Tag Archives: Hawaiian Coot

Photos afloat

A tug and barge enter Kawaihae Harbor in Hawaii
A tug and barge enter Kawaihae Harbor in the early morning hours.

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Afloat.’ See more responses here. Let’s start with boats.

Strong winds whip up whitecaps in Kawaihae Harbor in Hawaii
Even in a sheltered harbor, staying afloat isn’t always easy.
A Coast Guard buoy ship in the waters off Hawaii
A U.S. Coastguard ship servicing buoys outside Kawaihae Harbor.
Canoe paddlers head towards the shore off the coast of Hawaii
Canoe paddlers head for shore.

But they’re not the only floating things.

A Hawaiian Coot swims in a lagoon in Hawaii
A Hawaiian Coot afloat in a pond, oblivious to the need for a bit of personal grooming.
A diver down flag in the waters off Hawaii
In the U.S. this flag signals, “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.”
Lily pads and reflections in Lily Lake at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
Lily pads floating on Lily Lake at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden.

Hawaiian coot diving

I saw this Hawaiian coot at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, north of Kailua Kona. It was puttering around in one of the inland lagoons, periodically diving for food, as it is in these photos.

For more information about Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, go to https://www.nps.gov/kaho/index.htm or bigislandhikes.com/kaloko-honokohau-park/.

Someone’s having a bad feather day

Hawaiian Coot with misplace feather

Hawaiian CootThis Hawaiian coot looked surprised to discover a wayward feather in its otherwise immaculate plumage (above). Several attempts to corral the unruly feather failed, leaving the bird with a distinctly grumpy look (middle photo). But a solution was found (below). Time for a stylish V for Victory lap around the pond.

Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge ‘Liquid.’

Hawaiian Coot with two misplaced feathers