HAWAI'I BIRD SIGHTINGS FOR 2004

JANUARY - JUNE

JANUARY

First few days	LEACH'S STORM PETREL	2	Sea Life Park, O'ahu.	Sadly both birds which were in care from 2003 died in the first few days of January 2004.	per RP
1st at least	LESSER FRIGATEBIRD	???	Midway Atoll.	Several possible juvenile birds still present. No access currently to Midway.	MO, et al.
????	Possible HAWK or FALCON species	1	North Shore, Kaua'i.	"All-dark" Hawk or Falcon reported on North Shore for last couple of months.	per RD
1st	BONIN PETREL	+++	Midway Atoll.	Christmas Bird Count - Midway Atoll (Sand Island only). Full Count: Click Here.	MO
1st	GREEN-WINGED TEAL	4	Midway Atoll.	Full Count: Click Here.	MO
3rd	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	Nu'upia Ponds, Kane'ohe, O'ahu.		TC
3rd	CASPIAN TERN	2	Nu'upia Ponds, Kane'ohe, O'ahu.	Two birds again present.	TC
4th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	Kaene Point, O'ahu.	On rocks.	LC
4th	FLUTTERING SHEARWATER	1	Wake Atoll	First regional record of this Australasian species.	DB
5th	BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS	1	Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i.	Flying just offshore.	per BZ
5th	BUFFLEHEAD	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.		MN
5th	BRANT	2	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.		MN
5th	CASPIAN TERN	2	Nu'upia Ponds, Kane'ohe, O'ahu.	Also a Laughing Gull there.	KP
6th	GULL sp.	3	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Probably the Laughing Gulls present in the area this winter. Also "some" scaup and Wigeon.	MN
6th	BRANT	2	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Still present.	BZ
6th	LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER	7	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Still present.	BZ
7th	Probable HAWK species	1	Lyon Arboretum, O'ahu.	Described as a "large dark Hawk" with fingered primaries.	LH
7th	BLACK SWAN	1	Kahalu'u, Kaneohe Bay, O'ahu.	Escape present since January 1st.	DS
7th	RED KNOT	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Bird landed in the parking lot! Click Here for photograph.	DM
7th	SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER	4+	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Also 1 Snipe sp. observed in flight. Click Here for more on the Dowitchers.	DM
8th	GREEN-WINGED TEAL	2	Sand Island, Midway.	Sand Island Sector 39, near FWS office.	JK
8th	NENE	2	Lahaina pali Trail, Maui.	Seen at about 1000 ft elevation at Opunaha Gulch. Neither of the Nene looked banded.	JN
8th	LAUGHING GULL	1	Kukae Opae Ditch, Kaua'i.	Shrimp farm overflow canal near Kawaiele Sanctuary. This bird was being harassed by a flock of Cattle Egrets.	JD
8th	NORTHERN PINTAIL	4	Mana Reservoir, Kaua'i.	Two males, two females.	JD
8th	LAUGHING GULL	1	Kailua Bay, Kona, Hawai'i.	By the heiau at the King Kam Hotel at Kailua Bay, Kona.	HFT
9th	CANADA GOOSE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 2 Bufflehead, 19 Northern Pintail, 3 Northern Shoveler, 1 Green-winged Teal and 4 Lesser Scaup.	KP
9th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	5	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 1 Pueo.	KP
9th	LAUGHING GULL	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.		KP
10th	GAMBEL'S QUAIL	1	Big Island Country Club, Hawai'i.	A single bird near the shed by the 17th hole.	CP
10th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	10	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 3 Wandering Tattler, 4 Sanderling, 33 Ruddy Turnstone and 30+ Pacific Golden Plover.	MO
10th	WILSON'S SNIPE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 32 Northern Pintail, 28 Northern Shoveler and 6 Lesser Scaup.	MO
10th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	First-winter plumage. Also 1 male Red Avadavat.	MO
10th	LAUGHING GULL	4	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	All first winter plumage. Also 40+ Hawaiian Stilts, 50+ Hawaiian Coots, 8 Hawaiian Moorhen and 50+ Koloa x Mallard hybrid.	MO
11th	NENE	2	Waiakea Pond, Hilo, Hawai'i.	Unbanded birds.	DL, RD, NK
11th	GAMBEL'S QUAIL	1+	Saddle Road, Hawai'i.	At least one male bird in a large flock of California Quail just west of Waiki'i Ranch on the Saddle Road.	RD
13th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	4	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Lots of disturbance: a couple of dogs splashing around near the refuge fence, Army helicopters and a number of gulls. As a result, it was hard to get a good count of the migrant ducks, which are easily spooked.	PD
13th	GREEN-WINGED TEAL	10	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 1 American Wigeon, 3 Northern Shoveler, 29 Northern Pintail, 3 Lesser Scaup and 1 Rosy-billed Pochard.	PD
13th	LAUGHING GULL	4	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 11 Cattle Egret, 18 Black-crowned Night-Heron and 1 Short-eared Owl.	PD
13th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	11	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 71 Pacific Golden-Plover, 43 Hawaiian Stilt, 22 Ruddy Turnstone, 2 Wandering Tattler and 1 Sanderling.	PD
13th	CANADA GOOSE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 5 Hawaiian Moorhen, 135 Hawaiian Coot, 44 Mallard x Koloa hybrid.	PD
17th	CANADA GOOSE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 42 Northern Pintail, 11 Northern Shoveler, 4 Green- winged Teal and 1 probable female Eurasian Wigeon.	RM, RP, MO
17th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	2	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 4 Laughing Gulls.	RM, RP, MO
17th	LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER	9	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 5 Wandering Tattler, 40+ Sanderling and numerous Ruddy Turnstone.	RM, RP, MO
17th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	9	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.		RM, RP, MO
19th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	2	Eastern Island, Midway.	Two immatures at Eastern Island, Sector 1, SW end of Island.	JK
21st	WHITE-FACED IBIS	11	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Eleven birds seen in Waioli and Hanalei area.	BZ
21st	BRANT	2	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Also 3 Lesser Scaup, 4 Mallard and 32 Northern Pintail.	BZ
21st	LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER	6	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Also 274 Koloa, 37 Hawaiian Coot, 31 Hawaiian Moorhen and 42 Hawaiian Stilt.	BZ
21st	CASPIAN TERN	3	Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base, O'ahu.	Also 2 Eurasian Wigeon and 1 Semipalmated Plover.	EV
21st	BUFFLEHEAD	2	Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu.	Also 4 Green-winged Teal, 8 Eurasian Wigeon and 4 American Wigeon.	PD, JP, LeT
21st	LEAST or LITTLE TERN	1	Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu.	1st summer plumage.	PD, JP, LeT
21st	LESSER YELLOWLEGS	1	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	Also 2 Green-winged Teal.	PD, JP, LeT
24th	GAMBEL'S QUAIL	1	Saddle Road, Hawai'i.	Male in a flock of California Quail on the Pu'u La'au road.	RD
24th	CASPIAN TERN	2	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 5 Laughing Gulls.	PD
24th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	6	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 6 Long-billed Dowitcher.	PD
24th	GREEN-WINGED TEAL	11	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 25 Northern Pintail and 5 Northern Shoveler.	PD
24th	EURASIAN WIGEON	2-4	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Two drakes and two probable females.	LT, GN
24th	BONAPARTE'S GULL	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Adult bird. Also 1 first-winter Laughing Gull there.	LT, GN
24th	MITRED CONURE	65	Huelo, Maui.		CP
24th	MARIANA SWIFTLET	1	Aiea Loop Trail, O'ahu.	All observations of this species should be reported.	BR
25th	MOURNING DOVE	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Seen perched, flying and calling along road into refuge. Also 9+ Chestnut Manikins near entrance to refuge.	CP
27th	LAUGHING GULL	1	Kanaha Pond, Maui.	First-winter bird. Up to 2 recently at both Kealia Pond NWR and Kanaha Pond on Maui, possibly the same birds commuting between sites.	LT, CP
This Month	RED-CHEEKED CORDON-BLEU	??	Near Puu Waa Waa Ranch, Hawai'i.	At the 22 mile marker pullout just south of the Puu Waa Waa ranch gate, Hawai'i.	RP
30th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	1	Kiholo Bay, Hawai'i.	In front of Earl Baken's residence. Also on 31st and probably for last 8 months.	GD
31st	DOWITCHER	14	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	South Kihei Road side of Kealia NWR. At least one was a Short-billed.	CP, RPa
31st	RUFF	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Also 2 Sanderling and 4 Ruddy Turnstone.	CP, RPa
31st	BONAPARTE'S GULL	1	Kanaha Pond, Maui.		RPa
31st	SEMIPALMATED PLOVER	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 2 Dunlin and 5 Long-billed Dowitchers.	PD, MO, RP
31st	CANADA GOOSE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 25 Northern Shoveler, 15 Northern Pintail and 4 Lesser Scaup.	PD, MO, RP
31st	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	10	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	No sign of any Gulls or Terns today.	PD, MO, RP

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JANUARY Leach's Petrel in care at Sea Life Park, O'ahu, December 2003. Two birds were in care at the Park at the end of 2003, although unfortunately both birds died in the first few days of 2004. Photograph © Peter Donaldson Leach's Petrels specimens at Sea Life Park, O'ahu, January 2004. Photograph © Mike May Peter Donaldson writes: "These photos were taken of the dead birds by Mike May before Dick May turned them over to Bishop Museum. These photos clearly show that both birds are Leach's. It is interesting that in these photos both birds show clear dark lines down the middle of the rump since an earlier photo I took of one of the birds did not show this feature. I guess if the rump feathers have not been preened, the dark line is not evident. Thanks to Mike and Dick for the photos and for turning the birds over to Bishop Museum." The Midway Atoll Christmas Bird Count took place on January 1st 2004 and the following species were observed and counted (Sand Island only): Laysan Albatross: 267,653; Black footed Albatross:11,460; Bonin Petrel: 2,949; White tailed Tropicbird: 2; Red tailed Tropicbird: 6; Great Frigatebird: 5; Red footed Booby: 23; Brown Booby: 2; Cattle Egret: 18; Green winged Teal: 4; Bufflehead: 1; Mallard:1; Pacific Golden Plover: 497; Wandering Tattler: 8; Bristle thighed Curlew: 108; Ruddy Turnstone: 467; Sanderling: 2; Long billed Dowitcher: 2; Brown Noddy: 6; Black Noddy: 436; White Tern: 1,235; Common Myna: 290; Canary: 1,404; Gull unidentified: 1 Possible Glaucous-winged Gull seen previously on Spit Island (Mike Ord et al.). Possible juvenile Lesser Frigatebird on Midway, January 1st 2004. Photograph © Mike Ord Dave Boyle found a dead Shearwater species on Wake Atoll on January 1st and the specimen was sent to Storrs Olsen at the Smithsonian Institute, who commented as follows: "Prepare to be astonished. I got the Wake specimen you sent a couple of days ago and took a look at it this morning. Definitely too large for P. lherminieri. The very slender mandible with very long closely appressed anterior dentary portions is very diagnostic and rules out and of the P. puffinus group or P. nativitatis (which also differs in bill color---black vs. brownish in the Wake bird). We have only one old skin of P. gavia and none of P. huttoni but the Wake bird is a ringer for Puffinus gavia. According to the literature, distinguishing between gavia and huttoni seems to be in the realm of the occult. We have skeletons ascribed to both P. huttoni (3) and P. gavia (1) but I have zero confidence that all are correctly identified and without a large series of correctly identified skeletons I would have no way of knowing whether any skeletal differences I might see were really specifically diagnostic. P. gavia would be the more likely in that it is more numerous and has strayed farther (to New Caledonia and New Hebrides) than P. huttoni. Either way your bird was way the hell off base." The species referred to here as Puffinus gavia is also called the Fluttering Shearwater from the Australian seas, breeding in New Zealand; likewise for P. hutttoni, or Hutton's shearwater. This is a new regional record. Two Hawk or Falcon species were reported during the beginning of 2004. A large all-dark Hawk was reported from Lyon Arboretum, O'ahu on January 7th (Liz Huppman) and an all-dark Falcon or Hawk was reported from Kaua'i's North Shore during November and December 2003. No other details are available at this time. It could be that the Kaua'i record refers to a dark juvenile Peregrine, a scarce winter migrant to the Hawaiian Islands, however the O'ahu record was noted as being large and had fingered primaries. Glaucous-winged Gull at Kaena Point, O'ahu on January 4th 2004. Photograph © Lindsay Cooper Red Knot at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on January 7th 2004. Photograph © Dave Martyn Satoko Lincoln reported the following: "January 10, 2004. 5:45 PM. Diamond Head coast: A group of over 60 Red-footed Boobies were swarming just west of the buoy off Diamond Head Lighthouse. One after another they flew clockwise, up-and-down over the patch of water, forming an animated Ferris wheel. Most skimmed the water, some plunged. Others soared and skimmed on their own. A Brown Booby hunted on its own closer to shore. R-F Boobies made this dramatic, high-energy return after not having been seen for months. Two Browns have been seen regularly at the buoy since late December." Forest and Kim Starr sent the following account from Kaho'olawe (closed to the general public): "Spent the last two days (Jan 19-20) on Kahoolawe, mostly at base camp and in the summit crater of Lua Makika. Some observations: Skylarks - Quite vocal right now. Multiple singing at Lua Makika. Kolea - One in Lua Makika. Mockingbirds - A few at Lua Makika and at base camp. Gambel's Quail - Conspicuously absent. Pueo - None. A dozen or so Humpback Whales seen in channel between Maui and Kahoolawe, and four seen close to shore at Honokanaia. No dolphins, seals, or turtles seen. Moderate south winds. Fair weather. Big northwest swell. Most sand gone from west facing beaches near camp. North shore muddy red. Island is green. Lua Kealialalo is partially filled with water." Brenda Zaun reported the following from Kaua'i's North Shore: "While surveying waterbirds for the state biannual waterbird survey today (Wed, Jan 21, 2004), 11 White-faced (?) Ibis were spotted in the Waioli Taro Fields (private property) behind the Hanalei Elementary School in Hanalei, Kauai, HI. They were feeding in a flooded harvested taro field. They flew as I approached, circled a number of times, then headed east. The person conducting the Hanalei NWR survey, counted 10 Ibis about one hour later. Also counted at Hanalei NWR were: Koloa - 274, Coot - 37, Moorhen - 31, Stilt - 42, Brant - 2, Lesser Scaup - 3, Long-billed Dowitcher - 6, Mallard 4, Northern Pintail - 32." Eleven presumed White-faced Ibis at Waioli, near Hanalei, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, January 21st 2004. The Hawaiian Islands biggest-ever Ibis flock. Photograph © Brenda Zaun Eleven presumed White-faced Ibis at Waioli, near Hanalei, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, January 21st 2004. The Hawaiian Islands biggest-ever Ibis flock. Photograph © Brenda Zaun Peter Donaldson reported: "John Polhemus, Leilani Takano and I covered some of the Pearl Harbor wetlands on the state waterfowl count Wednesday, Jan 21 2004. The weather started out cloudy but dry, but rain started after noon. Water levels were pretty high after recent rain, even at the Waiawa unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R. where water levels had been low for a long time since the old well there dried up. We found a good variety of birds, but it was discouraging to see feeding stations for feral cats and squatters along the bike path close to Pearl Harbor N.W.R. Waiawa 1/20/04 (on a brief scouting trip): 1 Dowitcher. Honouliuli 1/21/04: 2 Bufflehead, 4 Green-winged Teal, 4 American Wigeon, 8 Eurasian Wigeon, 40 Northern Pintail, 25 Hawaiian Coot nests and several broods of recently hatched chicks. Pouhala Marsh 1/21/04: 1 Least/Little Tern. This bird is changing into 1st summer plumage. It now has a completely black cap; 1 Hawaiian Moorhen. Waiawa 1/21/04: 1 Northern Shoveler, 3 Northern Pintail, 2 Green-winged Teal,1 Lesser Yellowlegs and 6 Hawaiian Coot, these were the first coots I've seen at Waiawa in a long time." Peter also reported earl Stilt nesting: "...on the state waterfowl countWednesday, Jan 21 2004, we found several pairs of Hawaiian Stilts that seemed aggressively territorial. At Waiawa, during a rain shower, it appeared that two stilts might be incubating. This was reported to Mike Silbernagle, biologist for the Oahu Refuge system. Today Mike had a chance to go check at Waiawa and found 4 stilt nests. Most stilt nesting occurs in the spring and summer with a peak in May. This early nesting is quite remarkable." Brenda Zaun at the Kaua'i Refuge Complex reported that at least one stilt nest (with 4 eggs) is present at Huleia NWR, Kaua'i and that on 31st December 2003 two stilts were observed mating at Hanalei NWR. Stilt nesting has also been observed rarely during the "winter" months at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i during the late 1990s (Christian Melgar), Ed. Lance Tanino led a Sierra Club outing of 17 people to Kealia NWR with Glynnis Nakai on January 24th. "The weather was clear skies and no winds. The water level in the ponds were very high. Some of the interesting birds seen were: Eurasian Wigeon - Two males in spectacular plumage and looked like at least a couple females with them. Bonaparte's Gull - One adult was seen off in the distance surface feeding in Big Pond with a juvenile Laughing Gull. Some other species seen at Kealia NWR recently that were not seen today include: Long-billed Dowitchers, Brants, and Green-winged Teals." Rob Pacheco of Hawaii Forest and Trail reported that "Since early November 2003 Red-Ceeked Cordon-Bleu have been very accommodating for viewing at the 22 mile marker pullout just south of the Puu Waa Waa ranch gate (Hawai'i). Birds make a nice circuit landing in the llama and alahee near the rock debris piles before crossing the highway. Have seen and heard them early morning, midday, and late afternoon." This species is one of the more elusive of Hawai'i's introduced species, especially in the recent dry period, and a reliable site is well-overdue. Ed. Bill Rathman reported that he saw a Mariana Swiftlet on 24th January on the Aiea Loop Trail, O'ahu about one-third to one half way up to the head of the loop. This was lower on the trail than his previous sightings in 1998 and 2002 which were near the head of the loop. He saw it against the sky and then lost it when it dipped down against vegetation. Mariana Swiftlets have not been seen at their traditional nesting/roosting tunnel in the North Halawa Valley (no public access) in 2002 or 2003, and may have moved to a new site. Thus, all reports of swiftlet sightings would be greatly appreciated (per Bob Pyle). David Kuhn's January 31 2004 pelagic trip on the Blue Dolphin II's Port Allen-Na Pali-Lehua-Port Allen trip. "Winds Northerly 10-15 and moderate N swell, partly cloudy. Mystery bird this trip (uncanny how there is almost always one) was a ca. shearwater-size bird flying straight along the S side of Lehua, a few feet off the ground; dark above, pale cream-colored under-sides, deep and pointed wings, did not see face; first impression after thinking "shearwater" was Peregrine Falcon, but no birds were getting up in front of it, didn't see it again (but see February trip report).SEABIRDS SEEN: Laysan Albatross 2 at sea, 1 over Lehua; Black-footed Albatross 1 over NW tip of Lehua; White-tailed T'bird 3 at sea; Red-tailed T'bird 5 at Lehua, 2 at sea; Red-footed Booby ~100; Brown Booby ~100; Great Frigatebird 2 at sea, 1 over Lehua; Black Noddy 2 at sea; none observed in the usual roosts on Lehua and Na Pali. Other birds: Mystery bird 1 on Lehua, see above; Cattle Egrets 3 on Lehua. Other creatures: Spinner Dolphin, many in the big pod off Barking Sands, and at Lehua Bottlenose Dolphin pod midway SW leg." David Boyle also sent the following trip report from October 2003 - January 2004: " ITINERARY: 29th October 2003 - arrived at Honolulu about midnight, day spent around Honolulu visiting Hickham Airforce Base and Kapi‘olani Park 30th October - left for Wake Island in the early morning 9th January 2004 - arrived back from Wake Island at Hickham Airforce Base in the late evening 10th January - day sorting stuff out around Honolulu 11th January - flew to Lihu‘e in the early afternoon. Picked up car and drove up to Koke‘e, arriving mid- afternoon. Birded for a couple of hours around Kalalau Lookout and along the (closed) road towards Pu‘u o Kila Lookout. Birdable until about 18:00. Night at Koke‘e Lodge. 12th January - up at 05:30, but didn’t start getting light until 7ish. Birded around Kalalau Lookout first thing and then the Nature Trail (behind Koke‘e Lodge) waiting for the museum to open. Dropped key off at the Lodge as soon as it opened and then drove down Camp 10 Road to the start of the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail. Rest of the day spent doing a big circuit up the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail on to the Pihea Ridge Trail, down to the stream, back up again and then down the Kawaikoi Stream Trail and back along the road. Night spent in the car at Camp 10. 13th January - Set off at 07:00 along the Mohihi- Wai‘ale‘ale Trail, getting just short of 4 miles before returning. Walked the Berry Flats Trail in the late afternoon/evening. Night at Camp Sloggett.14th January - I had planned to walk the Alaka‘i Swamp/Pihea Ridge Trails again this morning but a massive storm put paid to that idea. Trees were crashing down all over the place and there was torrential rain so I headed back down to the coast and slowly worked my way back to Lihu‘e, stopping off for a bit of birding at Hanapepe Salt Pans, Mauka Reservoir and Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Course, then a brief seawatch from Ninini Point before returning to Honolulu in the late evening. 15th January - Left Honolulu for Heathrow at 08:00. SPECIES LIST: White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus, one over Berry Flats Trail on 13th Jan. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster, one off Waimea and two off Ninini Point on 14th Jan. Great Frigatebird Fregata minor, two off Waimea and 60 off Ninini Point on 14th Jan. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, very common in the lowlands on both Islands. Nene Nesochen sandvicensis, two pairs of adults and a single adult with two small goslings on Kauai Lagoons Golf Course, Lihu‘e on 14th Jan. Koloa Anas wyvilliana, 20 on a roadside pond just west of Waimea and 5 on a roadside pond on the way to Ninini Point on 14th Jan. Erckel’s Francolin Francolinus erckelii, a few seen and lots heard in the Koke’e/Alaka‘i Swamp area. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus, lots of domestic chickens around Koke’e and maybe a few more ‘wild’ ones along Camp 10 Road. Hawaiian Moorhen Gallinago chloropus sandvicensis, six on Kauai Lagoons Golf Course, Lihu‘e on 14th Jan. Hawaiian Coot Fulica alai, 60 Kauai Lagoons Golf Course, Lihu‘e an 14th Jan. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, common from the lowlands to the tops of the hills in any open patch on both Islands. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus knudseni, two on a roadside pond just west of Waimea on 12th Jan. Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus, five at Hanapepe Salt Pans on 14th Jan. White Tern Gygis alba, one at Kapi‘olani Park, O‘ahu, on 29th Oct. Kaua‘i ‘Elepaio Chasiempis sandwichensis sclateri, three on the Nature Trail and about 40 along Alaka‘i Swamp/Pihea Ridge/Kawaikoi Stream Trails on the 12th and about 25 along the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail and 15 along the Berry Flats Trail on the 13th January. Puaiohi Myadestes palmeri, one about 100m before the 2.5 mile marker on the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail on 13th January. ‘I‘iwi Vestiaria coccinea, four along the Alaka‘i Swamp/Pihea Ridge/Kawaikoi Stream Trails on the 12th and 6 on the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail and 4 on the Berry Flats Trail on the 13th January. ‘Apapane Himatione sanguinea, about 50 around Kalalau Lookout on the 11th; 20 around Kalalau Lookout, 5 on the Nature Trail and about 250 along the Alaka‘i Swamp/Pihea Ridge/ Kawaikoi Stream Trails on the 12th and about 150 on the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail and 40 on the Berry Flats Trail on the 13th January. ‘Akeke‘e Loxops caeruleirostris, three along the Kawaikoi Stream Trail on the 12th; and 10 on the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail and 2 on the Berry Flats Trail on the 13th January. ‘Anianiau Hemignathus munroi, one near Kalalau Lookout on the 11th; about 50 along Alaka‘i Swamp/Pihea Ridge/Kawaikoi Stream Trails on the 12th; and about 30 on the Mohihi- Wai‘ale‘ale Trail and 5 on the Berry flats Trail on the 13th January. Kaua‘i ‘Amakihi Hemignathus kauaiensis, 10 around Kalalau Lookout on the 11th; 6 around Kalalau Lookout, 6 on the Nature Trail and about 35 on the Alaka‘i Swamp/Pihea Ridge/ Kawaikoi Stream Trails on the 12th; and 25 on the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail and 10 on the Berry Flats Trail on the 13th January. Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis, fairly common on both islands. Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria capitata, fairly common on both islands. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus, common around Honolulu. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer, common around Honolulu. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis, common on both islands. Rock Dove Columba livia, common around Honolulu. Zebra Dove Geopelia stiata, common on both islands. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis, common on both islands. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos, a few along the track to Ninini Point. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus, fairly common in the Koke‘e area. Hwamei Garrulax canorus, fairly common in the Koke‘e area. House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus, common on both islands. House Sparrow Passer domesticus, very common on both islands, especially on Lihu‘e Airfield. Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus, a few in Kapi‘olani Park. Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus, common on Kaua‘i. Western Meadow-Lark Sturnella neglecta, fairly common in the Kaua’i lowlands. Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora, very common on both islands, especially on Lihu‘e Airfield. Chestnut Mannikin Lonchura malacca, couple on the track to Ninini Point. Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata, common in the Kaua‘i lowlands. OTHER SPECIES: Humpback Whale One from the plane window as it came in to land at Lihu‘e on the 11th and two off Ninini Point on the 14th January. Dolphin sp. Two off Ninini Point on the 14th January. Pacific Green Turtle Two off Ninini Point on the 14th January. Feral Cat. Singles seen in the evening around Koke‘e on the 11th and13th and fresh scat found in a couple of places about 2.5 miles along the Mohihi-Wai‘ale‘ale Trail on the 13th January, including one containing an ‘I’iwi leg."

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FEBRUARY

1st	SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER	15	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Possibly all 15 birds reported to be this species. No Sign of Ruff seen on January 31st at this site.	RP
1st	HAWAIIAN STILT	2	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Also 1 Ruddy Turnstone, 1 Wandering Tattler, 3 Black- crowned Night Heron and 1 Hawaiian Coot.	RPa
2nd	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	First-winter. Also 2 first-winter Laughing Gulls and one Canada Goose.	KS
4th	BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS	1	Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i.	Circled several times over Mokolea Point then headed west toward Kilauea Point.	BZ
5th	EURASIAN WIGEON	4	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Two pairs. Also 4 Ring-Necked Ducks (2 pairs), 9 Lesser Scaup, 5 Mallards and 2 Mallard hybrid.	CP
5th	LAUGHING GULL	4	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	First-winters.	CP
5th	SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER	2	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Also 1 Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper and 43 Sanderling.	CP
5th	ORANGE-CHEEKED WAXBILL	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Also a flock of 30-40 House Sparrows, Nutmeg Mannikin, Chestnut Munias flying about and feediing in tall seeding grasses near the entrance to the refuge and 1 Pueo.	CP
6th	PEREGRINE FALCON	1	Lehua Islet, Ni'ihau.	Also 3 Black-footed Albatross. Full trip list: Click Here.	DK
7th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	First-winter again, also 2 first-winter Laughing Gulls.	PD
7th	CANADA GOOSE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Probably Richardson's Canada Goose. Also 25 Northern Shoveler, 36 Northern Pintail,12 Green-winged Teal (all males observed well were American GWTE).	PD
7th	LESSER SCAUP	4	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 6 Hawaiian Moorhen, 113 Hawaiian Coot, 46 Hawaiian Stilt (many pairs vocal and territorial but no nests found), 130 Pacific Golden Plover and 29 Black-crowned Night-Heron.	PD
7th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	4	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 7 Wandering Tattler, 35 Ruddy Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 4 Long-billed Dowitcher and 2 Red Avadavat.	PD
7th	DUNLIN	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.		PD
8th	KILLDEER	1	Between Waimea and Kekaha, Kaua'i.	Present this evening on a roadside flood on the mauka side of the highway.	DK
10th	WHITE-FACED IBIS	10	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Seen well up the valley. Full trip report: Click Here.	DL
11th	BRANT	1	Kawaiele Sanctuary, Kaua'i.		JD
12th	BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS	1	Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i.	Flying over Mokolea and Kilauea Points.	BZ
12th	KILLDEER	1	Between Waimea and Kekaha, Kaua'i.	On roadside flood still.	DK
12th	BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW	1	Kiholo Bay, Hawai'i.		DL
12th	LAUGHING GULL	3	Kona STP, Kona, Hawai'i.	Also 2 female Lesser Scaup and c.24 Northern Shoveler.	DL
12th	WILSON'S SNIPE	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also several Long-billed Dowitchers.	SL, KP
14th	BONAPARTE'S GULL	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Adult bird. Also 4 Laughing Gulls, ~180 Northern Shoveler, ~ 50 Northern Pintail and ~30 smaller duck sp.	LT
14th	BRANT	2	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Three Hawaiian Stilt at Makena Beach Wetland, Maui.	LT
15th	'AKOHEKOHE	1	Waikamoi Preserve, Maui.	Immature observed foraging along koa branch near 1st curve from upper end of boardwalk.	RPat
Last Week	MAUI PARROTBILL	?	Waikamoi Preserve, Maui.	Also adult an dimmature 'Akohekohe observed last week.	NCH per RPat
16th	SHEARWATER Sp.	1	Sea Life Park, O'ahu.	Probably either Christmas or Short-tailed/Sooty, but id. not yet confirmed.	per RP
16th	EURASIAN WIGEON	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Drake on island at eastern end. Also 1 Laughing Gull there and a pair of Mallard.	RPat
17th	GULL sp.	1	Kilauea Point, Kaua'i.	For full description: Click Here.	BZ
19th	BUTEO sp.	1	Waimea Canyon, Kaua'i.	Unidentified buteo species reported but Pueo not eliminated. Click Here for details.	per DL
20th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	North Shore, Kaua'i.	First-winter on beach near Wainiha.	GJ
21st	LAUGHING GULL	4	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	First-winters. Also Brant there.	RPat
24th	PEREGRINE FALCON	1	Downtown Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i.	Seen from the waterfront restaurant at the Ohana Keauhou Beach Hotel, then flew North.	MSe
26th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	Waihina Bay	First-winter. Also seen on 28th.	SH
26th	EURASIAN WIGEON	2	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Two drakes. Also 3 Greater Scaup and 2 Bufflehead.	SH
28th	BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS	3	Kaena Point, O'ahu.	One flying over Laysan Albatross colony and water, and two others offshore.	KP
End of Feb.	GOLDEN PHEASANT	1	Waikamoi Preserve, Maui.	Escaped male still present.	SH
End of Feb.	LAYSAN ALBATROSS	??	Kaena Point, O'ahu.	Apparently half the Laysan Albatross chicks present in the colony have died in the last couple of weeks from exposure.	LC

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FEBRUARY On January 31st Chuck Probst and Rob Pacheco visited Kealia Pond NWR, Maui and observed a flock of fourteen Dowitchers, which after studying one or two of them, decided that they were all Short-billed Dowitchers, a rare but regular visitor to the Islands (much less common than Long-billed Dowitcher, especially during the winter months). Only one was heard to call and give the distinctive Short-billed Dowitcher call, and so the others were not conclusively identified. On February 1st Rob returned to Kealia and saw fifteen birds in the flock, but was still not absolutely sure of the identification of all individuals in the flock. On February 5th Chuck returned to Kealia and saw two Short-billed Dowitchers and one Long-billed Dowitcher, he comments: "Two of the Dowitchers were standing side-by-side at one point and the bill contrasts were simply amazing. I know bill length is not considered reliable differentiation except in the extreme, and these two were extreme. The LB Dowitcher's bill was at least 1/3 longer than the SB. The face of the LB was diffusely pale while the SB had a distinct white supercilium. The neck of the LB was gray, the SB streaked gray. The flanks of the SB had marked vertical striping or barring. In addition, the taill of the SB had white bands thicker than the dark bands, giving the tail at much lighter appearance. Fortunately, the LB flew off first giving a 'keek' and then a ki-ki-ki call. The SB (2) flew off with a much different tu-tu-tu call. I'm guessing that the 14 birds we saw the other day were probably a mixed flock, but am hoping to see the flock together to go over each bird." Short-billed Dowitcher at Kealia Pond NWR, Maui on January 7th 2004, one of several observed at this site. Photograph © Dave Martyn Although a scarce visitor to the Hawaiian Islands there are at least 88 reports of Short-billed Dowitchers up until the end of 2003 (some are reports of the same occurrence): December - February: 13 records; March - May: 10 records; June - July: 0 records; August - November: 65 records. Among the winter records: 1971 - Two birds were seen on Sand Island, Midway on 3rd December (Charles Kaigler). 1986 - Six birds were seen on 28th December (Steve Berendzen) and 31st December (Kamal Islam) at Hanalei Ponds, Kaua'i. 1987 - Six birds remained in Taro lo'i at Hanalei, Kaua'i on January 2nd (Kamal Islam). At Waipio, O'ahu counts between 9th October and 5th November consisted of 3,9,8 and 5 birds. 1992 - Two birds were recorded at Laysan Island from 7th February until 10th April (Kay Kepler). David Kuhn reported the following from his latest Kaua'i pelagic: "February 6 2004 on the Blue Dolphin II's Port Allen-Na Pali-Lehua-Port Allen trip, winds Northeasterly 10-15 and moderate N swell, partly cloudy. A definite ID of Peregrine Falcon on Lehua, probably my mystery bird of last week (Jan 31); I won't hazard a guess as to subspecies. SEABIRDS SEEN: Laysan Albatross 10; 7 at sea, 3 over Lehua; Black-footed Albatross 3; 1 over NW tip of Lehua, 1 midway SW leg, 1 midway E leg; White-tailed T'bird 2; 1 at sea, 1 over Lehua; Red-tailed T'bird 5; 4 at Lehua, 1 at sea; Red-footed Booby ~100; Brown Booby ~50; Great Frigatebird 6; 1 at sea, 5 over Lehua; Black Noddy 2 at sea; flock of 50 at Lehua roost; Brown Noddy 1 midway SW leg; Grey-backed Tern 2 midway SW leg; Grey above, white below, deeply forked tail. Other birds: Peregrine Falcon 1 on Lehua; Cattle Egrets 3 on Lehua. Other creatures: Spinner Dolphin, many in the big pod off Barking Sands, and at Lehua; Bottlenose Dolphin pod of 20 just off Barking Sands; Manta Ray 4 near Lehua. Killdeer on roadside flood between Waimea and Kekaha, Kaua'i on 12th February 2004. Photograph © David Kuhn On 12th February Dan Lindsay sent the following report from Hawai'i: "I found the Bristle-Thighed Curlew at Kiholo Bay today. It's a very confiding bird; if it had gotten any closer, it could have nibbled my shoelaces. Lots of people around, but the Curlew did not seem at all concerned by them. There were at least 19 Honu (Turtles) around also, most of them hauled out. I also visited the sewage treatment ponds, where the highlight was three 1st-winter Laughing Gulls. Complete results: Kiholo Bay / Wainanali¹i Pool: 1 Bristle-Thighed Curlew. Kaloko Fishpond: Hawaiian Stilt, Kolea, Wandering Tattler, Saffron Finch. Kona STP: Laughing Gull (3 1st-winter birds), Ruddy Turnstone (some reaching breeding plumage), Sanderling, Kolea, Hawaiian Stilt, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Hawaiian Coot, Lesser Scaup (2 females), African Silverbill, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Myna, Nutmeg Mannikin, Wandering Tattler, Northern Shoveler (about 2 dozen, the males in summer dress)." Visiting birder Robert Patton visited the Islands between 11th and 21st February and reported the following highlights from his trip: " Uncommon species observed included: - gull sp. (laughing?) 15 Feb.04, 5:30 p.m. soaring along shoreline bluffs & highway SW of Maalaea Bay near Papawai Point. Eurasian Wigeon 16 Feb. 04, 10:30-11:30 a.m. adult male on island in east central Kealia Pond with Stilt, Coot, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, & Laughing Gull. Laughing Gull 16 Feb. 04, 1st winter in flight & landing on surface of water in NW pond, then later on island in east central Kealia Pond. Laughing Gulls 21 Feb. 04, 11:00-11:45 a.m. four 1st winter birds on island and in flight over eastern Kealia Pond. Brant 21 Feb. 04, foraging among Coots in west central Kealia Pond. Pueo 12 Feb. 04, flushed from trees overlooking canyon on Waikamoi bird loop trail; another just outside Haleakala N.P. entrance 15 Feb. 04. 'Akohekohe 15 Feb. 04, immature foraging along koa branch near 1st curve from upper end of boardwalk on Waikamoi boardwalk trail; 'Amakihi, Alauahio, & 'Apapane also in area, adult & immature I'iwi at lower end of boardwalk (all 4 of these more common species were seen in Hosmer Grove & on the bird loop trail on 12 Feb). Regrettably, we had no sightings of Maui Parrotbills. Both park naturalists that led the Waikamoi hikes on the 12th & 15th reported Maui parrotbills along the boardwalk during the previous week, as well as adult and immature akohekohe. Three times on the boardwalk hike we heard human-like whistle calls that sounded like those of parrotbills on the "Voices of Hawaii's Birds" tape (that I'd reviewed the night before), but there was the possibility of other species' similar calls. Freshly stripped bark & moss on branches of a large koa tree likely indicated recent presence as well. Oh well, all the more reason to return in the future. I don't know how noteworthy it is, but with their endangered status & the ephemeral appearance of the location, I thought I should mention that Stilts & Coot were observed in a small pond (puddle) on the ocean side of the highway at Olowalu and in a settling basin on the inland side of the highway in Lahaina. Regrettably no seabirds were seen on a boat trip from Maalaea Harbor to Molokini & offshore of Makena. Also birding at Kealia Pond NWR was limited to along Kihei Rd. since the gate to the office was closed both the 16th & 21st. Species list for the trip: White-tailed Tropicbird, Great Frigatebird, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Fulvous Whistling-duck (Kaanapali Hyatt but no bands nor clipped wings), Brant, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Black Francolin, Grey Francolin, Chukar, Ring-necked Pheasant, Hawaiian Coot, Kolea (Pacific Golden-plover), Hawaiian Black-necked Stilt, Wandering Tattler, Laughing Gull, Black Noddy, Rock Dove, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Pueo (Short-eared Owl), Eurasian Skylark, Hwamei (Melodious Laughing-thrush), Common Myna, Japanese White-eye, Northern Cardinal, Red-crested Cardinal (outside Makena), House Finch, Maui 'Amakihi, Alauahio (Maui Creeper), I'iwi, 'Akohokohe (Crested Honeycreeper), 'Apapane, House Sparrow, Nutmeg Mannikin and Java Sparrow (Lahaina & Kaanapali)." Wilson's Snipe at James Campbell NWR, O'ahu on February 12th 2004. Photograph © by Satoko Lincoln Brenda Zaun, Kaua'i National Wildlife Refuge Complex biologist, sent the following report: "On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004, a large gull was seen flying around Kilauea Point NWR. Species is uncertain, but believed to be either Western or Slaty-backed. Bird was seen only in flight. It did not land. Back and wings appeared light gray when seen from one angle and dark gray (but not black) when seen again. Legs and feet were pink, bill yellow with red spot, eyes yellow, head, neck, and tail white (no streaks on head). Outer primaries dark gray or black with some white spotting on tips. Underside of primaries light gray. White edges on the wings." Kim and Forest Starr sent a report from Kaho'olawe (no public access): "Our Kahoolawe sightings from this past President's Day holiday. BIRDS (Feb. 16th) 2 Kolea near ephemeral pond in Lua Kealialalo, which still has water. 12 Kolea near Kaukaukapapa. Northern Cardinal in kiawe tree (Keanakeiki). Red-crested Cardinal (Lua Kealialalo & Base camp). 2 Mynah observed by someone else in group near coast (Base camp). 6 Gambel's Quails (Keanakeiki). Mockingbird (Kealaikahiki). Got a glimpse at a duck like bird. Jamie Bruch who works for KIRC said he saw what he thought was a female Koloa (Hawaiian duck) near the same spot (Keanakeiki). Feb. 17th Two dozen Sparrows in hau tree and nesting in speaker on telephone pole (Base camp). Red crested cardinal flying around base camp. Multiple Eurasian Skylarks singing all day at in the summit crater (Lua Makika). 15 House Finches which flew into a lone kiawe tree (Lua Makika). OTHER: Cat prints present in mud at Lua Kealialalo and along shore of ocean at base camp. A few dolphins seen flying out of the water in afternoon of 16th at Honokanaia. Over a dozen whales in multiple pods between Maui & Kahoolawe. NEW INSECT RECORDS: Danaus plexippus (Monarch butterfly)*, Ischnura ramburii (Rambur's forktail), Orthemis ferruginea (Purple Asian skimmer), Omiodes sp. (Native leaf-tier moth). PLANTS: Island still green. Native cotton (Gossypium) doing well near Kealikahiki. Native Panicum grasses (P. torridum, P. faurei) common on west end of pond at Lua Kealialalo right now. Surf mellow (beach is back at base camp beaches). Wind light to moderate. No rain." [* recorded previously but not fully documented.] Dan Lindsay reported the following highlights from his latest Elderhostel trip: " On 19 February, several people in my Elderhostel group on Kaua'i saw a large Buteo in Waimea Canyon. Nobody could get any field marks, but I remember the possible Rough-Leg seen some time ago on the north shore. Perhaps this is the same bird. Today (25 Feb) a mainland visitor and I saw a Yellow-Billed Cardinal at Loko Waka Pond in Hilo, an unusual place for this mostly dry-side bird. Highlights from17-23 Feb, trip to Kaua'i & Hawai'i: 18 Feb 04: Hanalei NWR: Koloa Maoli, Hawaiian Coot, Common Moorhen, Hawaiian Stilt, Greater Scaup, Nene and White-Faced Ibis (presumed until further evidence is found) Ten birds seen together well up the valley. Kilauea Pt. NWR: Laysan Albatross, Red-Tailed Tropicbird, White-Tailed Tropicbird, Red-Footed Booby, Brown Booby (Almost dead calm! No Frigatebirds as a result of the freakish weather.) 19 Feb 04, Hanapepe Overlook: Rose-Ringed Parakeet and Rock Dove. Koke'e St. Pk.: Red Junglefowl, 'Apapane, Kaua'i 'Amakihi, 'Anianiau, Kaua'i 'Elepaio, Pueo, Erckel's Francolin. Kawai'ele: Common Moorhen, Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Stilt, Koloa Maoli, Wandering Tattler, Ruddy Turnstone, Great Frigatebird, Black Francolin. Waiakea Ponds, Hilo: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Canada Goose (Lesser & Common), Greater White-Fronted Goose. Loko Waka Pond: Northern Pintail. 21 Feb 04, Volcano NP: 'Apapane, Black Noddy, Kalij Pheasant. 22 Feb 04, Keanakolu Rd.: Skylark, Chukar, Erckel's Francollin, Turkey. Hakalau NWR: 'Apapane, I'iwi, Volcano 'Elepaio (not counted separately from Kaua'i Elepaio), 'Akepa, Hawai'i 'Amakihi, 'Io, Oma'o, Hawai'i Creeper (heard), Red-Billed Leiothrix (heard). Keanakolu Rd.: California Quail. 23 Feb 04, Kipuka 21: 'Apapane, 'Amakihi, 'Oma'o (heard), 'I'iwi, Volcano 'Elepaio. Pu'u La'au: Palila, African Silverbill, Gambel's Quail, Red-Billed Leiothrix (heard), Melodious Laughing-Thrush. Hapuna Beach: Yellow-Billed Cardinal, Gray Francolin. Group total 72." First-winter Glaucous-winged Gull on a beach near Wainiha, Kaua'i on February 20th 2004. Photograph © Gretchen Johnson

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MARCH

1st	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	2	Eastern Island, Midway.	Two immatures still on Eastern Island, Sector 1, SW end of Island. Also 12 Cattle Egrets seen regularly on Sand Island. No evidence of breeding and race not yet determined.	JK
2nd	TUFTED PUFFIN	1	Sand Island, Midway.	Immature found freshly dead on Sand Island, Sector 17, North Beach.	JK
3rd	NORTHERN FULMAR	1	Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i.	Found at Larson's Beach about 3 miles east of Kilauea Point. The bird was upside down, but alive. However, it died within an hour, probably from a broken neck.	BZ
3rd	BRANT	2	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Also 45 Northern Pintail, 2 Bufflehead, 3 Scaup, 8 Northern Shovelers.	BZ
3rd	LAUGHING GULL	4	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	First-winters on beach near outlet. Also 2 Sooty Tern from nearby Lahaina Whale Trip.	SH
3rd	BONAPARTE'S GULL	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	First-winter. On beach near outlet.	SH
3rd	BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	On beach near outlet.	SH
6th	GREATER SCAUP	1	Near Hakalau NWR, Hawai'i.	Drake. Also 1 drake Lesser Scaup on a pond between the Pua 'Akala tract and Hakalau Tract along Keanakolu Road.	MM
9th	BUFFLEHEAD	2	Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu.	Also 4 Wigeon sp.,13 Northern Pintail, 10 Mallard x Koloa Hybrid and 1 Gray Francolin heard.	PD
9th	HAWAIIAN COOT	150	Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu.	Including 2 orange-headed chicks and several broods of gray 1/2 size juveniles. At least 3 birds on or building nests.	PD
9th	HAWAIIAN STILT	54	Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu.	Also 20 Pacific Golden-Plover, 1 Wandering Tattler,16 Ruddy Turnstone and 1 Sanderling.	PD
9th	BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER	1	Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu.	Bird with black speckling on belly. Also 200+ Pacific Golden Plover, 54 Hawaiian Stilt, 3 Wandering Tattler, 3 Ruddy Turnstone 3 Sanderling and 2 Black-crowned Night-Heron.	PD
9th	GREEN-WINGED TEAL	4	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	Also 6 Northern Shoveler, 2 Northern Pintail and 20 Mallard X Koloa Hybrid including 5 downy ducklings.	PD
9th	HAWAIIAN MOORHEN	1	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	First at this location in a long time. Also 10 Hawaiian Coot (inc.1 on a nest), 30 Hawaiian Stilt (inc. four 2-3 week old chicks)	PD
9th	DOWITCHER sp.	1	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	Bird with exceptionally short bill. Possible Short-billed Dowitcher - but not heard to call.	PD
9th	LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER	4	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	Also 3 Wandering Tattler, c.200 Ruddy Turnstone and 3 Sanderling.	PD
9th	WHITE-FACED IBIS	9	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Birds appear to be changing to 1st summer plumage.	BZ
9th	BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS	2	Pelagic off Kaua'i.	Full trip list: Click Here.	DK et al.
c10th	WHITE-FACED IBIS	9+	Pila'a, Kaua'i.	Flying over the road just south of Pila'a, Kaua'i.	RD
10th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	James Campbell NWR, O'ahu.	Also 1 Laughing Gull there. Also on O'ahu at the Halona Blowhole groups of 5-6 Red- tailed Tropicbirds swirling over the cliffs close by, squawking loudly.	PD
12th	HAWAIIAN HAWK ('Io)	1	Pu'u La'au, Hawai'i.	Pale-phase bird landed in a tree 10 feet above observers.	GD
13th	GREEN-WINGED TEAL	1	Near Hakalau NWR, Hawai'i.	In one of the stockponds on the way to Hakalau.	GD
14th	GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL	1	Laie Point, O'ahu.	First-year bird. Also 195 Ruddy Turnstones at Kualoa.	EV, KS
14th	RED-TAILED TROPICBIRD	1	Manana Island, O'ahu.	Also 1000s of Sooty Terns and 1 Monk Seal on the beach.	EV, KS
14th	HAWAIIAN STILT	22	Kuilima STP, O'ahu.	Also 85 Hawaiian Coots and 3 Mallard x Koloa hybrids.	EV, KS
16th	STORM-PETREL sp.	3	Pelagic from Kaua'i.	Full trip list: Click Here.	DK et al.
16th	PEREGRINE FALCON	1	Lehua Rock, Ni'ihau.	Full trip list: Click Here.	DK et al.
16th	WHITE-FACED IBIS	6	Hanalei, Kaua'i.	In the vicinity of the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant at 5.30pm.	MV
16th	LEAST TERN	1	Waipio Soccer Fields, O'ahu.	Roosting with Plovers. Also huge flocks of Chestnut Mannikin (some numbering in the100s), Common Waxbills- large flocks present, 1 Red Avadavat, 56 Pacific Golden Plover, 1 Eurasian Skylark and 4 Saffron Finch.	MM
18th	O'AHU 'ELEPAIO	1	Aiea Trail, O'ahu.	A young bird about a 1/2 mile into the Loop trail. Also 27 O'ahu Amakihi - good views of birds foraging in lantana and low canopy ohia, 1 'Apapane singing from ohia at ridge trail junction and 6 Red -billed Leiothrix.	MM
17th	POMARINE JAEGERS	3+	Kakaako Waterfront Park, O'ahu.	Several Pomarine Jaegers seen offshore, nearby thousands of Sooty Terns swirling around Manana Island, but they hadn't started nesting yet; also10-12 Red-tailed Tropicbirds circling over the island.	PD
17th	LAUGHING GULL	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Near the mudflats off N. Kihei Road, also 1 unidentified Gull sp. seen near Refuge HQ.	MM
17th	NORTHERN SHOVELER	5	Kanaha Pond, Maui.	Two drakes and three females. Also lots of Stilts, Coots, and Black-crowned Night-Herons.	MM
17th	BLACK FRANCOLIN	1	Hansen Settling Ponds, Maui.	Also 25+ Chestnut Mannikin and 10 Hawaiian Stilt.	MM
17th	COMMON WAXBILL		Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor, Kaua'i.	Near Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor in parking lot of Captain Andy's Boat trip. The area to the east was a wet, flooded grassy area and birds were foraging at the NW end of the lot at the beginning of the wet area.	MV
17th	AFRICAN SILVERBILL	1	Poipu Beach, Kaua'i.	In a parking lot at the end of Hoowwii Road.	MV
19th	LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER	7	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Seen near the parking area by the outlet on North Kihei Road.	MN
19th	LESSER YELLOWLEGS	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.		MN
19th	BUFFLEHEAD	1	Kealia Pond NWR, Maui.	Observed near the refuge HQ. Also 2 Lesser Scaup there.	MN
19th	GREAT EGRET	1	Princeville Golf Course, Kaua'i.	Reported downhill overlooking the Golf Course pond from the "Bougainvillea Building".	MV
20th	GREAT EGRET	1	Princeville Golf Course, Kaua'i.	Reported still present.	MV
21st	AFRICAN SILVERBILL	2	Oki Diner, Lihue, Kaua'i.	Mixed with house sparrows in grass by junk yard.	MV
23rd	BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON	42	Kanaha Beach, Maui.	After heavy rains on 22nd that burst the canal/stream at Kanaha Beach.	FSt, KSt
23rd	PEREGRINE FALCON	1	MISC HQ on Piiholo Road, Maui.	A single adult (gray body) flew by eucalyptus trees at 12:10pm.	LT
24th	NORTHERN PINTAIL	1	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	Also 23 Mallard X Koloa Hybrid 23 (inc. broods of 6 and 5 Downy ducklings and 2 larger ducklings), 21 Hawaiian Coot (at least one chick, and 3 nests).	PD
24th	RUFF	1	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	Also 44 Hawaiian Stilt (inc. 5 chicks, 1 already fledged and 4 nearly fledged,1 nest with 3 eggs & 2 pairs copulating); 2 Wandering Tattler, 65 Ruddy Turnstone, 8 Sanderling and 3 Pacific Golden-Plover.	PD
24th	GREEN-WINGED or EURASIAN TEAL	1	Waiawa NWR, O'ahu.	The bird appeared to have no vertical white bar on the breast and no horizontal white stripe either.	PD
24th	BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER	1	Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu.	In mostly basic plumage with black speckling on belly.	PD
24th	DOWITCHER sp.	4	Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu.	Birds starting to molt into breeding plumage, but not enough to be of much help in identifying them. Some gave diagnostic Long-billed calls, though	PD
24th	AMERICAN WIGEON	4	Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu.	One drake. Also 40 Hawaiian Stilt, 3 Wandering Tattler, 1 Ruddy Turnstone, 175 Pacifc Golden Plovers and 1 Mallard x Koloa Hybrid tending nest with 11 eggs.	PD
24th	LEAST or LITTLE TERN	1	Pouhala Marsh, O'ahu.	Complete black cap. Yellow bill with black tip.	PD
25th	EURASIAN WIGEON	2	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	On DU Pond, opposite FWS office.	MV
25th	BUFFLEHEAD	2	Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu.	Also 1 drake Mallard (with bright green head and white neck-ring), 5 Mallard x Koloa hybrid, 1 Northern Pintail, 33 Hawaiian Stilt and 152 Hawaiian Coot (at least 18 birds on nests, a number of broods of large grayish chicks plus a few broods of young downy chicks.	PD
25th	PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER	21	Honouliuli NWR, O'ahu.	Also 2 Wandering Tattler, 7 Ruddy Turnstone, 21 Sanderling and 1 Gray Francolin.	PD
26th	SOOTY TERN	??	Makawao, Maui.	Heard calling overhead at night.	FSt, KSt
27th	KILLDEER	1	Between Waimea and Kekaha, Kaua'i.	On roadside flood on mauka side of road half a mile west of Waimea.	DK
27th	BUFFLEHEAD	2	Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i.	Nearby no sign of Great Egret reported at Princeville on 19th/20th March.	RD
27th	LESSER YELLOWLEGS	2	Hanapepe Saltpond, Kaua'i.		RD
31st	LESSER YELLOWLEGS	2	Hanapepe Saltpond, Kaua'i.	Also c.24 Red Avadavats at Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor near Captain Andy's Boat Hire, but no sign of any Common Waxbills (reported earlier this month).	JD

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MARCH Arleone Dibben-Young on Moloka'i sent the following: "3/2/04. While collecting kahelelani on the beach in front of my house just before sunset I heard honking about a half mile away. At first I thought perhaps it was the Canada geese I had seen a while back, but when they flew just a few feet above the water and just about over my head I realized they were two Nene. I don't believe nene have been seen in the Kawela area since Betsy Gagne reported hearing some at Kakahaia NWR in the early '80s." Northern Fulmar specimen at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i, March 2004. The bird was found a few miles along the coast, alive but upside-down in the ocean. The bird later died at the wildlife refuge at Kilauea Point. Photograph © Brenda Zaun Interestingly this individual was a pale-morph individual, rather than the usually recorded "Blue morph". A large influx of "Blue Fulmars" occurred around the same time along the west coast of continental North America and in the North Sea in Europe. Presumably the same phenomenon was responsible for birds moving south on both sides of the planet. On 29th February 2004 154 "Blue" Fulmars passed Flamborough Head, Humberside, UK with 46 past there the previous day (Brett Richards). This is the highest ever count at Flamborough Head (an old August day record of 631 is no longer considered acceptable). Also on 29th February there were many reports of Fulmars in inland counties in the UK. Single birds were reported inland from Rutland Water, Grafham Water, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and Devon, and five were found dead on the coast on Blakeney Point, Norfolk on the same day (with many also washed up dead there mid-month). At the same time elsewhere in NW Europe a large number of birds were seen in Northern France and Belgium. More than 200 birds were picked up dead on beaches in France and Belgium and a few thousand were present offshore trying to feed around fishing vessels but in an apparently weak condition. It is hoped that analysis pf corpses will help to understand the phenomenon which occurred (Benoît Paepegaey, Association "Le Clipon"). In North America at the end of February and beginning of March several birds were washed up including in California at Salinas River St. Beach near the Molera Road on March 4th (Fulmar as well as a Laysan Albatross a Common Murre and a Ruddy Duck). Les Chibana from California also commented on this event: "I don't know if Hawaii birders have been aware of the high numbers of Northern Fulmar that have been wintering off the central CA coast (maybe elsewhere, too) this winter. There was period where dozens were being found dead or dying on the beaches. If it's still happening. I haven't heard any recent reports, although large offshore flocks have been reported through the winter. One comment I heard, apparently from a biologist regarding the deaths, was that there was a lack of sufficient food resource to support as many fulmar as have been in the area. Interestingly, this apparent paucity hasn't resulted in similar massive deaths in other species, that I've heard about. I counted fulmar on the pelagic portion of the last Monterey Peninsula CBC and tallied 67 Northern Fulmar, 6 of which were light morphs. So, perhaps the Kauai fulmar, and previous rare records, are related to whatever event is causing what we've been experiencing in offshore California waters." Les goes on to comment " I was out on a pelagic trip in the Monterey Bay area last Sunday (March 14th) and Northern Fulmar were still present in large numbers. I didn't keep a tally, but my impression was that we saw over a hundred in various color morphs. This is a lot compared to a typical year in the area. I asked Don Roberson, who was also on-board, about the large numbers of fulmar and the associated die-offs. He said it was from a successful breeding season followed by insufficient food resources." It certainly seems that this may be a global event rather than just an isolated Pacific or Atlantic one, Ed. Northern Fulmar specimen at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua'i, March 2004. The bird was found a few miles along the coast, alive but upside-down in the ocean. The bird later died at the wildlife refuge at Kilauea Point. Photograph © Brenda Zaun At least nine presumed White-faced Ibis were still present at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i on March 11th (Brenda Zaun) and after little change in plumage over the last few months finally seem to be showing a few chnages. The eye colour of the bird pictured below has changed from a ruddy-brown colour to a reddish colour, indicative of it being a White-faced Ibis, rather than Glossy Ibis. Other features which are starting to appear which would indicate White-faced are the pale pink skin at the bill-base and in front of the eye. The areas at the upper and lower border of the lores are paler pink than the centre and will presumably turn white as the bird develops adult-like plumage. The head-streaking also seems to have have decreased between December 2003 and March 2004. Some of the body feathers have also turned a deeper and richer colour, especially on the breast (visible in the lower photograph). First-winter White-faced Ibis at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i, March 11th 2004 . Photograph © by Brenda Zaun Note the change in eye colour and facial feathering and skin since December 2003. First-winter White-faced Ibis at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i, March 11th 2004 . Photograph © by Brenda Zaun Note the change in eye colour and facial skin since December 2003. Also the deepening colouration of the breast feathers. White-faced Ibis at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i, December 2003   White-faced Ibis at Hanalei NWR, Kaua'i, March 2004   Note the dark-brown eye, brownish fore-face and profuse head streaking.   The eyes have become much redder and the facial area has become more pink, with very pale pink upper and lower borders, which will presumably turn to white in time. The head streaking has also become more sparse. Of Pacific interest an Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus) was sighted and photographed on Guam, in the Northern Marianas. This is the first record of the species there. Two races occur of this species in SE Asia, and although the nearer form tegimae would have to travel less distance to arrive on Guam (this form is resident in the Ryukyu Islands and a short flight from Guam), it is more likely that the more distant migratory form divaricatus, would be the one to occur. Primary difference between the two species is the extent of black on the head and the back, tegimae has an almost black cap except for a little white at the base of the bill up to the eye (lore) whereas divaricatus has a very noiticeable white forehead, and tegimae is also darker in the back than divaricatus. Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus/tegimae on Guam, Marianas, February/March 2004. Photograph © by Curt Kessler David Kuhn's latest Kaua'i pelagic chalked-up the following: "Tuesday March 9th 2004, on the Blue Dolphin II Lehua trip: swell NW 6-8 feet , wind NE 20-25, partly cloudy. 17 birders on board with Alvaro Jaramillo and George Armistead's tour group. We got turned back by the rough seas, went out to 1200 feet depth on the way back south. SEABIRDS SEEN: Laysan Albatross: 6, most off Barking Sands colony site. Black-footed Albatross: 2, one mile off Barking Sands, followed boat a short way. Wedge-tailed Shearwater: 2; White-tailed Tropicbird: 3, sitting on water; Red-footed Booby: ~20; Brown Booby: ~30; Great Frigatebird: 1; Sooty Tern: 4; Black Noddy: 3. Other creatures: Spinner Dolphin: pod off Waimea; Bottlenose Dolphin: ~ 10-15, pod off Olokele." David Kuhn's March 9th trip was quickly followed by another on March 16th: "Tuesday March 16, on the Blue Dolphin II from Port Allen NW up Na Pali to Kalalau, SW out to Lehua and E back; low swell, winds 15-20 N, building to 20-25 afternoon, partly cloudy. Couldn't get anything on the three Stormies, as they flew in the opposite direction from the boat, right into the sun. Sooty/Short-taileds Shearwaters: though the wing linings looked more gray than silvery on these birds, I don't feel confident calling a Sooty unless I see silver, without a good look at bill length. SEABIRDS SEEN: (I don't attempt to count the birds on Lehua, but will note all species seen): Laysan Albatross: 12; 3 near Lehua, 5 off Barking Sands,4 SW leg; Black-footed Albatross: 1, 1 mile of Na Pali; Sooty/Short-tailed Shearwater: 6; 3 SW leg, 3 E leg; Wedge-tailed Shearwater: ~60; Christmas Shearwater: 4; 2 SW leg near Lehua, 2 E leg; Storm-petrel sp. 3 in flock E leg; White-tailed Tropicbird 1 Na Pali, 1 E leg; Red-tailed Tropicbird 3 over Lehua; Red-footed Booby ~30 at sea, many on Lehua; Brown Booby ~50 at sea, ~40 on/near Lehua; Great Frigatebird 2 at sea; Sooty Tern 3 E leg; Black Noddy ~15 at sea; Brown Noddy 3 in flock SW leg, 2 E leg. Other species: Peregrine Falcon 1 over Lehua; Cattle Egret over Lehua. Other creatures: Spinner Dolphin large pod off Barking Sands." Dan Lindsay sends his latest Elderhostel report: "Here are the results from the latest Elderhostel group, which birds two days on Kaua'i and three on Hawai'i.(* = heard but not seen). 17 Mar 04, Kapa'a etc.: Western Meadowlark, Zebra Dove, Spotted Dove. Hanalei NWR: Koloa Maoli, Cattle Egret, Hawaiian Coot, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Moorhen, Hawaiian Stilt, Common Myna, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Japanese White-Eye, Nutmeg Mannikin, Chestnut Mannikin, Red-Crested Cardinal, Greater Scaup, Japanese Bush Warbler, White-Faced Ibis, Nene, House Sparrow, Shoveler, White-Rumped Shama, Northern Cardinal. Kilauea Pt. NWR: Laysan Albatross, Red-Tailed Tropicbird, White-Tailed Tropicbird, Red-Footed Booby, Brown Booby, Great Frigatebird, Wedge-Tailed Shearwater. Huleia NWR: Melodious Laughing-Thrush, Common Pheasant, House Finch. 18 Mar 04, Hanapepe Overlook: Rock Dove. Koke'e St. Pk.: Pueo, Mockingbird, Erckel's Francolin, Red Junglefowl, 'Apapane, Kaua'i Elepaio, 'Anianiau, Kauai 'Amakihi. Shrimp Farm outfall: Wandering Tattler, Sanderling. Salt Ponds St. Pk.: Ruddy Turnstone, Hawaiian Stilt, Sanderling, Wandering Tattler. 19 Mar 04, Waiakea Ponds, Hilo: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Java Sparrow, Canada Goose (Lesser). Loko Waka Pond: Pintail, Yellow-Billed Cardinal. 20 Mar 04, Volcano NP: 'Apapane, 'Io, Black Noddy, Kalij Pheasant, Hawai'i 'Amakihi, Oma'o*. 21 Mar 04, Keanakolu Rd.: Skylark, Chukar, Erckel's Francolin, Turkey, Common Pheasant. Hakalau NWR: 'Apapane, I'iwi, Volcano Elepaio (not counted separately from Kaua'i Elepaio), 'Akepa, 'Io, Oma'o, Hawai¹i Creeper, Red-Billed Leiothrix*. 22 Mar 04, Pu'u La'au: California Quail, Palila, Red-Billed Leiothrix, African Silverbill. Big Island Country Club: