11/18/2017 Monk Seal Dailies: Rocky, RIP, Ka'ale, Lei Ola, Pohaku, Benny, RL42, Right Spot and One Rabbit Island Critter

Today's dailies are brought to you by Lesley, Gayle, Team Billand, our ole' pal Dana, and photographer Melody.

Melody sent a photo of her favorite seal Miss Rocky who had arrived at Iroquois Point before 6:00 am. Rocky stayed on the beach until 10:21. There is a beautiful picture of her basking in the sun.

Lesley, Marilyn and Diane (hiking pals) did their usual Saturday Ka'ena Point Trek. (see part 2) for photos)

Team Billand was out and about and at 7:02 am found an adult seal doing 5 minute dives at Campbells. Could not get an ID from 300 ft away. 

Next stop Maili where they found RIP RR70 on the lower rocks, alone settling in for the long snooze. He was still there on their last check at 2:15 same spot, dried from the sun. Ka'ale RH32 was also at Maili to the right alone sleeping in between rocks. He was still there on their afternoon check.

On Team Billand's afternoon check was the first time they spotted Lei Ola RH48. She is starting her molt could see around her eyes. Couldn't see much more than that since she was snoozing.  I know Team Billand keep a special eye on this little cutey and we all want her to haul out in a safe spot so the NOAA folks can clip that hook off her lip.

At 10:48 Team Billand came across Pohaku RO28 at white plains. She was already roped off by the lifeguards.  While with Pohaku, Team Billand got a call at 11:13 from Dr. Michelle letting her know they were at White Plains to release Benny!  Talk about timing! There they were Team NOAA brought the truck up to shore on the grass and there was da Benny SNORTING, wanting out.
Cage was set down and door opened and out came Benny from 0 to 60 gone into the water and swam off. He didn't even pause long enough to notice Pohaku. He was free in the blink of an eye. Thank you TEAM NOAA !!!  Team Billand had granddaughter Olivia with them, I'll tell you this youngster is going to grow up to be quite a protector of marine life. 

Our ole' pal Dana also made a trek to Ka'ena Point today where she came across RL42.  Good to have Dana back in the field again, it's been a while.  

Gayle only spotted one critter on Rabbit Island today... hmmm from five to one.  Gayle also found Right Spot at Sandy Beach today and left at 18:00. We'll see what she'll do tomorrow.

 Rocky RH58 

UU at Campbells

RIP

 He's looking much better

 Ka'ale 

 Lei Ola

 Pohaku

 Team NOAA with da Benny set for release 

 Go Benny Go !!!

 Free from hook, no surgery and he started his molt what a day!

 and I am out of here!

RL42

Right Spot