The statistics about Hawaii's birds are enough to make everyone a birder. Or, at least, want to see just one of Hawaii's endemic--found here and no where else in the world--birds. According to expert Jack Jeffery, out of 140 bird species found in Hawaii in 1790’s, half are extinct today. Of the remaining bird species, almost half are endangered, making a sighting a rare treat, indeed. The Hawaiian name Kaulana Manu literally means "famous birds" .
Two reasons shed light on Hawaii's moniker of "endangered species capital of the world." One, isolation. Back in the day, new species arrived in Hawaii, on average, every 20,000 to 40,000 years. Likely, their predators didn't follow them. Over time, they evolved into a new species, adapting to their new environment--maybe losing toxins and thorns or growing perfectly-shaped bills to slurp every drop of nectar out of a flower that, too, had adapted in its own unique way. A single colonization of finch-like birds, about 3.5 to 4 million years ago, evolved to become the Hawaiian Honeycreepers, an endemic sub-family of birds with over 50 species. Darwin would have gone completely apoplectic over that.
Two, population. As in, small. An 'amakihi on Hawaii Island evolved uniquely different from its breathren on Oahu and, even, Kauai. This kept the overall numbers of each species low. Hence, when humans arrived with animals like cattle, pigs and sheep and invasive plants--at a much faster rate than one every 20,000 to 40,000 years; more like 10 to 20 every year --native habitat was drastically altered. The addition of predators--cats, rats, dogs--and bird diseases pretty much guaranteed the decimation of bird populations. Now, you know why you're asked to relinguish your fruits and vegetables before exiting the airport. Even with--some would say meager--measures in place, the decline continues. As recently as August 2010, two additional bird species--and 45 plant and one Hawaiian picture wing fly species, all from Kauai--were protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Kipuka 21 is a rainforest area at the 21 mile marker on the Saddle Road (Highway 200), on the north side of the road. You’ll see a gravel parking area and a gate. : Walk north to the fence. Although the trail into the kipuka is closed, many birds such as apapane, i’iwi , oma’o, elepaio, and amakihi can be seen from the fence overlooking the forest. Watch the blooming ohi’a trees for the best birding.
This cache is located somewhere along the fence line. you do not have to climb the fence in any way to find it. While here take some time out of your adventure to listen to the forest birds, observe these hidden gems of the forest...come become with nature. You are looking for a medium -sized ammo can filled with Hawaii themed SWAG and other goodies. Remember the take/leave rule of geocaching and please make sure ALL bags are sealed to prevent damage. Please replace the cache as you found it, and PLEASE NO SPOILERS in the logs, so all geocachers can enjoy the hunt. CITO when needed and be safe....Aloha!
Mahalo to wholagal...FTF!