A green anole surveys the scene and gives the photographer a look of grumpy suspicion.
Category Archives: Animals
A horse waiting for a carrot
I often see these three horses on my regular walk. Usually they ignore me, but on this day one of them came to the fence and poked its head over the barbed wire. I suspect it was hoping for treats as I’ve seen people providing them. Sadly for the horse, I was a disappointment in this respect and it looked suitably unimpressed. Next day, the three of them were back to ignoring me.
Signs: Don’t tease the tiger
This sign can be seen at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo, and that’s Sriracha pacing behind the fence. I post this because I really want one of those signs. It would be great, give local kids something to think about, maybe even cause the neighbor’s dogs to think twice before pooping in the yard.
The only thing that could improve this sign is to add, ‘or we’ll throw you over the fence.’
For more information about Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens, go to hilozoo.org.
Allograpta obliqua hoverfly
I saw this hoverfly on a mamane flower near the top of Pu’u Wa’awa’a, which is one of my favorite places to hike. At first I thought it was a wasp or bee, which is what I’m supposed to think. Mimicking these insects may afford the hoverfly some protection from predators.
Allograpta obliqua is considered a beneficial insect since its larvae feed on aphids.
Many thanks to Daniel at whatsthatbug.com for help with the identification.
Kealia beach
I’d rather be at the beach, though I’m not one for stretching out on the sand and slowly broiling. I much prefer a beach like Kealia, north of Ho’okena, where the mix of sand and lava attracts tide pool dwellers and the birds that feed on them.
It was here, also, that I first saw butterflies, such as the large orange sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) below, drinking from the sand. I subsequently learned that butterflies can’t drink from open water, but get moisture from dew on plants, wet sand, earth and mud. In addition, drinking from these sources allows butterflies to obtain needed salts and minerals.
I learn something new every day. Now, if only I could remember these things.
Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, ‘I’d rather be…’
Goat brigands
Hiking on the 1871 trail, heading south from Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, I came on this scene. A herd of goats blocked the trail. They watched me from the shadows. Two of them raised themselves onto their hind legs and repeatedly butted heads.
In the deep shade of the trees they carried the look of a gang of brigands, ready to relieve hikers of their valuables or, more likely, since they’re goats, something to eat. That could be just about anything from a carrot to the hiker’s shoes.
As I got closer, the goats filtered into the trees and scrub, disappearing from view. Perhaps next time I won’t be so lucky.
For more information about the 1871 Trail, and other hikes on the Big Island, go to bigislandhikes.com.
For more information about Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm.
Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, ‘I’d rather be…,’ because I’d rather be hiking.
The grass IS greener
Regardless of how lush a pasture is, cows can always be seen with head hanging over or through a fence, sampling the greener grass beyond. But what goes through the fence must return, and with great care. No cows were harmed in the making of this photo.
Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge to be a visual storyteller.
An alien-like praying mantis
When it comes to bugs, there are many contenders for otherworldly status. One such is the praying mantis. This one was slowly working its way along a hedge looking for prey, but it kept a wary eye out for the weird looking, big-headed alien creature pointing that glass-fronted box in its direction.
Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, ‘Out of This World.’
Graham's Island 