Small Indian Mongoose

Small Indian Mongoose

On the islands, the Small Indian Mongoose is simply referred to as the Mongoose.  Seventy-two of these little critters were brought to the islands in 1883 by sugar cane plantation owners to deal with a rat problem.  Although their primary diet consists mostly of insects, they are opportunistic feeders and will eat crabs, frogs, spiders, scorpions, snakes, birds and bird eggs.  In their native India, they will even take on a Cobra snake.  However, the mongooses (not mongeese) are active during the daylight hours and rats work mostly the night shift.  So, the mongooses went after bird eggs; devastating the bird populations on the Big Island.  Only the island of Kaua’i is free of mongooses and has a flourishing bird population. 

Uplands

Uplands

The Uplands, far different from the seashore and beaches, provides a very stark contrast formed by wind and rain for the landscape photographer.  This image was captured in 40 knots winds that ripped through the mountains most of the day.   The wind was so strong, it was difficult to stand up straight.  Yet, there it was; waiting for a click.

Gold Dust Day Gecko

Gold Dust Day Geko

Gold Dust Day Gecko  Landscapes are nice; wildlife is better.  Problem is; there’s not much wildlife around here unless you get into the water.  Then, when stopping for a rest on tonight’s walkabout, these Geckos were just playing around.  At first, they seemed like a nuisance, but then it occurred to me; they are technically, wildlife.  They seem to be curious critters and, of course, they’re naturally cute.