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

Birding Mana Kai 11-5-2013

It was fun getting up in the morning and seeing what birds I might find that day.  I was amazed at the different birds that did show up in this one small area, of wooded, scrub type bushes in front of the Mana Kai. Every day new ones came to visit.

For some reason, when I look up, I only get the belly of a bird, or the behind.

This first one, not a clue.  I am using a Panasonic Lumix 20x full HD camera, model DMC-ZS19

Here is another of the beautiful Hibiscus.  This one was by the entrance to the Mana Kai.

You have to look hard, as this bird is blending quite well with its background.

There was a family of Gray Francolin.  The males and females look alike. They have this heavy barring across their back and wings, and finely barred below.

Once they know you are there, they scurry quickly away.  This mom had a brood of about 6 juveniles.

Here are a pair of Red-crested Cardinals.  They are also known as Brazilian Cardinals.  Both sexes look similar.

Closeup of one of the young Gray Francolin. I did have to move quick to get my picture.

They were introduced from South America around 1930.  They are a beautiful bird to watch. 

There were not as ski-dish  as some. They are found in parks, lawns and open dry forest, and will readily come to bird feeders.  They will forage on the ground for seeds, insects and fruit. They are Usually seen in pairs or family groups.

It is believed they will breed year round.

Gray Francolin

More sea urchins on the rocks by the shore.

Another great "behind" shot.