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U.S.A. -- Hawaii --
Oahu
March 1991
by Ellwood Meyers
I birded on Oahu in March 1991. I took along two field guides:
"The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific" by Pratt, Bruner, and
Berrett. Also "Hawaii's Birds" by Hawaii Audubon Society.
Both books proved to be indispensable. Also get a good road map
because you will have to rent a car to get to the best places.
The beach scene just wasn't for me. Places worth birding: Diamond
Head Crater is a must for Pacific Golden-Plover and White-tailed
Tropicbird. (Although I can't guarantee the tropicbird you should
find the plover easily enough moving across the park lawns
'robin-style').
Another great place is Sacred Falls State Park near Hauula along route
83 on the northeast coast. It was a beautiful hike through varied
habitat. Another place I recommend and is the easiest to get to
from the majority of the hotel/condominium waterfront in downtown
Honolulu is Kapiolani Park next to the Honolulu Zoo. I am sure
there are better places to go birding on Oahu but we were
island-hopping and only spent three days on this island. Sadly,
most of the birds you will encounter are introduced species, most the
the native birds as I'm sure you're well aware of are either extinct or
on their way out.
If time permits and you want a real adventure hop on over to Kauai and
bird in the forests around Kokee State Park. In a word:
Incredible! Most of the birds I encountered along the trail
system leading down into the Alakai Swamp and Waimea Canyon were native
birds. I hope this helps.
Ellwood Meyers
10 Elmwood Dr.
N.Warren,PA 16365
http://www.warbler60@hotmail.com
