December 14, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

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

Team Billand was at the outfall at 7:30 am spottted an adult seal foraging off the outfall and then entering into the outfall doing 4 minute dives.  The seal was not taking fish from the fishers at all (so we know it wasn't Ka'ale). 
Shortly after they lost sight of him as he went out to sea. 

Next stop on the west side Team Billand were at the rocks when they saw a seal rolling in the shallows. They spotted his natural bleach. He would just stay on bottom of the pond then float up to look around. He played hippo did a roll and that is when they spotted his small cookie scar on his belly.

Team Billand found RIP RR70 at another west side location. He was relaxing with his hind flippers in the play boy pond and body out of the water. His visible tags made for an easy ID.

To the right, way in the rocks was Kolohe RW22. He was pretty much hidden which made getting his ID a little bit of a challenge. Finally they could see his transmitter patch scar, line scar near the right side of his butt and his cue ball NB by his flipper. 

Marilyn viewed Rabbit Island for about an hour this afternoon. Since it was overcast viewing conditions were difficult.
There were four seals near the first blue sign. Up in the morning glory were three adult seals.
Unknown adult #1 started lower on the beach but moved up into the morning glory. Adult size, newer coat and possible applied bleach or a lighter area in the mid dorsal region. 
Unknown adult #2 stayed in the same position during Marilyn's entire viewing time. Adult size, newer coat and the seal never showed it's belly or tags.
Unknown adult #3 older coat, adult size and mottled ventral side and 2 visible tags.  Marilyn thinks it is a male but won't bet a cat on it. The seal did move around some and did a lot of scratching with its front flipper.

Down on the sand in front of the 1BS was an unknown juvenile. The seal never moved so it's belly or tags were not visible.

Most of the sand on Left Point Beach has been washed away so there is lots of exposed rock. Marilyn will check the Island tomorrow, and hopefully viewing conditions will be better.


Melody was in Waikiki today surveying the White Terns, So pulling double duty she decided to make a quick stop to Kaimana Beach. She was happy to see the beautiful Kaiwi RK96 resting on the beach. It seemed she has been there for a while without a zone because the lifeguard thought she was a rock. LOL.
A bit later volunteer arrived and training a new volunteer which was a great opportunity to learning the art of setting up a zone. Melody couldn't stay, but was there long enough to confirm Kaiwi's ID and get a couple of pics.

Kalani RN14 foraging 

Kalani rolling in the shallows

RIP

 Kolohe RW22

 Rabbit Island  

 Kaiwi RK96