Hawaii

Three different days I observed seals on the beach within their roped off sanctuary. My last encounter with a Hawaiian Monk Seal on the Tombolo (4 Sept 2010) I had the opportunity to talk with a NOAA employee (Michael) that is tasked with the duties of roping off the seals along the beach and coordinating volunteers to monitor the seals throughout the day.

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Historically there were five endemic goose species within the islands of Hawaii. Today, only the Hawaiian goose (Branta sandwicensis), better known by its Hawaiian name Nene, has survived. Signs that indicate “Nene Crossings” and “Don’t feed the Nene” can be seen along several roads and parks throughout the islands.

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Along the Tombolo I could see a large crowd around a roped off Hawaiian Monk Seal (2 Sept 2010). Apparently, an encounter of two seals was happening. A beached seal was rudely interrupted by another seal obviously ready to hunt or play for the evening. But the beached seal wanted nothing to do with it, honking and showing aggression by opening her mouth and displaying her teeth.

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After dinner 30 Aug 2010, Amanda and I took a night walk along the beach. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the sand and lava rocked beach accompanied with the breeze off the ocean was peaceful. We followed along the shore by star light, but we were also equipped with head lamps and camera this time!

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On the island of Kauai are two Tombolo (an attached island formed by erosion and wave action) and one of those is located on Poipu Beach near where we stayed. While walking the beach (28 Aug 2010), I enjoyed my first sighting of an endangered seal, roped off along the sand bridge that connected the small island of volcanic rock (the Tombolo).

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After a long and difficult summer field season, I recently visited three islands of Hawaii with my wife (Amanda) for vacation; Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. And it was during this expedition/vacation trip that I stumbled upon several federally listed species.