 who is now considered a juvenile. She as ID'd by her small size, light female belly and two tags. 

In non-monk seal news, but Rabbit Island inhabitants the sooty terns are back. Marilyn heard them as soon as she arrived. Later she saw various sized groups flying to and fro around the island. They usual start nesting around February/March.

Team Billand with junior sealette Olivia arrived at tracks just after 9 am. The beach was crowded and people were very very close to the seal. They ID'd RN14 Kalani, they did what the could to keep people back and called the hotline to inform. People just weren't listening today and with much frustration they left.  Junior sealette gave Grams, some encouragement to keep trying no matter what.  (smart kid).

At another west side site they found RK72 Kekoa Alii. He was on the rocks snoozing resting peacefully.

Next stop was over to the bay. They found Lei Ola RH48 and Nalu R3CX hauled out together on the rocks resting peacefully.  RL20 Kalua was on the rocks resting alone. RN44 was also sleeping on the rocks, but he was where people come to jump. 

Last critter of the day was one they spotted earlier but didn't stop. There were just too many homeless people and their dogs in the area at that time.  When they returned they took a chance and walked the path and glad they did. There was little N4 Kai laying there. He was fine and resting, although Team Billand is not happy he is in this location. They took some photos and left in a hurry, not wanting to bring any attention to him. They texted volunteer Melina who lives close by. She was able to get out there later in the day to check on him.

RM90 N5
UAF
RN14 Kalani
Kekoa RK72
Lei Ola RH48 and R3CX Nalu
RL20 Kalua
RN44
N4 Kai

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