MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 12/16/2018 Monk Seal Dailies (part 1)

Sunday, December 16, 2018

12/16/2018 Monk Seal Dailies (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn, and Melody. Lesley did send word that there were no seals by the Lyman home today.

Marilyn went to check Kokee Flats this morning to see if yesterday's visitors were around. And they were there again Kaiwi RK96 and Kolohe RW22. A volunteer showed up at the site as Marilyn was heading out. A nearby resident mentioned a "baby" seal had left earlier. Marilyn checked a few more possible spots but did not find any other seals. ( I am sure "baby" just means a much smaller seal)

Marilyn headed over to Makai Pier to check out Rabbit Island which is getting browner these days. There were four seal on island today.
Seal #1 U/W was not on the beach initially, she became aware about 10 minutes after she arrived. The critter hauled out in front of the 1BS. Although Marilyn could not be sure the seal looks to be one of the weaners from this year. Older coat, 2 tags, but did not get a good look at the belly. So it could be RK38 Hali'a since Marilyn did not see a NB that RK37 has on his left side.

Seals #2 and #3 were on the rocks flats on the Makapuu side of SRI during her entire visit.
Seal #2 U/U was mostly behind the rocks and Marilyn never got a full view of the seal. It appeared to have a newish coat and adult size.
Seal #3 U/M appeared to be an adult male with 2 tags and new coat. It "could be" Kekoa RK72 but can not confirm.

Seal #4 U/J was about 150 ft. Makapuu side of Seals 2&3. This critter was either a weaner of juvenile with an older coat that is beginning to show some green. In checking her photos shows a lower left side NB so it might be RK37.

At nine this morning Team Billand cam across Pohaku RO28 at the camp grounds. She was on shore and a gentleman sitting in her chair to her left, plus the surf school. Team Billand called the hotline to inform them of the situation.

Team Billand went to their usual stop at a west side beach and initially found three seals. As they moved around and checked they found two more.

Together there were four seals RIP RR70, RN14 Kalani, RH32 Kaale, and RW02 PvKauai.
The last critter they noticed was Kawena RH36. Waves started coming in one after another, dangerous but beautiful watching the 5 seals moving about, trying to get to higher ground.

At one point all the seals got washed off the rocks and all five were struggling through the waves, barking at one another.

Kawena RH36 was so smart as she made her way to higher rocks, inland. She landed on the patch of sand and remained there all day.

RW02 PvKauai relocated to another beach. Team Billand called the hotline to inform them.

Late email from Melody brought Rocky news. Rocky RH58 showed up at sunset. Melody's friend was there when she arrived reporting Rocky swam in barking and rolling in the surf. When Melody arrived she was already settling in for the night and snoozing in the morning glories. Melody set up an SRA, made sure some nearby dogs were leashed and then called her into the hotline. Thank you Melody.

Kaiwi RK96