Lava Meats

Reflections in a window in Hilo, Hawaii

I took this photo in Hilo, when I went over to the orchid show, specifically to use in the last Becky’s Squares. Then I forgot about it!

Despite the ‘Yes, We Are Open’ sign, the shop was closed, but what caught my attention were the long red drapes covering the windows. They provided a swathe of red and some good reflections, including a banner for the tattoo parlor on my side of the street.

Paph. Cascade Creek ‘OK Too’ orchid

A Paph. Cascade Creek 'OK Too' orchid at the Hilo Orchid Show in Hawaii

At the Hilo Orchid Show, the various displays are separated by black-curtained walls. There are a lot of orchids up against these walls, but one or two can be found isolated against this black backdrop. This Paphiopedilum Orchid was one of them, and I think it helped highlight this beautiful orchid.

The Numbers Game #84

Spinner dolphins off the coast of Hawaii Island
Spinner Dolphins swim by.

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 206. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

Heading home

A Sonoran Carpenter Bee heads for its nest in Hawaii
A Sonoran Carpenter Bee nest in Hawaii

I was at Lapakahi, after a swim, and walked to the lookout there, to see what was happening in the water. As I stood there, a Sonoran Carpenter Bee rumbled towards me and flew back and forth in my vicinity. It was quickly joined by a second bee, coming from the opposite direction.

They weren’t exactly bothering me, but they were persistent, so I took a step or two backwards. This seemed to satisfy one of the bees and I saw it head to one of the wooden rails and disappear. I realized what was going on. I was too close to their homes.

I didn’t have my camera, but got my phone out, located the home of the second bee and took a couple of photos. These female carpenter bees drill tidy holes into any kind of wood to deposit food and lay eggs there.

Eventually, the second bee was satisfied I wasn’t a threat. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to capture her making, dare I say it, a beeline for home!

Hawaiian Hogfish

A Hawaiian Hogfish in the waters off Hawaii
A Hawaiian Hogfish in the waters off Hawaii

Hawaiian Hogfish are members of the Wrasse family and endemic to Hawaii, though they get their name from a Caribbean relative with a snout like a pig! This fish is a female and probably a younger one, since adult fish tend to live in deeper water.

The name might not be complimentary, but I think the fish is striking, especially in good light.