Whale Watching Okinawa – Searching for Humpback Whales by Shawn Miller

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Admin11

Whale watching season starts at the beginning of February and ends in April. We went out with The Zamami Whale watching Association In 2013. Before the boat ride, a local Scientist delivered an informative presentation on these powerful endangered animals. I have to say they are doing their best to educate the public on the protection of the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). During the boat ride, the staff and boat captain were highly professional. The boats kept a safe working distance from the whales. The whales would surface for a few minutes go back down for 10-15minutes and resurface. We really wanted to get some powerful images of the whale jumping out of the water but we didn’t get that lucky. It was still worth the experience.

Whale watching tours – Kerama Islands

Humpback checking out the scene

Humpback Whale Dorsal fin

Whale Fluke -Karama Islands

Whale watching tours at Zamami Island

Whale tail splash

The Humpback whales biggest threat is Pollution. They are filter feeders and often accidentally ingest marine debris. Our waste is a serious problem for all marine animals.

Our waste is overwelling. We are at the point of massive destruction if we don’t do anything about it right now. The trash (Marine debris) is found on the surface of the water, underwater and littered on our beautiful shorelines. This is a worldwide issue we continue to ignore.

Ocean surface pollution

Underwater Pollution

Beach shoreline pollution

Ropes and fishing gear are entanglements for the Whales

Ropes, fishing gear, and nets are entanglements for the Whales

Plastic pollution, noise pollution and an increase in large boat traffic are having an impact on the whales. Every year we see whales washed on our shorelines.

Dead humpback whale – Kadena

Juvenile humpback whale

Another Juvenile humpback whale washed up on Torii beach.

Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Let’s protect the animals of the Okinawa.

Pryers Keelback Snake – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Admin11

As of March 2018, The Pryers Keelback (Hebius pryeri) is considered a venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are rear-fanged and require a strong long-term chewing style bite to inject the venom into the wound. They are a very common snake found on Okinawa. I often find them in the Yanbaru forest on my night dwellings.

Scientific name: Hebius pryeri
Local name: The Pryers Keelback
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, grasslands, streams and rice fields
Diet: Frogs, frog eggs and small reptiles
Average size: 60cm-115cm
Color: Black & yellow with yellow bell

This year (2018) the Okinawa government posted some education posters to bring awareness about the snakes of Okinawa. I was surprised to see the Pryers Keelback is now considered venomous.

Venomous snakes of Okinawa

A Pryers Keelback snake with a unique pattern searching for frog eggs. Kume Island

The Pryers Keelback -Kume Island © Shawn Miller

A juvenile Keelback searching for frogs near a fresh water stream. Izena Island

Pryers Keelback – Izena Island © Shawn Miller

Look close at the split tongue flickering back.

Pryers Keelback – Yanburu forest © Shawn Miller

The Pryers Keelback mainly feeds on the small frogs. Its favorite meal is the Kajika frog!

Ryukyu Kajika frog © Shawn Miller

They generally feed on the animals head first.

Ryukyu Kajika frog © Shawn Miller

Sometimes you will see them eat frogs feet first. This makes for a more interesting photograph.

Never give up – © Shawn Miller

Holding on tight – Never give up!

Snake feeding on kajika frog © Shawn Miller

One of my favorite photographs of snake predation. A very large Pryer’s keelback feeding on a White jawed frog.

Pryer’s keelback feeding on a white jawed frog © Shawn Miller

I often find these snakes dead in the road. A large Yanbaru forest crab (Candidiopotamon okinawense) took advantage of the situation.

Yanbaru forest crab feeding on a snake © Shawn Miller

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support. Shawn M Miller.

Owls of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Admin11

Okinawa has three resident species of Owls. They generally live in trees in mountain forests, forest parks and sometimes in residential areas. All three owls are fairly small (20-33cm). They are hard to find in the day, but as night falls their large shiny eyes give them away. These beautiful night dwellers feed on small lizards, rodents, frogs and insects.

The Collard Scops-owl (Otus lempiji) has beautiful red eyes and short pointy ears. It can be challenging to photograph owls. You have to be fast acting with your camera, the owls will fly off quickly after a few photographs.

This is an example of undesirable red eye reflected (Red-eye) below. You generally want to try to avoid this but, I only had had a few shots with the flash on the camera, pointing straight at the owl high in a tree.

Collard Scops-owl – Okuma resort

Collard Scops-owl – Yanbaru forest

Collard Scops-owl – Yanbaru fores

The Brown hawk owl (Ninox scutulata) is the most abundant of the three small owls. It has beautiful bright yellow eyes. This owl looks more like a hawk than an owl.

Brown hawk owl (Ninox scutulata)

Brown hawk owl – Izena Island

The Ryukyu scops owl (Otus elegans) is mainly found in the northern part of Okinawa. The Yanbaru forest is a designated wildlife protection area.

Ryukyu Scops Owl -Yanbaru

Ryukyu scops owl Amami Island

The owls are often found hunting on forest roads. The insects are attracted to the roadside lights which bring in the owls. The bush cricket (Mecopoda elongata) is one of their favourite meals.

Bush cricket (Mecopoda elongata)

I wonder if the owls can see fluorescence. Many of the stick bugs, grasshoppers and crickets fluoresce under blue light,

Katydid under blue light

Sadly I have seen more dead owls than alive!

Hawk owl – Ogimi village

Let’s protect the wildlife of the Yanbaru forest. Have a great day!

Ryukyu Brown Frog – Amphibians of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Admin11

The Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN list of threatened species. Some of the most beautiful frogs are found on Kume Island.

Scientific name: Rana ulma – Synonym Babina okinavana
Common name: Ryukyu Brown Frog
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, mountain slopes, drainage ditches, and farm fields.
Diet: Insects
Average size: 45mm-65mm
Color: brownThe Ryukyu Brown Frog is found in northern Okinawa. The Yanbaru forest is a wildlife protected area.

Wildlife protection area -Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

They blend in very well with the leaf litter, rocks, and the surrounding grass.

(Rana ulma) Ryukyu brown frog © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) © Shawn Miller

Amami brown frog (Rana Kobai)

Rana kobi- Tokuno Island © Shawn Miller

Mating season is during the winter months.

Ryukyu Brown frog mating -Kume, Island © Shawn Miller

A wide-angle perspective of the small brown frog.

Rana ulma – Wide angle macro © Shawn Miller

Pay attention to crossing wildlife. Frogs are often found on the road searching for insects

Bright Orange Rana ulma © Shawn Miller

Rana ulma – crossing the road © Shawn Miller

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support. Shawn M Miller.

Anemone-fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Admin11

Have you ever wondered how many species of anemonefish are found in the beautiful waters of Okinawa? There are six anemonefishes found here. Most are found in shallow water and all live in a venomous sea anemone for protection. Their biggest threats are over-collecting.

(1) Nemo – Is known as the false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris). In my opinion is the most beautiful anemone fish of the Ryukyu Islands.

false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) © Shawn Miller

The false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) photographed in black & white.

false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) © Shawn Miller

(2) The Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) is the most abundant anemonefish found here. The juveniles sometimes have multiple white stripes.

Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) © Shawn Miller

Sometimes the Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) can be found in large colonies with over sixty fish living together in multiple sea anemones.

Tomato anemonefish colony © Shawn Miller

The Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) in black & white.

Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) © Shawn Miller

(3) Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) is fairly common as well. A tough anemonefish for sure!

Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) © Shawn Miller

The juveniles are often found in small nursery anemones. Is it possible these baby anemone fish see the fluorescence of the anemone? I have always wondered how the hatchlings find a small anemone far away for a reef.

Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) and fluorescence © Shawn Miller

For some strange reason, the Clarks anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) turns dark black when living in the giant carpet sea anemone.

black Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) © Shawn Miller

(4) The orange anemonefish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) is uncommon here. They all have a white dorsal stripe running from the lip to the tail.

Orange anemonefish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) © Shawn Miller

5) The saddle anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) is scarce here. They are usually found living in a large carpet anemone around white fine sand.

saddle anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) © Shawn Miller

(6) The pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) is fairly common here. They all have a white dorsal stripe running from the eyes to the tail and a narrow white head bar.

pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) © Shawn Miller

The pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) in black & white.

pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) © Shawn Miller

The three-spotted damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) seeks shelter in sea anemones at the juvenile stage for protection. It leaves the anemone when its ready and never comes back.

The three-spotted damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) seek shelter in sea anemones at the juvenile stage for protection.

The three-spotted damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) © Shawn Miller

Okinawa offers some of the best shore diving in the world. What are you waiting for?

Please consider making a small donation to support my mission. Have a great day!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=882UZYPUEX7KE

True Fluorescence – Underwater photography by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Admin11

” Fluorescence is the absorption of electromagnetic radiation (light) at one wavelength and its re-emission at another, longer wavelength ” Dr Charles Mazel. I attached a link to his website at the bottom of the page for more info.

In order to photograph fluorescence you will need a excitation source (blue light), barrier filter and a camera.

Shawn Miller fluorescence setup

Underwater equipment used – Night dive at Kadena north, Okinawa.

Canon 70d * Canon 100macro lens
Ikelite underwater housing
2 x Light&Motion Sola Nightsea blue lights
1 Light & Motion Sola 1200 red * 1 Sola 3800
Light&Motion barrier filter and mask

Some of my favorite photographs from our night dive with the crew

True underwater fluorescence © Shawn Miller

Palythoa heliodiscus under blue light © Shawn Miller

True underwater fluorescence © Shawn Miller

* Please check out my older posts on Fluoro-diving, Capturing fluorescence and Fluoro fingerprinting

* Learn more about fluorescence with Dr Charles Mazel https://www.nightsea.com/

**Light&Motion Dive lights https://www.lightandmotion.com/choose-your-light/sola

Have a great day!

Ryukyu ken – Dogs of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Admin11

Ryukyu-ken is a scarce breed of dog found on the Island of Okinawa. In the past, these dogs were used to hunt down wild boars in the Yanbaru forest. They are currently designated as an Okinawan national treasure. I have personally seen these dogs hunt wild birds and they have no problems catching them. The Ryukyu ken has a great sense of smell. They can smell their prey from far away. These smart dogs are outstanding hunters.

Ryukyu Ken – © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu-ken © Shawn Miller

It’s impressive that these dogs hunt such a large powerful animal. Ryukyu wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Ryukyu wild boar (sus scrofa) This is a common wild boar found in Okinawa,

Ryukyu wild boar (Sus scrofa) © Shawn Miller

I was out searching for birds and saw this beautiful male Ryukyu Inu. I knew he was out on a hunting mission. It was just a matter of being at the right place at the right time.

Ryukyu Inu -Okinawan native dog © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu native dog ready for the hunt © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Inu -Okinawan native dog © Shawn Miller

I tried to get a better photograph but the dogs kept avoiding me. The Ryukyu ken caught a duck with the help of a team partner.

I often would see the Master walking his dogs on the beach and one day I finally asked him if I could photograph him and his dogs.

Master and his Ryukyu Ken © Shawn Miller

Master walking his Ryukyu Dogs © Shawn Miller

I had the opportunity to meet another Ryukyu Ken this weekend. What caught my eye was the the double claw ( AKA Dew claw) on the rear legs. He had six toenails on the hind legs and only four toenails on the front legs, the term for this is polydactyl. I have only seen extra digits on the front legs of a cats before.

Ryukyu ken -dogs of the Ryukyu’s

Check out those dew claws- six toenails on the hind legs

polydactyl ryukyu dog- Meet boots the Hemingway cat (Polydactyl)

Meet boots the Hemingway cat (Polydactyl). Check out those extra digits!

Boots the Polydactyl Cat by Shawn Miller

Look at those beautiful patterns of the Ryukyu ken.

Ryukyu ken – Coat colors and patterns

The Ryukyu Ken is my favorite dog.

I often find some of the most interesting dogs on my photographic adventures exploring the Island. I try to capture their unique personality. Below are some of my favorite dogs.

Okinawan dog © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu guard dog © Shawn Miller

Okinawan dog © Shawn Miller

Okinawa dog – chained up © Shawn Miller

Poochie the wonder dog © Shawn Miller

Sometimes on my adventures, I run into aggressive dogs. They are just protecting their territory. I respect their space and leave the scene.

Okinawan dog © Shawn Miller

Dogs of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Sometimes I run into kind photogenic dogs that love their photograph taken.

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Patterns, textures and colors ! Underwater Macro Photography by Shawn Miller

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Admin11

Okinawa offers some of the best Scuba-Diving in the world. I really enjoy the Art of Underwater Macro Photography. Macro subjects can always be found, it just takes some imagination and good framing to create beautiful underwater abstracts. Pattern’s, textures and vibrant colors generally stand out in underwater photography.

Equipment used

Camera: Canon 70d with Canon 100mm&60mm
Housing: Ikelite underwater housing
Stobes: Ikelite DS160 & DS 200
Modeling lights: Light&Motion Gobe 800, Sola 3800 and Sola 1200
Specialized lights: Light&Motion Sola Nightsea

All images were taken in the beautiful waters of the Ryukyu Islands. Underwater Photography by Shawn Miller.

Cushion starfish (Culcita novaeguineae) 100mm

Stichopus variegatus sea cucumber- 100mm

Feather duster worm (Sabellastarte sanctijosephi)

granulated sea star (Choriaster granulatus)

(Pachyseris speciosa) Ringed plate coral

striped triplefin (Helcogramma striata) on coral

Dive safe and have a great day!

Ryukyu flying fox – Bats of Okinawa

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Admin11

The Ryukyu flying fox is the largest bat found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. This large bat often startles people on night walks. No need to worry, it is not a threat to humans. This large fruit bat feeds on fruit, seeds and nectar. It is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN list of Threatened species.

Scientific name: Pteropus dasymallus
Common name: Ryukyu flying fox and fruit bat
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Dense forests and neighborhood parks
Diet: Fruit, seeds and nectar
Average size: 300-350mm
Color: Brown and orange

These large fruit bats are nocturnal and feed during the night.

Ryukyu flying fox

Ryukyu flying fox in flight

They can also be found during the day hiding high up in trees.

Ryukyu flying fox

Fruitbat in Ryukyu pine tree

On rare occasions, they can be found feeding on the cherry blossoms in daylight.

Ryukyu flying fox

Ryukyu flying fox feeding on cherry blossoms

A mother and young found in a secluded part of the Yanbaru forest.

Ryukyu flying fox feeding

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Worms with tongues ! Blind snakes of Okinawa

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Admin11

The Brahminy bind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) is a non-venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are fairly common here on Okinawa. I often find them in drainage ditches, on roads and sidewalks. These small snakes are overlooked and mistaken for worms.

Scientific name: Ramphotyphlops braminus
Local name: Mekurahebi – Brahminy Blind snake
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands and sugar cane fields
Diet: Termite pupae and ant larvae
Average size: 15cm -21cm
Color: Dark brown

Blind snake -Okinawa, Japan

What is the main difference between the blind snake and a worm ?

The blind snake has scales, a split tongue and a backbone (vertebrate)
Worms have soft skin with ring like segments called annuli and lack a backbone (Invertebrate)

A photograph of a large earthworm (Pontoscolex sp) I found on Kume Island.

Unidentified earthworm - MYN and under Blue light Kume Island

Unidentified earthworm (15-22cm) Kume Island

The blind snake is the only know snake to be parthenogentic throughout its entire life. The female lays fertile eggs without the need of a male to fertilize the eggs. This is why the blind is so successful in establishing populations.

This small snake is also know as the flower pot snake, thriving in backyard flower pots and gardens.

Flower pot snake -Okinawa

The blind snake produces a powerful foul smelling odor to deter predators when threatened. I found this out by picking the snake up to remove it off the road.

Blind snake -size perspective

The blind snake has a modified sharp pointy tail used for anchoring and as a defense mechanism when attacked .

Blind snake tail

All the blind snakes I have seen on Okinawa are dark brown. My friend Paul found these blind snakes under a rotting log. This was my first time seeing a blue color form.

bind snake color forms

This week I found three dead blind snakes in Kin village. The warm weather (91-93 Fahrenheit) is drying out the top layer of soil and pushing the snakes out on the pavement.

Blind snake -dried from summer heat

Get-Familiarized with the Nature of Okinawa! – – – SUBSCRIBE BELOW

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Okinawa Nature Photography

沖縄自然写真 By Shawn Miller

Category Archives: Animals of Okinawa

Whale Watching Okinawa – Searching for Humpback Whales by Shawn Miller

Pryers Keelback Snake – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Owls of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Brown Frog – Amphibians of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Anemone-fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

True Fluorescence – Underwater photography by Shawn Miller

Ryukyu ken – Dogs of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Patterns, textures and colors ! Underwater Macro Photography by Shawn Miller

Ryukyu flying fox – Bats of Okinawa

Worms with tongues ! Blind snakes of Okinawa