February 2, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies:

Todays dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn and Team T&D. 

All good things must come to an end (until the next good thing). Team T&D's last day on Big Island they were on the way to the airport and made a little detour. They decided to check one last time and it was worth it, as they found little RK24  (oops) RK26 hauled out on the beach.  Nice way to leave.  Tammy also included a great informational sign that is on one of the beaches where the seals usually haul out.   Thank you Team T&D for sharing your Big Island get-away with us. 

Marilyn headed out to Ka'ena Point this morning but it was very muddy and still raining.  She and her friend Philomene decided to drive down the windward side, stopped and hiked from Turtle Bay to Kahuku Point.  You would think after all that effort there would be at least one critter, but no not one.
On their way back on the road they made one more stop and this was the big pay off!  There was RB12 Sadie!  I know Marilyn was THRILLED, this being her first time seeing her without looking through a scope from an 1/8 of a mile away.  Sadie was born 2007 on Rabbit Island so she is almost 12 years old.  Today Sadie was ID'd by her female belly and her RB13 tag.  Taking a good look at her Marilyn did not see any real identifying marks. She looks healthy, and who knows if she is going to pup this year.... I just hope if she does she goes back to Rabbit Island.  I am very happy that Mrs. Whisperer got to meet Miss Sadie today! 

Team Billand started their day out at Plains after receiving a call about a seal haul out. When they arrived the seal was in the middle of a nice zone set up by the Lifeguards. They were able to ID Pohaku RO28.  She is looking good, she doesn't have any new marks, other than her older cookie scars and scratches on her face.  Team Billand left the site when the rains came.

Next stop they spotted a seal sleeping up against the wall at the Ewa Beach access.  There was RH92 sleeping in peace. There were lots of footprints around, but while Team Billand was there no one was around. She was ID'd by her H92 tag, scars on right side of face and scar on right fore flipper.

Team Billand headed to the westside and stopping at one of the usual hot spots, they initially spotted two males at the site. Kekoa RK72 snoozing up on high rocks to the left. Then there was RN14 Kalani who was also snoozing, and looking silly with wet and dry marks on his fur. They did see his natural bleach, three scratches on the left side of his head.  

While they were there he barely moved.
While observing the two males, another seal came in landed mid rock. It was RW02 PvKauai, who moved up the rocks made a turn and then slithered down into the rocks to hide. They did see his tag, thank goodness because he did a great job hiding.
After RW02 the next critter to arrive hauled up on high rocks, but there was a man yelling at the seals from the rocks.  Team Billand was able to ID Ka'ale RH32, who then moved from high rocks and came to lower rocks. He was very alert and aware of the man yelling, not looking very happy.

RK26

 Sadie!  

Pohaku R028

 RH92

Kekoa RK72

RN14 Kalani

RW02 PvKauai

 Ka'ale RH32