7/11/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

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

Team Billand was running a little late this morning but made it to the outfall in time to find Ka'ale foraging.  He wasn't his usual relaxed over indulgent self, when they noticed RN14 popped out of the water and a fight broke out. The fishermen continued to fish. 

It appears RN14 Kalani was bulling RH32 Ka'ale and they went from the outfall to a corner and midway of the beach. Finally both animals left the outfall, made it far into the open ocean heading west.  

Team Billand sid spot them at a nearby beach but they were still fighting and both left. Team Billand continued looking for them all day, and at one point did see a couple of seals at a westside beach but before they could get close enough for a picture or ID they were gone.


Team Billand also checked on the new kid 8HD/8HL in the same area as he has been for the last three days. He was sleeping on the grass.  From information Team Billand gathered this fella is older and may have recently molted. He doesn't have any green algae, and all his markers are clearly visible.

People were gathered and were making sea lion sounds, trying to get his attention. They spent time educating a lot of the folks, called the hotline. They left a message with ID and location. 


A volunteer did arrive but did not stay very long, so team Billand decided to stay longer.  He remained on the grass and was covered in ants, he finally moved to the water and the ants were gone. They watched and saw a lot of fish swimming within inches of his face, but he just slept. After 3 hours of watching over him they left for the day. 

RH32 Ka'ale

 Ka'ale and RN14 Kalani

 Kalani RN14 

da boys still arguing

8HD/8HL

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

7/9/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Lesley. Lesley's complete update is in the dailies part two.

Team Billand arrived early at the outfall and spotted a seal foraging with one catch an Akule Yes it was RH32 Ka'ale indulging in his all you can eat buffet, he is looking good, certainly is healthy. They left after they didn't see him for a bit. They did find him hauled out on the rocks at a nearby beach. He's fat green with no lines, no hooks.

Team Billand went to check a few other beaches and on stop to a Leeward beach they found L42 Leia, and RR70 Rip.  They were thrilled to find Leia RL42 resting and she put on some weight after weaning PO5 Napua RK40. They were laying side by side peacefully.  On their last check both seals were in the water cooling off and after a short time hauled up on the rocks again staying close to each other.

On their trek to Ka'ena West they found Kalani RN14 at the 30 minute mark. As they were making their ID two men went down to see the seal half in the water and half on the rocks. One of the guys clapped his hands to get the seal to look up.  Barbara motioned for them to move but the guy said the seal was stuck. Barbara continued to wave them on, but they got even closer. She then informed them about monk seals plight and why what they did was wrong. They kept insisting the seal was stuck and wanted to help.  Finally they left and the "stuck" Kalani got some well deserved rest.

Their next stop on a west side beach where they found the BIRTHDAY GIRL Lei Ola RH48 turns 2 YEARS OLD!   Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!  She was sleeping alone on the rocks on her side. Her hook was visible and snug (wouldn't it be nice if that thing could come out).  The waves began crashing over and moving her around, but she just remained, once in a while lifting her head. She didn't care, she's a tough tita!

Last but not least is the surprise of the day!  Team Billand already returned home when they checked their phone messages, there was a seal at KoOlina Boat Ramp. When they arrived they saw a volunteer was on site. The seal had a tag 8HL and there was nothing they recognized about the critter or the number.  Barbara got on the coconut wire and began tapping her resources which led her to Tracy. Apparently this critter was tagged on Molokai on Friday with 8HL and 8HD tags. His origin is unknown at this time. He doesn't appear to be very big, but does have a lot of scrapes and marks on him.  Maybe there will be more info to come in on this critter.

Ka'ale RH32 

 RIP RR70 N1 and RL42 Leia

 Rip got a crab on his back

 RN14 Kalani

 Dude he is not stuck

 Lei Ola RH48  - Happy 2nd Birthday

New Kid in Town male 8HL/8HD