SuZan Klassen

One of the oldest jokes in America has multiple punch lines.

In Maui, chickens ran wild. Locals fed them. As a result of that and their ability to survive and thrive quite well in this tropical climate, they were residents of numerous locations.

They ran in front of us when we walked to our car. They ran beside us as we drove the highways.

They ran around roadside markets where we shopped and hid their new babies
under their wings.

Curiously, they weren’t at any of the big tourist sites or near any of the best hotels.

All the chickens seemed to be descendants of the same variety. Every rooster looked like the proud papa in the featured photo and all the hens were either black or tan as were their chicks.

Birds of Maui
We enjoy the antics of birds wherever we travel. Here are a few more of Maui’s locals. Yes, this post is for the birds.

Even though we saw these Myna birds frequently, they were difficult to photograph since they were easily spooked. They often flew in flocks and behaved like starlings.

This Cardinal dined with the chickens at an outside market.

Every time we spotted these white birds they were walking across the top of shrubbery looking for their supper. Introduced to the island in the 1950s to control insect pests, they now compete with native species.

Do you recognize the bird standing on the rock in the center of this photo? If you do, please name him in the comments below. He landed in the stream at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

The Nene or Hawaiian Goose is the state bird of Hawaii. Unfortunately it is on the endangered species list and I didn’t see any of them to photograph. They resemble a Canadian Goose, but their neck markings are slightly different.

Travel Tips — Practice simple photography basics:
• Turn on your camera. I told you it was basic.
You’d be surprised how many people miss the shot because their camera was off.
Don’t be one of them. Have your camera ready when you walk the beach.

• Do remember to wear sunscreen.
I told you to have your camera ready,
But don’t be this guy.

• When photographing wildlife,
Move slowly so you don’t startle them.

• Check your camera batteries nightly.
Re-charge as necessary for the next day.
Travel Light Humor
So why did the chicken cross the road? Was it to . . .
• Get to the gas station?
• Visit the beach?
• Watch the tourists?
• Beg?
• Visit the ABC store?
• Get to the other side?
• Or because it was stapled to the ear of a punk rocker?

What is your favorite Chicken Cross the Road joke?
Tell me in the comments below.

Until next time . . . Travel Light,
SuZan

© 2018 SuZan Klassen