“My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator…He gave you feathers to wear, wings to fly, and...a home in the purity of the air.”
—St Francis, patron saint of animals
During my walk to my yoga class studio in the open-air corridor, I saw Kukue, the resident Cockatoo for the last three years. He’s a favorite of kids and bird lovers like me alike. Growing up in New Jersey my father used to have a parakeet, a canary and later a parrot as pets. Kukui, who is 18 years old, born on the same day as our daughter Michelle (Dec. 3rd) used to live with his caretaker in Kauai until he passed away. As a result the General Manager at Maui Ocean Club brought him here. I generally pay him a visit. He loves to whistle and is able to repeat short rapid fire phrases. White Cockatoos are often seen as a symbol of freedom, grace, and beauty and in some indigenous cultures are believed to be a guardian spirit that watches over and protects its human family.
The other bird encounter occurred when Cecile and Jason went to get some coffee and a croissant at Starbucks at the "Beach Walk" at the Marriott Ocean Club. While there, a Maui egret landed on the edge of one of an empty chair and then hopped onto their table trying to pursue Jason’s croissant until Jason shooed it away. This provided a rare photo opportunity and Cecile didn’t hesitate. Having photographed egrets on the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania, the grounds of our gated-community, and at the salt marshes at Shoreline in Northern California, these elegant birds rarely get this close to humans. Some years ago while walking the beach trail here on Kaanapali we saw an egret gulping down a small mouse—whole. Bright and white, this long-legged beauty is often seen hunting moths on one of Maui’s many gold courses. They were originally brought to the islands by cattle ranchers for agricultural pest control in the late 1950s. Often called Cattle egrets, they feast on everything from crickets to toads, and don’t have to pay the high prices we pay for meals at ocean front restaurants:-)
The last encounter or should I say encounters (plural), was a flock of chirping finches that helicoptered down on my beach covered toes and legs while I was eating lunch. They are more playful and interactive with anyone that gives them the opportunity to snatch a few crumbs.
P.S. Whoops! And a Myna Bird
