Friday, August 31, 2018

8/3182018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part1) Rabbit Island Critters (RH36, RiKT, RG32, RK38) RK88, RH32, RE74, RL42

Today's dailies are brought to you by Lesley, Team Billand, Posse Pal Vicki and my Rabbit Island observations. Lesley's Ka'ena Update is part two of the dailies.

I got word yesterday from Marilyn that a NOAA Team was heading over to Rabbit Island this morning to "tag PO6".  I borrowed the scope and was at the pier this morning to make sure there were critters actually there. 
Good news there were four critters on Rabbit Island, (one that might be a weaner).  Team NOAA headed out on their jetski, and checked the critters. I received notification that R1KT/T37,  RK38 Hali'a (Aukai's little girl), RG32, and Kawena RH36.  Getting word/confirmation Kawena was there, was fantastic news. She hasn't been seen around in a while.  R1KT was bleached with N3, and Kawena was given N6. My photos are so-so but it was nice to see some critters out there. 

As I side note while I was waiting for NOAA to arrive, I witnessed two of the seals on shore, the larger seal (RG32) kept nudging a smaller female with a new coat (Kawena). He actually galumphed over her then into the water. She followed and they spent about 20 minutes at "play" . I couldn't photograph but to watch through the scope, the splashing and tails in the air was a delight. I was concerned they would disappear, but they did haul out in enough time for NOAA to arrive. 

Posse Pal Vicki had one of those days where she needed some "me" time. So she headed out and ended up at birth beach. It's been a while since she's been out looking for critters, but today she was rewarded by finding RK88 Puna. What a wonderful way to spend some "me" time.

Team Billand was at the outfall early morning and spotted some netters out there today. Cianna & Laura from NOAA were onsite and had also noticed them as well as a couple of the fishermen. 
Ka'ale RH32 first arrived at the outfall about 30 minutes after they arrived. Next seal to come in was RE74 Benny! 
He met up with Ka'ale in the outfall and the two had a little battle. Seems's the boys were creating quite a disturbance, and not interested in eating. They both left the area, heading towards Nanakuli way. Team Billand headed out to check other sites.

On their way to Ka'ena West they made a stop at one of west side beaches where they found Miss RL43 Leia on the rocks and sleeping alone. She is looking much better today, she must of found a good spot to chow down. LOL Barbara said maybe she went to
Ka'ale's Kitchen LOL.  

Team Billand found no critters on their Ka'ena West trek. But they did make a stop at a nearby beach early afternoon. They found Benny RE74 resting and alone.  He was very well hiddenm but they did get a read of his tags. The only hope was that Ka'ale would be in the area, but no such luck, it was only da Benny.


Tracy applying bleach to 1KT N3
 Kawena RH36 grey coat - RG32 (to the right) 
 small dark bump in center is RK28 Hali'a 
 Puna RK88
Ka'ale & Benny
 Benny looking really green
da Benny hauled out
RL42 Leia

No comments: