A cackling goose is similar in appearance to a Canada goose, but much smaller and with a shorter beak. Both are rare visitors to Hawaii. This cackling goose was taking a drink of water from a puddle at Upolu airport until a couple of mynah birds started harassing it. Then it took off and headed east, into a strong wind.
Mango flower beetle
This mango flower beetle was hanging out on the washing line. Probably wouldn’t be right at the top of a ‘cute creatures’ list.
Upolu sunset
The scene shortly after sunset on the coast below Upolu airport in North Kohala.
Fagraea berteriana
Fagraea berteriana is also known as perfume flower tree and pua keni keni. In Hawaiian, pua keni keni means “ten cent flower,” which used to be the price of a lei made from these flowers.
There’s a lot going on with these plants. The fragrant flowers start out white, then turn golden yellow. Later it will produce smooth green fruits that will become wrinkled and red.
Opihi picker
This man was multi-tasking on the coast. After setting up his fishing rod, he went down to the shore to pick opihi. Such an undertaking is not for the faint of heart. Misjudge a wave, and he could be swept into the ocean in an instant.
Opihi are a kind of limpet and are a favorite delicacy here in Hawaii, most often eaten raw, straight from the shell.
New moo
This calf is probably half-an-hour old. Mom was busy cleaning him while he got some nourishment. Then he decided to try out his very wobbly legs while mom followed, still cleaning.
Newborn calves look like they’ve stepped out of a laundry detergent commercial – crisp and clean, and brighter than bright.
Whitemouth moray eel in a tight spot
Whitemouth moray eels are typically seen wedged into cracks, usually with just a head sticking out. This good-sized eel was jammed in particularly tightly, under a lump of overhanging coral. I think I saw the same eel again, a couple of days later, in a different spot, but in equally cramped conditions. Perhaps it’s a bit agoraphobic.
Plumbago auriculata
Plumbago auriculata is a fairly common shrub most notable for its stunning blue flowers.
