July 29, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

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

Team Billand were at the pupping site at 6 am and Mom and pup were on shore sleeping.  Momma Pohaku had Nanea well hidden, as it was hard to see the pup behind her large body. Gradually Team Billand spotted the little black pickle coming around mom.

They had a nursing session, then headed for the water for a swim. At first they were near the rocks and then outside the cove. They made a turn back to the rocks for a long session there.

Pohaku RO28 landed and Nanea followed, but then Nanea headed out a bit, Mom vocalized loudly. Team Billand spotted another seal about 6:30 coming in. It's da Benny who went right up to them, looked at them, Pohaku whopped at him. Benny then rolled his way into the water and went around looking but eventually left the area.

There was a fast feed and more swimming.  At this point there were folks gathering around, Team Billand did their best to educate and keep people out of the area Mom and Pup like to go.  Today a lot of people were not listening and staying in the water climbing up on the rocks.  Volunteer Kathy arrived and called in to report the crowds of people.  Then there was a very nice gentleman who went to each person in the water to move them all back. ( Mahalo to whoever you are)


Tide was rising fast, currents in the channel and waves crashing over the rocks. Mom and Pup were back in the water in the small cove. Nanea was in a small crevice, Mom barked at her and then put her body in front of the crevice so Nanea could not get to it. 

A little before Noon Mom and Pup went exploring, you can see the pup fighting the currents in the channel.  It took a lot of effort but she fought with her little body up stream following mom until Team Billand lost sight of them. After a very long fifteen minutes pup was finally seen behind mom who was vocalizing very lout. They made a turn and hauled out on Birth Beach. 

Team Billand took a break from the pup site to check on other beaches. And when they returned to see Pohaku and Nanea they were in the water.  They were away from the birth beach area and it was only after walking the area did they find them in the water rolling about for about 20 minutes.

Pohaku and Nanea finally got back over by birth beach, Mom landed first, pup was still playing in the current. Pohaku called out !!  LOUD!  pup hesitantly galumphed up to the naupaka bush, came around to feed her and go to sleep. Team Billand left by 5 pm.

 Benny makes a quick stop 

 sweet kid kisses

 Mom being serious... GET you tail over here!