We went for a walk yesterday and saw a bunch of birds that we didn't recognize. There were several we weren't even able to get a shot of because they flew away too quickly. We thought we saw a canary because it was all yellow. I didn't think we had canaries in Hawaii.
I thought this was a sparrow but the neck was all wrong.
This bird also looked like a sparrow but it had that splash of red which was very pretty.
This is some kind of lizard that we see everywhere sunning themselves on the rock walls. I never used to see them when I was growing up here, but they seem to have found a secure home in Hawaii.
This is usually not a good thing. Foreign flora and fauna have been let loose in the islands and changed the ecological balance. Too many indigenous animals and plants have been made extinct by people letting their animals loose. We don't have a true winter. Animals don't die, they multiply.
Aha! You see! There is something good about snow, ice and freezing winters.
What pretty birds you spotted. I think I would have a hard time co-existing with the lizards! Its true about the extinction of native animals and plants, it seems we are pushing our way into their "homes" rapidly as well. I do think I could give up the ice and snow to live in Hawaii and learn to love lizards.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same problem here too; grey squirrels came and have nearly wiped out the native red squirrel, for instance. Every farming family here used to keep a flock of hens, but now wild (imported) mink kill them, so people have given up and things just aren't the same. Zebra mussels are killing off native species in our lakes and rivers.
ReplyDeleteI wonder where people's minds are, when they let a creature free, where it doesn't belong.
You've got beautiful bird photos anyhow! I love seeing birds I've never 'met' before.
Lovely photos Kay, and this story of animals and fauna being introduced is one I hear about all the time. People used to think they were doing some good I suppose but alas how wrong they were. Your header is gorgeous by the way.
ReplyDeleteThe last bird was probably a house finch. The second was probably some kind of sparrow which there are lots of and the first one is curious. It does look sort of like a canary but I think the beak is wrong and the legs too long. Oh well, I'm just a backyard bird watcher so could be wrong. Very cool.
ReplyDeletethat's how we got the pine beetle from import crates. now our forests are all turning red. it's sad the changes that are coming
ReplyDeleteThose are lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that Hawaii doesn't seem to have many house flies. That was always one thing I disliked about winter turning to spring...when the snow all melted, the flies came back. You're right, the cold winters do seem to hold back a lot of the insects.
Really beautiful photos, Kay! We have lots of pretty birds here in Seattle -- at least during the winter months -- mostly see crows! Then all of sudden when spring comes we begin to see the colorful ones and that's always fun! Everytime I see your header it takes my breath away it is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWe were talking with our guide today about desert plants, and about how careful they are here in their national "forests" to prevent non-native species from invading while protecting the rare species they do have.
ReplyDeletechanges in the ecological balance is a serious thing. it would be amazing to see these different birds while on a walk though.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Kay, interesting post.
ReplyDeleteTake Care, Tyra
These are really great photos Kay! It looks so sunny and pretty there...
ReplyDeleteI knew cold weather had a good side! Was just hard to find it this year. Also the deep freeze kills germs...(is that really true?) Thanks Kay
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty little birds - I really like the yellow one - he's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou can probably find the yellow bird online by looking for images of "Yellow birds" and the one with red is a House Finch or a Purple Finch. I could tell positively if I could see the top of its head. House finch have a brownish spot in the center of their head and the Purple finch doesn't. Also the Purple finch is more of a raspberry color.
ReplyDeleteThe top picture is young song sparrow or so it seems. It would be better from any other view, at least for me to tell for sure.
LOL
What lovely variety of birds you encountered ;--)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hugs and blessings,