Hawaiian Birds and Plants @hawaiianbirds - Tumblr Blog

Does any one know the name of this flower, photo was taken in Maui “on the road to Hana”.

It’s a torch ginger

Recovering Endangered Species at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Photo: Kealia Pond Nationa wildlife Refuge - The 700 acres of wetlands provides suitable nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for endangered waterbirds. Photo credit: USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through its Cooperative Recovery Initiative, is committing $3.74 million to nine projects on 12 national wildlife refuge across 12 states for recovery of some of the nation’s most at-risk species on or near national wildlife refuges.

“We are targeting our work where it will do the most good for America’s resources,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Jim Kurth. “This initiative is a unique way to engage in conservation work with states and partners, giving the taxpayer a good return on investment.”

Endangered Hawaiian coot, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o, at Keālia Pond Refuge. Photo credit: Dan Clark/USFWS

At Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, the Service is investing in a two year project to protect Hawaiian waterbirds and their core wetland habitats. The approximately 700 acres of wetlands protected by the refuge are essential habitat for native Hawaiian species, especially for the endangered Hawaiian coot, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o, (Fulica alai) and endangered Hawaiian stilt, ae‘o, (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni).

“Actions to benefit recovery of endangered birds, including the ‘alae ke‘oke‘o and ae‘o are a priority,” said Kristi Young, Deputy Field Supervisor for the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “National Wildlife Refuges play a critical role in the recovery of these species – providing safe places for the species and quality habitat.”

Photo: An Ae’o wading in the waters of Keālia Pond Refuge. Photo credit: Daniel Clark/USFWS

As the management tools and conservation measures significantly improve habitats for endangered species, the greater the possibility of species survival and recovery. The service closely monitors the effects of conservation actions and the impacts leading to the recovery of endangered species.

Invasive species like cats, rats, and pigs and habitat loss have hindered the recovery progress of these species. The project team will establish long-lasting protections against predators and ungulates, and create new habitat, resulting in a large-scale restoration of the refuge, a critically important wetland habitat in Hawaii. These efforts will also reduce predator pressure and enhance habitat at the refuge to further benefit waterbird species. Additional native species that will benefit from the project are endangered Hawaiian goose or nēnē and endangered Hawaiian duck or koloa.

“This project includes a new predator-proof fence around 400 acres of the Refuge, in addition to the habitat restoration that will take place,” said Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex Project Leader Joe Schwagerl. “Improving habitat quality and protecting native birds from invasive predators will increase nesting success for the threatened ‘alae ke‘oke‘o and endangered ae‘o, in addition to benefiting the many other native and migratory species that depend on the refuge.”

Photo: This predator proof fence is protects native Hawaiian species at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: Ann Bell/USFWS

Established in 1992, Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 700 acres and is one of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. Located along the south-central coast of the island of Maui, between the towns of Kīhei and Mā‘alaea, it is a natural basin for a 56-square mile watershed from the West Maui Mountains.

Keālia Coastal Boardwalk. Photo credit: USFWS

The Keālia Coastal Boardwalk is a beautiful tranquil walkway and bird sanctuary, beside Maalaea Bay on the south edge of Maui’s central valley. A walk on the boardwalk takes you through ancient wetlands where you can watch two of Hawaii’s native and endangered waterbirds - the Hawaiian coot and Hawaiian stilt. Across the highway you can see Keālia Pond where waterfowl from Asia and North America come for rest and warmer climate, including northern shoveler and northern pintail. The Pacific golden plover migrates from Alaska, and other birds that come for the winter include the wandering tattler and ruddy turnstone.

The Cooperative Recovery Initiative was established in 2013 to restore and recover federally listed species on national wildlife refuges and surrounding lands. It funds on-the-ground conservation projects that provide high conservation benefits. These projects often provide related conservation benefits to other imperiled species and encourage partnerships with states and private groups.

To read more about the Pacific Region 2017 projects and previous years, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuges/whm/cri/.

The Hawaiʻi creeper or Hawaii creeper (Loxops mana) is a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper, that is endemic to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Its natural habitats are dry forests and montane moist forests at elevations of 1,000–2,300 metres (3,300–7,500 ft). There are a total of 12,000 birds separated into three populations. A fourth population on the western part of the island probably represents migratory birds from one of the existing population. The Hawaiʻi creeper measures 4.5 inches (11 cm) and has drab green plumage.

The Hawaiʻi creeper was put on the endangered species list in 1975; however, it was unknown whether the bird was uncommon or endangered. Although this species has been put into full view of habitat degradation, it has been able to reproduce, so this not thought to be a serious problem to this species. It has also been found in lower elevations in areas like the common ʻamakihi and apparently handles the diseases better than other species just like it. Introductions of alien animals however have caused this bird to be put under pressure. This pressure includes the bird having competition for food. The other pressure is the fact that these birds are being eaten by rats which cause the populations to drop very quickly. The nests of the Hawaiʻi creepers are low to the forest floor which leave the bird to vulnerable to predators such as rats/ The species is eaten as eggs, chicks, and even as full-fledged adults. Now its northern population is being protected in the same area as is the ʻakiapolaʻau and other native birds: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. It is threatened by disease and habitat loss. Also, the Hawaiʻi creeper has probably benefited from the conservation of other endangered birds in Hawaii .

Hakalau forest national Wildlife Refuge

Hawaii Island

8/14/2016

#Hawaiian Birds #Hawaii #endangered species #Hawaiian #Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge #Cubby

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Hahai no ka ua i ka ‘ululā’au

The rain follows the forest

Kilauea Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i

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Oahu’s Shearwaters get protection from Summer Interns

Aren’t we supposed to be vacationing in Hawaii during the summer? Not for recent college graduates who are eager to jump right into their careers and get started protecting wildlife and habitat. Mary Martin, will spend the summer working for conservation. She is one of seven students selected for the 2016 Directors Fellowship in the Pacific region and she is excited to be gaining experience, continuing her education and undertaking intricate field work to protect the birds on Oahu.

The Service’s ‘Directorate Resource Assistant Fellowship Program’ or DFP, enables the Service to achieve an all-inclusive workforce by reaching out to the next generation of conservationists; engaging youth and promoting conservation through science. The DFP provides a platform for recent graduates to work at National Wildlife Refuges, National Fish Hatcheries and other Service facilities during the summer season, preparing them for careers in natural resource management.

Mary, pictured above with a Newell’s Shearwater, is one lucky ‘Fellow’. She’ll be working this summer on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, working to protect these federally listed birds.

Near urbanized areas in Hawaii, seabirds become disoriented by artificial lighting and may collide with manmade structures or circle artificial lights until they fall to the ground, exhausted and/or injured. Once grounded, these birds are susceptible to death by predation, vehicle collisions and disturbance by people. Light attraction and fallout is considered a serious limiting factor to recovery of the endangered Newell’s shearwater and the rare Wedge-tailed shearwater.

Mary will be establishing a system of monitoring and responding to downed shearwaters and other seabirds on the island of Oahu. Reducing annual fallout is a primary recovery objective for the Wedge-tailed shearwater and will also improve the conservation of a variety of Hawaiian seabirds. To accomplish her goal, she will collaborate with multiple parties, identify licensed and willing wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians, establish a network of volunteers, develop reporting guidelines for collection of downed seabirds and carcasses, and identify “hotspots” of where fallout occurs most often. She will also develop outreach information on safe handling of sick or injured birds, and on the legal requirements of caring for federally-protected species. This project ultimately provides Mary with an opportunity to engage with the public on conservation activities important for the cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people, while promoting the conservation of trust resources.

Mary was born and raised in New Jersey and recently graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. After graduating in December, she excelled as a Wildlife Intern at Brookhaven National Laboratory where she completed multiple wildlife monitoring projects and an independent research project regarding bird populations on-site. In her free time, she enjoys running, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with her four siblings. But who has free time this summer, she’ll be tackling the many diverse programs within the Service, like wildlife rehabilitation, public outreach and endangered species recovery.

The Director’s Fellowship program will continue to provide students with an understanding of the challenges involved in conserving fish and wildlife and will provide a unique insight into Service’s programs. We hope Mary fulfills her desire to become natural resource manager and that she will carry this experience and skillset forward into her chosen career. Good luck and thanks for all the hard work you’ve done this summer.

Written by Jane Chorazy, USFWS Public Affairs Officer

Photo Credit: Mary Martin and USFWS Images

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This is awesome

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Machaerina angustifolia

Mt. Kaala, HI

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ʻUki

General Information The genus Machaerina belongs to the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) consisting of about 85 species.There are two species in the genus Machaerina native to the Hawaiian Archipelago, the featured species which is indigenous, and the endemic subspecies Machaerina mariscoides subsp. meyenii.EtymologyThe generic name Machaerina is derived from the Latin machaera, a bent dagger or sword, and -ina, a feminine suffix, which in this case is diminutive, referring to the shape of the leaves of some species.The specific name angustifolia [angustifolius] means "narrow leaved."Hawaiian Name:ʻUki is a name used for some native sedges (Cladium jamaicense,Machaerina spp.) and another name for ʻUkiʻuki or Hawaiian dianella (Dianella sandwicensis).Background InformationPele grass and Volcano grass are some vernacular names used. [2]Early Hawaiian UseCaptain Cook's artist John Webber sketched canoes paddlers wearing gourd masks. These masks were decorated with strips of kapa that hung down and some are quite certain that the crest resembling feathers was ʻuki (Cladiumspp.). This may have been Cladium jamaicense or this species, now referred to as Machaerina angustifolia [syn. Cladium angustifolia]. [2,3,4]Modern UsePale white bases of leaves can be eaten and have a taste slightly reminiscent of artichoke hearts. [5]The bracts remain on the stalks indefinitely, making them suitable in dried floral arrangements.

#Native Hawaiian Plants #Hawaiian #Hawaii #Hawaiian Plants #Cubby

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Mahiole

Hawaiian feather helmet. At Bernisches Historisches Museum, Bern.

Some distracting signage in the background erased with Snapheal.

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Many birds died for the warrior.

#Hawaiian Culture #Hawaiian Birds #Hawaii #Warriors #Na Koa

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Haleakalā stands at 10,023 ft above sea level and is one of the tallest mountains on earth. Everyone knows that Mt. Everest is the world’s “highest” mountain, standing at 29,029 ft, but it is certainly not the “tallest”. The majority of the mountainous Hawaiian islands are beneath the ocean’s surface, hiding three Hawaiian mountains that are “taller” than Everest. From base to peak, Haleakalā stands at 29,320 ft, nearly 300 ft taller than Everest. Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaiʻi are even taller; the latter being the word’s tallest mountain at 33,100 ft from base to peak. In this photo is the rare Maui silversword, which grows only atop Haleakalā. It’s Hawaiian name is ‘āhinahina, which means ‘silver’ or 'gray’. Photo by @cwilberge – photo taken by native_hawaiian_plants

#Hawaiian Plants #Silversword #Hawaii Maui #Cubby

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First bloom (hibiscus clayi x hibiscus kokio subspecies st johnianus). It’s so interesting that its staminal column is white. – photo taken by native_hawaiian_plants

#Hawaii #Hawaiian Plants #Cubby

I recently had the opportunity to attend an auction to kick off the endowment fund for the Friends of Hakalau NWR. The endowment is to ensure that funding for the refuge is donated every year.

All this beautiful art work was donated to be auctioned off.If you like to make a donation, you may do so at HERE

#Hawaiian plants #Hawaiian Birds #Hakalau Forest NWR #Hawaii #Cubby

baanukulele

KoAloha Opio (All Solid) Acacia wood

Soprano/ Concert/ Tenor

Specifications: All Solid Acacia Body TUSQ™ Nut and Saddle KoAloha 5-pointed Crown Headstock Sepele Fretboard, straight cut All Sepele Binding on the edge of the Fretboard Fretboard Inlay Dots made of Maple KoAloha’s Patented “Musubi” Soundhole Gloss Finish

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Simply Beautiful

#Koa #Hawaiian Plants #Hawaii #Awesome Sauce #Cubby

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‘Ōhi‘a lehua (metrosideros polymorpha). – photo taken by native_hawaiian_plants

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What an interesting color

The Nene (Branta sandvicensis)

The breeding season of the nene, from August to April, is longer than that of any other goose. Most eggs are laid between November and January. Unlike most other waterfowl, the nene mates on land. Nests are built by females on a site of their choosing, in which one to five eggs are laid (average is three on Maui and Hawaiʻi, four on Kauaʻi). Females incubate the eggs for 29 to 32 days, while the male acts as a sentry. Goslings are precocial, able to feed on their own; they remain with their parents until the following breeding season .

4/2/2016

Hakalau Forest national Wildlife Refuge

Hawai’i Island

#Hawaiian Birds #Hawaii #Nene Goose #Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge #Cubby

Uluhe (Dicranopteris linearis)

This rhizomatous fern spreads via cloning, spreading along the ground and climbing on other vegetation, often forming thickets 3 metres deep or more. The stem grows from the rhizome, branches at a 45° angle, and forms fronds that continue to bud and branch. In this way the growth can continue for a long distance as the plant forms a mat, grows over itself in layers, and spreads

#Uluhe (Dicranopteris linearis)#Hawaiian Plants #Hakalau Forest NWR #Hawaii #Cubby