James Campbell NWR Birds

Some very special species are present at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge just north of Kahuku in Ko'olau'loa. Access is by appointment only, and I got a chance to spend a couple of hours there on Saturday, November 6.

This Refuge is located on a point that is just south of Turtle Bay resort and north of the Kahuku Golf course. Most of it is reclaimed shrimp ponds. Kahuku is famous for its "Shrimp Shacks", the original of which was Giovanni's. Highly recommended. The garlic is wafting out even as you drive by.


Taken from Kam Highway looking east out over the existing shrimp ponds with the refuge in the far background.

One of the real star's of the JCNWR is the Bristle Thigh Curlew. Nesting in a very small and isolated area of Alaska, it spends the winter in Hawaii, and most of the population is on the Refuge. Getting this bird in Hawaii however does not count as a North American record sighting. Ok by me, I just really enjoy seeing it.




The Hawaiian endemic shorebirds are one of the main attractions of JCNWR. Species only seen in the islands include the Hawaiian Duck, probably a close relative to the Mallard.


These ducks nest in the shallow reeds next to open water.



While the Black Necked Stilt is seen many places around the world, the Hawaiian Stilt is only found here. Although very similar, the larger patch of black on the neck makes this Stilt easily distinguishable.









Another common bird around the world is the American Coot. The Hawaiian Coot is very similar, but the beak shield runs very much higher clear up on top of the head. They manifest in both white and bright red.




Ok, time for this post's mystery critter. This is a bird found in many places including the JCNWR. Generally found near the water hiding in the tall grass.


First grandchild to identify wins $10!

A number of other really fun, interesting and relatively hard to find birds are seen consistently at JCNWR.

The Long Billed Dowitcher has a sewing machine type of feeding pattern.




One of my all time favorite bird names is owned by the Wandering Tattler!??


The Sanderlings are very beautiful this time of year.




Finally the two Sandpipers of JCNWR. Very similar in size and pattern, the Sharp Tail Sandpiper


And the Pectoral Sandpiper (identifiable by the distinct break in the chest pattern with a straight line across the middle of the chest.