MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 5/5/2018 Monk Seal Dailies:

Sunday, May 6, 2018

5/5/2018 Monk Seal Dailies:

Today's dailies are brought to you by Lesley, Marilyn, Team Billand and Melody.

Marilyn and Lesley did their usual trek out to Ka'ena Point today, they were joined by Matt (NARS) and Megan who works at the Campbell Bird Refuge. Upon arriving nor far from the parking lot they came across a brown booby on the rocks near the shore. Matt said it was the 3rd day the bird was there, so after observing the critter through binoculars they realized it had an injured wing. They were able to capture the bird and get it into a kennel, and then Matt & Megan took it to a vet.

At the point they only had one seal RO40 Ka'ena on the runway. They first found him about 9:15 and was still there in the same position when they saw him again about 45 minutes later. He was not showing most of his usual markers, he was ID'd by male belly, hook scar under his chin and some small scars on his ventral side.

An update from Lesley on the brown booby, she didn't have any broken bones, was under weight and had an infected wound that was being treated. She will make it. YA done good team!!!

On Marilyn's way home she decided to check in on the youngsters. She stopped off to see Kaiwi RK96 and PO3. Upon arrival they were in the water enjoying a tide pool. Marilyn stayed for a bit and Mom & pup mived up the beach for a nursing session. Once they were finished with mealtime they moved up into the into the morning glory and went to sleep.

Marilyn went to the pier this afternoon and viewed Rabbit Island between 2-3 pm. RL12 Aukai and her pup PO1 were on shore down from the 1BS when she first arrived. PO1 nursed for about 30 minutes and then RL12 Aukai decided to enter the water, but pup decided to stay on shore. A few minutes later Mom hauled out and PO1 galumphed over to her. PO1's belly is changing from the former black pelage to a more silvery color and getting larger.

I also received a message from photographer Melody, she and her husband were out to visit Kaiwi and PO3. Melody noted pup was getting its exercise water and rock climbing training.

Team Billand started out checking in at the outfall where they spotted Ka'ale RH32 foraging. He moved out to the beach. They spotted RN14 Kalani along the shore line vocalizing. Ka'ale made it over to Kalani and a fight started. Kalani was going at Ka'ales mouth. That is when Team Billand noticed a line and Ka'ale begins to toss his head in the air from left to right. They can't see a "hook" but his behavior shows he's got something. Watching closely they see a line about 6 feet trailing.
RN14 Kalani moves on after the commotion and Ka'ale turns heads

the other way. Team Billand follow on foot and he ends up at the outfall but doesn't enter the area. Barbara sees Ka'ale tossing his head up wildly and vocalizing, his tongue pushing out of his mouth and they can see the line. They notify NOAA right away and called the hotline
In the meantime Ka'ale leave heads out towards KoOlina. They check the area and back again, unfortunately they lost sight of him.

Team Billand's next check to a Leeward Beach they found Kalani RN14 with Kekoa RK72 just hauled up high rock left. Both critter's bleach numbers where visible.

Team Billand had help from today, Barb calling out what do you see? Olivia looking through her binoculars 41N Grams.... oh you mean N14.... Yes Grams. Who is the other seal?.... It's N2.... good job Olivia... That's Kekoa Alii RK72. Such a wonderful experience for this little one, amazing learning from loving grandparents.

Unfortunately Team Billand cut their day short due to a flat tire! Geesh talk about a crappy day.
Although a big shout out goes out to two lifeguards who came to help Robert change out the tire. Kudos to Nolan Keaulana and Kono Akiona for proving to us there are good people with big hearts out there.

Brown Booby -she's going to be okay.