8/17/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1) RH32, RN14, RL42, RE74, RK88

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn and new contributor Susanne. Lesley will send her report tomorrow, as she has a very earlier wake up to bring Kimo L, for a Hikianalia crew call. Smooth sailing and safe travel Mr. Lyman.  Please refer to PART 2 of the dailies to see Marilyn's complete Rabbit Island Report. She had a very busy day.

Team Billand went out the outfall first thing this morning. Upon arrival there were two seals RH32 Kaale and bosom buddy RN14 Kalani foraging. The lighting wasn't great so their photos were limited.
There were an exceptional number of fishermen this morning, but to the best of Team Billand's knowledge Ka'ale did not steal any fish while they were there.  Also a couple of NOAA folks were there with a volunteer, checking up on the seals, and spending time talking with the fishermen.
Close to 7 am Team Billand noticed RN14 was gone from the outfall, but Ka'ale remained. Team Billand decided to head out and look for Kalani.

Team Billand did find RN14 Kalani at a nearby beach alone resting in a water hole. Since he was alone, undisturbed they decided to make their check ins at other locations.  When Team Billand returned to recheck on Kalani they found his buddy Ka'ale at the site. Both were in the water playing having their fun, but then RH32 left the site heading towards KoOlina. Team Billand followed them heading towards KoOlina, waiting for them to haul out. They gave up after 40 minutes and probably good they didn't haul out since there were lots of people on the beach. 
THEN... Team Billand went back to where they started and there were the bosom buddies in the water hole playing. (I bet they planned the whole wild goose chase :-).

Team Billand checked out the Plains and found Benny RE74 sound asleep on the shore between the rocks. Signs were already up, thanks to the posse folks that help out. Tide was rough hitting him, but he didn't mind just stayed in place. They called the hotline and a volunteer arrived around noontime. Team Billand left the site to check in on the other locations.

Last find of the day was in the afternoon doing the Ka'ena West trek. RL42 Leia was at the 30 min mark. She was in a little water hole (probably keeping cool) nice and snug. She's about 50% into her molt. She is going to be looking nice and pretty very soon.  They left site, since people were coming by so they didn't want to draw attention to her.

IN YESTERDAYS NEWS department (actually August 10th) Susanne H and her husband spotted RK88/89 little Puna looking pretty irresistible.  Thank you Susanne for sharing.

Benny

 RH32 Kaale

 RN14 Kalani 

 Bosom Buddies Kaale & Kalani

 RL42 Leia