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Monk Seal haul out on January 25, 2008
Surfer girl the Monk Seal was seen hauling out onto the rocks North
of Little Beach about 9:30 in the morning. Dr. Leisure appeared on the
scene about 12:30 and stayed with the seal through the day and slightly
past sunset. The following excerpts give a pretty good idea of just what
goes on through the day.
MS 12:40 PM My initial look at Surfer Girl the Monk Seal. I have been
advised that a seal has hauled out on the rocks North of Little Beach by
visitor who has returned from a morning snorkel. Although I have seen this
scene a few times I am always excited about the opportunity to see and
study a Monk Seal. As soon as I can take a shot I do because I don't want
to miss an opportunity to document the sighting.
MS 12:56 PM Surfer Girl has rolled over on her back. Not an uncommon
happening with particular animal. You can tell the sex of a Monk Seal by
looking at the belly area. You should see five dots. Just like a five die.
Four out to the corners and one in the middle. The four outer dots at the
teats of the female. The center spot is the belly button. A male only has
the center spot.
MS 1:12 PM Kayaks pass by the point. They have seen the seal but take
it in as they paddle by. Surfer Girl appears not to notice and sleeps through
it.
MS 1:20 PM A close up of a contented sleeping Monk Seal.
MS 1:40 PM Head on view. Little movement but the seal has rolled onto
stomach and moved toward the camera.
MS 1:47 PM Close head on shot. Not a lot of action watching a monk seal
taking a nap.
MS 1:55 Two swimmers in the water are aware of the seal but give it
space before swimming on around the point.
MS 1:56 Still sleeping the monk seal is oblivious to the shore bird
walking about. First in front of the seal and then behind.
MS 2:20 A group of rather noisy swimmers appear just off shore. After
some encouragement from us on shore they quiet down and depart peacefully.
Surfer girl does not show any signs of distress.
MS about 2:30 PM Nicole Davis the coordinator for the Monk Seal Response
team arrives to handle watching over Surfer Girl.
MS 2:36 PM Surfer girl moves to the tidal pool and splashes about for
a bit.
MS 2:45 PM Surfer girl is in the tidal pool and moves about thrusting
her nose into the water. It appears to me that they can thrust their nose
into water or air and it doesn't make any difference to them. The nostrils
close down when moved into the water and may or may not open when in the
air.
MS 2:56 PM Surfer girl has moved out of the pool and is pointed toward
the ocean. We are wondering if she is getting ready to leave.
