05/03/2018 Monk Seal Dailies:

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team T&D, Team Billand and Hanauma Posse.

Interesting day today, Team Billand came up completely empty on all their usual checks. So they decided to take a ride and check on Miss Kaiwi and PO3.  Upon arrival Mom & Pup were pretty much hidden, but about a little later the little one sprung into action. First Mom moved up onto the rocks and pup followed with lots of protest. A nursing session began but with the waves crashing Mom decided to move up a bit. Well PO3 had it's flipper stuck under Mom. The pup struggled to get free, wiggling and tossing its hind flippers in the air. FINALLY Mom moved and the pup got free, but the pup moved and then got wedged between mom and the rocks.  Pup trying to get free, mom concerned and finally moved and once again PO3 was free.  
I am sure Team Billand was full of smiles today watching over Kaiwi and her baby, not to mention catching up with old friends.


Marilyn sent an email from some of the folks from Hanauma Bay today. It was reported there were four seals in the bay late afternoon. No possible IDs but the seals were seen by tourist as well as two park rangers. They never hauled out, but pretty cool there were four of them at play. Wonder who they were?

Team T&D were all over the place today and had to be one of the better days. They got to visit with Honey Girl R5AY and PO2 who is growing so fast. I imagine this is the time when Mom & Pup get into their battles and Mom smacks the kid around. 
Their next big deal of the day was finding the translocated black footed albatross. 
And their final stop of the day visiting with Kaiwi & PO3.  Sounds like an absolute perfect day all the way around.

 Kaiwi & PO3

 Ma... Ma... Momma... MAMA your on my flipper

 Mom you're killing me!

 Geesh what a kid has to do for a meal

Black footed Albatross

 Honey Girl R5AY & PO2

 Kaiwi & PO3

4/29/2018 Yesterday's News: Photos from Melody

I didn't see these photos last night before I logged out, as they came in late in the evening. Of course I have to share because we always love looking at great pictures of our cast of characters especially when it includes Moms and Pups.  Thank you Melody and sorry for the delay.

Honey Girl R5AY & PO2 

 one way Mom controls this kid

 Okay Mom I'm hungry 

 Here's Holokai RG40 - Who happens to be Honey Girl's Grandson

4/28/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (Part 1 )

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Marilyn, Lesley and some special photos from photographer Leighton Lum.  Lesley's complete update is part 2 of the dailies. 

Team Billand as usual out at the crack of dawn out to Paradise Cove where one again they found Pohaku RO28.  They spend the time setting up a zone and educated 18 people. Seems there was one woman who decided Team Billand was not wearing the "right shirts" to be volunteers, Team Billand did explain they are volunteers but do not belong to an organization.  ( one thing to educate the public about the monk seals, but now I guess you have to qualify yourself as a volunteer, my times have changed ).  
Team Billand called the hotline twice and was told some one was on their way. They gave up and left the site at 9:15.  One important note they did notice a new "cc" on her belly near the bottom nipple to the right. 

Next stop a Leeward Beach where they spotted RH32 Ka'ale to the left of RN14 Kalani. Ka'ale was trying to find himself a comfortable spot and then settled in. Rn14 was across from him snoozing.

Marilyn spent a cold and windy day at the pier, arriving about 10:45 Aukai RL12 was nursing PO1. There were on the berm above the drop off at Left Point Beach to the left of 1BS.  Not too much later, PO1 headed over the berm and down to the water. It took Momma Aukai a few minutes before she knew she was there. Then PO1 galumphed back up to Mom who then headed for the water herself. This kid got her workout today, she then slid down to Aukai. They entered the water for about a swim at about 11:45, as Marilyn was leaving the pier.

Marilyn checked in on Kaiwi RK96 and PO3 and watched a nursing session and enter the water. It was mentioned there was at least one other swim session today. Late in the day they moved up high on the beach near the naupaka. 

I received an email from photographer Leighton Lum (who has contributed to the blog in the past). He was out enjoying the island today and he came across a couple of critters.  I think you'll all enjoy his photos, absolutely beautiful.  

Pohaku RO28 new small cc mark

 RH32 Ka'ale

RN14 Kalani

Aukai RL12 & PO1

Video Aukai RL12  &  PO1

Kaiwi RK96 and PO3

RG40 Holokai

Honey Girl R5AY & PO2

 Sweet Mama & Babe