Just for Fun: Lobster Under Glare

Lobster Under Glare. Just for fun, a little work of art. Like it or hate it, it's at least a little different.

Demoiselle Crane

Demoiselle Crane, Anthropoides virgo. Demoiselle Cranes are found in Northern Africa and South Asia in Winter and migrate North, over the Himalayan mountains to Central Asia to breed. They will frequent grasslands during the Winter but breed in swampy, marshy areas.

They say you can see the soul through a person's eyes. Do you suppose it holds for animals too? Demoiselle Cranes have those beautiful, lurid reddish eyes with pitch black pupils. Wow. What does that say? Hahahah, probably absolutely nothing. Either way, they're beautiful cranes with the white plume of feathers behind their heads, they look so very aristocratic.

The Bateleur Eagle and a Case of Rock Hyrax Nerves

Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis, the only living relative of the elephant, showing a little tusk and a bad case of anxiety as he scans for predators.


Bateleur Eagle, Terathopius ecaudatus, scanning for food.

This large eagle is found in the Southern half of Africa. Could he be the reason our little Hyrax friend is so nervous about anything flying overhead? We watched as the Hyrax languidly stretched, testing the soft grass with his feet, luxuriating in the warm morning sun that had peaked through the clouds. He had barely nested down onto the sunny patch of grass when suddenly looked up at the sky in a look of near panic, his body tense, as he searched for danger (in this case, just a plane flying overhead). Then, as the drone of the plane grew nearer, the little hyrax dashed into the rocks with only a few bent blades of grass as proof that he was ever there.

Tell me more about African eagles (click here).

Yellow Aloe

Yellow Aloe species in bloom. The San Diego Zoo is know for its huge collection of animals including such notables as the giant pandas on loan from China. The huge collection of Aloe species is a lesser known but also notable attraction. This lovely little yellow Aloe, with creeping/sprawling growth habit, had no label but brightened up an otherwise cool and overcast day.

The Ever Elusive Rock Hyrax

Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis. The Rock Hyrax is a shy little creature. You would never guess that it is the last closely related cousin of the bold and enormous elephant. They are native to Eastern and Southern Africa where they live in the protection and shelter of large rocks which shield then from the hot afternoon sun and hungry eagles. This little Hyrax has ventured out on a cool Winter day to bask in the sun. Shortly thereafter, a plane flew overhead which spooked our little Hyrax back into hiding.

Meerkat Momma

Meerkat, Suricata suricatta. Mom and nursing pup. Mom and Dad meerkat were both watching over junior and keeping a keen eye on the rest of the troop as well. Dad was quick to nudge away any interloping troop members to protect junior.

Nice Digs

Lifeguard, Makapu'u, Hawaii. It's a tough job, being a lifeguard at Makapu'u beach. The waves are big and there are people bodysurfing all over the place. The rocks are jagged. There's occasionally a Molokai current sweeping the patrons out to sea. Still, you have to admit that they have a pretty doggone nice lifeguard station. Sure, it's not a two story white cement tower but it's got a built in locker, nice aluminum railings and wrap-around tinted windows. Not too shabby. Oh, and the coconut trees are a nice accent to the decor (grin).

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata, male. Mandarin ducks are native to Russia, China and Japan and have become somewhat rare in their native habitats, partly due to extensive habitat destruction. They are closely related to the North American Wood Duck and are both perching ducks that nest in tree boles and live in wooded areas near lakes and shallow ponds. They are fairly solitary in nature, generally not associating with large flocks of other ducks. They are revered in Asian culture as symbols of married bliss and fidelity. In Chinese they are called yuan yang. In Korea they give wooden duck carvings as wedding presents, again symbolizing lifelong marriage and fidelity.

Hungry Puma

Puma or Mountain Lion, Puma concolor (shown here staring hungrily at a baby carriage). These are some of the last great hunters of North America and one of the most adaptable, living in a wide variety of habitats including mountains, deserts, swamps, brush, grasslands and forests. They generally stay away from humans but, as our recreational activities and our urban sprawl push us farther into the brushlands, there are more encounters, sometimes with fatal results. This was true after some of the huge fires that swept through Southern California, where an injured or starving puma may occasionally take to going after pets and sometimes even humans. In one case, a Puma, possibly injured/starved by the fires, had staked out a biking trail and had killed/eaten a jogger and was finally noticed when as it attempted to drag a biker, screaming, into the bushes by the head. It is easy to forget that such a beautiful creature is really still a very dangerous wild animal, even though a cage separates us. It is also easy to forget that our wild areas are shared with the creatures that have been there for thousands of years before us.

This particular puma perked up dramatically and followed a baby stroller that it eyed hungrily. The father, thinking it was funny, ran the stroller back and forth a few times as the cat followed, devouring his child with its eyes. He thought it was funny. The tottler was absolutely not amused. At least some of us spectators were horrified at both the reaction of the cat (it is a wild animal after all...) but more so at the Dad for terrifying his child in that manner. It is, at minimum, a reminder to maintain a healthy respect for wild animals; keep your children and pets close if you live or hike out in the brush.

A further point of interest: the cat largely ignored the adults. However, having the father there with the child and the child in a stroller clearly did not create any distinction or fear in this particular mountain lion. This lion clearly was not afraid of humans and also clearly recognized/differentiated an infant creature in the stroller (as opposed to considering the stroller as part of the child). You might expect this level of familiarity from a puma in a zoo. However, this highlights the danger in feeding wild animals (birds excepted), particularly carnivores, and the particular hazard in desensitizing them to human presence.

Lighting and Such

Blc. Momilani Rainbow. This one has a sweet, delicate fragrance. It's hard to capture the real color which is a soft art tone that is closest to a yellow-watermelon blend. This was done with front lighting via a flash.

I was experimenting with my ring light to attempt to take pictures of some really small flowers like the ones in yesterday's posting only smaller. The problem was two-fold:
1) I had the wrong lens adaptor for the ring light
2) the macro lens still had a minimum focal distance of about 6 inches
3) Some of the flowers were around 1 mm in size

I had hoped to capture some of the beauty of the 1 mm flowers and I did to some degree but I'm thinking I need a different lens or adaptor to get up within about an inch of the flowers to capture the detail. Looks like a good science project.

Cirrhopetalum umbellatum

Cirrhopetalum umbellatum. This cute little orchid's habitat ranges from sea level to several thousand feet and from Africa to Fiji to Australia! How's that for adaptive? Each flower has a really cool dark red-black filiment that extends off of the dorsal sepal and the niftiest red spots on yellow lateral sepals. Makes you wonder what the pollinator looks like! Maybe a yellow bee with red spots? Wow.

Under the Bo Tree

Ficus religiosa, Bo Tree. This huge tree originated as a sapling that was brought to Hawaii in the 1800s. It was started from a cutting from the tree that Gautama Buddha (Sidhartha Gautama) was meditating under when he achieved nirvana. It now growing happily in the Foster botanical gardens as is one of their oldest trees.

Flock of Black Turnstone

Flock of Black Turnstone, Arenaria melanocephala, in flight. Mission River. Wow. The flock would change directions on a dime, nearly all the birds in unison. Sometimes perpendicular to you, they would almost disappear, only to turn parallel, exposing their white bellies and contrasting black heads. I could have watched then for hours.

More Cool Stuff from the Greenhouse

Dendrochilum species. The flowers on these are tiny, perhaps a few millimeters across. You would probably not even notice it growing on a tree. However, if you get in close and take a look, this plant has absolutely charming little chains of yellow-orange flowers. That's the beauty of photography in revealing details that the naked eye would normally miss.

All in the Details

Sometimes the effect you get when you take a picture is not the one the "artist" (aka photographer) intended. In this case, a picture of a jogger and his dog captured a fellow looking on (see enlargement), apparently at the dog. He had the oddest expression, perhaps of disgust? Interest perhaps? Either way, the dog is looking the other way.

This fellow, while dressed fairly nicely and with bottle of coke in hand, was walking along the trail digging through the trash (Perhaps where the coke came from). That leads to all sorts of odd sundry questions such as: Is he homeless? Is he mentally insane (schizophrenic perhaps?)? Is he just one of the new unlucky jobless who ended up on the street? Is he safe to be around? Would you have the guts to befriend this guy and buy him a burger or find him a shelter? Or...would you stay far away for fear of getting mugged? So many questions. So many that fall through the cracks in our society or that don't fit neatly into the mesh we call civilization. Some say, "but for the grace of God." Others, that we are all just one unlucky incident away from that same existence. Still others prefer to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the whole thing altogether. Thoughts?

Ironically, the abandoned cats that are living on the far end of the jogging path are getting food and water daily. Occasionally, they are trapped and put up for adoption. Do we care more for our cats than for our homeless?

Drop Kick!

Dropkick Duck. In light of the Superbowl, I bring you the dropkick duck. Actually, "she" is the dropkick duckette doing a firm foot windup! Of course, being a "she" duck, she has the typical she-duck brown coloration which makes it oh so annoying to identify her. However, that nice big shovel of a beak suggests that she is a Northern Shoveler, Anas clypeata. A regular beak of distinction!

Randomness

White Spotted Puffer, Carthigastor jactator. This is one of the smallest puffers (and cutest) puffers in the Hawaiian isles, attaining maturity at 3 inches. They use their hard beaks to crush small invertebrates and are one of the most commonly seen puffers in shallow water.

So why the title? Randomness refers to my way of selecting pictures for the blog. I typically click on a folder and do a quick scan for something pretty and into the blog it goes! I'll snap some 500-600 pictures on a typical photo safari (wherever I happen to be). Some of that has to do with making sure that I get some good pictures where there is good subject matter. Nonetheless, it means I have a huge number of pictures sitting on the hard drive that you get little glimpses of in a somewhat random fashion. Hence the title.

Fleeting Glimpses

Passing Swimmer, Waikiki Beach. So what's a photographer to do. Here I am floating with my trusty underwater camera when, to the sound of huge splashes, this man swims by chasing all my fish away? When confronted by lemons, make lemonade, right? There was only one "fish" left to take a picture of so.....here ya go! Biggest fish I saw all day!

Iron Camel

Iron Camel. The SD Zoo had these huge metal sculptures on sale. I thought the camel was cute. Still, no matter how cute, I had a hard time imaging putting a rusting iron sculpture in the yard. I would much rather stick to large porcelain pots or carved wooden figurines. I suppose you could convince me into a painted, waterproof camel. Something that would last a while before becoming a rusty, sharp edged hazard. It's all personal taste I suppose. Besides, who the heck has money these days to spend on a rusty camel??? You know what they say: ...for rust thou art, and unto rust shalt thou return...

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus. I saw a pair of Harlequin Ducks in the Prince William Sound (Alaska). We had hiked up along the steep mossy banks of a rapidly flowing, cold river, surrounded by huge, lichen-covered conifers. At the top of the rise, there was a placid, icy lake obscured by a thin, wispy coating of white mist that danced in the light breeze. There, on the far side of the lake, under the cover of some waterside shrubs was a pair of Harlequin Ducks. I could see their bold markings and steely grey and red-brown plumage from across the lake. They paddled idly in the still water, far out of reach of everything but the camera and remained small in my sight, even then. They seemed to have not a care in the world and for a moment, neither did I.

Bonobo Blues

Bonobo. Do you wonder what these little Bonobos are thinking, with their far off glazy, day dreamy stares?

You're probably thinking this looks like a chimp. If so, you're not alone. Apparently, both Chimps and Bonobos both live along the Zaire/Congo river, Bonobos to the South and Chimps to the North. The Chimps compete with Gorillas for food and thus form smaller groups which roam a wider area for food. The Chimps tend to be more competitive with each other and perhaps more violent including infanticide, invasion and cannibalism. The lovable Bonobos to the South of the river have the lowland rainforest (and hence all the food) to themselves, the Gorillas having left long ago due to an ancient drought. The Bonobos, having the luxury of abundant food, are able to form social groups and strong bonding, particularly between females, possibly for mutual protection. Social sex is common. The combination of these behaviors could explain the virtual absence of infanticide.

The bonobo is more slender than a chimp and has longer limbs and a slimmer appearance as well as a rounder face. They're about the same size as chimps and most people, including myself, have a hard time telling them apart. The big differences appear to be behavioral as mentioned above. Bonobos do not hunt monkeys for food like Chimps do. They apparently have been seen grooming and interacting with monkeys instead.

Une Cuvette Repérée Bleue

Une Cuvette Repérée Bleue. In English, blue spotted bowl. Hmmm... Did I get it right? Anyhow, another really beautiful ceramic creation by the other half who, after being laid off, has used the unplanned free time to dive into pottery, create a pottery web site and look for a job. The economy absolutely stinks right now but I suppose every dark cloud has a silver lining. If you want to know more about similar pottery, click here. I suppose being laid off isn't all bad. Of course, the photography was done by by yours truly.

Whistling Duck

Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna viduata. This adorable little duck is native to South America and Central Africa. It's named for this adorable, distinctive, tri-part, high-pitched whistle that I cannot quite figure out how to describe in words (but I could whistle it for you, given half a chance!). Two short trills followed by a longer trill that descends in frequency. I've never heard one quack, just whistle. They seem quite sociable and prolific and are cute to boot as well.

Riding the Pipe Overtime

No, it is not a shark. It is not a turtle. It is a surfer surfing under the curl of the wave.

There is a thrill to riding inside of the curl of the wave. I suppose part of that thrill is knowing that sometimes, the curl catches up with you. You can see this guy just barely peeping through the wave.

Happy Year of the Ox

Happy Year of the Ox. Are you an Ox? If so, what kind of Ox? Did you know that the Chinese Zodiac has different elemental categories for the zodiac? Oxes split up as follows:

January 25, 1925 - February 12, 1926: Wood Ox
February 11, 1937 - January 30, 1938: Fire Ox
January 29, 1949 - February 16, 1950: Earth Ox
February 15, 1961 - February 4, 1962: Metal Ox
February 3, 1973 - January 22, 1974: Water Ox
February 20, 1985 - February 8, 1986: Wood Ox
February 7,1997 - January 28, 1998: Fire Ox

The Ox is characterized by prosperity via hard work. They are dependable leaders who perservere. They are calm and modest, patient and tireless. The Ox enjoys his peace and quiet to work through his ideas. When the Ox has made up his mind, he may be a bit stubborn. The Ox is logical and systematic, quiet and intelligent but is capable of eloquent expression.

Diving Around

Spotted Boxfish, Ostracion melealgris, male. This little spotted boxfish is quite a beauty to see in person with the bright blue and polka dots. The females are a nice fawn brown. They can be see hovering around the reef most days looking for small crustaceans.

Old and New

Old masted sailing ship against the San Diego skyline. It's odd to see the two together, isn't it? Two of them were ferrying tourists around the bay and staging fake cannon attacks against each other. They seem so slow compared to the modern boats but people got by fairly well nonetheless.

What is the New Minority?

I was joking about similarities and differences between our new president and myself in a prior blog. Ironically, the line of thought ended with my being even more uncertain what being a minority really means in this day and age. Is it just the color of your skin? Surely in an era where you may express yourself in many different ways, skin color is not always apparent. Is it your upbringing? Is it a cultural difference? Is it represented by how many generations your family has been in America?

Let's take a little look at that just for fun. (Don't get me wrong, I really like our new president. I'm just making a point).

High School:
Obama - Most expensive private school in Honolulu
Me - Public school in Honolulu

University:
Obama - Harvard Law School
Me - Standard Engineering School, USD Law School

Raised by:
Obama - White mom and White Grandmother
Me - 4th generation US parents

Occupation:
Obama - Politics/Law
Me - Law/Engineering/Business

You should be forming an odd picture at this point. If you ignore the skin color, neither of us is very ethnic at all. The words Hoho and Twinkie come to mind (never mind if you didn't get the joke). What do we really understand about very ethnic, recent immigrants? Perhaps we have more empathy because of the discrimination we sometimes face due to skin color or other reasons. However, integrated is an understatement.

So what did we really prove in this election? On the surface, at least, that a majority of us can get beyond the color of one's skin. That's a big step. Also, perhaps that we are willing to vote for relative youth (47 is youthful as presidents go). These things are indeed hopeful. Still, I must laugh at least a little bit in thinking that Mr. Obama did indeed get the last laugh in more ways than one as he pulled in the vote from people of color. He's got at least one foot in the majority camp culturally, ethnically & socioeconomically. Let's hope the other foot is still on equal ground.

Godwits and Plovers on the wing. Gosh but I love those Winter days when all the migratory birds are ambling around the beach in huge flocks! What a sight. I wish it could last forever. Every Winter anyhow.

Obama-mania

Obama rumors for inauguration day:
1. Our president elect was on Oahu at the same time as the Wayward Hawaiian.
True.

2. Both stayed at beautiful seaside resorts.
False. President Obama stayed at a multimillion dollar mansion on Kailua bay. The Wayward Hawaiian stayed with his Mom.

3. Both feasted on only the best Hawaiian food!
No idea. However, if he didn't, I certainly had a piece of Haupia pie (or two or three) for him!

4. Both were trailed by hordes of paparazzi.
False. Poor President Obama hardly had a single private moment at the beach without sneaky paparazzi snapping shots of him in a swimsuit. For shame for shame... The Wayward Hawaiian was staying in Honolulu proper, far away from the craziness and the crazy traffic.

5. Both suffered through a power outage.
True. However, President Obama had not one but two private generators. The Wayward Hawaiian had a battery powered latern and good company to chat with.

Overall, I'd guess I had more fun. Ironic isn't it? Multi-million dollar mansion on Kailua bay and you can barely enjoy it? He's got all our hopes and some sympathy as well. The presidency does not look like a fun job, sycophants, paparazzi, perks and all.

Sailing on San Diego Bay

Sailboat on San Diego Bay. For you cold weather folks, doesn't that make you want to come and visit? Spend a little money and help get the economy going! Visit San Diego. It's been warm and sunny and there are lots of migratory birds that you'd have to go to Alaska to see otherwise. Besides, you'd have to wait until June to see them in Alaska! Hahah. San Diego, vacation capital of California.

Le Vase Bleu

Blue Vase, two tone glaze. If you had to guess, what do you think someone would pay for this very pretty blue vase? Hand thrown and glazed.

Where Are All The Bees

Honey bee (Apis)on Gaillardia. This little honey bee is jammed full of pollen. Overall, I see fewer honey bees these days. I don't know if it is due to colony collapse disorder or not. Some claim that colony collapse disorder is caused by a combination of factors such as changing climate/global warming, pesticides and environmental pollutants. Others look to parasites and diseases. I, for one, wonder if the modern trend of bee keepers taking their hives from farm to farm to provide pollination services is a contributing factor. If it is a pathogen, those mobile bees would spread it nationwide in short order. Only time will tell.

Marbled Godwit

Marbled Godwit, Limosa fedoa. These guys were busy pulling food out of the sand with their long, thin beaks. I suspect they are eating small worms and crustaceans but have no idea how they can tell when they've found something.

Hawaiian Style

Laying back and relaxing after a day on Waimanalo Beach. They might get you for hanging 10 without a seatbelt in San Diego but nobody in Hawaii minded the keiki (kid) enjoying a relaxing ride in the sun in the back of the truck.

Something Special

White Koi, Wahiawa, Hawaii. This little Koi was jumping just a little higher to get his dinner. As for us, it's always nice to think we stand out from the crowd as just something a little bit special, each in our own way. Everyone has a something to be proud of and people that care for them just as they are. When times are tough, it's good to remember that we are all worthwhile and that there are people who love us.

Peak-a-Boo

California ground squirrel peaking from behind a boulder in Imperial beach. I think there's a whole family of them living under a couple of boulders. Every now and then one pops up his head to peak at the curious people.

Seagull chasing a Tern. This seagull decided it was easier to intimidate a tern out of his rightfully caught fish than it was to catch one on his own. The seagull chased that tern for a long time and that tern was not giving in. I watched them fly off into the distance, the tern still holding on and found myself rooting for the tern. Sometimes nature mimics life.

Suft Scoter

Surf Scoter or "skunk-duck"; Melanitta perspicillata. Found these guys hovering around the Imperial Beach pier during a very low tide. They were diving for seaweed off the bottom. I first saw these ducks up in the Prince William Sound in Alaska. Ironically, after spending all that money to go up to Alaska to see the wildlife, I find that the birds, at least, spend their Winters in San Diego. Go figure.

Caught the Photography Bug

Photographer in the Surf. This photographer was standing in the water in a wetsuit snapping pictures of the surfers yesterday. I had to chuckle at bit, thinking about the heavy back packs, stubbed toes, dunks in the water, kayaks and other craziness I've been through to get a good picture. Yep, we're a crazy breed. Still, it was nice to know I'm not alone.

Sunny Days in San Diego

Coronado Bridge over Downtown San Diego. We had a beautiful, sunny, clear day today. It was shorts and T-shirts weather. Admittedly, the water was still a bit cold but then, hey, it's not Hawaii. It was clear enough to snap this shot from miles down the coast in Imperial Beach and still see downtown!

Pot of Gold

Golden bromeliads beneath a Wahiawa rainbow. Well, I couldn't find that doggone pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. With this economy, the menehunes (mythical little people in Hawaii) probably spent it. However, there were some beautiful golden bromeliads (Portea species?) in full bloom and that was good enough to put a smile on my face.

Little Jewels

Dendrochilum propinquum. This little plant is about 8 inches tall with cascading spikes of some 70+ quarter inch (or maybe 3/8") flowers each. The flowers are a translucent tawny green with the brightest orange column. Cute, cute, cute and in bloom now. Cool stuff. They grow in Philippine forests at around 2000 ft elevation.

Surfing Sunset Beach

I spent and hour or so snapping a few shots at Sunset Beach, Oahu. I had to hoof it down the beach to get to the close in break. However, it was worth the walk. Some of the surfers there were totally amazing.

Have You Seen a Ghost?

Ghost Crab, Ocypode pallidula. These little crabs patrol the beach for scraps and are quick to dive back into their burrows when threatened. This one was on the beach near Chinaman's Hat, Hawaii.

Checking In

Dendrochilum bicallosum. I peeked in the greenhouse. Overall, it was cold and nasty in there so I bit the bullet and upped the thermostat. I'll hate myself when the electric bill comes.

This tiny little Dendrochilum was in bloom with flowers somewhere around 1/4-3/8 inch. They glisten like stardust and look really cool when you enlarge the photo to see the details (which would otherwise escape my less than perfect eyes).

Valley of the Temples

Byodo-In Temple Replica in Hawaii's famous Valley of the Temples. Ground breaking ceremonies were on January 12, 1966 and the dedication ceremonies were on June 7, 1968, roughly 100 years after the first Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii.

This is also the home of the friendly black swan pictured a few days back and some very voracious koi. There is a large golden Buddha in the temple to whom guests may offer incense offerings. The gift shop also does a decent business in Koi food for the fish and birds.

Booby or What?

Red-Footed Booby, Brown Phase, Sula sula or, in Hawaiian, 'A. I was thinking this looked like a red-footed booby but it wasn't white. The old switcharoo thing. So I hunted it down in the literature and apparently there are different color phases of Red-footed bobby birds including a white phase, a brown phase and a brown phase with white tail. This one is real friendly and hopped up on the boat to beg for snacks. Perhaps he was hand raised by people?

The Uncommonly Delicious Kumu

The Whitesaddle Goatfish, Parupeneus porphyreus, or Kumu in Hawaiian. This one was under a coral ledge in Waikiki.

Kumu is one of the most popular and, these days, uncommon of the goatfish in Hawaii. Its soft, flaky, white meat is treasured in Hawaii and, even when I was a kid, was considered quite a catch when you could find one. You don't see many anymore, probably doomed by their own tastiness. The ancient Hawaiians offered kumu to the gods because of their red color, which was meaningful for rituals. The few I saw were hiding under coral ledges as opposed to their more free ranging goatfish cousin, the moana, which could be seen freely roaming the reef during the day.

New Day, New Fish

Pipefish, Waikiki, Hawaii. The water was rough and murky so it's hard to see the colors but this little guy has a bright yellow tail. He was hanging out below the reef ledge waiting for food to float by. These are pretty uncommon in Hawaii, this being the first I've ever seen in the wild anyhow. I hunted around on the Internet and didn't find a latin ID so he'll just have to go nameless for now.

For the pipefish neophytes in the audience, pipefish are related/similar to seahorses. They suck in their prey (i.e., no teeth) and, as with the seahorses, raise their young in a brood pouch on the male until they are large enough to survive on their own. If anyone knows the name of this little pipefish (about 6-8 inches long), please let me know.