MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 06/20/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

06/20/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you Team Billand, Lesley, Melody, and my Rabbit Island observations. Lesley's complete Ka'ena update is in part 2 of the dailies.

Team Billand checked out the Outfall (all you can eat buffet) and there is Ka'ale RH32 with a fish, and the fishermen reeling in their lines. After one hour at the outfall he disappeared, but they never saw him leave.

They went to a near by haul out spot, but he wasn't there, they waited but nothing. They see a seal fighting off shore with something. It was Ka'ale with and an eel, looking like a dog tossing a bone. Then it was gone, he swallowed it all up. After feasting he went to his rocks to settle in.

Team Billand did the Ka'ena West trek and once again they cam up empty. But on their way back they passing one of the west side beaches they spot two seals. There again (day 3) was Benny RE724 and Leia RL42. Benny is smitten, he has her all to himself, no other males to fight off, and she hasn't run him off yet. Team Billand didn't stay long to not bring attention to their resting peacefully.

I went out to Makai Pier today to check out Rabbit Island. Upon arrival I spotted three seals to the right of the 3rd Blue Sign. Two seals were closer together, a smaller, thin greenish, white belly, juvenile, and a larger adult seal. About 15-20 feet to the right of them was a young chubby critter on the rocks, initially looked black because it was still wet.

After 30 minutes I noticed the NOAA zodiac heading towards the island. One guy got out onto the island and did apply bleach to the unknown juvenile. The rest of the team in the zodiac was busy working with a drone. I am hoping to get confirmation on who the

critters actually are. I did spot a bleach number on the adult and determined it had tags and a male belly.

While watching NOAA Team do their work I panned the island and spotted to the far left by the flat rocky and just where the sand began Sadie RB12 and PO6 had just hauled out. I observed two nursing sessions and a couple of roll overs. PO6 is getting bigger and Sadie is getting smaller but still looking healthy.

Melody went out for her weekly visit to the playpen, she got their early to avoid the midday heat. Melody spent several hours watching over the cousins and caught up with Lesley while on site. Lesley generously shared her knowledge and patience answering Melody's questions. The cousins were very active both in and out of the water (Melody sent some video too).
Melody also checked in on a leeward beach and found Ka'ale. He is looking like a little green monster these days. Hopefully once he molts he'll be back to his cute shiny silver gray butthead self.

Ka'ale RH32