1/23/2018 Monk Seal Dailies:

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Gayle and photographer Melody.

Gayle spotted once again two lovely critters on Rabbit Island. Who they are we do not know, but we do know they are there.

Melody reported a seal at Iroquois Point today and initially she assumed it was Rocky since this is her territory, but upon closer look at her pictures she had her doubts. I was able to forward the photos over to Team Billand and received a positive ROCKY!  There she is in all her glory.

Team Billand had quite a busy day today. At 5:15 am they started at Paradise Cove and found da Benny RE74, close to waters edge sleeping alone. They put up signs. They called the hotline and also texted volunteer Karen. They left Benny at 5:45 am to head out for an early appointment.

After their appointment Team Billand headed to Leeward side and came across Rip RR70 on the rocks alone resting in peace.  They then saw another seal hurrying to haul in with another following him. First seal coming in was identified as RN14 Kalani and the second seal following him Kekoa Alii RK72, both seals fought for a spot during big waves crashing on both and then they settled.

The next critter to join the party hauled up fast and immediately went to sleep. He was ID'd Kolohe RW22. Then Team Billand came across Lei Ola RH48 still with hook. 

Unfortunately today there were some human visitors around taking pictures with their cell phones. Team Billand became concerned of the audience of people they initially made an incorrect ID, but was able to soon recognize their mistake and let NOAA know it was Lei Ola and her pierced lip.


Robert took a detour around the corner and he found RW02 PvKauai, no signs. When Robert got back he let Barbara know, she texted volunteer Karen. Karen let her know she and Melina were there.

If all of this wasn't exciting enough the best is yest to come.... there is one more seal is coming in, young, clean, no real markings, Barbara frantically looking for a tag.

She gets the tag shot H36, hmmm but who is that? She text Tracy, who was stumped for a moment and then they realize this is Kawena who was last seen in December on Rabbit Island. She's about a year and half years old and is Kaiwi's first born. (HOW's THAT? - this would also be one of those moments that DB would be thrilled to know, that she was out there exploring)
Kawena RH36 hauls up with the big boys Kekoa and Kalani and is hidden behind them and the rocks.
TEAM BILLAND - Ya Done Good !

Rabbit Island Critter

Rocky Girl

Benny by dark

 Rip RR70 

 RN14 Kalani 

 Kekoa

Kolohe

 Lei Ola 

RW02 PvKauai

star of the day... who could it be..... Kawena RH36