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Friday, January 29, 2021

01/29/2021 Friday Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Lesley. Lesley's Ka'ena update is part two of the dailies. Team Billand are doing their best out there despite having computer problems, but they persist. :-)

Team Billand started their day with a bunch of different critters. First there was the whale and then they spotted a Honu who looked like it was in distress. But after further look they spotted a seal playing with the Honu. Well maybe the seal was having fun but I don't think the Honu was having it. they ID'd the seal as RN14 Kalani, he finally let the honu go and headed for the outfall.

At the outfall one of the fishermen caught a tako, it's a wonder Kalani didn't try to steal that. They lost

sight of him at the outfall. By checking the coastline they could see a seal hauling out at tracks. Team Billand found Da Benny for the third day in a row in the same spot.

Off at another west side location they found RH76 Kala resting on the rocks. She was in the company of a male. Unfortunately they could not get a positive ID but they suspect maybe Kekoa. There was a seal off to the left well hidden. It was RG28 Lefty off to the left. LOL

Last stop was at the bay where they saw lots of dolphins at play today. RN44 was swimming when they arrived and they lost sight of him. In a bit they saw him hauling up on the rocks very cautiously. He is still quite handsome despite how green his is.

RN14 Kalani and Honu

Whale

Kalani RN14

Tako

Benny RE74

Kala RH76

unknown male with Kala

Lefty RG28

RN44

dolphins

01/29/2021 part 2 Lesley's Ka'ena Update

It was a very quiet seal day out here.

RW02 PVKauai that was on this side at sunset yesterday was at the point this morning sleeping on a slab in a tide pool

RL74 Kami that had been in secret spots the last 2 days overnighted at the point and spent the day down the beach.

I've had my hands full helping monitor and survey the Albatross chicks hatching. It's so special to see the parent stand up, the egg between its legs with a little puka in it and hear the chipping of the chick, parent puts its head down and answers back. Albatross chicks take 3 to 4 days to hatch completely it's a lot of work for the little one but straight away they start been fed by the parent. Tammy and Dave got to enjoy the experience yesterday.

We have also had the visit of the Black Footed Albatrosses . One was banded here 2 seasons

ago and the other 3 aren't banded (yet). The 4 together on land were only documented once, a couple of weeks ago Marilyn and I got to spend some time observing 3. Since we have had a BFA every other day sometimes the banded one and sometimes the non-banded one(s),

There's a Erckel's Francolin that I get to see every now and then saw him yesterday and again today. we hear them everyday, sounds like they are laughing but we don't get to see them often.

I included a photo of, yet another left over burnt pallet - I don't get it why people think it's so nice to come out here to enjoy themselves and leave a mess behind them.

More soon - Be Safe

Thursday, January 28, 2021

01/28/2021 Thursday Monk Seal Dailies

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

Dave and Tammy hiked out to the point and met up with Lesley. RL98 Lina was at her favorite beach. Then they found RK40 Napua, next was RN58 Luana and lastly they all watched together as RO40 Ka'ena haul out.

Lesley had to head back but let them know of a newly hatched Laysan Albatross chick. And another chick working his way out of its egg. On their way back Team T&D decided to check a spot they don't normally go to. Good thing they did because RL74 Kami was there and may have just pooped. They also found a recently hauled out seal who decided to do a full roll and was looking like shake and bake. With Lesley's help they ID'd RW02 PvKauai.

Team Billand continues to have technical problems with their computer. (Bummer). So their report

consist of photos and ID's, no descriptions of that the critters were doing. Team Billand's finds from today:

First find today was the lovely Aukai RL12 showing her applied bleach N13 off shore. At one point there was a U/M hanging out with her. Next critter was Kaale RH32 landed alone at tracks. Then came R407 Kawika away from Kaale but at the same beach. On their recheck of Kaale he was resting comfortably. Then came Kaale bosom's buddy Kalani RN14.

At another westside location they found R3CU hauled out on the rocks. They were happy to find RH76 Kala and Kekoa Alii RK72 together. Then Kekoa must of had something that didn't agree with him because he barfed. Team Billand got a great open mouth shot.

At the bay they found RL20 Kalua resting on the rocks only to be disturbed by some young dude. RN44 was also at the bay resting on the rocks and really green.

Then once again last but not least was Da Benny. This thrilled Team Billand to no end. Happy to see the old boy staying put.

Napua RK40