Kōlea--Hawaiian urban bird

On a recent trip to Oahu to present Mayan ethno-ornithological results at an endangered languages conference, I enjoyed spending time with the kōlea, otherwise known as the Pacific Golden Plover.  While I tend to think of these as breeders in the arctic wilderness, in Hawaii these guys are running around in people's lawns, roadsides, and even forests.  They are common everywhere, and a lot of fun to watch.  If you get to Hawaii during the winter months, you are sure to see them running around everywhere.  Enjoy!

kōlea or Pacific Golden Plover

kōlea on a rooftop