PeninsulaNorthwest
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2014
C9
Big Island birding makes quick friends THERE WAS A time when you hesitated to say you were a “birdwatcher.” It not only wasn’t cool; it was considered just a bit on the weird side. I can remember standing in line at the grocery store’s checkout counter when the subject of birds came up. The person waiting on me was a friend and began talking about birds. A customer waiting behind me was obviously listening to our conversation. At one point, she broke in and remarked, “You are my first real birdwatcher!” How do you reply to that? I felt like I had green hair and four heads. That doesn’t happen anymore. It’s just the opposite. Many people identify themselves as birdwatchers or birders (that’s a little more cool) with a real interest in birds. While in Hawaii, I was reminded of how things have changed over the years. You never know when a fellow birder might pop up. If you are birding on the Big
His proud mother said he had “Air Force eyes” and could spot anything. It was my first look at a tropicbird on the ground, and it was only a couple of hundred yards in front of us. One thing led to another, and this lady was bubbling over with were just enthusiasm for birds and birdwatching. the She was just as enthusiastic beginabout seeing that others around ning. When her shared her experience. We had a memorable visit, and you stand behind the fenced area on the rim of the caldera, it is possi- she did her best to send us to the Everglades to enjoy what they had ble to see three sides of this experienced there. immense hole in the ground. Sharing an interest in birds Sheer cliffs that are hundreds with complete strangers you meet of feet tall are scorched black. while traveling is just plain fun. If you take your binoculars and You never know what you slowly sweep these cliff faces, you might learn from them. almost always spot a small, allThe best way to get started is white bird flying in front of them. to carry those binoculars and don’t White-tailed tropicbirds nest in be bashful about announcing what what is considered hostile territory, you are seeing. but they don’t have to worry about Try it. You’ll like it. predators. ________ Not only did we spot the flying Joan Carson’s column appears every tropicbirds, but a couple standing Sunday. Contact her at P.O. Box 532, alongside us began talking about Poulsbo, WA 98370, with a selfthe nesting tropicbird their adult addressed, stamped envelope for a reply. son had spotted. Email: joanpcarson@comcast.net.
the overlook. “This is the only place in the world you can see this bird!” Island, you Joan I don’t know how she found out must visit the about the apapane, but I do know Carson Thurston Lava she wanted to see that bird. Tubes near the No, I don’t think she was what Kilauea Caldera you would called a “bonafide birdon Mauna Loa. watcher,” but along with others At this loca- that visited the volcano that day, tion, a viewing she was interested in them and area looks down was perfectly comfortable in on a small gulch acknowledging that fact. that is covered After leaving the Thurston Lava Tubes, the next stop was the with tropical Jaeger Museum on the Kilauea rain forest Caldera Rim Drive. plants and trees. This area leads into the lava Warning signs tubes, but most of the excitement is before you enter them. Finally, the warning “Nene The calling of native Hawaiian Crossing” signs weren’t just a honeycreepers is constant, and the tease. most common bird seen is the Right in the parking lot, a pair beautiful apapane. of these dainty little geese was It is scarlet with a white rump, strolling among the cars looking black wings and a dark, decurved for puddles of water that drip from bill. air conditioners. We were walking toward the Not only were we delighted to viewing area when I heard a see them, but cars were stopping woman speaking behind me. and waiting as their passengers She appeared to be hurrying took lots of photos. others of her party along The nene were the stars of the show for 10 to 15 minutes. They and seemed eager to get to
A nene at the Kilauea Point refuge in Hawaii.
BIRD WATCH
Valentine SPECIALS
MORE
Skincare Suites Spa
g
featurin
Ultimate The
Escape for Couples
Simple. Serene. Something Different. CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE WITH FLOWERS! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
360.457.8222
NOW AVAILABLE at 2 locations in Port Angeles 1st & Race St. 58424 Hwy 112 Car Wash 5 miles west of Port Angeles
Gift Certificates Avaliable • Steam Room • Massage Facials • Waxing • Manicures • Pedicures • Much More!
Valentine’s Day Special Dinner for Two
angelcrestgardens.com
42987938
133 E. First St. • 106 N. Lincoln St. • Port Angeles 360-565-0200 • SkinCareSuites.com
42987951
This rejuvenating spa package for two includes a one-hour side by side lavish massage by candle light with soothing music and roses. Relax with a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider and chocolates. Then a one-hour steam to follow in our new, state of the art steam room. Tiered lounge seating, aromatherapy, chromatherapy mood lighting, rain shower head, luxurious towels, epionce skincare products, cleanser, moisturizing mask, enriched body lotion, hydrating shampoo & conditioner, your music or ours! An amazing gift of romance and pampering. $130
angelcre@olypen.com
includes
Appetizer to share 2 Entreés Seafood for Two Dessert to u n ONLY r Me Share $ Othe s Also Item le
Kokopelli Grill’s Valentine Specials 2014 All Items Ala carte with Special Pricing for Suggested Wines
49 95
lab Avai
42978499
Make your reservations today! 113 DelGuzzi Dr. • Port Angeles 452-6545
Gustatio Hama Hama Oysters
In the Half Shell with a cilantro, jalapeno, citrus vodka granita Shrimp and Roasted Garlic Tamales
Dungeness Crab and Avocado Salad Lobster Bisque
$11
Platos Filet Mignon and Maine Lobster
Sweetheart Special for
Broiled Maine Lobster
Macadamian Coconut Crusted Halibut With a light Wasabi Vinaigrette
per person, served for 2 or more
$32
Mensae Secundae
Plus receive a “Sweet Treat” and a $2 coupon
Pear and Brie Baked in Pastry with brandy pear glaze $8 Cognac, Xanté 42987949
Please call to make reservations Dinner served 4-9pm
$9 203 East Front Street, Port Angeles (corner of Front & Lincoln) (360) 457-6040 www.kokopelli-grill.com
3B927844
Please call for reservations — 683-4825
Open Daily 11am • Sun. – Thurs. til 9pm • Fri. & Sat. til 10pm 271 S. 7th (behind McDonald’s) Sequim
$52
Two Lobster Tails with a Roasted Garlic Butter
95
Chinese Garden
$52
Angus Beef Tenderloin with Broiled Lobster and Southwest Béarnaise
Valentines Day 10
$15
Local Greens Dressed in Pomegranate Vinaigrette with Parmesan Crisp
609 West 121 West Washington St. Washington St. Sequim, WA. 98382 Sequim, WA. 98382
$
$12
Sopa u Ensalads 42974740
a Soroptimist Fundraiser available at Pacific Artisian Mist Consignment Books Shop
Good Fri., Feb. 14 thru Sun., Feb. 16 • Won Ton Soup • Rainbow Chicken • BBQ Pork • Orange Chicken • Honey Walnut Prawns • Pork Fried Rice
$13