Sunday, November 18, 2018

11/18/18 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn and Lesley. Lesley's complete Ka'ena update is part two of the dailies.

Marilyn headed over to Spitting Cave this morning and briefly saw a seal swimming from the Maunalua Bay direction towards Hanauma Bay. Marilyn estimates it was a weaner to juvenile size seal and only got a quick glimpse before it disappeared. From here Marilyn headed over to China Walls upon arrival she saw a juvenile to subadult seal snoozing on the rocks. Then about 10 minutes later she noticed another seal coming into the cove. 
Marilyn was able to ID Kaiwi RK96 by her tag, adult size and natural bleach on her forehead and inside her right rear flipper. She cand the other seal had a few interactions, then settled down for a snooze. Marilyn ID'd the other seal as 1KT by the scar on his left should and tag. 

After leaving China Walls Marilyn headed over to Makai Pier to observe Rabbit Island. Thankfully the sunny day provided better viewing conditions.  Marilyn spotted three critters on Rabbit Island, all in a group about 50 feet Makapuu side of the 1BS. All of the seals rolled around moved around and showed their various sides.
RW22 Kolohe - ID's by adult size male belly and natural cue ball bleach behind RFF and 1 tag. Marilyn got a good look at him while he was rolling around and it appears he is fully molted.
RN46 Kea - ID'd by adult size, new coat, male belly, 2 tags and natural bleaches on all of his slippers, front and read.
U/M 0 unknown male adult size, older coat, male belly and 2 tags. This critter appeared to be similar in size to RN46.

Team Billand was out this morning and found a seal swimming off at a Leeward Beach.  It swam off in the westerly direction. They were able to determine this seal was da Benny.

Further down the road they spotted Kekoa Alii RK72 and Barbara noted that it looks like he FINALLY started his molt.

Team Billand's only other find was Kawena RK96 who was on the lower rocks not that far away from Kekoa. Her bleach number, tags were visible. 

Kaiwi & R1KT 
Kea and U/M
Kolohe, Kea & U/M
Benny swim away
 Kawena
 Kekoa 

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