01/01/2021 Friday Monk Seal Dailies

 

ALOHA and HAPPY NEW YEAR !  Let's truly hope 2021 brings us some much needed relief in so many ways!   Also I am going to just say Happy Anniversary to me!  It was 13 years ago today I came across my first monk seal. It was also the beginning of this life long passion and making friends with some AMAZING people who I love like family.  (okay enough about me)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Marilyn and Team Billand. In yesterday's news Melody got to spend the last day of 2020 with Rocky. See the next post for video, pictures and details.

Marilyn viewed Rabbit Island twice today. Her first visit was from 6:30 am to 8 am, she went early to catch the first sunrise of the new year. There were lots of clouds to the east making for a crappy sunrise, but looking to the Mokoluas there was a beautiful rainbow.  When Marilyn checked the island she did not see any seals on the island.

Marilyn returned to the pier and observed Rabbit Island from 12:25 to 2:20 pm. Conditions were much

better for viewing. There were four critters on island. All the seals were lined up on LPB not far from the 1BS.  

UJF1, unidentified juvenile to subadult size, yellowish female belly and two tags. The lower left side was never visible so she was unable to determine if it was RK37.

UJM, unidentified juvenile size, light male belly and two tags.

UJF2, unidentified juvenile to subadult size, yellowish female belly, unable to see tags. No NB visible.

UM, unidentified adult to subadult size, newer coat, gray male belly and two tags.

Marilyn wishes everyone a Happy New Year, as well as the Billands!

Team Billand got a late start, after last night fireworks on the west side and took some well deserved personal time. But of course nothing is going to keep them away from the seals. They headed over to the bay and spotted multiple seals far off ocean side of the jetty. Seems the school of fish are slowly moving further out.  

First seal they ID'd was RN44 foraging close by, and then landed on his spot to sleep. Nice that he has been hauling out on a regular basis. Then little RL20 Kalua hauled in next in an odd spot. He seems fine but his line is still visible. RH48 Lei Ola was up next, she went around the rocks to the left side. She cautiously checked out the area and hauled out. She is very green and quite fat.

The last critter to haul out during their long observation was R3CX Nalu. He came to the right and through the pond and landed on the rocks. He was barking calling out to his Lei Ola. Seems he couldn't find her today. A gentleman came by with a broken arm and was so happy to see a seal. Team Billand gave him the scoop on Nalu and monk seal 101. He was truly appreciative, nice to start the new year with a total stranger expressing love and appreciation. ( well deserved)

RN44

Lei Ola RH48

RL20 Kalua

R3CX Nalu