November 24, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

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

Marilyn observed Rabbit Island from 10:55 to 1:05 today.  There were three seals near the 3BS and lots of interaction between them.  (Must have been a fun day, until you had to sort the 300+ photos).
UAM (unknown adult male) starting his molt with most of the mid to upper ventral area molted. Male belly and at least one tag.
SAM (sub-adult male), male belly, new coat, 2 tags and juvenile to sub-adult size.
RK37, juvenile size, light female belly, two tags, and natural bleach on her lower left side. 

The UAM entered the water twice and hauled back out to the other two seals a few minute later. He entered the water a second time and the hauled out at SRI.  Meanwhile the two younger seals went for a swim/play/fight session. Then they both hauled out near the 3BS when the UAM galumphed over to join them. 
Eventually RK37 moved up into the morning glory with UAM following her and the SAM staying on the beach.


Team Billand went out looking this morning and their first "critter" find was a huge pod of dolphins feeding. There were some amazing jumps and lots of action.
After leaving this site Team Billand found two seals at 9:15 am. When they arrived the spotted two seals resting on lower rocks. They ID'd Ka'ale RH32 and RH76 Kala.
After a bit Kala moved to the water hole and Ka'ale took off after her being his usual "butthead".  Barb descrived it as kind of cute and funny as Kala was a sweetheart yet she stood her ground. She lunged at Ka'ale and this made him happy. So he kept at her until both of them took off, not to be seen for the rest of the day.

Just before 10 while watching Ka'ale and Kala, they noticed a third seal off shore foraging. When the seal came in they ID'd RIP RR70 who passed Ka'ale and Kala without any reaction. He just galumphed up to the right and remained there for the day.

On their afternoon check they were surprised to find another seal on lower rocks. It was somewhat hidden but they were able to see it was Da Benny RE74.  Good to see him back into a more normal routine. 
As a side note Team Billand was thrilled to see a whale today, only got one photo but they're coming back!

Uknown adult male, RK37 and sub-adult male 

dolphins

Ka'ale RH32

 Kala RH76 and Ka'ale RH32

 Kala

RIP

Benny

Whales are back!