photo by Forest and Kim Starr
Freycinet sandalwood, known as ‘Ili’ahi in Hawaiian, is a native Hawaiian flowering tree in the European mistletoe family. Leaves on these small trees are leathery and grayish. The green-orange flowers are fragrant. It is found in dry forests and shrublands on all the Hawaiian Islands but was exported to China in vast quantities due to its attractive smell.
Himantopus mexicanus knudseni
Also knows as the Hawaiian Stilt, the Ae’o is a tall slender wading bird with pink legs and a long thin black bill. It is 16″ and its voice is a loud, sharp “keek” call given in flight and when disturbed on the ground. Also gives a soft more muted call while resting. They exhibit a strong flapping flight with its legs trailing behind. Often found in mudflats, marshy areas, and ponds. They feed on fish, crabs, aquatic insects, and worms.
Ua ola loko i ke aloha.
Love gives life within
