Category Archives: Birds

Pueo, on the way to work

A Pueo, or Hawaiian Short-eared Owl, perches on a rock in North Kohala

I was on my way to work yesterday, whizzing along only a smidge over the speed limit, when I noticed a familiar image out of the corner of my eye. ‘That’s a Pueo,’ I thought. It was standing on a rock alongside the highway. By the time the thought registered, I was past it, so I drove on a bit until I could turn around and head back.

Sure enough, on my return, the bird was standing in the same place. I stopped a little way beyond it, got out, and snapped the photo above. The Pueo started watching me the moment I got out of the car and, as I edged towards it, it took off and disappeared toward the ocean.

I crossed the road to the spot where it had been perched, then walked a bit farther to get a view down the gully it had disappeared into. I didn’t really expect to see it again, but then I spotted it, clamped to a tree branch, head swiveling 360° as it searched for breakfast. It spotted something, took off in pursuit, and glided from view behind some trees.

I see Pueos occasionally on this stretch of road, but always in flight, usually passing in front of my car at windshield level, which makes me cringe. This is the first time I’ve seen one perched here as this one was.

A Pueo, or Hawaiian Short-eared Owl, perches on a branch in North Kohala

The Numbers Game #36

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 157. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

First this, then that

A blooming agapanthus flower next to one that has finished blooming — An Agapanthus flower blooming and, next to it, one after the bloom is done.

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Before and After.’ See more responses here.

The statue of King Kamehameha in Kapaau, Hawaii

The statue of King Kamehameha in Kapaau, Hawaii, adorned with leis

The statue of King Kamehameha I in Kapaau, then after his birthday celebration.

Take your pet to the vet. If it doesn’t go well, go next door afterwards and be reunited!

The refurbished Bond Library in Kapaau, Hawaii

The old Bond Library in Kapaau, after refurbishment will be the Kohala Heritage Center.

A Rosy-faced lovebird takes off in Hawaii

A Rosy-faced Lovebird perched on a branch, and afterwards, like this post, outta here!

Asking the question

And the answer is, ‘Yes, I am eating French fries and no, you can’t have any.’

The Numbers Game #34

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 155. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

It’s here somewhere

A Northern Cardinal at Spencer Beach Park at Kawaihae, Hawaii

I saw this Northern Cardinal at Spencer Beach Park as it worked its way along a low wall and onto a picnic table. It looked like it had lost something important, but I suppose it was just checking out its territory to make sure no one else was trying to muscle in.

The Numbers Game #33

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 154. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

A Northern Mockingbird getting ready to eat.

Two Nenes establish the pecking order (Original post here).

Shrapnel found on the ground near where I work.

The Numbers Game #32

Two stores in Hawi not working out as neighbors (original story here).

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 153. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

Graham's Island

Life on the Big Island of Hawaii