8/19/2016 More Kawena !

How can I resist posting these adorable shots of Kawena.... Thank you Diane :-)

7-5-2013 DB's Dailies: Kainoa@RI, Kolohe&Buster@SC, Irma&Pup (D#1)@AD

We arrived at AD’s at 0600 to find Irma (R010) and pup right where we’d left them last night. At 0737 with Irma in the lead they moved down to the nearby tide pool, and barely got wet. There was no swimming activity. At 0754 Irma lead the way back up to just above the tide line. They did a feed and then went to snooze mode. I would later observe another feed on my shift. I had more of an opportunity to observe the pup and noted that in addition to the natural bleaches on it’s L&R fore flippers, there is another in the right fore flipper pit, and yet another on the ventral surface of the right hind flipper.

　

Gayle called at 0740 with the report of Kolohe (RW22) doing 8 minute dives at Spitting Cave.

　

At 1017 I found Kainoa (RN04) fronting Left Greenery, on Rabbit Island.

　

Jack (at the Bay) called at 1148 to advise that they had a swimming U/U cruise through the shallows moving east to west and then departing. At 1232 Jack called again to advise that one of the tourists had said that he had seen an "N21" on the side. I checked all the know Buster hangouts, and found nobody. I also noted that Kolohe was no longer at SC, so I can’t rule him out as the HB animal either. I got no Buster calls. Welllllll.... he wasn’t there when I was there, but Kimo called at 1540 to report Buster (RV08) at Spitting Cave. *** see bottom for pictures from Kimo of Buster !

Sometimes there aren't words to describe you have to just enjoy the pictures.... and I suspect there will be lots and lots of the next few weeks. We love our pup pictures!!! 

Buster N21

11-10-11 DB Dailies and More

I walked the walk at AD, Irma's and Sandy Beach on Pup Patrol beginning at 0600, but found nobody. Jackie took over at 0700, and at 0830 called to advise that she had found Kaiwi (RK96) foraging in the west most estuary, approximately 75 yds inside the inlet, but lost her after 15 minutes. Sabrina relieved Jackie at 1000, and at 1120 reported Kaiwi had been found in her nook,by Gayle, 300 yds east of the AD wall. She hauled out to the water front rocks at 1152. When I arrived for the 4-7, Kaiwi was snoozin' on the water front rocks, having moved down from the sand. At 1618 she began moving into the water. After hanging out in her nook for a few minutes, and then swam out and to the east. Brenda and I followed and moved to the estuary, but lost her, and called it a day at 1730.

 On my 0752 Spitting Cave check I found that Duke (RA12) and Kolohe (RW22) were still there, but I could not see Kekoa. I'd seen on the Island Divers website last night that they had seen only 2 seals, which appeared to be Duke and Kolohe. Posse member Jen Christian did a dive at SC today, and got some underwater shots of the boyz.

 The Kekoa mystery was solved when I got to Makai Pier for a Rabbit Island check at 1055. There was Kekoa (RK72) snoozin' near the water line, 30 ft right of 3BS. I would not have been surprised if Duke or Kolohe had brought him back to Rabbit Island, but I think it's significant that he returned on his own, leaving the RI boyz still at Spitting Cave. Hopefully, he has found a new base of operations.

 Dana checked in at 0925 to advise that posse member Vera had confirmed Kermit (R4DG) and Irma (R010) still fronting #1708, at White Plains.

 Also at 0925 Dana advise that R5AY and La'akea (RK82) were seen at Right Spot's Spot, Turtle Bay.

 At ten a call from Ocean Safety about an animal newly hauled out at Yokes. Since she was just down the road in Makaha, she responded to the call, reporting T15M at 1536.

These shots of the boys playing are fantastic... we're so use to seeing them snoozing on the shoreline, that seeing them in action is soooo cool.

 Duke and Kolohe 

 okay buddy where to now? 

 Kekoa hanging out on Rabbit Island... just wish he would go by and let his cousin Kaiwi know!

  Kaiwi - the boys are out there having fun.... wake up and go find 'em.

 Oh baby girl, you have to go past the tide pools.

 This next series of underwater shots are amazing.... Also I want to note... Jen is a long time diver/photographer and very knowledgable about monk seals. She knows DB and many of the posse people. These photos were taken by following all of the rules and regulations.... Having met Jen and some of her diving buddies, they are equipped with great cameras and again, respect the rules. 

 Having said all that... these are soooo FUN!  Thank you so much for sharing.

hey duke can you so this?

 Okay I can hear all of you... AWWWWWWWWW

 Tough love... a hug and then a bite

 Well hello gorgeous

 May I help you?

 La'akea snoozing

 Momma 5AY molting... I hope she finishes fast

 finish molting and go get a big fish taco

 awww pretty new coat... 

 Benny @ Makaha

 Thats right Benny Sleep!

 T15M @ Yokes

11-9-11 DB Dailies

Marilyn had to leave early to fight her way to "The Mine", amongst all the others who are being victimized by the crime that is APEC traffic. Alas, I am the last of the Dawn Patrol. I trudged from the wall to the estuary and back, and then checked Irma's and Sandy Beach. I was batting a big fat zero when

Thea and Ann took over at 0700. Thea called at 0944 to advise that she had found Kaiwi (RK96) swimming in the west most estuary, approximately 100 yds into the inlet, but was headed toward the mouth when seen. At 1004 Thea reported her in her nook, 300 yds east of the AD wall. Gayle reported that Kaiwi hauled out to the water front rocks at 1038. When I saw her at noon, she was snoozin' on the rocks. Kaiwi has remained at that location all day .

 I arrived at Spitting Cave for my usual morning check at 0826, and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Kekoa (RK72), and Duke (RA12), playing and foraging. At 0930 they were joined by Kolohe (RW22). I remained there with them until 1130, and saw all necessary markers to be 100% sure of the IDs. You'd think that after shooting 261 shots, you'd have all the necessary documentation for the ID's but alas the shots were woefully inadequate. We all had fun however.

 I got to Makai Pier for a Rabbit Island check, but alas, nobody was home today.

 The Vegas call came at 0713. Barbara had gotten a call from her posse member Mochiko reporting a single animal fronting #1708 at White Plains. When posse member Vera Cober arrived, however, she found both Kermit (R4DG) and Irma(R010). Kermit musta' snuck off for a quick mullet or something.

 Dana called at 0753 with a report of an animal once again at the Makaha Shores, in Makaha. The photos I received later appeared to be Benny (RE74), though I'm not 100% on that. It absolutely was not T15M as had been initially reported. Benny departed at 1729.

 At 1050 Dera called to advise that volunteer Joy Silver had reported R5AY and La'akea (RK82) at Right Spot's Spot, Turtle Bay.

Kekoa and Duke (Brothers)

Kekoa, Duke and Kolohe 

The Boyz @ Spitting Cave

Kaiwi @ Alan Davis

The Kaiwi Patrol

Irma and Kermit White Plains

I'll bet my bottom dollar Team Billand is thrilled to know these two are still together.... the real question is will they still be together upon their return?

I REALLY hate seeing these footprints soooo close to them.... I just hope they were there before the two of them hauled out..... ( a girl can dream)