'Apapane -- Good Luck Bird

Healthy trees with blossoms 2013

When we moved to the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii, friends had given us a "Birds of Hawaii" book that we used to identify the birds who were living in Leilani Estates subdivision. While still getting acquainted with our new home and property that first week, we found a small dead bird on the ground, which, with the help of our guide book, we identified as an 'Apapane.

Although our property was filled with vibrant beautiful Ohia trees, during only our second year many of our trees began to die from what is known as Rapid Ohia Death ROD. By the end of our second year, 70 % of our trees had died causing many of the native, local bird species to migrate elsewhere. (Nectar from the Ohia trees being the primary food source for them.)

Well-known photographer Jack Jeffery, took the above  photo, and this link will introduce you to Jack and his passion for taking amazing bird photographs.  8-minute video about Jack's passion

While living in Eureka (Humboldt County CA) Lunel developed a special collection of bird wings that she hung from the ceiling or in windows -- including egret, heron, hawk and other smaller ubiquitous species.

Dead Ohia a year later

Marian Berger, Artist

Eventually, she developed a simple taxidermy technique to preserve smaller dead birds she had found by using the "warm" setting on the toaster oven which basically dried out their innards. So, the little 'Apapane bird we found in 2012 floated in our kitchen window, wings spread as if in flight, for over 5 years. Oddly, we always felt it was a good luck symbol.

The other day, after leaving a walk-through of our new rental house in Volcano, we were both amazed to find,another 'Apapane on the ground by our parked car. We didn't have the inclination to attempt a repeat process this time around, but gently moved the little dead bird into the nearby ferns.

To hear one of the 'Apapane's songs follow this link:  Apapane Song

The Humboldt/Hawaii Connection

Mahalo for Alex Grey's art:  alexgrey.com

No, this is not an ancient island goddess, but it does reflect one of the many connections between Humboldt County California and the Big Island. We know folks from both places who apparently wave to each other while taking opposing flights seeking jobs in the industry.

Well, now it looks like we found yet another interesting Hawaii/Humboldt connection through the purchase of a book that Phil wanted for his birthday. Hawaiian Yesterdays is a collection of over 500 historical photographs taken by Ray Jerome Baker. Baker was an early 20^th century photographer who first came to Eureka in 1904.  His first studio was a temporary tent on E Street but the wet winter forced him to establish a permanent studio at the corner of E and 5^th. (Our gallery of 22 years was at the corner of F and 2nd.)  

Baker’s extensive photo collection of Humboldt County is now in the collection of Humboldt State University.  He became friends with Jack London who visited Eureka often and who also encouraged Baker to visit Hawaii. Baker and his wife Edith (who hand tinted his color photos) visited the Hawaiian Islands in 1908 – they loved it and after staying for several months they returned to Eureka, closed the studio, packed up and made the permanent move to Hawaii.  (This reminded us of our buying a house in Puna while on vacation…and moving to the Big Island one year later!!)

Big Island: Woman weaving lauhala into hat( 1915)

“Baker’s camera caught everything around him: the people, places and events …of the Hawaiian people and their vanishing lifestyles, members of various ethnic groups, aerial landscapes, historical sites and native flora." (from flyleaf of book)

We both expect to spend many hours pouring over this extensive collection. It helps us appreciate the cultural renaissance here in Hawai'i with deep roots in the traditions of the past and a forward-looking vision for the future through the revitalization of language, dance and cultural traditions.

Baker has a room dedicated to his photography at Oahu's Bishop Museum - "The Ray Jerome Baker room." To learn more about Baker and his lengthy collection of books and published articles: LINK to Jerome Baker

Carnivorous Plants Excape in Puna

Grow to be about 12" long

We have three kinds growing wild

These unusual looking plants are VOLUNTEERS growing along the unfenced back corner of our property.  They grow as long vines, and are called Nepenthes.  These are escapees from our neighbor's amazing nursery.  When we discovered them, we decided to build a trellis so they could grow to cover up an unsightly corner.  Rain water collects in the long horn-like shape and bugs (even big ones) are collected and dissolved inside the plant -- especially mosquitoes!

After we bought our house near Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii, we began to tell our friends about it  One dear couple asked where the house was, and when we replied "Leilani Estates," they responded, "Our dear friends live there....what street?"  It was then we discovered that we had bought a house right next to people who were long time friends of our Humboldt buddies.

Please take a moment to look at the wild plants growing next door at Leilani Hapu'u Nursery.   Link to photos of Sam and his COOL plants