Subject: [Tweeters] Maui Birding
Date: Aug 31 20:33:51 2006
From: wheelermombi at comcast.net - wheelermombi at comcast.net


There are two places that I remember off of the top of my head concerning birding on Maui. An amazing location is a Nature Conservancy preserve called Waikamoi, located, if I remember correctly, on the northern slope of the Hale`akala, just outside of the National Park. You would be very likely to see I`iwi, Apapane, Amakihi, Maui Creeper, and possibly the Maui Parrot Bill as well as various introduced species, such as the Red-billed Leiothrix. There is a very outside chance of spotting Akohekohe. I volunteered there about 10 years ago, and it is a magical place, with an intact climax native rain forest, which is all too rare in Hawai`i. You will need to contact the Nature Conservancy ahead of time for permission to enter the preserve. Nearby Hale`akala crater will yield some introduced birds (like Chukar) as well as possible Nene, Short-eared Owl (Pueo), and White-tailed Tropicbirds.

A more convenient spot is Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, located right by the Kahului Airport. I've spotted Black-necked Stilt and Hawaiian Coot there, and there is always the possibility of uncommon migrants.

Descriptions of both of these sites can easily be found with a Google search.

Good luck,

Lonnie Somer
Olympia, WA (but missing Hawai`i now)
wheelermombi at comcast.net


"We have to go to a wedding in Maui in mid-Novemeber and plan to take an extra
week to bird and play. Where should we look? Any locations need permits in
advance, etc.? Answer off line if you prefer.
Donna Koerker"