These dense trees can be found in the vicinity of Kilauea Volcano and show that nature thrives if it is spared by the lava flows. This view reminds me of broccoli.
Author Archives: Graham
It’s bright, it’s white
I always look for new calves when I go past the dairy farm at Upolu, and most days I’m rewarded by seeing at least one.
This calf is black and white, like its mom, but where mom looks distinctly off-white, the calf is still whiter than white. Whenever I see this, I can’t help but think of ads for laundry soap.
Snowflake moray eel
This is an adult snowflake moray eel. Their distinctive markings make them one of the easier eels to identify. Unlike other eels, they don’t have sharp teeth, but pebble-like plates which they use to crush the shells of their invertebrate prey.
Java sparrow
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Pink.’ (See more responses here.) I mulled a few possibilities before settling on this fine little bird, a Java sparrow. The Java sparrow, as its name suggests, is native to Indonesia, but is now well established in Hawaii. It’s notable for its thick, pink bill which matches its eye ring and feet.
Pana’ewa benches
Here are a couple of colorful benches that can be found at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo. Designed more for appearance than comfort, there are several similar benches at the zoo (here). If you do visit and choose to sit on the alligator bench, make sure it is a bench and not one of the real alligators.
For more information about Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens, go to hilozoo.org.
Backlit leaves
Just a couple of big, tropical leaves backlit by the sun.
Sleepy orange butterflies
I came across these two sleepy orange butterflies (Abaeis nicippe) while on a walk. I think the one flying is a male since they’re described as having more sharply defined borders on the wings. If that’s the case, I presume this was some sort of mating activity going on, or at least, being attempted by the male. I didn’t see any response from the other butterfly so don’t know if the attempt was ultimately successful.
Kau Coast
A view of the Kau coastline, not far from the southern tip of the island, where the road snakes down from Naalehu toward Whittington Beach County Park, where the pilings jut into the ocean.
