01/27/2020 Monday Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Melody and posse pal Anissa. 

I want to express my concern over the emotional roller coaster over the last couple of days regarding Pohaku RO28 health. She remains in the care of the veterinarians at a NOAA facility and her condition is serious. We will all keep our positive thoughts and prayers for her healing and appreciation to those looking after her.
HOWEVER having said that, watching the chaos and misinformation on facebook it makes me a little angry in that it should have been avoided. Someone should have anticipated this was bound to happen. 
ALL the decision makers involved in releasing information and keeping the public informed failed with this. There is no good reason to keep people in the dark, a simple update could have been given  instead of letting people speculate, and get it so wrong it was announced she passed.  
I have been around long enough (along with many others) to know this was bound to happen. I have the utmost respect for everyone doing their best to take care of a sick animal. BUT this secret society is not how you get public support.  *** rant off *** sorry but it's been bugging me.

Team Billand arrived at KoOlina at 10 am and found Kolohe RW22 up against the wall. There was a film team on site filming Magnum, therefore Team Billand had to stay off to the right.
They called the hotline and left an hour later.

Team Billand headed over to the outfall and at a nearby haul out they found Ka'ale RH32 hauled out fast asleep. Barbara noticed that his whiskers which are usually long and golden were shorter and messy today.

Just before noon Team Billand arrived at a west side location and found RW02 PvKauai was just coming up on the rocks. Later he moved down to the shallows and cooled off.
Next there was RG28 Lefty was up on high rocks relaxing. His tags were showing as well as his numerous cookie scars.
Last to haul up was RL20 Kalua came in looked around, sniffed and headed towards RW02 PvKauai. Kalua landed right next to him.
Team Billand spotted a seal foraging off shore and the only "clue" was it's tag was a stub. They could not make a positive ID although it "could" be Kekoa. 
They also got to enjoy seeing some of the humpbacks.

Team Billand left to check out a couple of other locations. One stop they found Ka'ena RO40. He was difficult to see but with persistence they were able to see what they needed to make an ID.

Next critter was RL98 "Lina" little female from Kauai tag#206. She had been zoned off by the lifeguards, who had  called it into the hotline. Team Billand's arrival just put them in the right place at the right time.
Nalu R3CX was pass Lina snoozing on the rocks as if he was so tired. Team Billand did their best to keep folks back. Volunteer arrived close to 4 pm, Team Billand updated her and then headed out.

Their last find of the day was just before they got home at 5 pm. RL42 Leia was sleeping on her side, looking quite fat. Her tags were visible for a split second to get a positive ID. She was still resting when they left.

Melody got a text at 6 this evening that "Rocky" was in the neighborhood rolling around in the surf. Security was called and was on their way to bringing signs. When Melody arrived Rocky was still in the water riding the waves. Now given last week's events with Pohaku and her behavior Melody grew concerned, but she did check in with some experienced knowledgeable folks. Melody was encouraged to call it into the hotline but was also told Rocky may have just been a little tired dealing with this weeks high surf.
Finally Rocky made her way out of the water and hauled out and made her way up the steep shoreline to the morning glory. She got herself comfortable and tucked in for the night. Melody will check first thing in the morning. 

Posse pal Anissa was busy talking monk seals with 5th graders at the Ala Wai Elementary School this afternoon while her family was exploring the west side.
They came across a couple of seals and I am going to take it upon myself based on Team Billand's observations that these two seals are RL98 and R3CX. 

Kolohe RW22

 RK32  Ka'ale

RW02 PvKauai -G28 L20

 RG28 Lefty

 Rl20 Kalua

 R3CX Nalu

 RL98 #206 Lina

 Ka'ena RO40

RL42 Leia

Anissa's families photos  - U/U  R3CX??

U/U  -  Rl98 ??

ROCKY at dusk