Comments on: A Small but Mighty ‘Akepa

By: kerry

kerry — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:42:16 +0000

awww! how cute!! just four words to say= uh-dor-uh-ble!

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:22:01 +0000

At the top, is that a real pic?OMG!Its sooooo tiny!The tiny-uhhh-tinyness?-makes it MORE adorable!!!!
T-O-O cute!

Moderator’s note: That is indeed the real ‘akepa chick!

By: Volcano Les

Volcano Les — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:12:28 +0000

Traci, by ” name” , do you mean, ” Alex” ? The species is ‘Akepa, as the blog notes. I know from visits to the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center that they have Hawaiian names for each ‘Alala, Hawaiian Crow, but I don’t think they carry out that practice with the other species. Usually, they are given reference numbers.

The blog doesn’t note it, but the ‘Akepa is the only native Hawaiian forest bird species that only nests in cavities. And, they are somewhat like crossbills, with crossing bill tips that are used to open open leaf buds and blossoms. The photos don’t show the dramatic appearance of the male.

The hatchling size leads me to think that it’s nearly as small as an Anna’s Hummingbird hatchling, although the adults are a bit larger than this hummer.

By: Traci

Traci — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:39:39 +0000

Thanks for all of your dedication and hard work. As a Hawaii resident and natural sciences major at UH Hilo, I’ve only recently recognized the true value of conservation work. By the way, does this little guy have a name?

By: martha fuentes

martha fuentes — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:07:26 +0000

Wonderful that you could actually nurture something so tiny. Thank you for what you do.

By: Mateo

Mateo — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 03:35:47 +0000

I really enjoy reading this blog, as I am from Hawaii and am truly concerned about our fragile ecosystems. It’s funny when tourists remark with delight how beautiful and unique our ” native” birds are when, in fact, they laid eyes on an imported, perhaps, invasive, species. Unfortunately, even locals are not as educated and/or lack understanding regarding the situation here. I’m thankful for the Hawaii Bird Project. Congratulations on every success! Is there any way for people to volunteer???

By: Alan Lieberman

Alan Lieberman — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:25:28 +0000

The chick is still being fed several times a day as he/she learns to eat on its own. This is all part of the weaning process that takes several weeks to complete before the chick is completely independent. ” Fledge” means to leave the nest and ” wean” means to be eating independently without human or parental assistance. Two terms we use quite often in aviculture.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:11:59 +0000

Fabulous story! Incredible results of hard work. It is amazing how fast the little guy grew! To describe him as ” tiny” at hatching is an understatement. I agree with Agneta, how could you even feel something so small and light weight.

Let’s hope he continues to thrive with such tender loving care, and is part of those of his ” family” that are released into the wild on Mauna Kea. It is a beautiful mountain, so he will have a wonderful place to live and enjoy his freedom.

Are you still hand feeding him, or since he fledged and flys around on his own has he learned to forage and eat on his own?

By: Agneta

Agneta — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:26:33 +0000

Amazing! I never realized there was such a tiny bird and I can’t imagine how you would feed it. You must be such proud parents! Congratulations and I hope there will be more additions to your flock!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:14:52 +0000

Oh my gosh!! Is that actually a little bird in that top picture? Amazing. Wow. Keep up the GREAT work you guys are doing!!