MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: March 23, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Saturday, March 23, 2019

March 23, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn and posse pals Justin and Christine.

Posse pals Justine and Christine went out to Ka'ena point today and spotted three monk seals in the main pool. RK88 Puna and L42 Leia were both ID'd by their tags. At 2:40 there was another seal that arrived but they were not able to read the tags nor did it expose it's belly for a gender ID. Justin did call it into the hotline and provide NOAA with photos.

Marilyn did the Ka'ena Trek today and after checking birth beach they checked the usual places between Mokuleia lot and Ka'ena Point light station. First find was in front of Camp Erdman where they found and ID'd RIP RR70
When they arrived at the point they saw a seal doing its best hippo imitation in the main pool. They only saw the top of the back and occassionally the head when the seal raised its head to breathe (this went on for almost two hours).

Even after the seal hauled out, getting an ID was a challenge, but after a discussion among the team they decided it was RL42 Leia based on two short parallel scars on the right side of the head and scars at the base of the RFF, that matched those seen on RL42.
About 10:30, Marilyn became aware of another seal coming up on one of the new rubble beaches between the main pool and back beach. It turns out to be RK88 Puna, he was ID'd by his juvenile size, his left neck scar and tags. He appeared to have some sea cucumber goo on his left side upper lip and face. He snoozed for awhile and then laboriously made his way over to the brim of rubble beach, then awkardly up and over some rocks and ultimately up to the naupaka.

Meanwhile Team Billand was on the west side and right off the bat see two seals on the rocks. They were able to ID RW02 PvKauai and RH36 Kawena. RW02 was on the rocks and Kawena was upper mid rocks snoozing. Then a third seal hauls in next to RW02, he was IDd as R3CU.
While sitting watching over these three they see RN14 Kalani with Kaale RH32 off shore fighting. RW02 entered the shallows with RN14 and Kaale and the three play and fight for a while. Lots of splashing and action to watch. Kawena doesn't care much and continues her snooze. While focusing on all the action another critter comes in with a plop. Its Kekoa Alii RK72 joining all the fun. After all the commotion, one by one they land on lower rocks to sleep, all six snug as a bug.

Team Billand headed out and arriving at another westside location they see a seal sleeping alone on shore. Here is Temp 400 resting and was visited by little dogs and a netter who was nearby. Once the dogs were running towards Team Billand the owner called to them and thankfully they were very obedient. Teamp 400 was very sandy looking healthy and resting peacefully.

Next stop Team Billand found Pohaku RO28 in pretty much the same location for the last four days. The beach area was populated and some curious folks getting a little close to check her out. Team Billand called the hotline to inform of the situation.

Then when they went to Plains Team Billand found Buster V08 snoozing in a zone already set up by the life guards. Team Billand called the hotline to inform being a beautiful Saturday the beach was crowded.

RK88 Puna