04/19/2022 Let the Fun Begin 2022 Pupping Season

The following is a flurry of information on the beginning of the 2022 pupping season.  There has been some loss ( a lot) and some wonderful moments witnessed by Lesley and Team T&D.  

We the old posse even had an impromptu gathering and that was another special moment. 

I'm going to post the link to NOAA's official announcement of PO1, PO2 and PO3 as well as the good news of PO4 and PO5.  

We have photos from Team T&D of the birth, and a few words from Lesley.

We also have photos from Team R&B of PO4 and PO5.  ENJOY !!!!!

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/endangered-species-conservation/hawaiian-monk-seal-updates?fbclid=IwAR11BPDbDaWng21SSkQBZoex9wT0xwo0DTYyR81Xw7Wy6tE5rDjSdLHizds#update-on-the-2022-pupping-season

Now that it's official I'd like to introduce you to RN58 Luana's pup PO5 that we have nicknamed "Mauna"

Two volunteers and I had the pleasure to witness the birth. Mauna was less then 20 minutes old when it decided to climb a rock. Mom vocalized, we held our breaths and some long minutes later it was over the "mountain". First nickname suggested was Mounty that we translated to Mauna.

It was some interesting couple of weeks out here with many seals, but that will come soon in another report

Be safe 

Luana RN58 gives birth (photo credit Team T&D)

RH92 Nalani and PO4 (photo credit Team R&B 4/14)

RN58 Luana & PO5 (photo credit Team R&B 4/18)

01/28/2020 Tuesday - A Message from the Posse

I received an email from Posse Pal Anissa K this morning and she gave me permission to post this for her.  She makes some very valid point which I was attempting to do in my rant from yesterday.  THANK YOU Anissa for speaking up and thank you for having my back.

“With regard to the “speculation” about Pohaku’s status, secrecy is divisive and it does nothing to further the conservation of our HMS.  I, myself, do not Facebook so I have not seen the discourse.  However, I had heard from two different folks on two different continents and half a world apart who advised they had learned Pohaku had passed and they really wanted some confirmation.  I advised them I not seen any “official” word from any source.  This goes to show how rumors are started and it also shows how it would be so easy for there to be some “official” information passed simply stating that Pohaku has been captured and brought in for observation and testing…maybe even a short additional update letting folks know a prognosis.  She is either responding to treatment or she isn’t.  It is no big secret that our HMS get sick, injured or worse.  We as a community of HMS conservationists and lovers care for these beautiful creatures and it hurts our hearts to lose one, but we keep on keeping on for the species.  It is saddening that there is so much division especially when we are told to do our volunteer work with the upmost “Aloha” and we cannot do that in our own community.  Those who are out every day collecting data, responding to haul outs (“official” or “unofficial”), reporting distress, and/or conducting outreach bring a unique piece to a big puzzle.  Like the saying goes “it takes a village” and everyone of us are part of the community. Peace and blessings to all - and prayers for our beautiful Pohaku!”    Anissa

12/31/2018 Happy Birthday DB & Happy New Year to the Monk Seal Ohana

Our mentor, sensei, seal whisperer would have been 76 today.  A couple of us were in contact today remembering him and all the things we miss.  Spending the day at the pier was a nice way to feel closer to him today.... wish I drank, I would have brought a beer for a toast HAPPY BIRTHDAY and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I know Team Billand experienced a beautiful rainbow today and I believe it was DB saying " DB here" !   

Always will be DB's view

 Looking back the road from the end of the pier

 DB HERE!

10/4/2017 Monk Seal Dailies: Kekoa Alii RK72, RL42, and Right Spot R016

Today's Dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Posse Pal Gayle.  Speaking of Posse Pals, today I got to have lunch with a wonderful group of people who spent endless hours on the east side, particularly Sandys. They were there when Kaiwi was born and knew our beloved Seal Whisperer all too well.  Alice and Glenn are visiting from the mainland, so Marilyn, June, Gayle, Michele and I met them for lunch and talked story.  Just as a side note they weathered Irma both as a hurricane and as a monk seal.  

Team Billand covered a lot of beaches starting early morning and throughout the day they only found two seals. The first find was Kekoa Alii RK72 at Maili, he was way inland on the lower rocks in the morning alone. On a recheck at noon he was still there moved to waters edge to cool off.

Their next find at Makua Cliffs was RL42, they had passed earlier and there were no seals. Returned from their 40 minute walk check again and there she was.  While observing a couple of tourist pulled over, so Team Billand departed to not draw any attention.

Posse Pal Gayle found Right Spot at Sandys. Gayle made it to lunch and returned to Sandys, Right Spot was still there, Gayle departed at 18:45 leaving Right Spot in the light of the silvery moon.  As  a side note Alice and Glenn joined Gayle in the afternoon, and Alice went right back into outreach mode.  

Kekoa Alii RK72

 RL42

 Right Spot 

Old School Posse

4/18/2016 DB's Dailies: Kainoa@Cass@Rabbit Island, Rocky@Ewa Beach, Kekoa&Kolohe@Maili Point, RK36@Turtle Bay

At 0654 I found what would prove to be Kainoa (RN04) in the Morning Glory, 60 ft right of 3BS, and a bit down the way, Cass (RG06) snoozin’ in the tall grass, 100 ft right of 3BS. Both would move down independently, and spent the rest of the day of the only non-winged Rabbit Island residents. 

The Makai Pier day was brightened significantly by the arrival of UH Journalism student Annabelle Lejeune who came to pick what is left of my remaining brain cells, about Monk Seals for a story she is doing. She has been duly sworn in as a posse member and should prove a valuable asset out on the beaches.

 A Dana text at 0759 brought word, and photos of an animal at Access #186D, in Ewa Beach. It appeared to be Rocky (RH58). This was confirmed by the Billands at 0843. A neighbor said that she has been there a couple of days.

 The Billands reported Kekoa (RK72) at Maili Point, as well as another animal foraging off shore. That animal hauled out at 1125 and proved to be Kolohe (RW22).

 Team Billand found Benny (RE74) at Keaau’s at 1233.

 Dr. Tom provided shots of RK36 (4DJ) at the Elbow, Turtle Bay. I thought that was RK36 in Tom’s shots from yesterday, but couldn’t be certain. Today’s ID was by tag and by his signature right side scar, behind the RFF.

 Kainoa and Cass

 Kainoa

 Welcome aboard Annabelle

 RK36 at Turtle Bay

Rocky at Ewa Beach

Benny

 Kekoa

 Kolohe and Kekoa

Kolohe