MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: October 26, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Saturday, October 26, 2019

October 26, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Lesley, Marilyn and Melody. Lesley's Ka'ena update is part 2 of the dailies.

Team Billand found little RL20 Kalua before 8 am. Little Kalua with applied bleach N17 was resting alone on the west side. They called the hotline to report, especially since there have been lots of divers entering the water through the cove lately. RL20 appears to be healthy, no new markers, or wounds.

Team Billand found a huge cargo net near Makua Cliffs. They also came across some beautiful horses.

At 10:30 am Team Billand arrived at another west side location and there were two very green seals. They were able to ID RK72 Kekoa and RN14 Kalani on the rocks. Then there was a third seal that cam slithering in, hauled up on the rocks, then into a pond. They ID'd Ka'ale RH32 and now he's heading for the other two seals to start some trouble.

Ka'ale tried to land with the two big boys, and was able at one point, until he sneezed and RN14 had some words. Ka'ale moved to the pond and out on the rocks, alone.

When Team Billand returned to recheck there was a critter up on lower rocks. It took a bit but they were able to ID Kawena RH36, She is looking healthy and pretty clean as far as markers.

Melody had the pleasure of greeting Rocky this morning making it day 4. Apparently she spent the night and decided to haul out at the top of the beach practically hanging out on a residents deck. ( brings back memories of Rocky hauling out in Colleen's yard LOL).

Rocky left the beach about 8 am this morning making some deep dives on her way out.
Melody checked back this evening about 5 om and Rocky was on her way up the beach again. Melody spoke to the residents in the area and they were all understanding of Rocky's claim to their real estate, and my guess some new Rocky fans. Melody left at 6:30 and will be out in the morning to check on her.

Marilyn headed over to the pier to observe Rabbit Island from 2:45 til 4:15 this afternoon, and this was after her Ka'ena Trek this morning.

When she first observed the island there were four seal left of the 1BS. Two seals were on Left Point Beach, one partially hidden behind the other. The other two seals were about 15 feet from each other.
At 3:30 two young seal emerged from the water to join the critters by the 1BS. There were various interactions which makes it a REAL challenge keeping track of who is who.
Just before 4 five of the six seals entered the water. Then 10 minutes later a seal hauled out on left point beach. Hard to determine if this was one of the five that left or another critter arrived.

It's always a challenge trying to figure out who's who on the Island, but when you have that many critters and now most of them have molted, well let's just say it's no easy task. Marilyn did her best to describe the critters.

Seal #1- In the front was an adult seal with at least one tag, a new coat, a possible scar under the chin, a female belly I think (but I'm not entirely sure) and a possible scar above the LFF.

Seal #2 - behind that was a smaller but still adult seal with a new coat, at least one tag, a male belly I think.

Seal #3 - closer to the 1BS was an adult male seal with an old coat and a possible scar on the left neck area.

Seal #4-the seal closest to the 1BS was a subadult, 2 tags, possibly female and may have a natural bleach inside LRF.

Seal #5: RK37 - juvenile size, 2 tags, small natural bleach on lower left rear side, (never saw the belly)

Seal #6: RL47 - weaner/juvenile size, light coat, male belly, 2 tags. (Tracy, I see no sign of any problems with the muzzle of this seal). This seal pestered Seal #1 laying his head on the seal and ultimately chasing it into the water.

Seal #7: the seal that hauled out at 3:56 pm was a juvenile/subadult with a new coat. Don't know whether this was one of the 5 that entered the water or a 7th seal.

Horses and Egrets