Category: Aloha Spirit

Hawai’i’s Endangered Birds | Queen Emma’s favorite Maile Palila

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This bird was favored by Queen Emma for its song.  The Palila is only found in the sub-alpine forest of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai’i. It was one of the original species listed in the Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately this unique bird is still in trouble, and its population has declined precipitously in recent years. Hawai’i is the bird extinction capital of the world which is why American Bird Conservancy has launched a campaign to protect Hawaiian birds.

 

Meet Hawai’i’s State Bird – ‘Elepaio (Endangered Species)

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‘Elepaio are one of the most curious and approachable birds in the forest.  They will often follow hikers and come within just a few feet of them.  This bird is from the subpopulation found only in the sub-alpine forests of Mauna Kea.  While ‘elepaio look cute and harmless, males have been known to fight to the death when an intruder enters their territory.  The ‘elepaio’s song is the first heard at daybreak and the last song heard at sunset.  These birds are also an important species for wa’a or canoe builders because these little birds serve as guides helping these craftsmen choose the best koa trees for building the canoe hulls.

The Hawai’i Audabon Society puts out a monthly newsletter keeping bird lovers and bird aficionados abreast of the latest developments in Hawai’i’s fight to save it’s endangered avian friends.

Upload and Read the May/June 2018 edition here.

 

Contemplations …

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A recent study found that marriage has actual health benefits. Married people live longer, have fewer strokes and fewer heart attacks than people who are single. Scientific or not, I find that study incredibly irritating. Happily, there are other studies that tell us the real truth about the health benefits of marriage … which is that the benefits have nothing to do with marriage at all … because those studies have shown that staying in an unhappy marriage is the worst thing you can do for your health and for your children. So, better health is a direct result of healthy relationships. You don’t need a spouse. You just need someone you can trust. You need someone you can talk to. You need someone who will celebrate your wins and grieve your losses. You need someone who can forgive you. You need someone who will show up, no questions asked … and walk with you through every unexpected twist and turn life throws your way. What we find in a soulmate, a life partner, is not something wild to tame, but something wild to run with.

Hau’ōli lā Pō’ahā

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Aloha e Hau’ōli lā Pō’ahā. Mai hō’oni i ka wai lānā mālie. Ō kā maluhia nō me ‘oe.

Greetings and Happy Thursday. “Do Not Disturb the Water That is Tranquil.” When you find yourself not enjoying the peace and quiet of a supposed relaxing day, remind yourself not to interrupt your own peaceful thoughts. It’s not always easy but it sure makes for a refreshed soul when life starts back up again. Peace be with you.