February 28, 2019 (part 2) News from Kauai

Oh Blog Lady,

As you and your readers are mostly likely aware, Kauai was the birth place of our first HMS born in the Main Hawaiian Islands (at least that we know of)  RBoo is a very elusive seal and a great traveler.  In fact, I think I was the only one that observed her here on Kauai last year. She seems to just stop by on her way to wherever it is she's headed.

When I learned she was here the first of February looking large, I figured she was just passing through on her way to Lanai.  My surprise would be to find her Feb 3rd in the same area the volunteer had observed her the previous day. The other volunteer and I watched her the entire afternoon.  We watched for belly movement and other signs that would indicate birth was imminent.  As we walked away, I told the volunteer that I bet a pup would be on the beach the next morning.  Working the next day I waited for the call or text, when none came I texted the volunteer late in the day for an update. All he said, was RBoo spent a good portion of the day in the water logging, she had just hauled and there was LOTS of belly movement.  Just minutes later I received a text saying we have a PUP!!. So RBoo pupped at 4:35p.m. on February 4.

I've attached some photos.  I called "boy seal" on day 3!! We volunteers love to try and figure out the gender and of course try to get the money shot to prove it.  I usually bet 2 shiny quarters on my "educated" guess (since I don't have any cats:) A week or so later the experts agreed with my findings!!  PK1 2019 is MALE!!

Anyhow, this little guy is full of spunk, having survived the large waves the first week of his life, he tends to head to the water any chance he gets. Momma always knows where he is and lets out a bark when he's ventured to far. He's growing like a weed, spending lots of time in the tide pools.  So here's some shots of PK1 2019 the early days!!! 

Extra info.....RBoo is Rocky's (2007) pup, RBoo would be RJ58 Kaimana's (2017) big, 1/2 sister, PK12019 is Rocky's grandson!!!  Is that not AWESOME!!   

can you see me?

 All boy!

 Look at this face~!

 something smells good