MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 3/17/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Saturday, March 17, 2018

3/17/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Posse Pals Gayle, Vicki, Team Billand, Lesley and Melody. Lesley's complete update is part two of the dailies.

Gayle spotted one lone critter on Rabbit Island today. But the highlight of her day came when she found Miss Kaiwi RK96 on the flats. Oh momma she's looking mighty round.

Our pal Vicki spent some time traveling the eastside, looks like she caught a glimpse of Rabbit Island as well. Vicki also came across IPO RI37 in Hauula and didn't find anyone at turtle bay.

Melody went out to Ka'ena Point today and was able to finally meet Lesley as well as Jamie. Melody spent some time with them learning about the Laysan Albatross, amazing creatures. (We so lucky to live in this beautiful place). Melody sent a couple of pictures of RW02 PvKauai hanging out in the tide pools staying cool, and capturing him having some fun blowing bubbles.

Team Billand got to a Leeward Beach and couldn't get out fast enough as two seals came in so quickly jostling for their resting spot, just like a couple of kids. The two critters Kekoa RK72 and RN14 Kalani settled in next to each other. On a later check, Team Billand thought they had left but they were still there. Kalani RN14 in the lower pond and Kekoa RK72 to the right in his own pond, looking for something to eat with his head in the water. They were both easily ID'd by their visible bleach numbers.

At a Westside Beach Team Billand came across RL42 looking mighty big and beautiful. She was struggling to find a comfortable position, on her side, her tummy, turning over to her other side.

Team Billand did the Ka'ena West side check and found no seals, just tourist after tourist passing by.
After their walk they went back to check on RL42 and to their surprise, she was arguing with another seal.
Turns out Rip RR70 had hauled out next to her, this is a relief since Barbara was worried about him the other day after observing his floating behavior. Looks like he's back on track, holding her with his left fore flipper, and when she tried to move, he held her down.

They were just about to leave when a father and son arrived armed with a GoPro. Team Billand spent a little time filling them in on monk seal 101, and how best not to disturb them.
Then the father asked asked: "How close can we get?" Barbara advised them to stay at least 50 feet away and not to disturb her, she is pregnant and it's best she be left alone. so don't go close. Thankfully they were respectful, and hopefully after Team Billand left the site, father and son remained respectful.

One Rabbit Island Critter