Jeff Lubeck

Boxing Day Bloom at WaimeaBeachHouse

It is Boxing Day on the Island of Kaua’i.

Coming into full bloom this morning at the WaimeaBeachHouse, is a flower on our Kaua’ian hibiscus bush.

Kaua’ian hibiscus

Planted in 2021, the bush began flowering in February of 2023. A Post about the plant is located [here].

The Kaua’ian hibiscus is endemic to Kauai. There are only five types of hibiscus native to the Hawaiian islands.

* Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia *

Boxing Day is a national holiday in Commonwealth nations. It began as a day of gift giving to those in need. Concurrently the day is also called St. Stephen’s Day or Day of Goodwill. This day is not a national holiday in the United States. More on Boxing Day is located [here].

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna Austria in May of 2024.

Graceful Landing at Kawaiʻele Runway #3

The Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary in Kauai often looks like an airport. Its various ponds act as runways. Islands act as terminals.

Six ponds exist within in the sanctuary. The ponds are separated by sandy pathways. Waterbirds move between each pond throughout the day. The Sanctuary often resembles an airport, with the birds taking off and landing.

I notice a Hawaiian Stilt flying across Pond #4. The Stilt comes into clear view as it starts its bank onto Pond #3.

Stilt on approach banking onto Runway #3

The Approach

I capture 10 images of the Stilt on approach as it crosses the pond. The color of the surface on the pond changes as the bird progresses.

The Landing

Similar to planes, the Stilt drops its feet in the same fashion as a plane’s landing gear. However, at the last moment, two other Stilts appear to be situated on the spot the Stilt is going to land. It is an optical elusion.

* Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia *

A Post of mine on the Stilt is located [here].

A Post of mine on the Kawaiʻele Sanctuary is located [here] and [here].

Stilt in Residence in Kauai

The Hawaiian Stilt is a fascinating bird to observe. Aeʻo (stilt) and kukuluaeʻo (standing high) are names that refer to the bird in Hawaiian. With a population last measured at 1,758, it is an endangered species.

The Hawaiian Stilt in flight.

Near my home is a population of Hawaiian Stilts at the Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary. On a late afternoon in early December, I travel to the sanctuary to photograph the Stilts.

Hawaiian Stilts feeding in the late afternoon.

The birds are feeding on small fish living in the ponds. They move in small groups, pairs, or alone throughout the sanctuary.

Fresh fish from the pond.

On the move.

On Approach.

All by myself.

* Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia *

For more on the Hawaiian Stilt go [here].

Previously, I have published a Post about Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary. The Post is located [here].

I am fortunate to have this bird and many others near my home.

Camera Geek Tech Stuff

I captured the images with the Nikon Z9 Camera and the Z9 F2.8 Prime Lens at 400MM and 560MM, 800MM and 1120MM. I photographed hand held. The combination of camera and lens is rather heavy in terms of weight.

I use settings for ISO, aperture, and shutter speed configured manually. The implication is I am not hindered, or the beneficiary of a Program Mode established by a camera company. Program Modes are great for use on many photographic endeavors. My choice results in some poor shots. However, the result image is often exactly what I desire.

Boxing Day Bloom at WaimeaBeachHouse

* Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia *