The Pacific Golden Plovers have returned to Hawaii!
They make the continuous two-day flight from Alaska before winter settles in, escaping the frigid Arctic cold. They then gorge themselves on our plethora of insects and fatten themselves up for their long flight northward to their mating grounds in the late spring.
The little female pictured here arrived in our neighborhood about a week ago and has been grazing the lawns up and down the street. I'm not sure if it's the same one that comes every year, 'cause surely it can't be THAT old, although banded individuals have been known to return to the same area for 20 years or more.
The Hawaiians called the plover "Kolea," which means "one who takes and leaves."
It can take all the insects it wants from my lawn, and I will bid it a fond farewell when the time comes, then await its return next year.
They make the continuous two-day flight from Alaska before winter settles in, escaping the frigid Arctic cold. They then gorge themselves on our plethora of insects and fatten themselves up for their long flight northward to their mating grounds in the late spring.
The little female pictured here arrived in our neighborhood about a week ago and has been grazing the lawns up and down the street. I'm not sure if it's the same one that comes every year, 'cause surely it can't be THAT old, although banded individuals have been known to return to the same area for 20 years or more.
The Hawaiians called the plover "Kolea," which means "one who takes and leaves."
It can take all the insects it wants from my lawn, and I will bid it a fond farewell when the time comes, then await its return next year.
1 comment:
She's cute!
I can't imagine a continuous two day flight over the ocean. That's one tough bird.
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