August 29, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Team T&D.  And in yesterday's news department a video from Melody.

Before I start with the dailies, I just want to acknowledge the stranding on Maui. My heart goes out to the whales for being stressed, and much gratitude for all those that did what they could to help these beautiful mammals. 

Melody's video is of Nanea before her tagging. She got herself stuck in the rocks and Melody got the footage. We all know she got herself out but watching the process pulls at your heart strings. Actually in my crazy mind I was imaging her swearing in monk seal language. (but that is  just how my mind works. ) LOL.   Turn up the volume and you can hear the folks in the background.



 What a difference a day makes.  So what I gather Nanea was relocated yesterday by the NOAA Team to an undisclosed location.  OR - she was abducted by aliens and dropped off to a different location.  Either way Team Billand is feeling the withdrawal after 40 days of watching Pohaku's pup grow into a big beautiful independent seal.  May the powers that be protect her on her journey and have her birth lots of pups of her own.


Team T&D went out to Ka'ena Point today and their first find was Luana RN58 near the Lyman Beach Access. By the trails and wallows on the beach there is a good chance she was there all night.

Tammy and Dave next and only other critter was da Benny RE74 at back beach. He was very alert and constantly checking the ocean and shoreline. Team T&D did not see any other seals, but that doesn't mean Benny didn't sense or smell them.  Benny is probably still in full cruise mode on the hunt for chicks (wonder if he came across Pohaku).  Benny looked wet so it is unclear how long he had been there and he only stayed for about 15 minutes after Team T&D spotted him.

Team Billand first find of the day was RH92 at 8:15 am. When they arrived there was already a zone set up and RH92 moving about. She was ID'd by the scars on the right side of her face.
Security said she had arrived about 6:30 this morning. Team Billand had received a call at 8ish.

She seems very antsy, moving all over the area. She keeps going on her flippers looking to see who is coming, looking over to the wall area. She galumphed to the shoreline, stuck and buried her head in the sand. 

Volunteer Melina arrived and Team Billand informed her about RH92 and her demeanor. Suddenly they watched RH92 get into the water and slowly leave the area.
At this time Team Billand left to look for other critters.

They had hit up all the hot spots on the west side without finding any seals. After 41 days, it the first time they made it home early.  

Lastly a big shout out to Tammy of Team T&D who made the cutest, most delicious cookies for Team Billand yesterday.  Look at these goodies.
Also in my humble opinion moments like this warm my heart. So many folks out there on the beaches looking after the critters. But time and time again I feel so blessed for the friends I have made in the last 11 years.  We are a monk seal ohana bonded together and supporting each other through the good times and the hard times.  AND we have each other's backs... always.

Sweetness on so many levels

RH92

  Benny RE74

 RN58 Luana