Here we go again. This is another in a series of distraction diaries provided as a brief respite from the struggles of the day. In this episode we return to Hamakua Marsh in Kailua to visit our friends, the wetlands birds. I hope you enjoy your visit here.
Hawaiian Moorhen
Hawaiian Moorhen or Gallinule or 'Alae'ula
In Hawaiian legend this bird brought fire to the Hawaiian people. This subspecies of the common moorhen is endemic to Hawaii and is listed as an endangered species.
Hawaiian Moorhen
Hawaiian Coot or 'Alae ke'oke'o
This bird was formerly considered a subspecies of American coot but is currently considered a distinct species. It is slightly smaller and had a larger shield than its mainland counterpart. Like the moorhen it is endemic and endangered.
Hawaiian Stilt or Ae'o. This is an endangered subspecies of black-necked stilt. They are sometimes known in these diaries as the pink legged silly bird. Don't blame me.
Stilt
Stilt
Waterbird surveys from 1998 though 2003 showed an average population of 1,350 birds (from Hawaii's Birds, National Audubon Society)
Black-Crowned Night Heron or 'Auku'u
This is the same bird as its mainland counterpart and the largest resident wetlands bird.
Heron
These birds are threatened by habitat loss and predation from alien species such as the mongoose and feral cats.
Please feel free to post your photos and as always, be good humans.