Orthosiphon aristatus is better known in the U.S. as Java tea or cat’s whiskers, which I think is particularly fitting. This one was at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden just north of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island.
For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.
A pair of sailboats at anchor off the Big Island with Maui in the background.
Stocky hawkfish have terrific camouflage They rest in the coral and can be very difficult to pick out.
The sleepy orange butterfly (Abaeis nicippe) is one of the newest introductions to Hawaii. It was first seen on Oahu in December 2013 and is already established on all the main Hawaii islands, an unusually rapid spread. Part of its success in thriving here might be that has a wide range of habitats where it can live. It’s been spotted from sea level all the way up to 6,800 feet.
While its name is sleepy orange, like most of the butterflies I see here, it’s a rapid flier, jitterbugging around in such a way that it’s hard to capture in flight. Fortunately for me, this one was jitterbugging in 30 m.p.h. winds and seemed happy to take any opportunity to find a sheltered spot to rest.
I came across this on a rocky stretch of coast, placed there by someone who liked the shape as much as I do. It’s a lump of bleached coral, but looks like a small, tubby lap dog not at all pleased about being toted to such an uncomfortable spot. I particularly like the petroglyph-like form on its side.
Late afternoon sun shines on the ocean and a small fishing boat off the Big Island.
I find the flight of birds very graceful. This juvenile black-crowned night heron was mostly statuesque while fishing in the shallows, but every so often it took flight to relocate, gliding over turbulent waters.
I was out in the yard taking photos on a windy day when I felt something tickle my arm. I thought it was a leaf, but looking down found this baby praying mantis on the move. I watched it for a while before setting it down on a leaf in a sheltered spot.
