Wednesday, May 22, 2019

May 22, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Tammy of Team T&D.

Tammy went out today to spend sometime with Luana RN58 and PO2 for a couple of hours. When she got there they were both in the water and stayed in the water for over an hour.  AND once they came out of the water they stayed by the waterline with the waves washing over them.  Since it was a hot day perhaps they were just staying cool. While hanging out with them Tammy observed one nursing and a few "snacks" and plenty of resting.

Team Billand had their first find just after 7:30 am on the west side. The critter was alone up on the rocks and his entire body was visible, including cookie scars and tags. They ID'd RG28. He was there on their recheck and was still alone.

Team Billand decided to do the Ka'ena West trek (in this heat, they be crazy). They spotted a seal coming into the area, and they quickly ID'd RO40 Ka'ena with his applied N9, tracker on his back and cookie scar on back as well as natural bleach mark.  Ka'ena was resting on the rocks, peacefully. Team Billand left when they saw folks approaching area.   They met up with three women who were surveying the area, to put up signage around so the public with know what to look out for and stay safe. 

Team Billand then spotted another seal coming in at the 20.  They knew immediately it was Benny. He was in full cruise mode and very serious about his mission. His nostrils were flared opened, eyes wide open and body posturing in the inlet areas. AND then he was gone, of course Team Billand managed to get some photos.

Team Billand thought it was Benny coming back to the area, but it turned out to be RN14 Kalani with his applied bleach showing and tags. He was more thorough in looking for other seals, as he went into every inlet a couple of times. He was determined to find a female, but no luck for him today. There was some seal poop and pee on the rocks below, maybe he was picking up the aroma,  RN14 also left the area.

 Luana RN58 and PO2
RG28 
RO40 Ka'ena
 Benny RE74
RN14 Kalani


No comments: