Passing through

Spinner dolphins in the waters off Hawaii

Yesterday, when I went swimming, the swells rolling in were larger than expected, and the visibility in the water, worse than expected. Consequently, it wasn’t a banner swim until I popped my head out of the water and saw spinner dolphins heading my way.

Spinner dolphins in the waters off Hawaii
Spinner dolphins in the waters off Hawaii

I reckoned there were at least 60 or 70 dolphins in the pod, but I suspect there the number was closer to 100. I count more than 25 in the top photo and that was one group going by on one side. The traffic was continuous on both sides, and below, for several minutes.

Spinner dolphins in the waters off Hawaii

The dolphins weren’t hanging around, but zipped by, heading for their daytime resting spot. Several minutes later, a much smaller group passed by, traveling at a more sedate speed. I’m not sure why that was. Sometimes it’s because they’re escorting calves, but I didn’t see any. Perhaps they were just tired and not inclined to get caught up in the rush of the main group.

Spinner dolphins in the waters off Hawaii

Hebrew Cone

A Hebrew Cone in the waters off Hawaii

For some reason, on many recent swims I’ve seen a variety of cones in the water. Cones are marine snails and many have a venomous sting, which can be dangerous to humans, though not likely fatal.

The Hebrew Cone gets its name from its distinctive markings, which supposedly bear something of a resemblance to Hebrew letters. It’s quite common here, though this was the first one I’ve seen. Apparently, the largest Hebrew Cones are found in Hawaii, though that only means a length of around 2.5 inches, which this one might have been close to.

Cat in a Kiawe

A cat rests in a Kiawe tree in Hawaii

I was impressed to see one of our cats at work, looking comfy on a branch of the large Kiawe tree in the yard. The tree is not only studded with vicious thorns, but is also home to a colony of ants that might outnumber the human population of the island.

You gotta laugh

Breakfast strikes back
A green anole tries to eat a Chinese Rose Beetle, and loses. Original post here.

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Comics or Funny Pages (aka silly or funny photos).’ See more responses here.

These are photos that I’ve run before, but quite a while ago. They still make me smile and I hope they do the same for you.

Tight squeeze! Original post here.
A green turtle is temporarily stranded on a rock.
Flipper flapper! Original post here.
If you say so. Original post here.
Whatcha lookin at. Original post here.

Geckos are endlessly entertaining.

A gecko looks out from a Pepsi machine
Change anyone? Original post here.
I don’t want any trouble. Original post here.
Should I or shouldn’t I? Full sequence here.

But they’re not the only ones.

A gray chub in the waters off the Big Island
Want to come along? We’re going fishing! Original post here.

Cattleya Labiata orchid

A Cattleya labiata orchid at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
A Cattleya labiata orchid at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

There are many things to like about this orchid. It’s a beautiful flower. It’s an epiphyte, growing on the trunk of a tree. It hosts a small hover fly, which I didn’t notice at the time. And it has a handy tag attached, identifying what it is, which I also didn’t see until later.

There’s an interesting story about the discovery of this flower here.