jdalebird
Hawaiian Monk Seal - Neomonachus schauinslandi
Ka'ena Point State Park - 1/14/18- 8:30 AM - The Hawaiian monk seal is one of two remaining monk seal species ( Mediterranean is very endangered, and Caribbean monk seal is extinct). Hawaiian monk seal is just one of two endemic mammals of the Hawaiian islands (other one is the Hawaiian hoary bat). Its native Hawaiian name is Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, and translates to, dog that runs in rough water.
I was visiting this park to see the Laysan Albatross. I went down to the beach, and to my surprise, I came upon the seal. I was a bit surprised, and turned away immediately so as not to disturb it. Funny how at a distance it blends in to look like a small boulder emerging thru the sand.
At the time I took the photo, I did not know what kind of seal it was. So a couple weeks later going thru my photos I did some research. Well what a amazing treat to have seen this rare mammal. I've written before, and its worth repeating, this is an incredible place on earth to visit. Get there at dawn to see the sun rise and the rise of the morning fog on the leeward side of the mountain ridge that terminates at the point. Observe the converging awesome north shore curlers with the under sea currents caused by the point. Ponder the Laysan Albatross flying above you, and surfing the air pressure waves over the ocean, and the joy of seeing successful breeding pairs of several LAALs. Nirvana!
Hawaiian Monk Seal - Neomonachus schauinslandi
Ka'ena Point State Park - 1/14/18- 8:30 AM - The Hawaiian monk seal is one of two remaining monk seal species ( Mediterranean is very endangered, and Caribbean monk seal is extinct). Hawaiian monk seal is just one of two endemic mammals of the Hawaiian islands (other one is the Hawaiian hoary bat). Its native Hawaiian name is Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, and translates to, dog that runs in rough water.
I was visiting this park to see the Laysan Albatross. I went down to the beach, and to my surprise, I came upon the seal. I was a bit surprised, and turned away immediately so as not to disturb it. Funny how at a distance it blends in to look like a small boulder emerging thru the sand.
At the time I took the photo, I did not know what kind of seal it was. So a couple weeks later going thru my photos I did some research. Well what a amazing treat to have seen this rare mammal. I've written before, and its worth repeating, this is an incredible place on earth to visit. Get there at dawn to see the sun rise and the rise of the morning fog on the leeward side of the mountain ridge that terminates at the point. Observe the converging awesome north shore curlers with the under sea currents caused by the point. Ponder the Laysan Albatross flying above you, and surfing the air pressure waves over the ocean, and the joy of seeing successful breeding pairs of several LAALs. Nirvana!