MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: July 24, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

July 24, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Lesley, Team T&D, and my quick stop to Makai Pier. Lesley's Ka'ena update is part two of the dailies.

Team T&D made it up to the north shore today. They got to spend some time with RL36 relaxing in one of the coves. They did see he had a line attached and a hook, there was a volunteer on site so all the appropriate information was passed onto NOAA.

Of course Team T&D had to stop over and see the albatross chicks. They were a little confused because all the adults should be long gone, but in fact there was an adult with one of the chicks.
Lastly they spotted RK80 looking very green, but no signs of molting. Boy it's going to be interesting when all these greenies molt into their new silvery coats. :-)

Meanwhile Team Billand were out at the pupping site at the crack of dawn. Just at they arrived volunteer Karen was also arriving. Pohaku and Nanea were on shore about 5 feet for the waters edge.

Instead of nursing, Nanea managed to go in the shallows for a swim and to explore the water. Mom didn't bark at her at all, but keep her eyes on her.
Team Billand had to leave for an appointment and returned to the site at 3 pm. Mom and Pup were in the shallows, tide was low and pup was still exploring the shallows and made her way on the rocks. She was trying to get off the rocks when a wave came and washed her off and she went straight for Mom. Guess that was it for exploring. Team Billand left for the day at 4:30.

When Team Billand went for their appointment they stopped at one of the west side locations. They were surprised to find three.
Lei Ola RH48 was to the right and alone. She moved to the water hole and her tags were visible before she sank into her water hole.
Ka'ale RH32 was inland on his back. His tag, and belly were all visible, not to mention his green bean coat. He was actually hidden from public eye.
Then they were surprise to see da Benny RE74 on lower rocks by himself. They didn't see him at first, which is a surprise considering it's the Benny.

I had an appointment in Honolulu most of the morning and drove home via the scenic route. I decided to make a quick pit stop at the pier.

Upon arrival I immediately spotted 3 seals at left point beach. There were two very green "juvenile" critters and PO4.

I panned the island and spotted another critter slightly larger by the 3BS and waterfront rocks. Older coat, lighter belly, with green.

At this point I decided to connect the camera since I had critters, and when I panned back to LPB one juvenile and PO4 were gone. ( I can't tell you how mad I was)!!!!! I waited bout 30 minutes to see if they would resurface but no such luck.

I did check on the masked booby and the chick is getting big. I have pictures (not great but you can see the two heads)

RK80