MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 02/29/2020 Saturday Monk Seal Dailies

Saturday, February 29, 2020

02/29/2020 Saturday Monk Seal Dailies

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

Team Billand was at the outfall at 6:30 am. Upon arrival one of the fishermen pointed out a seal in the outfall. Team Billand was able to get a couple of pictures as it passed. Initially they thought it was Ka'ale but once they checked the photos they saw it was his bosom buddy RN14 Kalani.

At 7 am they arrived at a near by beach and spotted a seal hauling up on the rocks and the waves were crashing over. They were able to ID RG28 Lefty and he was alone. They left to pick up junior sealette Olivia.

Team Billand returned to the outfall just before 9 am for a second visit. They spotted a seal foraging and taking fish from the fishermen. They spotted his tag and this time it was in fact Ka'ale RH32. The guys on the pier were cracking up as Ka'ale would torpedo to the line and the fisherman reeled it in fast and Ka'ale missed the fish. Ka'ale didn't give up as he went to the next and was able to steal himself some fish from other lines. He even went up on the rocks to get the fish.

Thankfully the men at the outfall are aware of his antics and all are very good about it. At least the ones there today.

At a west side location they found two seals together to the right inlet. They ID'd Kawena RH36 and Kekoa Alii RK72 snoozing together.
On a later check they were both in the same spot still sleeping.

In the afternoon Team Billand went back to check on RG28 Lefty who was joined by RN14 Kalani on the rocks. Both males look very healthy and were very cooperative by making their tags visible.

This evening after the sun had set Team Billand got a call from family friends. They had a seal on the beach and were concerned. So Team Billand headed over as quickly and they were able to ID RW02 PvKauai. It was getting dark fast so they didn't stay and headed for home. On their way home their friend called them back to say the seal left.

Marilyn checked a couple of spots on the eastside, she had got word from posse pal Gayle there was a seal in the area. Marilyn found a large adult critter with a clean coat. There was a line scar on left side and possible scarring around the left eye. Seal was reported as a U/U.

Marilyn viewed Rabbit Island from 11:45 to 1:50 to find a total of four critters. The unidentified female (Mom) and PO1 were on the sand near Seal Rock Inlet. The pup was most active when it was overcast which made getting decent photos difficult. Most of her photos of the kid when the sun was out and it was sleeping. We still don't know who the Mom is, as she doesn't have any markers or they haven't been visible. By the way the kid is one week old !

The Kailua side of 1BS there were two unknown male seals. Both appear to be adult size, male bellies and tags. There was a brief interaction between them but for the most part they were in snooze mode.

Rn14 Kalani