MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: June 1, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Saturday, June 1, 2019

June 1, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Marilyn.

Lesley was busy today working the 9th annual Ocean Fest at Turtle Bay. This has to be one of the nicest events of it's kind, beautiful surroundings, and wonderful organizations involved. I was able to make my way there with by two buddies Diane and Marilyn and I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy the day. It's always nice to celebrate the great work people are doing out there.

Marilyn did a quick check of Rabbit Island at 7 am before meeting up with us. There were no seals on island at that time and this could mean Sadie and PO4 were actually swimming.
After Ocean Fest Marilyn went to the pier for about an hour late this afternoon. The only critters seen were RB12 Sadie (not confirmed) and PO4 (confirmed) on Left Point Beach. They were in snooze mode except for a possible snack.

Before arriving at Ocean Fest we decided to stop by and check in on R5AY and PO3. Prior to arriving I was told PO3 was very sweet, staying close to Mom. Well, when we arrived Mom and pup were in the water, and apparently PO3 did not want to stay in the water. He did everything he could to get Mom's attention to haul out but she wasn't having it. Mom tried several times to lead him out to deeper water, but he would soon make his way back on shore.

The good news, he knows how to find his way back on his own. He was extremely vocal, constantly calling out to her, I guess this is a pup's version of the hungry horrors. Mom was calm and just doing things on her own time.
They both look to be in good shape, and in one of Marilyn's photo you can see Honey Girl's shortened tongue. Amazing what this seal has been through, after getting hooked and having the line around her tongue a large portion was removed.

Team Billand made a quick stop this morning on the westside and spotted two seals foraging off the outfall. They were able to ID RN14 Kalani by his markings but the other seal is being reported as a UU. Team Billand did not stay long as they were heading up to visit with Luana RN58 and PO2.
They were onsite with Mom and pup from 10 am to 2 pm with junior sealette Olivia. They had the opportunity to chat with a very nice volunteer on site too.

Mom and pup went for a very rough swim, PO2 was struggling, trying to keep up with Mom. Luana kept vocalizing to the pup and in the end the pup hauled out and Mom followed. Both lay on shore to rest and pup was able to get in a feeding. This pup is growing fast, he's getting big and is quite vocal.

NOTE: All three pups made the blog today!

PO3