March 4, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Todays dailies are brought to you by Team Billand.

Team Billand found the usual cast of characters starting to assemble at 8 AM. Ka'ale RH32 and Kekoa Alii RK72 were already on site both in snooze mode.  Soon to arrive was Kalani RN14 who hauled out with the boys. Ka'ale woke and there was much affection between them which then turned into a fight (after all their bosom buddies). Both critters took off and while watching Team Billand could see more critters in the water near them.

Kawena arrives and Kalani RN14 chases her up onto the rocks. RN14 woos her, and she responds by tossing her hind flippers for a slap, but he still goes to her. In the end, they are together on the rocks and settle down into a snooze.

Meanwhile another critter arrives and Team Billand can see its Lei Ola RH48. Today her little scar on the corner of her mouth was visible as well as her tags. She was on her own and no one bothered her.

Team Billand did the Ka'ena West Trek and at the 30 spotted two animals. One was RW02 PvKauai to the left side partially in the water. He vocalized, and then Team Billand spotted R330 Squinty to the right. Squinty approached RW02 and is greeted with a bark, so Squinty moved away to the right. 
There were the only two critters seen at Ka'ena West.

Late afternoon Team Billand headed back to check on the westside

critters. Volunteer Melina was there and they were all working on IDing the critters. Most of the seals from the morning were still there Kekoa, Kawena, Kalani and Lei Ola. Ka'ale was missing.  As they were figuring out who was who there was another critter and they stood there wondering when did he come up? Turns out it's R3CU, his cookie scar on his upper chest, tags, and small bleach mark on his lower butt were all visible. He was with Kawena RH32 and RN14 was on their left side.  All five critters remained on the rocks.

Ka'ale and Kekoa 

 Kawena 

 Bosom Buddies Kaale and Kalani

Kalani RN14 and Kawena RH32

 Lei Ola

 Squinty R330 

 RW02 PvKauai

R3CU