Field Guides Tour Report HAWAII 2011 (2nd tour)

Mar 24, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Alvaro Jaramillo

Palila on the Big Island: there are only 1000 or so left of this really cool and handsome bird, perhaps one of the prettiest of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers. (Photo by guide Alvaro Jaramillo)

It was superb to return to Hawaii! Certainly this is the most special state of all, with its unique cultural history, tropical nature and perhaps the most amazing island radiation of unique birds anywhere. Also, it is a place that everyone has heard about but though heavily visited is seldom experienced as a birder sees it. We get to wander about in the backcountry, in the highlands, often in places where access is restricted. These are places that are wetter and cooler than the average tourist ever imagines exists in Hawaii. But this is also where the real Hawaii remains, where native plants and birds still reign. This is a special way to see Hawaii, and I was happy to be there with you.

You were a great group to travel with (and you got to be happy about the weather). Sometimes the weather can be wet in the highlands, but we had some pretty good weather overall. We missed next to no birding due to rain, and we seldom had to bring out the umbrellas. Very nice!

We were able to sample the various habitats of these islands, and to see the various species both native and non-native on the three islands we visit -- Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Our start was in Waikiki, where the first birds were introduced species. But very quickly we were able to get into the forest and see the endemic Oahu Amakihi and Oahu Elepaio. That day we also ventured to coastal sites where Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, White Terns, and Sooty Terns made an appearance. Ending the day watching Bristle-thighed Curlews -- one of the rarest and most impressive avian migrants -- was a treat.

Kauai welcomed us with its inviting greenery and, of all things, singing Western Meadowlarks! Kauai is the "Moa" Island, the one where the chickens run around all over the place, testament to the fact that this island lacks the ground-dwelling predator -- the mongoose. Our adventure out to the ocean netted us great looks at Humpback Whales but also migrant Sooty Shearwaters and Laysan and Black-footed albatrosses, among others. Distant Mottled Petrels also kept us on our toes. But equally mesmerizing was seeing seabirds on their breeding grounds: nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, displaying Red-tailed tropicbirds, and that amazingly huge and cute fuzzball of a Laysan Albatross chick on the north side

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1 of the island. What a scene!! The highlands of Koke'e and the Alakai were good to us, and there we saw the now very difficult-to-find Akeke'e along with the Apapane, Anianiau, Kauai Amakihi, and Kauai Elepaio. Superb birds all over.

The Big Island treated us to a puffing volcano! No lava, but more steam and smoke dumping out to make for an impressive view. Here the Omao (a thrush) dazzled us with its odd song, while the Hawaiian Hawk showed itself to us many times. We saw different morphs, ages, and even sitting birds! Yipee. This is an island full of chicken relatives, from Kalij Pheasants, to Gray, Black, and Erckel's francolins, Wild Turkeys, Chukars, and California Quails of all things. Nenes, the Hawaiian Geese, are here as they are on Kauai and are doing quite well. But the most impressive place to visit is the gem of all native forests on Hawaii: Hakalau. This is the first National Wildlife Refuge that was formed strictly to preserve native land birds. Here the Iiwi is still common, a gorgeous red honeycreeper with red bill and legs and a curved bill worthy of a curlew! The Apapane here is overshadowed by the impressive Iiwi. But other rarer birds like the Hawaii Creeper and the orange Akepa also make a splash. Hakalau is a wonderful spot. The forests on the slopes of Mauna Kea have dry areas where we saw the beautiful yellow and green Palila, the only finch-billed honeycreeper that remains on the large islands. It is also rather rare and declining, unfortunately. But I save the best for last, the bird with the most bizarre of all bill, the "Aki" short for Akipola'au. It pecks like a woodpecker with its stocky mandible and then when it finds a grub, it picks it out with its long curved spike on its maxilla! We had great views of the Aki, absolutely as good as they get.

Thanks so much for making this trip a fun and superb one to lead. I had a great time, and hope that you will run through this list and re-live some of the good memories.

See you soon all!

--Alvaro

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Hawaii.

KEYS FOR THIS LIST One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDS Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) BRANT (BLACK) (Branta bernicla nigricans) – One individual was at the Hanalei lookout, in Kauai. We saw it two times at the same spot. This individual was of the expected Pacific "Black Brant." A lifer for Cal and Carolyn! CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis) – One at the park in Hilo. It is unclear if Canada Geese arrived on their own or were introduced here. HAWAIIAN GOOSE (Branta sandvicensis) – Better known as the Nene. This is a conservation success story, they were down to just over 50 birds at one time and restricted to one island. Now their population is much larger, they are doing well and are established on various Hawaiian Islands. Although they seem tame, these are wild birds! The first ones we saw at Kilauea Point in Kauai, we also saw them on the Big Island. [E] MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – In Oahu, introduced and they mix with the Koloa (Hawaiian Duck). [I] HAWAIIAN DUCK (Anas wyvilliana) – Chris on Kauai was able to give us tons of great information on this, his study species. The Hawaiian name of the duck is the Koloa, and we enjoyed many looks at it on Kauai where the species still is quite pure. Not so in Oahu where they have mixed up with Mallard. [E] Odontophoridae (New World Quail) CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Callipepla californica) – Common in dry areas of the highlands of the Big Island. [I] Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) CHUKAR (Alectoris chukar) – On our last day we found this rather pretty partridge, they were up high on the Saddle Road in the Big Island. This species likes rocky habitats, exactly where we found them. [I] GRAY FRANCOLIN (Francolinus pondicerianus) – Squeaked by....barely!!! We saw it at the last moment, on our last drive into the hotel, pheew. We had great looks at this individual, who also chose to call for us. This was at the Waikiloi resort area. [I]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2 BLACK FRANCOLIN (Francolinus francolinus) – We had ok looks on the first day up the Saddle Road, but on the second day we really saw this species well, and in the scope. We could see the male's black plumage, rusty collar and white cheek patch. [I] ERCKEL'S FRANCOLIN (Francolinus erckelii) – Common throughout, especially in the highlands of the Big Island. We first saw it on Kauai, where it is also present in the highlands. This is a bulky and large species, the body is larger than a pheasant, but with a short tail it the pheasant at first looks larger. [I] RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus) – The Moa of the Polynesians, this was the first bird species to be introduced to the islands. They have now mixed with various barnyard chickens and nowhere are truly wild junglefowl, however the ones in Kauai, particularly in the highlands, are treated as "countable" so an established introduced population. [I] KALIJ PHEASANT (Lophura leucomelanos) – This is a pheasant from India and parts of Asia. We saw it on the Big Island, first after some looking on the Birdpark Kipuka, but once we found one it was ridiculously tame. Later we also saw this species in Hakalau. [I] RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) – Our first were on Kauai, at quite a distance. We saw many more on the Big Island's Saddle Road, where views included at least one of the dark and collar-less forms which have been stocked here. [I] INDIAN PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus) – While we had that innoportune stop on the big island, the one with the flashing lights, a couple of us could hear one outside the window. This was on the south shore of the Big Island. [I] WILD TURKEY (Meleagris gallopavo) – Common on the Saddle Road in the Big Island. [I] Diomedeidae (Albatrosses) LAYSAN ALBATROSS (Phoebastria immutabilis) – WOW, this was definitely a highlight bird and one many of you chose as your favorite bird of the trip. Apart from this species being large, and elegant in shape, form and pattern we enjoyed seeing them in various different aspects of their life. On Kauai we saw this gorgeous albatross soaring over the cliffs at Kilauea Point, we also saw them in Princeville peacefully sitting as a pair next to their fluffy grey chick! But watching one at sea come to our boat also showed us what much of their life is like, roaming the North Pacific in search of food. The one that came to our boat was banded, and perhaps we shall find out if it is from Kauai or from another Hawaiian Island. [N] BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS (Phoebastria nigripes) – I think two individuals came by on our pelagic in Kauai, neither came in very close, but they did show their large size and entirely dark plumage. This species is less common overall than the Laysan, but ironically off the West Coast of North America it is the more common species to see. Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels) MOTTLED PETREL (Pterodroma inexpectata) – This petrel is a bit of a prize to see, unfortunately our experience with it has been somewhat similar to what you saw today. You seldom get to see them very close or very well, they shoot through at great speed at a distance from the boat. They have a somewhat The face and bill colors of an adult Red-footed Booby are erratic flight, and do not arc as high as other petrels in this great; baby blue, and pink -- a little bit country, a little bit rock-and-roll. (Photo by guide Alvaro Jaramillo) group (Pterodroma). As well you may see a dark belly patch, pale rump and tail, and white flash under the wings. [a] WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER (Puffinus pacificus) – The Wedge-tailed Shearwater or "Wedgie" is the most common shearwater in Hawaiian waters. It is found throughout the Pacific, but curiously it is absent from the mainland West Coast other than as an extreme vagrant. We saw many on the pelagic and some came in quite close and were seen well. We also found some by nests on Kilauea Point, including a very close one right by the bookstore!! [N] SOOTY SHEARWATER (Puffinus griseus) – The Sooty Shearwater only goes through Hawaii during migration, and we hit active migration both on the pelagic trip as well as at the Black Sand Beach on the Big Island. They are making their

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 3 way from the southern hemisphere to rich feeding grounds off Alaska and eventually California. [a] Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds) WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon lepturus) – Great views particularly at Kilauea Point where we saw them from above and got to study the upperwing pattern. We also saw this species in Volcano National Park on the Big Island as well as on the pelagic. RED-TAILED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon rubricauda) – A crowd favorite was seeing the cartwheel display of the Red- tailed Tropicbirds on Kilauea Point. They also give a funny raspy call that almost sounds like a Caspian Tern. This is the largest of the tropicbirds and the only one with fully white wings. Fregatidae (Frigatebirds) GREAT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata minor) – Several were seen on Kauai, at Kilauea Point. Also we saw them on the pelagic. Nearly all were adult females, but at least one male was seen. No juveniles were around, these have rusty to buffy heads. Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets) MASKED BOOBY (Sula dactylatra) – One went by at a distance, off Kilauea Point. It was larger than the Red-foots and had more extensive and obviously blacker flight feathers, and tail. The Red-footed Booby at this time of year seems to have a greyish bloom to some of the primaries, and does not look as black-winged as the Masked. BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster) – Several were seen on Oahu and Kauai. This booby is actually brown and has a well demarcated white belly. One which went by close on the pelagic had a blue color to th eface, this identifies it as a male. The females are yellow faced and have a dark spot before the eye. RED-FOOTED BOOBY (Sula sula) – The most abundant booby on this trip. This booby is the most pelagic of the boobies, foraging well offshore when not nesting. Apparently flying fish are a favored food. In Hawaii they come essentially in the white morph, one brownish one was seen at Kilauea Point; as well some first year immatures went by on the pelagic and at Kilauea Point. There were many hundred nesting at Kilauea Point. [N] Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Common on Oahu and Kauai, but we did not see a single one on the Big Island. I gather that the species was introduced to Hawaii, but this does not mean that some might have not gotten to the islands by themselves. Perhaps it is a bit of both. [I] BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – This is a native bird in Hawaii, they are a tad darker out here on the islands as compared to the mainland. Here they are traditional Night Herons, unlike the very dark Yellow-crowns on the Galapagos which feed at the edge of lava flows on the coast. Maybe it is just a matter of a few thousand years before they begin to do that here. This appears to be (on an island colonization time scale) a recent arrival to the islands, it is not yet well differentiated. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) HAWAIIAN HAWK (Buteo solitarius) – George..you listening? We saw tons of Io, Hawaiian Hawks. I had to put that in there, and it is testament to the good weather we had. With sun and heat these birds are much more likely to fly and be vocal as they were for us. We saw light morphs, dark morphs and youngsters; we heard them call, we saw them perched and saw them soar. Essentially we got a great show from this species, which at times can be rather difficult to find. [E] Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – The biggest rarity of our trip was seeing this adult Peregrine Falcon near South Point on the Big Island. It had a narrow moustache stripe and was relatively pale so my money is on it being a tundrius (Arctic Peregrine), however some of the Asian forms also look like this. Few Peregrines make it to the islands each year, so we were lucky to find this one. [b] Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) COMMON MOORHEN (HAWAIIAN) (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis) – We saw moorhens on Kauai and Oahu, including some great views during our first day of birding on Oahu. The moorhen has already been separated into a New World and Old World species by some authorities. It may also be separated by the AOU soon, and if so it will revert to the Common Gallinule as an English Name. The endemic form in Hawaii is vocally allied to the American forms but more work is necessary to determine how unique it is both vocally and genetically. [E] HAWAIIAN COOT (Fulica alai) – The Hawaiian Coot is a good species and we saw it well both in Oahu and Kauai. It has a large white frontal shield, at least on most individuals, some also have red on the shield mor like an American Coot. Vocally this species is similar to the American Coot, so its origins are likely from the Americas, not Asia. [E]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4 Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva) – Common throughout, and some were in gorgeous breeding plumage!! These birds winter in traditional sites that they return to year after year, so the one on a specific lawn will likely be the same one there next winter! They are very strong migrants and fly to breed in the tundra of Alaska, some may also come from Siberia, but this has not been confirmed as of yet. [b] Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) BLACK-NECKED STILT (HAWAIIAN) (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) – This is a well marked form for a stilt, and to be consistent it should be considered a separate species. However it is currently a subspecies of the Black- necked. It differs in having much more black on the face, less white above the eye, and dark on the tail tip. [E] Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) WANDERING TATTLER (Tringa incana) – Another migrant from Alaska, this one breeds in rushing streams in the highlands of that state. In winter it spreads to cover a huge number of islands in the Pacific, it is only rivaled by the Ruddy Turnsone in its ability to winter in tiny island specks and make its way back to the Arctic each year. [b] BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW (Numenius tahitiensis) – What a great bird!! And here we did not have to hike for two miles in spongy tundra to find this species, it was much easier to find than in Alaska. We saw several in a bit of a rainshower, and then on our way back a few more flew over calling. The distinctive orange rump of this species was clearly seen, as was the diagnostic whistled call. We saw them on the north shore of Oahu. [b] RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – Widespread, we saw turnstones both on Kaui and Oahu. This Arctic Species winters throughout the beaches of the world, and it is particularly fond of islands in the Pacific. The birds we saw were already getting their bright ruddy breeding plumage. [b] SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – Some folks saw Sanderling on Waikiki, as a group we saw one in the Hanapepe Salt Pond on Kauai, in with a group of Ruddy Turnstones. [b] Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) BROWN NODDY (Anous stolidus) – Brown Noddies were seen on the pelagic. They are larger than the Blacks and look more uniform above, lacking the greyish tail of that species. BLACK NODDY (HAWAIIAN) (Anous minutus melanogenys) – A crowd favorite, we saw Black Noddies on the pelagic but Nene - the Hawaiian Goose: love the ruffled look to their not very well. Later on in the Big Island we saw the Hawaiian necks! (Photo by guide Alvaro Jaramillo) Black Noddy extremely well! We had them flying by at close range and also were able to study them perched on rocky ledges by the shore. The extensive grey wash to the neck, the greyish tail and rump and the orange feet make this a very distinctive member of the Noddy genus (Anous). My guess is that this Hawaiian population deserves species status. [E] WHITE TERN (Gygis alba) – On our first day of birding we had great views of White Terns, this tern breeds up in trees! They lay their egg on a wide branch with a bit of a hollow in it so the egg does not fall off. One pair we saw were picking a nest site and we could see them stomping on and dancing around the potential nest site. I hope it goes well for them. This species was only seen in Oahu, particularly around Waikiki. SOOTY TERN (Onychoprion fuscatus) – Common on Oahu where many nest on the east end of the island. We were able to position ourselves on various spots where they go close to shore and enjoyed great looks at this pelagic tropical tern. When they are not nesting this tern is well offshore, following groups of predatory fish such as tuna. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common throughout, in Waikiki they are mostly white as they are descendents of white doves released during weddings! It makes finding White Terns a tad more difficult. [I] SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – Common throughout, less so on the Big Island. They have fine white spotting on their neck patch, this is where they get the name. [I]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 5 ZEBRA DOVE (Geopelia striata) – This little dove is striped, and resembles an Inca Dove; the stripes of course give it the name zebra. Common throughout. [I] Psittacidae (Parrots) ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri) – I had not seen this species in Hawaii before, I wonder how I could have missed it! We saw one fly by Queen Kapiolani park in Waikiki, then we saw several more in the lowlands of Kauai. [I] Strigidae (Owls) SHORT-EARED OWL (HAWAIIAN) (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) – Some folks saw this owl coming down from the highlands in Kauai. We all saw it well on the Saddle Road, particularly on our second day up there. The Hawaiian name is Pueo. This subspecies is pale and cold tones. It may well be a good species, but more research is needed both genetically and vocally on the widespread Short-eared Owl. Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers) HAWAII ELEPAIO (KONA COAST) (Chasiempis sandwichensis sandwichensis) – We saw several Hawaii Elepaio, all on the Big Island of course. The first were at Bird Park Kipuka, later on the slopes of Mauna Kea and both at Pu'u O'o and Hakalau. These birds belonged to two different subspecies, the pale dry forest bird at the Palila spot was the subspecies bryanti. [E] KAUAI ELEPAIO (Chasiempis sclateri) – The Elepaios were only split into three species in the last year, so this is very recent that we have three recognized species of Elepaio. We saw Kauai Elepaio up in the highlands of the island of Kauai. This is the least showy species of the three. [E] OAHU ELEPAIO (Chasiempis ibidis) – The first elepaio we saw is the rarest, and now that it is formally treated as a species interest in this bird has increased. The trail we went on in E Oahu is the easiest spot to see this bird currently, good thing we did not have rain in there! [E] Alaudidae (Larks) SKY LARK (Alauda arvensis) – One of the most unusual introductions perhaps is the Sky Lark, the song is sure fantastic and that is why folks brought it in surely. In terms of looks it may be one of the dullest of the introduced birds, a stocky bird with a short crest and streaked brownish body. [I] Cettiidae (Bush-Warblers and Allies) JAPANESE BUSH-WARBLER (Cettia diphone) – Another dull looking, but great sounding introduced bird is the Japanese Bush-Warbler. It is also a difficult one to see, often sitting quietly and high up in a tree, motionless, so harder to see than its song would suggest. We had a nice look in Hanalei in Kauai, and an even better look in the south part of Kauai. [I] Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls) RED-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer) – Common in Oahu, even right outside the hotel. [I] RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus) – Much less common than the Red-vented Bulbul and more closely associated with forest edge. We had looks at the Elepaio trail in Oahu. [I] Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers) WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) – A gorgeous species with a gorgeous song! This one was brought in from Southeast Asia. It often mimics the voices of other species, making it a species that can often fool you when out birding. We saw them well both on Oahu and Kauai. [I] Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) OMAO (Myadestes obscurus) – This is the only native thrush that can still be found with relative ease. Kauai's Puaiohi is now extremely hard to see unfortunately, and the others are extinct. The Omao though is doing well, and can be seen multiple times, studied and listened to on the Big Island. Seeing it certainly clarifies that it is indeed a thrush, but it is less obvious that this is a species of Solitaire! Unlike the other solitaires it does not perch upright, and the tail is relatively short; it sort of looks lie a mix of a solitaire and a Catharus thrush, and like both it likes to eat berries. We saw this species first at Birdpark Kipuka and then on both days up in the forests off the Saddle Road. [E] Timaliidae (Babblers) CHINESE HWAMEI (Garrulax canorus) – The Melodious Laughing-Thrush, or Hwamei, was a bugger to see this time around. However most either got a glimpse of one end or the other of this shy bird, while some folks got a good view, it all depended on where you were looking and what angle you had. [I]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 6 RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX (Leiothrix lutea) – We saw the Leiothrix, sometimes known as Peking Robin or Hill Robin various times while in forest. First time was on the Oahu Elepaio trail, but we also saw it on Kauai and the Big Island. [I] Zosteropidae (White-eyes) JAPANESE WHITE-EYE (Zosterops japonicus) – One of the most common birds in the lowlands, and one that ventures also to the highlands; particularly common on Kauai. [I] Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – One nice one on our way back from the second trip out to Kilauea Point in Kauai. Also heard one in the Big Island. [I] Sturnidae (Starlings) COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Common all over the place!! [I] Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – We only saw this introduction on the Big Island. Saffron Finches are from South America, and there they have various populations which differ in coloration. The ones in the north are bright and show a noticeable safffron wash to the forehead and crown, the females are yellow like the males and the young have a yellow collar and are otherwise greyish-brown. The Hawaii birds are of this northern population which may one day be separated from the southern ones as a species. [I] RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata) – Common on Kauai and Oahu. [I] YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – Relatively common, but only on the Big Island. [I] Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinalis cardinalis) – We saw the "real" cardinal in various spots, it is common throughout the islands. Some sound rather unusual from a mainland perspective. [I] Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) WESTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella neglecta) – They do have a nice song, but it seems real unusual that the Western Meadowlark would be chosen as an introduction, but there it is. It is only present on Kauai, where it is common in its preferred grassy field habitat. [I] Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) HOUSE FINCH (Carpodacus mexicanus) – Common all over the place, even in the highlands! Many of the birds in Hawaii are yellowish or orange, rather than the classic red. [I] YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Serinus mozambicus) – We found our first on Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki, we also found them on Oahu Amakihi (Photo by guide Alvaro the Big Island. [I] Jaramillo) PALILA (Loxioides bailleui) – A very pretty and nicely plumaged honeycreeper. The last of the grosbeak like species which can be seen on a tour. We were lucky finding one or two on the way up Mauna Kea, and then hit on a flock of three higher up after breakfast. We had absolutely amazing looks. [E] HAWAII AMAKIHI (Hemignathus virens) – The most common of the three species of Amakihi, it even ranges to relatively low areas on the Big Island. It was relatively common in the Palila site, where sometimes it is absolutely abundant. [E] OAHU AMAKIHI (Hemignathus flavus) – Our first endemic species was this one in the St. Louis Heights are above Honolulu. It ranges lower than other native species and appears to be adapting well to avian malaria perhaps? The females are duller than in other Amakihi, and they often show pale wingbars. [E] KAUAI AMAKIHI (Hemignathus kauaiensis) – This is the most difficult of the Amakihis to see, and it seems to be becoming rarer as are most birds on Kauai. It is the thickest billed of the Amakihis. It took us some time to get good views of this one, but eventually we did. [E] AKIAPOLAAU (Hemignathus munroi) – The "Aki" what else can I say, this is the absolutely weird of the Hawaiian

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 7 honeycreepers. The only bird that shows a short and stocky mandible, and a long and fine maxilla; as we learned while in the field this bill shape is most extreme in the male. The Aki pecks with his mandible in the manner of a woodpecker, and then picks out the food with its long hook of a maxilla. It is a stocky bird with thick and strong feet and legs, in the way it moves and body shape it is remarkably similar to the ecologically parallel Woodpecker Finch of the Galapagos! [E] ANIANIAU (Magumma parva) – The Anianiau is an endemic of Kauai; it has a relatively fine and straight bill (unlike the Amakihi) and a relatively dull and yellow face without a dark mask. It is still uncommon in the Kauai highlands. [E] HAWAII CREEPER (Oreomystis mana) – This was the last endemic honeycreeper we saw! And we saw it well, often this is a difficult species to see well but Jon had the magic spot where we were able to see them singing, see a nest (although no bird went to it) and see two or more birds acting "creepy" on a branch. This species is larger than the Amakihi, duller in color and showing a short straight bill and wide dark mask. However, the most obvious field mark is the way it creeps along branches almost like a nuthatch. [EN] AKEKEE (Loxops caeruleirostris) – Formerly known as the Kauai Akepa as these two species are very clsosely related, notice that they are in the same genus, Loxops. The Akeke'e has become rare, it was relatively common when Field Guides started the Hawaii tour some years back, and now it is decidedly rare. Fortunately David had a spot where there was a nest, so we saw it well and saw the nest! The nest was a thick cup of moss, quite unlike the Akepa which uses a cavity to nest in! [EN] AKEPA (HAWAII) (Loxops coccineus coccineus) – Also know as the "orange bird," it was not easy to come up on in Hakalau but we had looks, some had great looks. Thanks to Ken O. for pointing out one while we were all looking elsewhere, this individual did give some good looks. Like the Akeke'e, the Akepa has crossed bill tips which it uses (like a crossbill) to open leaf buds of Ohia and extract food from them. [E] IIWI (Vestiaria coccinea) – The quintessential Hawaiian honeycreeper, but as you got to find out I am more of a Palila guy. It is a fantastic bird with its red everything (red body, red bill, red legs) contrasting with those black wings; and that bill, wow, it is like a candied Whimbrel's bill put on a Scarlet Tanager! Perhaps an undeappreciated aspect of this bird are its variable and interesting vocalizations, the one that sounds like a car horn is my favorite. We saw Iiwi (remember pronounced ee-ee-vee) first in the highlands of Kauai, but they eventually became the most common bird when we were in Hakalau on the big island. [E] APAPANE (Himatione sanguinea) – On the whole this is the most common of the red birds in Hawaii. We saw it well on Kauai, as well as on the big island. This was the first of the red birds we saw o nthe tour, it is very common in Volcanos National Park! [E] Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – The Hale Manu (or House Bird), which we saw in many spots in the lowlands. It has done particularly well as it is not known to be a species that is associated much with the tropics. [I] Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies) COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – We saw them a few times in Oahu, Queen Kapiolani Park being the first and perhaps best views of this little waxbill finch. [I] RED AVADAVAT (Amandava amandava) [I] AFRICAN SILVERBILL (Euodice cantans) – Only on the Big Island, where we had great looks on the dry side of the island in the lower reaches of the Saddle Road. It was formerly known as the Warbling Silverbill, but it was separated into an Indian and an African species. [I] NUTMEG MANNIKIN (Lonchura punctulata) – The smaller "Munia" it sometimes is known as Nutmeg Munia. This species has a dark throat and a scaly pattern on the underparts. We had great looks in Kauai, and a few were on the Big Island. [I] CHESTNUT MUNIA (Lonchura atricapilla) – Common on Kauai, it truly is chestnut, and is larger than the Nutmeg. They also seem to be in more obvious and larger flocks. [I] JAVA SPARROW (Lonchura oryzivora) – You would think that the Java Sparrow would be on the Kona Coast, with all that coffee they have there and all that....but no. We saw Java Sparrows mainly on Oahu, but there were a few in Kauai. This is a relatively small finch, but with a very big bill for its size!! [I]

MAMMALS HOARY BAT (Lasiurus cinereus) – Heard as we boarded the van to go and see the volcano at night, at Kilauea Lodge. SPINNER DOLPHIN (Stenella longirostris) – Some folks saw a fin come up near the harbor as we returned from the pelagic, most likely it was this species, but with such a short look it was impossible to be sure.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 8 HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) – We saw a few from shore in Kauai. However on the pelagic we had some great views at a small group that came towards us and then went by the stern of the boat. These animals breed here and they migrate to Alaska to feed, while they are in Hawaii they apparenty do not eat...for months!!! Yikes, they could not do a Field Guides trip behaving like that. I feel like I should not eat for months myself now that I am back home. [b] SMALL INDIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes auropunctatus) – A few mongoose were seen on Oahu and the Big Island. [I] HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL (Monachus schauinslandi) – There were once three species of Monk Seal in the world, one in the Caribbean, one in the Mediterranean and one in Hawaii. The Caribbean one is extinct, the Mediterranean one I gather is extremely rare, and the Hawaiian one is still survigving and now doing relatively well although with a reduced population. The neatest thing is how they come up and rest on popular beaches, and seem oblivious to the goings on of beachgoers, fortunately the locals care to not bother them, and cones and sometimes impromptu barriers are setup to allow them to rest. We had a great look at one of these on a beach at Hanapepe Salt Pond, we also saw some very distant ones on Manana Island, in Oahu. [E] AFRICAN WILD ASS (Equus asinus) – We sweat, we worried, we dreamed, but in the end we pervailed - we saw the African wild ass! Others just know them as wild donkeys, but we prefer the official name. These animals have a colored past in the Kona area and have been moved from place to place trying to avoid them getting hit by cars, but trying to maintain a population in the area as the locals are rather fond of them. Jon let us know that the original group that worked for their preservation was actually known as "Save our Asses." [I] DOMESTIC GOAT (Capra hircus) – We saw these feral goats on Kauai in Waimea Canyon, as well as on the big island. [I] MOUFLON (Ovis musimon) – The feral sheep on the Saddle Road were of this species, Mouflon which sounds much more exotic than feral sheep. [I]

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

There were plenty of other creatures and stuff we saw!

HERPS

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) -- This is the common sea turtle in Hawaii. We saw them nicely on Kauai, also on the Big Island.

Metallic Skink (Lampropholis delicata) -- This one we saw on the big island, at Volcano NP.

Madagascar Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis) -- hotel on the Kona Side of the Big Island.

Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) -- On Oahu.

FISH

Manta Ray -- on the pelagic.

Parrotfish -- unidentified species. From the beach at Poipu, Kauai.

Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus) -- The yellow and black fish we saw at Poipu as we looked at the parrotfish.

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) -- Kauai, the stream with the great stone bridge.

Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus) -- group by the stone bridge on Kauai.

INSECTS

Green Darner (Anax junius) -- various lowland sites.

Giant Hawaiian Darner (Anax strenuus) -- highlands on Kauai. A native dragonfly.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 9 Megalagrion sp. -- A native genus of damselflies, seen by the backcountry Kauai hikers.

Click Beetle - Family Elateridae -- Huge one on Kauai. Came into the van.

Kamehameha (Vanessa tameamea) -- highlands of Kauai and Big Island. Native butterfly.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) -- common.

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) -- lowland areas.

Blackburn's Blue (Udara blackburnii) -- Big Island, highland sites. Native butterfly.

Long-tailed Pea blue (Lampides boeticus) -- common, introduced.

Citrus (Chinese) Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus) -- Big Island, Oahu.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) -- lowlands throughout.

Totals for the tour: 86 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa

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