December 9, 2023 Saturday's Dailies

Todays dailies are brought to you by monk seal friends and Team R&B💕

So today a group of us, Marilyn, Diane, Lesley, Tammy, Tracy and me made it out to Ka'ena Point. This wasn't really planned but somehow came together and it was wonderful seeing and spending quality time with old friends.

We had a total of five seals today and for me it was hitting the jackpot!  Our first stop at Camp Erdman there were two seals. First critter was RL98 Lina sleeping on the shoreline. She didn't move much just snoozing, thankfully all the folks I rely on for IDs were there and ID'd her.  

Next down a ways was R407 who has started his molt.  His chest was beginning to peel, so he is in the early phase.

While walking on one of the paths Tammy pointed out to me this beautiful Maiapilo, and I learned something new today. Also thank you Tammy for sharing your photos since I only had my phone.

Out at the point there were three seals.  Initially RM31 Kai and R416 Makalii were together on the coral. They were very cute poking at one another and having some words. RM31 made his way over to a pile of rocks and settled in. R416 got in the water and looked like he was going to leave, but the waves came in. He found himself some rocks to climb and hold onto as the surf came in.

Off on his own was TA68 the male from Laysan was in one of the pools. He pretty much stayed there and occasionally lifting his head up to catch a breath.  He was not affected by the surf.

Team R&B hurried out today since there was going to be a Xmas Parade and lots of folks out and about.

Their first stop at the bay they found one seal. It was RH76 Kala resting alone. She is looking quite plumb.

They were not having much luck finding critters. They did their usual checks coming up empty.  Finally heading west to the cliffs they spotted a large clean coated seal. They didn't see any tags, on its left hind flipper it has a hook or

fishing line stuck. It was flexing a lot either trying to remove it or it was just uncomfortable. 

They could not make an ID on this big seal, there was nothing they were familiar with, and unknown adult wasn't showing them much. They did noted it had a scar on the upper left lip, most likely from a previous hooking.

R407 

RL98

RM31 & R416

TA68

RH76

Unknown Adult