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REVIEW OF THE HAWAI'I BIRDING YEAR 2002

This is a review of the birds seen in the Hawaiian Islands during 2002 and should be used in conjunction with the Sightings database for that year, which can be found by Clicking Here. Many thanks to all those birders who found and observed birds during the year and shared their sightings with the birding community.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

Click on a month for each month's review.

Highlights of the year were a Rough-legged Hawk on Midway in January (2nd or 3rd State record) and on Kaho'olawe in March, the Black-tailed Godwit remaining from last year until April (1st record), Red-billed Tropicbird and Streaked Shearwater on Kaua'i in March (both 3rd records), a possible Pacific Reef Heron on Hawai'i in March (1st record), a Black-winged Stilt on Kure Atoll in May (1st State record) a Far Eastern Curlew in June on French Frigate Shoals (2nd record), Least Terns probably nesting on O'ahu during the summer, a Stilt Sandpiper on O'ahu in September (1st State record), a Solitary Sandpiper on O'ahu, also in September, the annually returning North American race Whimbrel on O'ahu at both ends of the year and a Willet on Hawai'i (5th State record) and Bar-tailed Godwit and Marsh Sandpiper (2nd State record) on O'ahu during November. The year ended with a Baikal Teal at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i (1st State record) and Caspian Terns remaining on Maui and O'ahu and Marsh Sandpiper and Greater Yellowlegs on O'ahu during December.

JANUARY

A Pied-billed Grebe was found at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 29th, whether this was a mainland migrant or a locally bred individual is open to speculation.

A female Rough-legged Hawk on Midway early in the year was only the second record for the Hawaiian Archipelago, but was unfortunately not observable by many birders. Osprey were observed at Nu'upia Ponds, Kane'ohe, O'ahu and Loko Waka Pond, Hilo, Hawaii on 12th and Pearl Harbor NWR, O'ahu on 28th, and Peregrine Falcons were seen at several localities including Nu'upia Ponds, Kane'ohe, O'ahu between 12th and 24th.

Two Short-tailed Albatross returned to Midway, and on 11th at least one was observed incubating an egg. Whether this egg was fertilized or not is unknown, although birds have produced unfertilized eggs on Midway on at least one other occasion in the recent past. Pelagic trips from Kaua'i to Lehua Rock, Ni'ihau produced the following on 11th (David Kuhn): Short-finned Pilot Whales (two pods of c.50), 1 Monk Seal, 50 Spinner Dolphin, 30 Humpback Whales & 4 Manta Ray, two Black-footed Albatross, 24 Laysan Albatross, 60 R.F. Booby, 40 Brown Booby, 3 W.T. Tropicbirds, 100 Black Noddy, 20 Great Frigatebirds, 1 dark Shearwater sp. 3 probable Storm Petrel sp., 1 Cattle Egret on Lehua.

A Canvasback, the bird seen here since November 2001, was still at Kona STP on 5th, along with one Greater Scaup, three Lesser Scaup (until 12th), one Ring-necked Duck and 15 Northern Pintail (Reggie David et al.). Eurasian Wigeon were identified at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu during January with three (+) drakes amongst a flock of 19 Wigeon on 11th. Midway played host to Green-winged Teal, Pintail, Shoveler and both Eurasian and American Wigeon during the month. In a good year for Eurasian Wigeon drakes were also observed at Kona STP, Kona (Hawai'i) on 12th (two drakes), Paniaka Pond, Pu'u Olai State Park, Maui on 16th (pair with three American Wigeon). A single female Ring-necked Duck was seen at Waiakea Pond, Hilo (Hawai'i) on 12th. James Campbell hosted 3 Lesser Scaup, 18 Pintail, 16 Shoveler and 16 Wigeon including 5 drake Eurasian Wigeon until at least 26th (Peter Donaldson), 2 Canvasbacks (F) and 3 Lesser Scaup (1M) on 19th - 26th.

An American Coot was again present at Waiakea Pond, Hilo on 12th, a bird which has not been reliably recorded from the Islands for some years.

A feature of the start of the year was the large numbers of Gulls that occurred in the Islands. Between two and four Laughing Gulls were seen at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu in December 2001 and January 2002 (mo). An astonishing six Glaucous-winged Gulls were present at Kinikini Ditch, Kaua'i on 2nd, along with a probable Glaucous-winged hybrid (with either Glaucous or Herring Gull)(Jim Denny and David Kuhn). A Herring Gull was recorded from Midway early in the month. Five Laughing Gulls and two Ring-billed Gulls were present at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 19th (Peter Donaldson et al.), with the former remaining until at least 26th, when they were joined by a 1st winter Glaucous-winged Gull. Three more Glaucous-winged Gulls were found, with three 1st/2nd years being observed at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 25th. The long-staying Caspian Tern that had been touring the Islands since 2000 was still present at Nu'upia Ponds, O'ahu on 8th, 9th and 15th.

Glaucous-winged Gull at Kinikini Ditch, Kaua'i. December 2001 © by Jim Denny.

Glaucous-winged Gulls at Kinikini Ditch, Kaua'i. December 2001 © by Jim Denny.

Good numbers of migrant shorebirds and wildfowl remained in suitable habitats during the month, including some long-staying rarities. A Grey-tailed Tattler was seen at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 3rd accompanied by two unidentified Peeps and Sanderling (Lance Tanino et al.). Semipalmated Plovers were at Kona STP on 5th (Reggie David et al.) and Kanaha Pond, Maui on 12th - 23rd (Lance Tanino). Other Shorebirds during the month included a Least Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 11th (until at least 31st, with two Least Sandpipers on 23rd), two Pectoral Sandpipers there on 12th (and three on 23rd) (Lance Tanino), a banded Wandering Tattler again at Waiakea Pond, Hilo (Hawai'i) on 12th (Reggie David et al.) (Banded bird = Green band right leg.Yellow and Silver bands on left leg. It was banded on the west side of the Alaska Range in 1999), the long-staying Black-tailed Godwit at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu all month (along with three Long-billed Dowitchers, eight Bristle-thighed Curlew, two Dunlin, a Whimbrel, and single Black-bellied Plover and Pectoral Sandpiper), a Whimbrel was also seen at Nu'upia Ponds on 24th (unusual to have two in the Main Islands at the same time). Lastly a Phalarope species was reported from Kealia Pond, Maui in the last week of the month.

A Po'o-uli (one of only three remaining in the World) was seen in the Hanawi Natural Area Preserve, Maui at the month's end and was seen during the ongoing translocation work which is currently underway.

Po'o-uli , Hanawi Natural Area Preserve, Maui, January 2002 © Jack Jeffrey.

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FEBRUARY

A good count of 31 adult Black-footed Albatross and eight nests was made on 19th-21st on Lehua Rock (Ni'ihau) by a research party (Eric Vanderwerf).

Lehua Rock off Ni'ihau, nesting site for Albatrosses, Boobies, Frigatebirds and Noddies. This site is often circled by tourist boats and snorkel trips and is thus a good site to observe seabirds offshore at low expense. Photograph © by Christian Melgar.

Ten Eurasian Wigeon (a very good count) lingered at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 2nd (with 8 still on 9th), along with one Mallard, 41 Pintail (35 by 9th), 12 Shoveler (still on 9th), four American Wigeon, five Wigeon sp. (9 on 9th) and 11 Green-winged Teal. Thirteen Northern Pintail remained at Kuilima STP, O'ahu on 23rd, and nearby one drake Eurasian Wigeon and 18 Green-winged Teal remained at James Campbell NWR and were some of the few waterfowl to remain (Peter Donaldson) apart from a single female Ring-necked Duck which remained at Waiakea Pond, Hilo until at least the 25th. The probable Aleutian race Canada Goose remained at Kaelepulu Pond (Enchanted Lake), O'ahu on 24th at least, and a White-fronted Goose and a Canada Goose remained at Waiakea Pond on 17th, although all three are of rather dubious origin, the latter two birds having been present in Hilo for at least four years.

The American Coot remained throughout the month at Waiakea Pond, Hilo and was usually to be seen off the Banyon Drive, associating with a single Hawaiian Coot (mo), although it could not be found on 26th or 28th.

A Northern Harrier was observed over the lava flow of 1935 on the Saddle Road, Hawai'i at around 5500 feet elevation on 8th. This species is of less than annual occurrence in the State. The only Osprey recorded during the month was a bird at Waiakea Pond, Hilo (Hawai'i) on 17th. The only Peregrine of the month was observed at Lehua Rock (Ni'ihau) on 19th/21st (Eric Vanderwerf) during a seabird monitoring trip, a good record for the site.

Shorebirds remained in good numbers at several sites and included the Black-tailed Godwit still in residence at James Campbell NWR until at least 23rd. Other species at James Campbell during the month included three Dunlin, three Long-billed Dowitchers, one Whimbrel (North American race), one Black-bellied Plover one Snipe and 7 Wandering Tattler on 2nd; Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin, 3 Wandering Tattler, 3 Long-billed Dowitcher, 14 Sanderling, 21 Turnstone, one Black-bellied Plover, one Whimbrel, 10 Bristle-thighed Curlew and 31 Pacific Golden Plover on 9th with the Godwit, Whimbrel and at least four Bristle-thighed Curlews remaining until the month's end. Elsewhere shorebirds were seen as follows: One Least Sandpiper, 1 Semipalmated Plover and 1 Pectoral Sandpiper at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 2nd (with the Pectoral Sandpiper still present on 18th); two Dunlin, 6 Long-billed Dowitchers and 60+ Sanderling at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 16th; three Long-billed Dowitchers, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, and 1 Black-bellied Plover at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 23rd.

Hawaiian indigenous wetland species were recorded in good numbers too with the following counts recorded: 128 Hawaiian Coot, 22 Hawaiian Moorhen, 66 Hawaiian Stilt at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 2nd; 114 Hawaiian Stilt, 93 Hawaiian Coot and 10 Hawaiian Moorhen there on 9th and 1 Hawaiian Moorhen with brood of 3 chicks and 139 Hawaiian Coot with 1 brood of 3 and 1 brood of 2 chicks on 23rd (Peter Donaldson).

Gulls continued to be observed in good numbers and at a variety of sites. Six Laughing Gulls remained in the James Campbell area along with two first-winter Glaucous-winged Gulls on 2nd and with both Glaucous-winged Gulls and five Laughing Gulls remaining until 9th, but 6 Laughing Gulls again on 23rd (Peter Donaldson). On 23rd three first-winter Glaucous-winged Gulls were at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu, although one of these was dead on an island in the ponds.Elsewhere Glaucous-winged Gulls were seen at Ma'alea Flats, Kealia, Maui on 2nd - 7th (two birds) (Lance Tanino and Mike Nishimoto) and on Lehua Rock (Ni'ihau) on 19th/21st (Eric Vanderwerf) and a first winter Laughing Gull was seen at Waiakea Pond and Loko Waka Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i on 15th, 26th and 28th (Dan Lindsay et al.). There was no sign of the Caspian Tern at Kane'ohe or Nu'upia Ponds, O'ahu on 23rd.

Endemic forest birds reported this month included 2+ Maui Parrotbill and two adult 'Akohekohe in the Waikamoi Preserve, Maui on 9th and an unbanded singing male Puaiohi on the Pihea Trail, Kaua'i on 19th.

Maui Parrotbill, Waikamoi Preserve, Maui. This is one of the special endemic birds that can be seen in this amazing forest preserve on the slopes of Haleakala, along with the endemic 'Akohekohe and Maui Creeper. Photograph © Jack Jeffrey.

Fifteen Orange-cheeked Waxbills at the Bayview Golf Course, in Kane'ohe (O'ahu) on 23rd were the most interesting introduced birds reported during the month.

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MARCH

March produced several exciting records, including a possible first for the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Seabirds reported included a couple of records of significance with a Streaked Shearwater reported on a pelagic between Kaua'i and Lehua Rock on 21st (David Kuhn), this would be only the third State record and follows hot on the heals of the second bird in 1999, also between Kaua'i and Lehua Rock. Also on this pelagic three Black-footed Albatross, one Pomarine Jaeger, three Hawaiian Monk Seal, two Rough-toothed Dolphins and 40 Humpback Whales were seen. The same observer observed a Red-billed Tropicbird at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i on 21st, which is presumably the same individual that has visited the site in 1998, 1999 and 2000. This is about the third individual recorded in Hawai'i (assuming it is the same bird).

Red-billed Tropicbird, Kilauea Point, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Summer 2000 © by Christian Melgar.

Most exciting bird of the month was a reported Pacific Reef Heron at Aimakapa Pond, Kona, Hawai'i on c.15th. If the bird was correctly identified then this constitutes the first record of the species for Hawai'i. It should be noted that Little Blue Heron, which has been recorded a couple of times before had not been eliminated at time of this articles publication.

The only waterfowl remaining this month were the female Ring-necked Duck and dubious White-fronted and Canada Geese at Waiakea Pond, Hilo all month, thirty Northern Pintail at Kuilima STP, O'ahu on 9th, a female Canvasback at Kona STP, Hawai'i on 16th and five Green-winged Teal, six Pintail, two Shoveler, seven Wigeon sp. and two Eurasian Wigeon at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 30th (Peter Donaldson). Two pair of Shoveler remained at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 9th (Lance Tanino), with three there on 19th (one male). The single remaining Fulvous Whistling-Duck, "lonesome George" at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu was not observed during the month and is presumed to have died, thus meaning that the species no longer occurs in the Islands in a natural state.

A Rough-legged Hawk was reported again from Kaho'olawe again (on 20th) (Lance Tanino)

The adult American Coot remained at Waiakea Pond, Hilo off the Banyon Tree Viewpoint off Kilauea Avenue until at least 20th, usually in company with a white-knobbed Hawaiian Coot (mo).

The numbers of Gulls reported declined sharply during the month with just a Laughing Gull reported from Waiakea Pond, Hilo still on 3rd, four first-winter Laughing Gulls at James Campbell NWR, Oa'hu on 9th, a Glaucous-winged Gull at Kealia Pond, Maui on 9th and another Glaucous-winged Gull at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 30th. The Caspian Tern reappeared on O'ahu on 9th, this time at James Campbell NWR. An adult winter Common Tern was seen at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 19th. Four Pomarine Jaegers and 12 White Terns were watched off Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, Oa'hu on 17th (Peter Donaldson). The Honolulu Waterfront is the best place to observe the former species in Hawai'i.

Caspian Tern, Kaua'i Lagoons, Kaua'i, November 2000 © by Christian Melgar.

Shorebirds were still evident during the month with a Semipalmated or Common Ringed Plover at Hanapepe Saltpond, Kau'i on 4th (as well as 20 Pacific Golden Plover, three Turnstone and one Sanderling) (David Kuhn). On Maui two Least Sandpipers and a Semipalmated Plover remained at Kanaha Pond on at least 6th-9th (Sandpipers until 19th) (Lance Tanino); on O'ahu the Black-tailed Godwit remained at James Campbell NWR until at least 30th, when it had started to moult into summer plumage. Also at James Campbell NWR during the month were 1 Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, 4 Long-billed Dowitchers, a North American race Whimbrel still, six Bristle-thighed Curlew and 1 Black-bellied Plover on 9th-30th (Peter Donaldson). On Hawai'i an unusual plumaged Stilt at a private site in Kona eventually moulted and was confirmed as being just an aberrant Hawaiian Stilt. Observers of the Stilt managed to find a female Ruff (Reeve) and a Dunlin at the same site on 16th.

Hawaiian Stilt Himantopus (mexicanus) knudseni, with unusual head pattern, Cyanotech, Kona, Hawai'i, Spring 2002 © by Scott Waddington.

The right bird is a typical adult knudseni Hawaiian Stilt, showing the extensive dark plumage around the head, neck and nape usually associated with this form. The left hand bird shows black confined to the rear neck, nape and mantle (as well as back and wings) and resemble the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus), however the bare parts (bill and legs) are typical knudseni and observers reported that the call was indistinguishable from the other Hawaiian Stilts at the site.

Hawaiian Stilt Himantopus (mexicanus) knudseni, with unusual head pattern, Cyanotech, Kona, Hawai'i, Spring 2002 © by Scott Waddington.

Introduced finches reported this month included five or six Bengalese Finches nesting at Kalani Honua Retreat, Puna, Hawai'i on 7th at least. This is a domesticated form of White-rumped Mannikin, which is found in China & SE Asia. The origin of these birds is unknown. The species is not on the Hawai'i List.

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APRIL

The lone female Ring-necked Duck remained at Waiakea Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i on 1st (Dan Lindsay), and was unsurprisingly the only migrant duck noted during the month. The resident Aleutian Canada Goose remained at Enchanted Lake, O'ahu until at least 16th (mo).

A good selection of seabirds were reported from a research vessel off the Kona Coast (Hawai'i) between 2nd and 8th with a Long-tailed Jaeger, six plus Sooty Shearwaters, one Black-footed Albatross, several Bulwer's Petrels daily, several Christmas Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels. On the 7th the same researchers observed four Mottled Petrels and four Band-rumped Storm Petrels (with one the previous day) (Robin Baird et al.). A single Black-footed Albatross was seen flying over Moku'ae'ae Island off Kilauea Point, Kaua'i on 17th (David Kuhn), a now annual occurrence.

A Great Blue Heron was observed well on 15th at Loko Waka Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i on 15th and was still present on 17th (Dan Lindsay).

An Osprey was seen at the same time as the Great Blue Heron at Loko Waka Pond, Hilo on 17th, perched in trees at the back of the pond (Dan Lindsay).

The American Coot which had been residing at Waiakea Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i was observed again off the Kilauea Avenue access point on 15th (Dan Lindsay), although this would be the last time it was be reported.

The only unusual migrant shorebirds recorded during the month were three Bristle-thighed Curlew and a Pectoral Sandpiper at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 30th (Peter Donaldson), and it was noted that all other migrant shorebirds seen in previous months including the Black-tailed Godwit had departed.

A Caspian Tern, presumed to be the bird from previous months (and last year) re-appeared at Nu'upia Ponds, Kane'ohe, O'ahu on 15th.

Caspian Tern, Kaua'i Lagoons, Kaua'i, November 2000 © by Christian Melgar.

Several endemic forest birds were reported from mid-month onwards with three 'Akikiki in the Alaka'i Swamp on 18th (along with 'Akeke'e, I'iwi, 'Apapane, Kaua'i 'Elepaio, Kaua'i 'Amakihi, 'Anianiau and a heard only Puaiohi. At Kipuka 21 on Hawai'i several 'Omao, Hawai'i 'Amakihi, I'iwi and Hawai'i 'Elepaio were observed on 20th; and on the same day a single 'Akiapola'au was observed on the Pu'u O'o Trail on Hawai'i.

Two Red-cheeked Cordon-Bleu were watched at Pu'u Anahula (Hawai'i) on 20th, a species which is becoming increasingly difficult to observe in the Islands.

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MAY

A quiet month with only a few reports received and "dominated" by migrant seabirds.

The rarest bird of the month (and one of the rarest of the year) was an apparent Black-winged Stilt on Kure Atoll - a first for the Hawaiian Islands (Cynthia Vanderlip). Although the species is increasing its range in the Pacific region, the appearance of one in the Hawaiian Islands is quite remarkable, it also opens up new questions as to what might happen if the species manages to reach the Main Islands and the Hawaiian Black-necked Stilt population.

Apparent Black-winged Stilt, Kure Atoll, May 2002. Photograph © by Cynthia Vanderlip.

A summer plumaged Least or Little Tern was observed on the ground at Pearl Harbor NWR, O'ahu on 2nd (Peter Donaldson). A Red-tailed Tropicbird was observed over Hilo Bay, Hawai'i on 15th (Dan Lindsay).

Two adult summer Franklin's Gulls were observed on the Waimea River, Kaua'i on 13th (David Kuhn) and an adult summer Bonaparte's Gulls was seen over Hilo Bay, Hawai'i on 14th and flying over Kalanianaole at Wailoa Bridge on 25th (Dan Lindsay).

An escaped male Golden Pheasant was observed briefly on 1st in the Waikamoi Preserve, Maui and again for a more prolonged period on 7th, although the bird had apparently been present since at least mid-March (Jeff Foster).

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JUNE

Another slow month with very few reports received. Rarest bird of the month was a Far Eastern Curlew which was observed and photographed on French Frigate Shoals (Northwest Hawaiian Islands) by Suzanne Conja, a Hawaiian Monk Seal biologist, on 5th. This is only the second record of the species from the Hawaiian archipelago, the first being seen on Laysan Island (Northwest Hawaiian Islands) on September 4th 1996 by Mike Shultz.

Pelagic trips out of Kaua'i during the month produced a late Humpback Whale mother and calf which were observed by boat operators between Kaua'i and Ni'ihau on 12th (per David Kuhn) and on 14th two Band-rumped Storm Petrels, 5 Bulwer's Petrels and good numbers of other "regular" seabirds were observed, as well as one Hawaiian Monk Seal, 150 Spinner Dolphins, 15 Bottle-nosed Dolphins and eight Rough-toothed Dolphins (David Kuhn).

A pair of Least or Little Terns were seen on Kure Atoll during the month where they also possibly nested (Cynthia Vanderlipp).

Least or Little Terns, Kure Atoll, June 2002. Photograph © by Cynthia Vanderlip.

An adult 'Akohekohe was seen 10 metres north of the Upper Flume Road (at the end of the Olinda Road) foraging on Ohia bloom on Maui on 17th (Jeff Foster), the first seen there all season and there were multiple sightings of Maui Parrotbill in mesic forest at Waikamoi Preserve, Maui during the month (Jeff Foster), this forest is right on the edge of pastureland and is probably the furthest west that the species currently occupies. An adult was seen with a begging juvenile on one date.

Far Eastern Curlew, French Frigate Shoals © by Suzanne Conja. June 2002. The second Hawaiian record.

Far Eastern Curlew, French Frigate Shoals © by Suzanne Conja. June 2002.

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JULY

A Newell's Shearwater was found as a roadkill near Davidson's Beach Kekaha, Kaua'i on 9th (Jim Denny), an early date for a roadside casualty. Fifty Wedge-tailed Shearwaters were observed passing NNW past Laie Point, O'ahu on 7th at the rate of about 5 per minute (Peter Donaldson). At the end of the month a superb pelagic haul between Kaua'i and Ni'ihau/Lehua Rock on 29th included 7 Band-rumped Storm Petrels (three singles and a flock of four), 3 Hawaiian Petrels, 200 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, 1 Christmas Shearwater, 3 Newell's Shearwaters, 5 Bulwer's Petrels, 10 White-tailed Tropicbirds, 22 Red-tailed Tropicbirds, 150+ Red-footed Boobies, 60+ Brown Boobies, 50 Great Frigatebirds, 300 Black Noddy, 1 Brown Noddy, 1 Sooty Tern, 4 Hawaiian Monk Seals, 100 Spinner Dolphins, a probable Spotted Dolphin (in with the Spinners) and a Citrus Swallowtail butterfly (flying towards Kaua'i three miles out!)(David Kuhn). The Red-footed Boobies included some downy chicks and both Brown Boobies and Great Frigatebirds included many immature birds.

A Great Blue Heron spent some weeks at the Hawaiian Acres Subdivision in Puna, Hawai'i where it raided fishponds and was still present on at least 15th (Jack Russell Brauher).

Great Blue Heron, Puna District, Hawai'i, June 2002 © by Jack Brauher.

A Semipalmated Plover was a good mid-summer record at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 20th, where there were also 33 Pacific Golden Plovers, 82 Ruddy Turnstone, 102 Hawaiian Stilt (+nests and chicks), 16 Hawaiian Moorhen (+chicks), 49 Hawaiian Coot and 10 Mallard/Koloa (Peter Donaldson). On the other side of O'ahu on the same date in the Pearl Harbor area the same observer counted 150 Hawaiian Coot (+12 nests and many chicks), 31 Hawaiian Stilts (+several chicks), 6 Mallard/Koloa, 6 Pacific Golden Plover, 12 Ruddy Turnstone.

The Semipalmated Plover was still at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 27th along with a single Bristle-thighed Curlew, the first the observer had seen on the refuge for a few weeks (Peter Donaldson). Also on the refuge on 27th were 13 Hawaiian Moorhen (with 3 downy chicks), 48 Hawaiian Coot (1 chick) and 74 Hawaiian Stilt (1 nest with 4 eggs, 1 nest with 1 egg and 3 chicks, 1 3-week old chick and at least 10 sub-adults)(Peter Donaldson). At the Honouliuli NWR in Pearl Harbor on 27th native wetland birds included 160 Hawaiian Coot (15 on nests, 6 broods of young chicks and many chicks of various ages) and 29 Hawaiian Stilt (1 bird sitting on nest, 1 pair with 2 week-old chicks, 2 4-week old chicks and 12 sub-adults)(Peter Donaldson). A probable Western Sandpiper was at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 26th, although the observer did not completely eliminate Semipalmated Sandpiper, a much rarer bird in Hawai'i (Mike Nishimoto). A Bristle-thighed Curlew was seen flying over at Honoli'i, Hawai'i on 17th (Jeff Foster).

Five California Quail were a good sighting near Makaweli, Kaua'i on 4th (Jim Denny). Although this species is resident on the island it is very rarely seen.

At least seven 'Akikiki (in three groups) observed along the Mohihi-Waialele Trail to the Koaie Cabin, Alaka'i Swamp/Koke'e on 2nd was an excellent count for this rare and declining Kaua'i endemic (Harvey King), although a pair were sighted nesting along the Pihea Ridge Trail earlier in the year (David Kuhn et al.)

Observations in the Pearl Harbor area on 20th included one Gray Francolin, 100 Red Avadavats, 10 Nutmeg Mannikins and 3 Skylark (on the Waipio Peninsula)(Peter Donaldson). Skylarks are under-recorded on O'ahu.

Lastly of interest, a Hawaiian Hoary Bat was observed feeding high above Keokea Park in Kula on Maui on 19th (Lance Tanino). Although this species is quite common it is not reported that frequently, which is a must if the species true status and distribution is to be assessed.

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AUGUST

The month started extremely slowly and was one of the quietest months of the year birdwise, with the only bird news in the first three weeks being the return of small parties of Pacific Golden Plovers throughout the Main Islands, a small passage of returning Great Frigatebirds throughout the Islands and a research vessel's pelagic sightings. A few migrants late in the month showed some promise of more interesting times ahead.

Adult summer Pacific Golden Plover, Hanalei, Kaua'i, Summer 2000. © Christian Melgar.

On 21st a Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover were found at Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base, O'ahu (Eric Vanderwerf), the first unusual migrant shorebirds reported for a while. A Semipalmated Plover was also present at Kona Sewage Treatment Plant on 26th (Reggie David, Rob Pacheco). At the end of the month a Ruff and a Wilson's Phalarope were seen together at Honouliuli NWR, Pearl Harbor, O'ahu on 27th (Mike Silbernagle).

Wilson's Phalarope and Ruff at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu, August 27th 2002 © Mike Silbernagle/FWS.

The following pelagic report by Michael Force, Brett Jarrett and Richard Rowlett who are collecting data for Dr. Lisa Ballance, Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Centre, La Jolla, California aboard the David Starr Jordan, a survey vessel in the Hawaiian Islands economic zone (EEZ) was forwarded to the Hawaii Birding Chatlist on 12th August (by Robert Pyle) and certainly makes one wonder what may be lurking just offshore, "It's a little windy at times, especially around mid day, but the seabirds seem to like it when we find them. The cetaceans are very very scarce out here on the windward side of the main islands. Just for starters though, maybe to just wet (sic) your appetite, Kermadec Petrels are pretty widespread and so far are being seen daily in small numbers. Juan Fernandez Petrels are locally quite common right now in the far eastern part of the EEZ, but strictly >150nmi out. Inshore from 150nmi, they drop off very quickly to almost none at all. We were just 6-10nmi off the NE coast of Maui yesterday evening, and during that last hour before sunset, quite a few Dark-rumped Petrels were about seemingly staging for the after dark assent to nest sites on Haleakala. There was also a Cook's Petrel in that same area. Dark morph Wedge-tailed Shearwaters prevail in the same area as the Juan Fernandez Petrels, but nearer shore, the light morphs dominate by 100-200+:1 it seems. It sort of appears at this point that those far eastern Hawaiian waters may have affinities closer to the characteristic seabirds of the Eastern Tropical Pacific off toward Central America and south to the Equator." They also saw 2 Buller's Shearwaters on 24th August about 47 NM NE of Kauai. Information © Michael Force/Brett Jarrett/Richard Rowlett/Lisa Ballance (2002). Check out the websites of HICEAS and the Ecology Program (below) who are conducting the research. A full list of their 2002 sightings can be found at the bottom of the page.

Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey, 2002
http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRD/2002%20Cruises/HICEAS/hiceas_website.htm

Collected by Ecology Program
http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/mmd/ecology/ecology.html of Southwest Fisheries Science Center http://swfsc.ucsd.edu/

Contact Lisa T. Ballance (Lisa.Ballance@noaa.gov) for more information.

A report of four small terns from Pouhala Marsh near Pearl Harbor on 20th (David Smith) were confirmed on 21st as either Little or Least Terns, and there were 2 adults and 2 juveniles/1st summer birds (Eric Vanderwerf). Thanks to Eric the following account was taken: "At times all 4 birds rested on the ground together, at other times they split into groups of 2, each consisting of an adult and a juvenile. I was able to approach them quite closely, within about 30 meters, and I watched them for about 25 minutes with binocs and a spotting scope. The adults were in breeding plumage, with bright yellow bill, black cap, black line through the eye and lores, and white forehead. I watched the birds in flight several times in strong light with a dark background of vegetation, and the dorsal surface of the central tail feathers was clearly white, contrasting with the pale gray mantle. The other 2 birds appeared to be in transition from juvenal to 1st year plumage. There was a dusky bar on the proximal portion of the leading edge of the wing, and the primary tips also were dusky. There were traces of brownish barring on the wing coverts and mantle, presumably remnants of juvenal plumage. The proximal quarter of the lower mandible was dusky yellowish, the rest of the bill was dark. The birds vocalized several times in flight, giving 2 different calls that I would describe as a short, sharp "chidik" and a sharp "cheek." Based on the contrast between the white central tail and the pale gray mantle I would say these birds were Little Terns (Sterna albifrons). The calls I heard more closely match those of Little Tern described in Pratt et al. (1987), but also match those of Least Tern (Sterna antillarum) described by Sibley (2000).

Its very interesting that 2 adults and 2 juveniles were present simultaneously, suggesting they are a family group and raising the possibility that they nested locally. I do not know whether Little/Least Terns disperse away from breeding areas in family groups. Anyone else have knowledge of this? Dave said he had not seen the birds before yesterday despite several recent visits, but Mike Silbernagle reported a single small tern at Honouliuli last week (I'm not sure of the date)."

On 22nd a small Tern species was reported from Kona Sewage Treatment Plant (Miles Nakahara) but a specific identification was not made on that date, however on 26th Reggie David and Rob Pacheco saw the bird, a juvenile moulting to 1st winter plumage and identified it as a Least Tern based primarily on the lack of contrast between the back, rump and central tail..

Least Terns, Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu, August 2002 © by Eric Vanderwerf.

Few endemics were reported to the site over the month but Kipuka 21 produced the following on 30th: I'iwi, 'Apapane and Oma'o (Dan Lindsay). The same day at Pu'u La'au produced Hawai'i 'Amakihi, "Pale-Headed" 'Elepaio and Palila (about 100 yards along the road E of the hunters' cabin) as well as several introduced species including Skylark, House Finch,
Yellow-Fronted Canary, African Silverbill, Melodious Laughing-Thrush, Japanese White-Eye, California Quail, Erckel¹s Francolin, and Common Pheasant (Dan Lindsay).

Dan Lindsay also reported that the Big Island Golf Club has redone their landscaping near the entrance, removing all the large shrubs which shielded the birds in the watercourse from the birders (or vice versa). Also the volume of water has increased
greatly, and it is a lovely scum-green color. The result is that the habitat favored by Avadavats, Waxbills, Mannikins, and Java Sparrows is now not nearly as favorable. We found none of the above, seeing only Saffron Finch, Common Myna, Pacific Golden Plover, and Northern Cardinal. Coming back over Saddle Road, we saw near the West end Pueo, Chukar,
Gambel¹s Quail, and many Erckel's Francolin. The highlight of the day, at least for me, was a line of six Nene flying north across Saddle Road about a mile west of the Mauna Kea road.

On the last day of the month (31st) Dan Lindsay led a trip to Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge on Hawai'i's Big Island and recorded the following: Along Keanakolu Road on the way in, we saw Skylark, Common Myna, Pacific Golden Plover, House Finch, Wild Turkey, Erckel¹s Francolin and Ruddy Turnstone. In Hakalau NWR (Maulua Unit), we found Hawai'i 'Amakihi, Volcano 'Elepaio, Oma'o (the most common bird in the place, virtually everywhere), 'I'iwi (very easily seen), 'Apapane (surprisingly, only a very few visible), Red-Billed Leiothrix (easily seen and heard at the bottom of the road), Akiapola'au (a juvenile begging call beyond the fence at the bottom of the road; we never saw one), Hawai'i Creeper (singing about half-way down, but not visible), and 'Io.

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SEPTEMBER

A flock of 75 female and immature Great Frigatebirds over Waimea, Kaua'i on 4th was an impressive sight (David Kuhn). Although Frigatebirds in the Main Hawaiian Islands regularly form flocks, especially during migration, large numbers such as those witnessed by David are quite unusual, although at favoured locations, such as Kilauea Point, Kaua'i hundreds may arrive to roost and over 400 were counted roosting in the crater there during the late 1990's and early 2000.

Newell's Shearwater between Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, Summer 2000 © Christian Melgar.

A Hawaiian endemic which is often seen on pelagic trips from Kaua'i.

A pelagic conducted by Kaua'i pelagic regular David Kuhn on Tuesday September 3rd from Port Allen up the Pali, out to Lehua and back produced good numbers of seabirds. "Big flocks 1-2 miles out, from Hanapepe as far west as Barking Sands. The best flock was off Waimea on the return leg, with many, many Wedgetails of course but also more Newell's than I've seen in one place, at least 40. This flock also had a lot of Brown Noddies, in small flocklets of 10-15 sitting on the water and lifting as the boat passed. No Hawaiian Petrels were identified all day, surprisingly. The large dark bird seen from a distance flying into the Lehua crescent I can't make anything but a Black-foot Albatross, it would be seriously out-of-season. When the boat cut engines behind Lehua, just 50 m from the islet, I heard the unmistakable call of a Bristle-thighed Curlew. It seemed to be calling from one of the shelves 3-4 m above the water, but I could not find it. One drawback to a non-birding-dedicated boat is they don't often slow down and hang out in these spectacular flocks. Makes for exciting sport getting oneself and others on the bird. Seabirds seen: (note: the indicated numbers for seabirds at Lehua are only those birds in flight. I don't try to count birds sitting on the island) Possible Black-footed Albatross 1; Wedge-tailed Shearwater ~2000; Christmas Shearwater 1; Newell's Shearwater 40; Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 4; Pomarine Jaeger 1; White-tailed T'bird 10; Red-tailed T'bird ~ 30 on/over Lehua; 2 at sea; Red-footed Booby ~150, on Lehua and at sea; Brown Booby 20 at sea, ~50 on/near Lehua; Great Frigatebird ~50, mostly near Lehua; Black Noddy ~50 in Lehua sea cave,~ 50 at sea. Brown Noddy ~60 Other birds: Nene ~50, near Polihale; Bristle-thighed Curlew heard on Lehua Other creatures: Monk Seal 1 near Lehua --missing most of right flipper, probably shark injury. Spinner Dolphin ~100; off Barking Sands and Na Pali.

Seabirds off Laie Point on O'ahu on 2nd included 100 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, 3 Brown Booby, 2 Red-footed Booby and 70 Brown Noddy (Peter Donaldson).

Michael Force, Brett Jarrett and Richard Rowlett are collecting data for Dr. Lisa Ballance, Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Centre, La Jolla, California aboard the David Starr Jordan and reported the following from their research vessel during September: "I don't think we're finding anything of note, just the expected species. Then again, I'm not all that familiar with the seabirds of this region. Yesterday(18 Sept) we saw our first Leach's Storm-Petrel of the cruise, (at least within the Hawaiian EEZ), and the day before, our first Flesh-footed Shearwater. Brett had a nice look at a Herald Petrel on 17 Sept and we had a light morph Kermadec Petrel on 18 Sept. Brett's South Polar Skua on 12 Sept was also a cruise first. There's still plenty of Black-winged and Bonin Petrels around, of course, but beautiful birds and always a pleasure to see. We're still working the area about 200 to 100 NM west-northwest to west of Kure Atoll, and currently heading southeast. Cetacean sightings have been very scarce, although the high sea-state probably has a lot to do with that. On Tuesday the sea was like a mill pond (first time in about 7 weeks!) and we had amazing, close range views of Blainville's Beaked Whales (2 sightings); the first pair very close and easily the sighting of the cruise. Other cetaceans include Sperm and Bryde's Whales, the occasional Ziphius and Orcas, some Spinner and Striped Dolphins, and a brief encounter with some False Killer Whales." Mike also reported the following: "We just had our second Wilson's Storm-Petrel today (22 Sept) about 152 NM north of Laysan Island. Richard Rowlett on the bigeyes (the 25x150 binoculars used by the marine mammal observers) first spotted it and we both had a good look. Brett Jarrett saw the first one yesterday (21 Sept) north of Lisianski Island. Brett and Richard also saw a Stejneger's Petrel yesterday, but I was off effort and missed it. Also yesterday was a light morph Kermadec Petrel. Short-tailed Shearwaters continue to move south, although not in the huge numbers of last week. Our tracklines head southeast towards Honolulu about midway between the Leeward Islands axis and the northern edge of the study area (the 200 NM EEZ boundary). We've essentially given up all hope of ever seeing a Blue-gray Noddy! They must be extremely faithful to their nesting islands. Richard has been doing marine mammal and seabird surveys ever since God was a pup, and has yet to see one." Further interesting sightings from Michael Force, Brett Jarrett and Richard Rowlett on the research vessel included a couple of South Polar Skuas (1 on 25th September, about 180 NM NE of Gardner Pinnacles (MPF) and 1 on 27th September, about 126 NM NNW of Nihoa Island (Brett Jarrett); four Mottled Petrels (on 27th September, about 126 NM NNW of Nihoa Island (MPF, RAR, BJ); a Flesh-footed Shearwater (on 27th September, about 129 NM NE of Nihoa Island (MPF,RAR); five Stejneger's Petrel (on 28th September, about 45 NM NE of Kahala Point,Kauai (RAR,BJ); four Wilson's Storm-Petrels (on 28th September, about 88 NM N of Kauai (MPF,RAR) and the amazing sight of four Long-billed Dowitcher on 27th September which flew past the ship calling about 129 NM NE of Nihoa Island (MPF). Also on 27 Sept (a 23 species day) we had all 4 Stercorariids. Information © Michael Force/Brett Jarrett/Richard Rowlett/Lisa Ballance (2002). Check out the websites of HICEAS and the Ecology Program (below) who are conducting the research. A full list of their 2002 sightings can be found at the bottom of the page.

David Kuhn embarked on yet another pelagic out of Kaua'i, from Port Allen up the Na Pali, out to Lehua and back on 20th and recorded the following species: 100 Wedge-tailed Shearwater, 2 Christmas Shearwater, 20 Short-tailed Shearwater in a loose single-species flock, 5 Newell's Shearwater, one probable Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, one White-tailed Tropicbird, 1 Red-tailed Tropicbird, 150 Red-footed Booby, many Brown Booby (20 at sea, 50 on/near Lehua, ~100 in/near sea cave roosts on Na Pali), 50 Great Frigatebird mostly near Lehua, 50 Black Noddy in Lehua sea cave, as well as 50 at sea and 50 roosting at Na Pali sea caves and one Brown Noddy at Lehua. Also 2 Ruddy Turnstone on Lehua, 1 Wandering Tattler on Lehua, 1 Pacific golden Plover on Lehua, 3 Cattle Egret a mile out from Na Pali.
Other creatures included one Hawaiian Monk Seal near Lehua and 100 or so Spinner Dolphin off Barking Sands and the Pali.

A presumed Northern Harrier was observed on 23rd on Kawailoa Ridge above Haleiwa between Anahulu Stream, O'ahu and the old site of Kawailoa sugar camp (Mike Rupert). The bird was reported to be on the ground eating or going after something and flew off when the observer drove up. "It flew off in a wide ark staying within 30 feet of the ground and eventually disappeared.

Endemic wetland birds were recorded in good numbers at James Campbell NWR and Pearl Harbor NWRs on O'ahu: Hawaiian Moorhen: maximum count of 32 at James Campbell NWR on 2nd (Peter Donaldson), Hawaiian Stilt: maximum of 120 at James Campbell NWR on 14th and 19th (Kurt Pohlman, Mike Ord), 80 at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu and 15 at Waiawa NWR, O'ahu on 2nd (Peter Donaldson), including 3 4-week old and 3 1-week old chicks;and four adults on short grass at Waipio Soccer Complex on 6th (Peter Donaldson), a maximum of 57 Hawaiian Coot at James Campbell NWR and 192 at Honouliuli NWR, Pearl Harbor on 2nd (Peter Donaldson). Hawaiian Ducks (Koloa) were reported as numbering 60+ at James Campbell NWR on 7th and 14th (Mike Ord et al.), although presumably many of these were hybrid types.

Migrant wildfowl seemed thin on the ground with just a few individuals reported: Northern Pintail - 2 at James Campbell NWR on 21st (Peter Donaldson) and 7 at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 22nd (Peter Donaldson); Northern Shoveler - just a single bird at James Campbell NWR on 19th (Kurt Pohlman, Mike Ord).

There was a sudden rush of shorebird sightings at the start of the month, although some had presumably been present in August and simply not reported. Ruff were recorded in several locations in the first week with singles at Honouliuli NWR (Pearl Harbor), O'ahu on 1st (Peter Donaldson), the unlikely location of Waipio Soccer Complex (SW corner), O'ahu on 6th (Peter Donaldson) and a juvenile and a possible female (Reeve) were at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 7th (Mike Ord). Birds were also seen later in the month at James Campbell NWR on 19th (Mike Ord), 21st (Peter Donaldson, Reggie David, Bob Pyle and Eric Vanderwerf) and at Honouliuli NWR on 22nd (2 juveniles) (Peter Donaldson). The bird at Waipio was of particular interest and follows several unusual shorebird records there in recent years, still a far cry from its productive years before being converted from run-off ponds and marsh to a soccer complex. Five Ruff were observed on Midway at the end of August/start of September by members of a research vessel (Michael Force et al.)

Lesser Yellowlegs at Waiawa NWR, O'ahu, September 11th 2002 © by Mike Silbernagle/FWS.

Shorebird highlight of the year was the finding of a 1st winter Stilt Sandpiper at the Kii Unit of James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 19th (Mike Ord, Kurt Pohlman), the first Hawaiian record. It was still present on 20th and 21st when a Semipalmated Sandpiper was also recorded at the site (Peter Donaldson, Reggie David, Bob pyle, Eric Vanderwerf), a species which is recorded far less frequently today in the Islands than it was a decade ago. Another great shorebird find was a Solitary Sandpiper at the Kii Unit of James Campbell NWR on 25th (Mike Silbernagle et al.), Solitary Sandpipers are very uncommon in the Hawaiian Islands during migration.

Stilt Sandpiper, Kii Unit, James Campbell NWR, O'ahu, September 2002.

Photograph © Kurt Pohlman.

Other shorebirds observed during the month included a North American, dark-rumped race Whimbrel at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 2nd to at least 20th (presumably the returning bird from the previous six years)(Peter Donaldson et al.); up to eleven Bristle-thighed Curlews at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu throughout the month (Peter Donaldson, Mike Ord et al.) as well as singles at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 21st (Peter Donaldson, Reggie David), Makalawena Pond, Kona on 21st (per Rob Pacheco) and at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 30th (Mike Nishimoto). Single Semipalmated Plovers were recorded at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 7th (Mike Ord) and 14th (Mike Ord, Bob Pyle, Bob Dean) and near Waimea, Kaua'i on 10th (David Kuhn). An impressive five Semipalmated Plovers were observed at Kii (James Campbell NWR) on 20th (Peter Donaldson) with three birds seen on 19th and 21st (mo). There were also good numbers of the more regular annual migrants (Sanderling: 11 at Waiawa NWR, O'ahu on 2nd (Peter Donaldson) and 12 at Kii on 19th (Kurt Pohlman, Mike Ord); Ruddy Turnstone: 200+ at James Campbell NWR on 19th (Kurt Pohlman, Mike Ord) and 31 at Waiawa NWR, O'ahu on 2nd (Peter Donaldson), 46 at James Campbell NWR on 7th (Mike Ord); Pacific Golden Plovers: 32 at James Campbell NWR, 85 at Pearl Harbor NWR, O'ahu, 262 at Waiawa NWR, and 97 at Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu on 2nd (Peter Donaldson) and 100+ there on 7th (Mike Ord) and 25 at Wiapio Soccer Complex, O'ahu on 6th (Peter Donaldson); Wandering Tattler: 5 at James Campbell NWR on 2nd (Peter Donaldson) and 12 there on 7th - 19th (Mike Ord et al.). A Pectoral Sandpiper was observed at James Campbell NWR on 14th (Peter Donaldson, Mike Ord, Bob Pyle et al.) with two present there on 19th-21st (Peter Donaldson et al.). Further Pectoral Sandpipers were observed at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 21st and 22nd (Peter Donaldson, Reggie David et al.). The only Lesser Yellowlegs of the month was seen and photographed at Waiawa NWR, O'ahu on 11th (Mike Silbernagle). The first of two Sharp-tailed Sandpipers recorded on O'ahu appeared at Waiawa NWR on 10th (Mike Silbernagle), with the second bird at Kii (James Campbell NWR) on 21st. Four calling Long-billed Dowitchers were a great sighting on 27th when they flew past a research vessel about 129 NM NE of Nihoa Island (Michael Force).

The first returning migrant ducks were observed on 20th at James Campbell NWR when a single Shoveler and 11 Pintail were recorded (Peter Donaldson). The escaped female Rosy-billed Pochard was still in residence at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 7th (Mike Ord).

The four small terns at Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu first seen at the end of August continued to be seen during the start of September (1st and 2nd) (Peter Donaldson) and one of the adults was seen feeding a fish to one of the juvenile birds. From taped vocalisations and descriptions it seems that the birds are most probably Least Terns. It seems very likely that the birds bred somewhere in the Main Islands - a further range expansion for these diminutive wanderers.

Probably the most unlikely record of the year was of an Ostrich at the end of the month in the Ulupalakua Ranch area of Maui (Erik Barnard via Fern Duvall), the bird was seen twice, including once from a helicopter, and investigations are underway to find the source of this bird! A flock of over 100 Red Avadavats at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 2nd was noteworthy (Peter Donaldson). Two Skylark was a typical count for the species at Waipio Soccer Complex, O'ahu on 2nd (Peter Donaldson). A very unusual record of an exhausted Mourning Dove was received from visiting birders who observed a bird on the Pihea Ridge/Alaka'i Swamp Trail at Koke'e on Kaua'i on 4th (Paul Prevett). Although the species has been recorded with increasing frequency on the south and east side of the island in the last five to ten years this is the first record for the west side and also at this elevation. Mourning Doves were also sighted on the Big Island with 1 or 2 seen off the Saddle Road near to the Cattle Ranches at the Waimea end on 8th and 9th and up to 3 birds were reported near Pu'uanahulu on Highway 190 on 10th (Paul Prevett). Two Mourning Doves were also observed at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 14th (Mike Ord, Bob Pyle, Bob Dean et al.) another unusual location for the species, perhaps the species is finally spreading from its restricted habitat on the Big Island.

Endemic forest birds were reported in the usual places, with no great surprises, although several singing Puaiohi in the Alaka'i Swamp area was noteworthy (David Kuhn).

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OCTOBER

Few seabirds were reported in the main islands this month but an adult female Lesser Frigatebird was reported at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i on 9th (Dan Lindsay). Lesser Frigatebirds are very rare visitors to the Hawaiian Islands as a whole, and although the species has nested in the NW Chain, records from the Main Islands are extremely unusual.

Michael Force, Brett Jarrett and Richard Rowlett are still collecting data for Dr. Lisa Ballance, Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Centre, La Jolla, California aboard the David Starr Jordan and reported the following from their research vessel during October: " The weather the past 2 days has been outstanding: essentially flat calm with no wind. Lots of marine mammal sightings: Sperm Whales, Bryde's Whales, our first Pygmy Killer Whales, Pilot Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whale, Striped, Rough-toothed, Risso's and Spotted Dolphins and another stunning view of Blainville's Beaked Whales. After leaving Honolulu, we headed northwest to the outer edge of the study area, then turned towards Laysan Island, making a close pass there one morning and, after shaking all the Bonin Petrels and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters out of our boots, are now about 50 NM south-southwest of Laysan heading southeast. The plan for tomorrow includes a close pass of French Frigate Shoals, so that should be interesting. Maybe Richard and Brett will finally get their Blue Noddy! Here's a selection of what I think may be the more noteworthy sightings, listed chronologically by species: Mottled Petrel: 1, 9 Oct, 130 NM NE of Kilauea Point, Kauai (MPF, RAR); Mottled Petrel: 2, 10 Oct, 178 NM NE of Kilauea Point, Kauai; Mottled Petrel: 19, 11 Oct, 188 NM N of Kailiu Point, Kauai to 164 NM N of Nihoa Island; Mottled Petrel: 3, 12 Oct, 116 NM NNE of Necker Island to 125 NM NE of Tern Island; Stejneger's Petrel: 5, 6 Oct, 48 NM NE of Mokapu Point to 58 NM NNE of Opana Point, Maui; Stejneger's Petrel: 3, 8 Oct, 200 NM NNE of Opana Point, Maui; Stejneger's Petrel: 1, 9 Oct, 130 NM NE of Kahuku Point, Oahu; Stejneger's Petrel: 1, 10 Oct, 178 NM NE of Kilauea Point, Kauai; Kermadec Petrel: 1, 8 Oct, 190 NM NNE of Opana Point, Maui (MPF, RAR); Kermadec Petrel: 3, 9 Oct, 130 NM NE of Kahuku Point, Oahu to 125 NM NE of Kilauea Point, Kauai; Black-winged Petrel: a total of 30 seen on 9 days, mostly north of the islands; Flesh-footed Shearwater: 1, 11 Oct, 188 NM N of Kailiu Point, Kauai (MPF, RAR, et al.); Short-tailed Shearwater: a total of 747 seen on 14-17 Oct, all heading south, with 645 on 15 Oct, between Laysan and Lisianski Islands; Leach's Storm-Petrel: 1, 10 Oct, 178 NM NE of Kilauea Point, Kauai (MPF, RAR); Leach's Storm-Petrel: 1, 13 Oct, 96 NM NE of Gardner Pinnacles; Leach's Storm-Petrel: 1, 14 Oct, 113 NM NE of Laysan Island; Wilson's Storm-Petrel: 1, 17 Oct, 50 NM SE of Laysan Island (MPF, RAR); Bar-tailed Godwit: a flock of 9 flew in front of the ship, 12 Oct, 116 NM NNE of Necker Island (MPF, RAR); South Polar Skua: 1, 9 Oct, 130 NM NE of Kahuku Point, Oahu (MPF, RAR, et al.)." Information © Michael Force/Brett Jarrett/Richard Rowlett/Lisa Ballance (2002). Check out the websites of HICEAS and the Ecology Program (below) who are conducting the research. A full list of their 2002 sightings can be found at the bottom of the page.

On 29th a pelagic from Port Allen, Kaua'i aboard the Blue Dolphin was forced to turn back by big swells but managed to sight one Newell's Shearwater, one Bulwer's Petrel, a distant flock of 3-4 possible Masked Boobies, and lots of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (and the other usuals) before turning back. The sighting of the day for most, aside from the Newell's, was a pod of Melon-head Whales and cruising with them were a few Rough-toothed Dolphins (David Kuhn et al.).

A rare sight from the Main Hawaiian Islands it appears that the species may be fairly common in waters around Hawai'i in the 100 - 150 nautical miles from land area.

Wildfowl numbers still seemed rather low at the month's commencement with just eight Northern Pintail reported from James Campbell NWR on 1st (Peter Donaldson), and 20 Northern Shoveler and 15 Northern Pintail at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 4th (Lance Tanino). A juvenile/1st winter Eurasian Wigeon was taken in for botulism rehabilitation at Kealia Pond NWR on 4th (per Lance Tanino). Two Nene sitting on rocks at a beach park just east of Loko Waka Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i on 19th were said to be quite unconcerned about swimmers who were within ten feet of them! (Dan Lindsay). Several duck species were recorded at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 22nd with one Blue-winged Teal, 2 Northern Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 25 Mallard x Koloa, 21 Northern Pintail and 5 Ring-necked Duck (3 F, 2 M) (Peter Donaldson). James Campbell NWR, O'ahu appeared to have (as usual) the largest selection of species on 23rd when there were 14 Green-winged Teal, 14 Northern Pintail, 22 Northern Shoveler, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Blue-winged or Cinnamon Teal, 11 Wigeon sp. and 58 Mallard x Koloa (Peter Donaldson). At the end of the month "a few" Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail were recorded at Kona STP, Hawai'i on 30th (Dan Lindsay).

Doug Pratt, leading one of his annual Hawai'i tours reported very low wildfowl numbers mid month: "we had essentially no migratory ducks at Ki'i, but I found 33 Northern Shovelers at Kuilima Sewage plant. My tour group had about 5 dull-plumage Northern Pintails at Kii on Friday the 18th, which were not present last week. My tour, in fact, had the worst waterfowl list of any I have ever led this time of year. We had scattered Pintails and Shovelers, but no teal, wigeon, scaup, or other less common ducks. We had only one Shoveler at Kealia and no migrant ducks at all at Kanaha (Oct 20). Later the same day, and for the first time ever, there was not a single migrant duck at Aimakapa Pond (Oct 20), and only a couple of Pintails and Shovelers at Kona STP. Hilo side had only the geese Thane reported (see below), and Kaua'i was no better (Hanalei had a couple of Shovelers only, (Hanapepe) Salt Pond had nothing)."

At Waiakea Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i at the end of the month eight Canada Geese were present. There were six large Canada Geese which were "hanging out" together in a tight group suggesting that the original three birds seen previous years may have bred. The little dark "Cackler" that's been there 2 or more years is still present and keeps to itself. The eighth bird is new and slightly larger, gives the impression of being proportionately less chunky (and longer-necked?) and is not as dark. It too is a loner. The old White-fronted Goose of unknown origin is still there as well as a single Northern Shoveler (Thane Pratt).

Solitary Sandpiper at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu, October 2002.

Shorebirds observed this month included the Solitary Sandpiper remaining at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 1st, where there was also a probable Greater Yellowlegs, one Semiplmated Plover, a North American race Whimbrel still, eight Bristle-thighed Curlew, 261 Ruddy Turnstone, 36 Sanderling, five WanderingTattler and 118 Hawaiian Stilt, although there was no sign of last month's Stilt Sandpiper (Peter Donaldson). The Solitary Sandpiper remained until at least 9th, when other shorebirds also included a Lesser Yellowlegs, last month's Semipalmated Sandpiper, 2 Semipalmated Plovers, the North American race Whimbrel, 11 Bristle-thighed Curlew and good numbers of the more regular migrant shorebirds (100+ Turnstone, 32 Sanderling, 75 Pacific Golden Plover and 7 Wandering Tattler) (Mike Ord). Two Bristle-thighed Curlew were seen at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 1st and 4th , along with at least two Pectoral Sandpipers, the autumn's first two Black-bellied Plovers (one until at least 11th), a single Semipalmated Plover (until at least 11th) and a single Ruff (until at least 11th) (Lance Tanino). Dowitchers were reported on 1st and a pair of Hawaiian Stilts with a single downy chick (Mike Nishimoto, Lance Tanino). Also at Kealia Pond NWR on 1st several unidentified "Peeps" were observed (Glynnis Nakai). An amazing 440+ Hawaiian Stilt were recorded at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 4th, as well as 57 Sanderling, 8 Wandering Tattler, 19 Ruddy Turnstone and 67 Pacific Golden Plover (Lance Tanino). On 11th a Grey-tailed Tattler was observed feeding at Kanaha Pond, Maui (Lance Tanino). A Pectoral Sandpiper and two (presumed) Long-billed Dowitchers were recorded at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i in taro lo'i on 3rd (David Kuhn), where a Bristle-thighed Curlew was also reported by volunteers. At Kealia Pond NWR, Maui two Hawaiian Stilts were taken into care for botulism rehabilitation on 4th (per Lance Tanino). A single Semipalmated Plover was seen along the shoreline outside the Nukiloa Hotel on Banyan Drive, Hilo, hawai'i on 13th by visiting birders (per Dan Lindsay). Hawaiian Stilts numbered 46 at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 22nd, where there was also 268 Hawaiian Coot, 33 Pacific Golden-Plover, 13 Ruddy Turnstone, a single Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and three Long-billed Dowitcher (Peter Donaldson). At Pauhala Marsh, O'ahu on 22nd there were 27 Pacific Golden-Plover, 17 Hawaiian Stilt and 13 Ruddy Turnstone (Peter Donaldson) and on the same day at Waiawa NWR, O'ahu the same observer recorded 22 Hawaiian Stilt, 99 Pacific Golden-Plover, 86 Ruddy Turnstone, 12 Sanderling, 1 Wandering Tattler and 5 Mallard x Koloa. At Waiakea Pond, Hilo on 29th the returning banded Wandering Tattler (Yellow/Green) was present for his fourth season and was seen to be trailing a short length (few inches) of fishing line tangled on his foot, although he luckily seemed unaffected (Thane Pratt). This bird was banded by Bob Gill at a lake 250 km ssw. of Anchorage, Alaska on 17th July 1999. When it was banded it was with a brood of two chicks, but after departing there was found in Hilo 42 days later and remained for the rest of 1999. This bird has then returned annually to Hilo.

A flock of 9 Bar-tailed Godwit flew in front of the research ship David Starr Jordan on 12th, 116 NM NNE of Necker Island, observed by Michael Force and Richard Rowlett who are still collecting data for Dr. Lisa Ballance, Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Centre, La Jolla, California. there are very few records of this species from the Hawaiian Islands.

A wide selection of shorebirds was on offer at the Kii Unit of James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 23rd: one North American Whimbrel, 9 Bristle-thighed Curlew (5 in dunes), 6 Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, 65 Ruddy Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 62 Pacific Golden-Plover, 2 Wandering Tattler and 86 Hawaiian Stilt with 2 very young downy chicks seen in Pond A, an unusual record for so late in the year (Peter Donaldson). The month closed with 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 25th and 1 at Hanapepe Saltponds, Kaua'i on 29th (David Kuhn) and a Black-bellied Plover at Ma'alaea Flats, Maui on 25th (Lance Tanino) and a Long-billed Dowitcher at Hanapepe Saltponds, Kaua'i on 29th (David Kuhn).

Endemic Hawaiian waterbirds included 85 Hawaiian Stilt, 15 Hawaiian Moorhen, 75 Hawaiian Coot and 78 Koloa/Mallard hybrids at James Campbell NWR on 5th (Mike Ord). Hawaiian Coots numbered 120 at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 23rd (Peter Donaldson).

A probable Caspian Tern was seen from the Crater Hill overlook at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i roosting on Makapili Beach on 3rd (David Kuhn), perhaps this is the long-staying and wide-ranging bird present in the Islands from late 2000 - early 2002?

Palila were reported to be in good numbers at Pu'u La'au, Hawai'i on 14th with several singing birds recorded, as well as small groups feeding in the trees (Dan Lindsay). On 30th a probable 'Akepa was seen briefly at Kipuka 21 on the Saddle Road, Hawai'i (Dan Lindsay). Dan also reported that "one birder returned to the Pu'u o Kila parking lot before the rest of us, and while he was there alone, saw a bird which he is convinced was 'Akikiki. He is inexperienced with Hawai'ian birds, but is an excellent birder, and his description (dark above, light below, no significant markings, behavior like a nuthatch) is good. Just before the rest of the group returned to the parking lot, about 4,000 Boy Scouts returned from an overnight hike, and of course the bird was not around by the time we returned. I know this is very unlikely, but pass it along for anyone to check out" (Dan Lindsay), Doug Pratt responded by saying "For what it's worth, some years ago (maybe 20) I saw an 'Akikiki from this same parking lot. It was the only time I ever found one there." It may well be worth birders keeping an eye out at this site.

'Akikiki or Kaua'i Creeper, endemic to Kaua'i. This species still appears to be declining.

Doug Pratt's birding tour recorded the following native forest birds mid-month: "'Akiapola‘au apparently had a failed breeding last year, because there were no juvenile "beacon calls" at either Hakalau or Pu'u 'O'o, which are usually the best way to find that bird this time of year. A few of our group glimpsed one 'Akiapola'au at Pu'u 'O'o. Akepa, however, seemed especially numerous at Hakalau. and we managed to see one Hawai'i Creeper. We rather easily found O'ahu 'Elepaio along Kuli'ou'ou Trail (near the end). On Maui, we did not go into Waikamoi, but got good looks at Maui 'Alauahio and the 3 common species at Hosmer Grove. On Kaua'i, things seemed unusually quiet along the Alakai/Pihea trails, although we had an uncharacteristically dry day, but we managed to see the common species with considerable effort (but no 'Akikiki or Puaiohi). I thought 'I'iwi were up somewhat on Kaua'i compared to past years, so maybe there is some good news (and note my previous comment about one at Kipuka Puaulu). Incidentally, the road to the Alakai trailhead is in the worst condition I have seen in years" (Doug Pratt).

Doug Pratt also comented "A couple of trends among alien species are apparent from recent tours. Black Francolins, which nearly disappeared during the recent drought, were easy to hear and see on both Maui (Keokea area) and Hawaii (Saddle Rd., Parker Ranch). California Quail have also come back bigtime on Hawaii (huge covey at Pohakuloa), apparently displacing once again the Gambel's that dominated during the drought" (Doug Pratt).

A flock of 15 Orange-cheeked Waxbill at the Kealia Pond NWR office on Maui was a notable record (Lance Tanino), this species seems to be slowly increasing on the island in the last few years, and the Kealia Pond area seems to be a favoured haunt. Red Avadavats were observed regularly at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu throughout the month (mo). A single Red-cheeked Cordon-Bleu was seen at Pu'u Anahulu on Hawai'i on 14th, n increasingly rare sight at this once favoured locality. Several Black-rumped Waxbills were also seen here on 14th, as well as at the Big Island Golf Club on the same date (Dan Lindsay).

A Northern Mockingbird observed at the end of the month seen from the David Starr Jordan research vessel 133 NM SW of Nihoa was certainly out of place! (Michael Force).

Lastly up to six Hawaiian Hoary Bats were observed nightly during the middle of the month at Hookena Beach, Hawai'i (Rob Pacheco).

Of interest was a visit to Saipan (Northern Marianas) by Reginald David in the last week of the month, where he reported the following: "I just got back from a one week visit to Saipan (CNMI). The last time that I actually did on ground systematic surveys on Saipan was in the early 1990's. A couple of changes in populations of endemic species is worthy of comment. The endangered Mariana sub-species of the Common Moorhen appears to have increased in numbers - due in part to wetland construction on newly developed golf courses. The White-Throated Ground-Dove has markedly increased in numbers, possibly due to a reduction in hunting pressure. The endangered Mariana Swiftlet has markedly increased in numbers from the early 90's - I have no explanation. The endangered Nightingale Reed-Warbler appears to have decreased in numbers, probably due to habitat destruction (Home territories for this species are large - ~1 hectare)."
Migratory species seen: Garapan landfill mudflats: 3 Grey Plover; 9 Pacific Golden Plover ; 1 Mongolian Plover (low number); 1 Wandering Tattler; 4 Grey-tailed Tattler; 1 Common Sandpiper ; 1 Whimbrel (Sub-species variegatus); 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (Sub-species baueri); 6 Ruddy Turnstone. DLNR - Kagman Watershed Project Site:1 female Northern Pintail; 1 eclipse male American Wigeon. DLNR - Kagman Agricultural Station Retention Pond: 2 Pacific Golden Plover; 1 Great Egret; 1 Intermediate Egret; 1 Little Egret; 4 Wood Sandpiper; 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper; 1 Swinhoe's Snipe (Reginald David).

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NOVEMBER

A single Newell's Shearwater was observed at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i on 3rd and off Piopu, Kaua'i on 5th (Richard Rowland), where there was also c.15 Humpback Whale offshore and one Hawaiian Monk Seal on the beach, but otherwise seabird sightings were far and few between this month, with the only other report being of flocks of Great Frigatebirds over eastern O'ahu, where 17 females were seen flying North-Northeast towards Kane'ohe Marine Base on 24th and 105+ heading North-Northeast over Kokohead shooting range towards Makapu Point on 25th (Chad Castle).

A female Lesser Scaup, three female Northern Pintail and at least 32 Northern Shoveler were the only wildfowl seen at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 2nd (Lance Tanino, Glynnis Nakai), although 2 female Lesser Scaup joined the birds there on 8th with one remaining until the month's end and joined by a Blue-winged Teal and a possible Redhead on 30th (Lance Tanino). A flock of 53 Northern Pintail flew overhead at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 2nd, and headed inland (perhaps to the Pearl Harbor area?) (Richard May) and "several" Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler and Green-winged Teal (and 1 Lesser Scaup) were there on 13th-15th although the number had risen by 23rd-29th when 22 Green-winged Teal, 30-31 Northern Shoveler, 4 Northern Pintail, 4 Ring-necked Ducks, 4 Wigeon sp. including at least two American Wigeon, 1 Lesser Scaup and 1 Greater Scaup were present (Peter Donaldson, Richard May, Dave and Abby Watson). Two female Bufflehead were also at James Campbell NWR on 23rd -29th (Peter Donaldson et al.). Thirty-three Northern Pintail were seen at Kuilima Sewage plant, O'ahu at the month's start (Doug Pratt). Four Blue-winged Teal were present at Kona STP, Hawai'i on 7th-11th at least, as well as 8 Northern Shoveler, 3 Northern Pintail, 4 Green-winged Teal and 3 female Lesser Scaup and 50 Hawaiian Coot (Peter Donaldson, Reggie David), with most species still present on 11th (Reggie and Susan David). Two Northern Shoveler were the only migrant waterfowl seen at Aimakapa Pond, Hawai'i on 7th (Peter Donaldson) and there were just four at Kanaha Pond Sanctuary, Maui on 8th and only 6 on 30th, although by the month's end they had been joined by 6 Green-winged Teal as well (Lance Tanino). Rarest waterfowl species of the month after the possible Redhead was an eclipse drake Cinnamon Teal observed at Kona STP, Hawai'i on 11th (Reggie and Susan David). A single American Wigeon was seen at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu from 15th to 29th where there was also a good selection of other waterfowl species: 1 Blue-winged Teal (until at least 29th), up to 85 Northern Pintail, up to 8 Northern Shoveler, up to 10 Green-winged Teal, 2 probable Greater Scaup, 1 Lesser Scaup, up to 6 Mallard and 20 Koloa x Mallard hybrids and 210 Hawaiian Coot (on 29th) which included several broods of very small chicks and four birds on nests (Peter Donaldson). Hawaiian Moorhen were also seen with chicks at James Campbell NWR on 29th with at least five chicks in three broods observed (Peter Donaldson).

The usual "unknown origin" geese remained at Waiakea Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i on 23rd-26th, when the White-fronted Goose, Cackling Canada Goose and probable Richardson's Canada Goose were joined by three or more migrant Greater Scaup, c.4 Lesser Scaup and two Green-winged Teal (Dan Lindsay). The resident escaped female Rosy-billed Pochard remained at James Campbell NWR all month (Peter Donaldson).

On 7th the two Nene observed last month (on 19th) were still at Leleiwi Beach Park, east of downtown Hilo, where they were reported as being "very tame, walking towards me as I approached them near the shore". They are both unbanded (Dan Lindsay). At least two Nene continued to visit the Big Island Golf Course, Hawai'i during the month (mo) and a pair were seen at Haleakala Ranch, Maui in pasture at the 5,000 foot level on 17th (Chuck Probst).

Hawaiian Coot and Black-crowned Night Herons were observed carrying nesting material at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 8th and Hawaiian Coots were also showing "very active territorial behavior" (Lance Tanino). A good count of Hawaiian Coots was made at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu on 15th when 250 were seen (Peter Donaldson).

A Sierra Club trip to Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on 2nd produced at least five Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and one Long-billed Dowitcher (Lance Tanino, Glynnis Nakai), although by 8th only 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers remained and another Long-billed Dowitcher had arrived (Lance Tanino). Some of the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers may have moved to Kanaha Pond, Maui by the month's close as 4 were present on 30th (Lance Taniono). The annually-returning Whimbrel remained at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 2nd, along with about 12 Bristle-thighed Curlews, one Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and10 Long-billed Dowitchers (Richard May), although only one Long-billed Dowitcher was observed at the end of the month (Peter Donaldson).

Sanderling at dawn at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui, November 11th 2002.

The rarest shorebird of the month, a Willet was found on 4th at Kona Sewage Treatment Plant (Reggie David). The bird, a first year, was keeping company with 2 Long-billed Dowitchers and was described as being "heavily sun bleached, but still showing good brown colors on the wing coverts, mantle and scapulars. The primaries and tail feathers showing a lot of wear and look downright tatty." This only about the 4th or 5th state record. The Long-billed Dowitchers, both juvenile plumaged birds, exhibited a "huge size difference between them, probably indicationg that one is a male and the other a female" (Reggie David). Also at Kona STP on 4th were two Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and a Ruff (probably a Reeve due to size) (Reggie David), a Ruff was also seen nearby at Aimakapa Pond on 10th and 13th (Gabor Keresztes) and was possibly the same bird simply moving between sites. The Willet, 2 juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, one Long-billed Dowitcher and a male Ruff were still present at Kona STP on 7th, along with 35 Ruddy Turnstone, 6 Sanderling, 25 Pacific Golden Plover and 150 Hawaiian Stilt (Peter Donaldson, Reggie David). The Willet was further described as "large and gray, with a long, straight, heavy black bill, blue-gray legs. In flight white rump and white stripes on wing, but not as contrasty as on most Willets due to worn plumage. When standing, the rear of the bird looked shortened because of worn or molting flight feathers." (Peter Donaldson). Many of these birds remained at Kona STP until at least 11th (Reggie and Susan David). A Semipalmated Plover was seen on the beach adjacent to Aimakapa Pond, Kona, Hawai'i on 7th (Peter Donaldson) and 10th and 13th (Gabor Kereszetes), although other shorebirds there were limited to just 3 Pacific Golden Plover, 3 Hawaiian Stilt, 1 Wandering Tattler and 4 Ruddy Turnstone on 7th (Peter Donaldson). The only other Semipalmated Plover of the month was seen at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 13th (Peter Donaldson), where there was also 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, 5 Long-billed Dowitchers (7 on 23rd), and up to 20 Bristle-thighed Curlews and the Whimbrel still present all month (Peter Donaldson, Mike Ord et al.). The Willet remained in residence at Kona STP, Hawai'i until 11th (Reggie and Susan David). Running a close second to the Willet in rarity value was a baueri race Bar-tailed Godwit at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu for several days up to 14th (Mike Silbernagle), although it could not be found on 15th (Peter Donaldson). Also at Honouliuli NWR on 15th were 6 Long-billed Dowitchers, 30 Hawaiian Stilt (52 on 29th), 8 Pacific Golden Plovers and a single Ruddy Turnstone (Peter Donaldson).

Bar-tailed Godwit, of the Asian/Alaskan race baueri at Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu, November 2002.

Note that the tail in this race can be unbarred, although in this photo it appears that there is some barring on the tail feather which protrudes below the rest of the tail. Other features include the two-tone bill, obvious supercilium, pale underparts and slightly "textured" upperparts. This individual apparently had a slightly damaged leg.

No sooner had the Godwit departed (or died) than another shorebird major rarity appeared - a Marsh Sandpiper at Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu - only the second State record, the first being on Midway in 1998. Originally found on 19th or 20th by Dave Smith the bird remained until at least 27th (but was not present on 29th), in which time it was seen by many local birders including Robert Pyle, Mike Ord, Reggie David, Eric Vanderwerf, Peter Donaldson, Richard May and Sharon Reilly. The Marsh Sandpiper was joined by a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (with an injured leg) on 23rd-29th at least. The Marsh Sandpiper was described by Peter Donaldson as thus "has long thin dark (greenish) legs and a long straight dark bill. It has rather dull brownish gray upperparts with a prominent pale supercilium. It is a rather small delicate bird. In flight, the bird had plain grayish wings and mantle with a pale tail and uppertail coverts and a whitish wedge on its lower back." For future interest and use Peter also stated "Pouhala Marsh is west (Ewa) of Waipahu Depot road (in Waipahu) about a block south (makai) of Farrington Highway across from the refuse collection center. There is a Toyota dealer on one side of the intersection and a church on the other. If you park on Waipahu Depot road across from the refuse center, you can walk across an old metal bridge towards the marsh. There is a dirt road (a Navy right of way) that extends west (Ewa) from the bridge. Be careful along this road. There are numerous nasty dogs and the local residents may be suspicious of strangers."

On the morning of the 27th a Greater Yellowlegs was reported from Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu, but the Marsh Sandpiper could not be found (Mike Ord), however in the afternoon the Marsh Sandpiper was still present but there was no sign of the Greater Yellowlegs (Peter Donaldson). What was presumably the same Greater Yellowlegs was observed at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on 29th (Peter Donaldson).

Single first winter Ring-billed Gull and Laughing Gulls were at the Kona STP, Hawai'i on 4th - 7th (Reggie David, Peter Donaldson) and a first winter Ring-billed Gull was over the Amorient aquafarm, O'ahu on 15th and 23rd and was also seen on the nearby James Campbell NWR on 23rd and 30th (Peter Donaldson, Mike Ord et al.). A Caspian Tern was seen at Kealia Pond, Maui mid-month (Mike Nishimoto) and at Kanaha Pond, Maui on 30th (Lance Tanino).

Caspian Tern, Kealia Pond NWR, Maui, November 2002.

Two Mariana Swiftlets were observed along the Aiea Trail, O'ahu on 13th, although the birds were not flying over Halawa Valley, but were seen over the gulch to the right of the entrance track (Peter Donaldson). Many 'Apapane were also observed along the Aiea Trail on 13th (Peter Donaldson). On the 4th a trek into the Alaka'i Swamp, along the Mohihi Trail provided views of a sub-adult Puaiohi, 20 Kauai 'Elepaio, 6 Kauai Amakihi, 6 Anianiau, 6 'Akeke'e, 2 'Akikiki and 30+ 'Apapane (Richard Rowland, David Kuhn).

Forest bird watching on the Big Island on 6th provided sightings of a single