11-9-2013 Maui

Plumbago

Kitty at the Mana Kai

Bird of Paradise

Red-Crested Cardinal

Wandering Tattler
It is a winter visitor, arriving in the islands by August and leaving for Alaskan breeding grounds in late April or early May. 

In its winter plumage it is dark gray above and light gray below. It is generally a solitary bird, sometimes found in pairsor small flocks.  I saw only one. They feed by probing the bill into mud or under rocks.  They bob their tail when looking for food. They frequent mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky coastline, and interior rocky streams.  

Java Sparrow
It was orginally introduced in 1867 from Indonesia.  Sexes are similar. They travel in large flocks and are easily attracted to feeders. They feed on seeds and some insects.

This one I found near a boating ramp not far from the Mana Kai.

House sparrow

African Silverbill
It was first recorded in 1970's.  Formerly considered a subspecies of Warbling Silverbill which was split in July 2000 into African and Indian species.
Again the sexes are similar. Adults are pale brown above, light gray below.It has a bluish gray bill.

This one was found by the coast, and appeared to be gathering material for a nest.

Another lizard sunning himself.

Pacific golden Plover

Hawaiian birds and flowers 11-4-2013

Zebra Dove, Geopelia striata
This is a common dove, that is abundant in residential and rural areas.
It was introduced from Asia in 1922. It is also known as the Barred Dove.

On the beach where we stayed, several people brought seed to feed the doves.

Plumeria, is a beautiful tropical American native, so common in Hawaii that it is usually the first flower the visitor encounters in the form of leis. The waxy, fragrant, and long-lasting spring flowers are borne in clusters on trees that look somewhat succulent.
They trees are drought resistant and are common sights in dry areas where other plants may suffer.
They range in color from white, to pale yellow, red or maroon.  They are beautiful in clusters.

Kou
It is a coastal tree about 30 feet tall that was introduced from Polynesia to Hawaii by the early native immigrants.  It was important to the Hawaiians as a source of wood for cups and bowls, it is prized for the beautiful grain.
It is a popular shade tree and the orange, scentless flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year.

Hibiscus, comes in a variety of colors, as well as single or double blooms, or fringed.
Hibiscus is used for food, tea, fibers, wood, dyes, perfumes, and medicines.

Northern Cardinal
It was introduced to the islands from eastern U.S. in 1929.

It is also know at the Kentucky or Red Cardinal.
There is a small wooded area in front of the Mana Kai  that I loved to watch for different birds.

Umbrella Tree
They are native to Australia and commonly grown as small house plants.  If put in the ground they grow rapidly to heights of 40 feet tall. They branch and form a flat canopy.
It is sometimes called the octopus tree, due to the flower spikes that spread from the central point like the out-stretched arms of a 6 foot octopus.

Spotted Dove
This bird is common on all the main islands from sea level to 8,000 feet. It is also know as Lace-necked, Chinese Dove or Mountain Dove.

This dove is common in urban and rural areas. It will also feed in native forest.  It can become accustomed to humans, but is more wary than the Zebra Dove.
When they are courting there is an elaborate ground display with much bowing and tail flaring.
They were displaying a lot while we were there.

Common Myna, resting in the wooded area.

They have such a soft cooing sound.

House sparrows

African Silverbill
Common on Maui. First recorded in the early 1970's, but it is not known when it was actually introduced to the islands.
It is a small bird, only 4 1/2 inches.

They like the dry habitats.  They are often found in large flocks.  This day, this was the only one.

Oleander
It has an almond perfume. It is widespread in California and Florida.
It is not a plant to mess around with.  It has been used in rat poisons.

Pacific Golden-Plover

Zebra Dove, notice the blue tinge on its face.

Spotted Dove

House Sparrow

Zebra Dove with his tail up and about to bow.