MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 08/07/2021 Saturday Monk Seal Dailies

Saturday, August 7, 2021

08/07/2021 Saturday Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Melody, Marilyn and Team R&B💕.

Marilyn viewed Rabbit Island from 2:25 to 3:30 this afternoon, there were two critters on island today. Upon her first scan of the island she spotted two seals together about 60 feet Lanikai side of the 3BS. By the time she had the camera set up the larger of the two seals had entered the water and was only seen briefly further down the shore.

That seal was reported as an unidentified unknown U/U. Marilyn

estimated the seal as adult size, and that's all she had to go on. The remaining seal was reported as an UF unknown, juvenile to subadult size, new coat, two tags and light female belly. She moved up and down the beach a few times. She seemed to react to a passing jetski but stayed on the beach.

Team R&B arrived early at the bay today and at first didn't see any critters. About 6:15 am they spotted the little green goblin coming towards the area, diving down and came up. He stole some fish from the fishermen who were laughing about it and some were swearing. Team R&B didn't stay long but did return later in the day. RL20 Kalua was still out there foraging.

From a distance they could see a seal at tracks so they hurried over. When they arrived there was a woman very close to the seal who they ID'd as RG28 Lefty. It's rough being out there day after day seeing people getting too close, the woman said she was getting the tag number. Team R&B asked if she was a part of NOAA or volunteer. While scolding the woman, Team R&B did take the time to give them some history of RG28. They called the hotline, but its unknown if anyone arrived.

At another spot at tracks they saw two more seals. They hurried over to find RN14 Kalani with RL12 Aukai. As they were taking photos, two guys approached for a closer look and even closer photo of the seal. They called the hotline again to report.

Team R&B left tracks and got to another location where they found Lei Ola RH48. She was resting peacefully and out of sight. They decided not to stay as they didn't want to bring any attention to her. At the same location different spot they spotted RL42 Leia. There were about four fishers around but they left her alone, at least while Team R&B.

They had to end their day early so one last stop they found RM31 Kai on the beach and a dog with a very long leash. People were stopping by taking photos of the little greenish seal RM31. Team R&B were concerned about the dog, but at least he was on a leash, a very long leash.

Melody headed down to Waikiki to check on Kaiwi earlier today. She was high up on the sand snoozing between the palm trees. Melody called the hotline and was told someone would be coming down. It appears Kaiwi had spent the night on the beach. About noon time there still was no sign of a volunteer, and Kaiwi was making her way down to the waters edge where everyone was in the water. Kaiwi went into the water took a little swim maybe a couple of fish snacks and then cruised down the beach. Of course she was looking to haul out, making it a challenge to get people out of the way. The lifeguard came down to help. Once Kaiwi settled in a few folks came to help set up a protected zone. Thankfully Kaiwi was resting comfortably. Melody called the hotline again and was told they didn't have anyone available. Melody stayed for another hour or so and then had to leave. Thankfully another individual stayed with her.

U/F