Pacific Golden Plovers will soon be heading north to Alaska where they breed. Before doing so they acquire a black and white front which you can see here.
Two Pacific Golden Plovers
Graham's Island
Life on the Big Island of Hawaii
Pacific Golden Plovers will soon be heading north to Alaska where they breed. Before doing so they acquire a black and white front which you can see here.
Graham's Island 
Birds are fascinating creatures and the distances they can convert are incredible. This plover is different from the variety seen around here, and I note its plumage reminds me a Godwit, which is another of those long distance flyers. Amazing birds. I didn’t know how the Polynesians discovered Hawaii so thanks for sharing that Graham, but it makes sense to follow the birds.
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I don’t know if the story is true, but it does make sense.
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They are good looking birds. It’s a good distance to fly without and land to stop off for a breather
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Individual birds wouldn’t survive the journey, but collectively, and flying in formation, they conserve enough energy to make it. The story goes that Polynesians saw these birds arriving from the north and figured it meant there was land up there. That’s why they set out in their canoes and discovered Hawaii!
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I would accept that story 100% That is how Australia was expanded with the movement of “the mob” around to find better place to camp for a while and spreading out. My place was a track to move the Gumbaynggirr people from the Orara River to the Clarence River where the Bundjalung people live to gather, do some trading and have a party. They always followed where food was going lol
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The stories of those times and how people ventured into unknown territories is fascinating I think.
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Gosh, that’s dramatic.
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The change to summer plumage is very noticeable.
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lovely birds!
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They are, and fun to see on the shoreline.
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I can imagine…birds and the shore are 2 of my favorite things.
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