Lava Heron

At first glance, the laval heron is a rather drab looking bird. Yes, it has the typical shape of a heron, but little else to recommend it.

Boobies, Turnstones, and a Lava Heron

The grace and coordination of the boobies in flight as they sail along the wave crests is mesmerizing. I could stand there and watch them for hours.

On the Sea and in the Air

The turnstones and the plover have found a small outcropping of lava just at the water's edge to scour for food morsels.

Along the Lava at the Beach

One of the shore birds we find wandering the lava at the beach is the black-bellied plover.

Flamingos and Pelicans

I suppose that you can tell which flamingos are well fed by looking. The pink color comes from the carotenoids in the shrimp they eat. The more shrimp, the darker the color.

Flamingos and a Duck

I'm quite sure that none of the animals we see are aware of how handsome/surprising they are. But I sure do appreciate the delicate coloration of the back feathers on this bird.

Flamingos Continued

These really are elegant birds. I'm always amazed to see all the things that birds do with their beak. Of course, if you only have a beak, then you learn to do everything with it. But still... it is pretty incredible.