November 27, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies - Happy Thanksgiving

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

Team Billand went to check out paradise cove before 6 am this morning. The last couple of days they kept hearing of a seal there but by the time they arrive the seal is gone. So they arrived before daylight and there was Da Benny RE74. He was to the right by the Luau near the ropes. The waves were big slapping him about but he just stayed. They got out the signs preparing for any visitors.
Benny didn't wait around for anyone he decided to leave at 6:24.  He headed up the channel, so Team Billand headed over anticipating his next haul out but he never showed up. 
Team checked a few of the beaches in the area and hung around for an hour, but there were no other critters to report.


It was close to 10:30 before they found the next critter on the west side. The seal was hidden in the rocks and after much waiting, the seal finally showed some ID markers.  Her tag H76, and female belly it was Kala RH76.
Volunteer Melina arrived and they spotted a "dark" seal with a ding on it's back and another seal foraging off shore. It was hard to see with the glare of the sun. Melina left the site and Team Billand stayed on.  The seal did not land so they left.

On an afternoon check they see a second seal Ka'ale RH32 who had joined Kala RH76 on the right rocks. It took a whole for some movement, but with patience they got the tag and spotted Ka'ale's small scar above his right fore flipper.  Ka'ale seems seemed tired, in that his body was draped over the rocks, keeping tabs on Kala who was still sleeping in the same spot.


The other seal foraging did not land, RIP RR70 was ID'd after looking at the pictures. He was doing 7 minute dives.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for all of you and all the support you have given me over the years, but mostly grateful for all the people out there kicking up the sand looking after our beloved monk seals. It matters, and so appreciated.

oldie but goodie - Happy Thanksgiving !!

Benny RE74 

 Kala RH76

RH32 Ka'ale

 RIP RE74