The Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) is known here as the Ae’o. It’s endemic to the islands and endangered to boot, though the population is thought to be increasing. These two were by the Kaloko Fishpond at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. I wonder why they’re called stilts?
Ground beetle fine dining
This ground beetle, possibly Carabus nemoralis, might not have anticipated finding a butterfly or moth squashed on a dirt road, but it wasn’t about to pass up a free meal.
Clouds over Waimea
Seen from the lower slopes of Mauna Kea, a blanket of cloud climbs over the Kohala Mountains and Waimea, but Maui is still visible in the background.
Pinkhead smartweed
This cheerful, but somewhat weedy plant grows along roadsides. It’s particularly striking on Saddle Road where it adds color to the otherwise lava-rich landscape. Also, I like the name. It sounds like the not-too-bright son of a moneyed family on the east coast.
Abstracts: Moorish idols
A pair of moorish idols swim in shallow water at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
Green anole warning
This green anole has turned brown to better blend in with its location. It’s also puffing out its pink dewlap as a warning to another male encroaching on its territory. In this case, I think I was the target of its ire.
For more information about green anoles, go to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_anole.
Jackfruit
I must have driven by this tree a hundred times, but one day, I was on foot and finally noticed the huge fruits of the jackfruit tree. Jackfruits are relatives of breadfruit and their fruit can grow as large as 3 feet in length and weigh up to 40 pounds. These weren’t that big, but still striking, once I finally noticed them.
Hawaiian zebra blenny
Hawaiian zebra blennies are a staple of rocky tide pools, living off organic detritus that accumulates in the pools. Taken by surprise, they’ll shoot off, over the rock, into the next tide pool.
