I am thrilled to be a speaker at this year’s Crab Con. This will be my third consecutive year presenting on the fascinating topic of hermit crabs.
I appreciate your support, Shawn.
Category Archives: Know your nature
World Oceans Day 2023
Happy World Oceans Day!
Join us at the Okuma Beach Clean-Up this Saturday, 10 June 2023. Stop by the outside patio at the Surfside Grill & Bar to pick up trash bags and gloves. Afterward, join us as Shawn Miller, a nature and wildlife photographer, discusses Okinawa’s biodiversity and answers questions about wildlife and conservation photography.
Have a wonderful day, and see you Saturday!
Millions of Pumice Stones Wash Ashore Okinawa’s Eastern Coastline
Due to an underwater volcanic eruption around the Ogasawara Islands, millions of pumice stones washed ashore on the eastern coast of Okinawa. Pumice stones are formed when lava and water mix together. The lightweight stones are abrasive and are mainly used to remove dead skin on the feet. ” take off your shoes and enjoy the walk “
The massive amount of fresh pumice in a confined area gave me a headache. It smelled a little like sulfur to me. The rotting barnacles attached to the stones didn’t help either.
The larger hermit crabs definitely had a hard time crawling over the pumice mounds washed ashore. I wonder how these stones will impact marine life?
The combination of earth, wind, and fire produced some beautiful natural abstracts.
The fresh pumice fluoresced under blue light. I used the Light & Motion Nightsea blue light to create this photograph.
Mission: Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for future generations.
If you would like to help support my mission, click here – MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Have a great day! #MTS4N
Light & Motion Sola Photo 1200 – The Ultimate Focus Light For Night Divers
The Light & Motion Sola Photo 1200 is the most popular modeling light used for underwater macro photography. I have been using Sola lights for over seven years now. All Light & Motion lights are easy to use, lightweight, and reliable. My favorite feature of the Sola Photo 1200 is the red light option. This feature enables the user to photograph marine life without disturbing them. Some marine animals do not see red light.
Sola 1200 focus light
Best features of the L&M Sola Photo 1200
- Factory sealed body ensures flood-free performance
- Compatible with a ball mount, ys mount and loc-line
- SOS mode – Emergency function
- Adjustable light output -1200 lumens (white light max)
- Red light feature
Nauticam housing – Nikon D500
Nudibranch and Sola 1200
The red light feature works outstanding underwater. Get creative with blending red and white light during your dives.
Sea cucumber Art
The red light feature works great for photographing nudibranch’s, sea turtles, and cephalopods during night-dives. These animals are less affected by the red light.
Nauticam and Sola 1200
Check out the eye of the cuttlefish. The pupil is wide open (dilated)
Photographed using the Sola 1200 (red)
With white light, the pupil is constricted. The cuttlefish looks irritated by the bright light.
Photographed using the Sola 1200 (white)
Below are a few photographs of my dive buddies using the red feature.
Multiple exposure Ie Island
Scuba-diving with a spin
If you would like to test the Sola Photo 1200, please let me know. Friends and supporters – Save 20% off your first Light & Motion purchase https://prz.io/648x6bGC1
Learn more about this product and accessories offered at the Light & Motion Website.
Shawn Miller Underwater by Russell Gilbert
I want to thank Tokina, Light & Motion, Nightsea, and Black Fin Grouper for all their continuous support over the years.
#MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Designated Flora and Fauna of Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa is a subtropical paradise with warm weather and beautiful beaches. The Island has some of the best scuba diving in the world. Okinawa is rich in natural scenery. We have a variety of endemic species only found here.
Designated Flora and Fauna of Okinawa Prefectural
(1) The Double-lined fusilier (Pterocaesio digramma) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural fish in 1972. The Gurukun (local name) is the most popular fish served in local restaurants. The small fish has two distinctive bright yellow lines running along the body. Found in large schools over coral reefs.
Double-lines fusilier – Nightdive
They can change color and pattern to avoid detection on the reef.
Banafish (Pterocaesio digramma)
(2) The Deigo flower (Indian coral bean) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural flower in 1972. The elegant flowers bloom in March, April and May. The sweet smell attracts a variety of insects, fruit bats, and birds during the season.
Deigo tree
Deigo tree
The sweet smell attracts a variety of insects, fruit bats, and birds during the season.
Deigo flower (Indian coral bean)
(3) The Okinawan woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural bird in 1972. This beautiful woodpecker is a living natural treasure of Japan. Populations of the critically endangered species are declining rapidly.
Okinawan woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii)
A few photographs of the Okinawa woodpecker (prefectural bird) feeding on the Deigo flower (prefectural flower).
Okinawan woodpecker and Deigo flower
Okinawan woodpecker and Deigo flower
The Okinawan woodpecker was featered in National Geographic for the series Wildlife as canon sees it (May 2015)
Okinawa Woodpecker by Shawn Miller
(4) The Ryukyu pine tree (Pinus Luchuensis Mayr) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural tree in 1972.
Zakimi pine forest
Nento Hiramatsu is the oldest pine tree located on Iheya Island. This beautiful pine tree is listed as a living natural treasure of Japan.
Nento Hiramatsu, Iheya Island
The beautiful Ryukyu Pine forest at Zakimi Castle.
Ryukyu Pine trees – Zakimi
The Okinawa woodpecker (prefectural bird) searching for insects on The Ryukyu pine tree (prefectural tree). The Okinawa woodpecker is native to the Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa.
Okinawa woodpecker and Ryukyu Pine
I love the natural shapes of the Ryukyu Pine trees. (Natures fine art)
Ryukyu Pine on Ie Island
My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations
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
The Paintpot Cuttlefish – Cephalopods in Okinawa
The Paintpot cuttlefish (Metasepia tulbergi) is one of the most beautiful marine animals in Okinawa. The skin of the paintpot cuttlefish is toxic (poisonous) if consumed. The paintpot cuttlefish contains a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (venom) used to paralyze its prey. Avoid handling or harassing this beautiful animal. If bitten, seek immediate medical treatment.
Cool facts about the Paintpot Cuttlefish
They have a two-part parrot-like beak used for feeding.
Cephalopods can produce a cloud of ink to confuse and escape from predators when threatened.
Below is a sequence of images, displaying their ability to change texture, shape, and color. They are masters of camouflage. An example of how well they blend into their environment.
If detected or threatened, they will display colorful warning signs.
- Scientific name: Metasepia tulbergi
- Common name: Paintpot cuttlefish or flamboyant
- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
- Habitat: Sandy bottom and coral reefs
- Diet: Crabs, shrimp, and fish
- Average size: 50-80mm
- Color: Golden-yellow with red coloration
Cool facts about the Paintpot Cuttlefish
- They have eight arms and two tentacles
- They are capable of producing a dark cloud of ink to escape from predators
- They have a parrot-like beak used for eating prey
- They use jet propulsion to move quickly through the water
- They can change their texture, pattern, color, and shape
- They use their arms to walk on the sand
- They are considered venomous and poisonous
They have a two-part parrot-like beak used for feeding.
Cephalopods can produce a cloud of ink to confuse and escape from predators when threatened.
Below is a sequence of images, displaying their ability to change texture, shape, and color. They are masters of camouflage. An example of how well they blend into their environment.
If detected or threatened, they will display colorful warning signs.
Every year, I look forward to finding the gigantic paintpot cuttlefish named Paintpot-Zilla.
If you would like to help me make a difference Please check out my Patreon Site https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature
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
Poisonous Plants of Okinawa
A great way to combat stress is to get outdoors and exercise daily (Nature Therapy). I enjoy hiking through the jungle, beach walking, scuba diving, swimming, and riding my mountain bike. It’s important to be familiar with the dangers related to all your outdoor adventures. If you are new to the Island, make sure you are familiar with the poisonous plants (below), toxic caterpillars, venomous snakes, and the hazardous marine life on Okinawa.
Sago Palm and Sunset
The Sago Palm (Cycas revolute) is an abundant plant found in Okinawa. All parts of the plant are extremely toxic. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment.
The orange seeds look inviting but are extremely toxic. Do not eat this fruit!
Toxic orange seeds
The male plant resembles a large pine cone.
Male Sago Palm
Sago Palm leaves
Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) is an invasive plant found in Okinawa. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Avoid touching or ingesting this plant. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment
Moses in the Cradle
Contact with the plant sap will cause severe itching and redness of the skin. I found out the hard way!
Moses in the Cradle injury
Illegal dumping is an ongoing problem in Okinawa. Introduced species create a huge problem for native wildlife.
The elephant ear (Colocasia sp) is an abundant plant found growing everywhere in Okinawa. Contact with the plant sap will cause itching and redness of the skin. Avoid touching or ingesting this wild plant.
Elephant ear
The sea mango (Cebera manghas) is a common poisonous plant found in Okinawa. I often find these plants growing on the side of the road. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Avoid touching or ingesting this plant. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment
The fruit looks inviting but is extremely toxic. Do not eat this fruit!
The sea mango
The sea mango plant
The Oleander plant (Nerium oleander) is an introduced plant found in Okinawa. The decorative plant is usually planted close to fence lines. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Avoid touching or ingesting this plant. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment.
Oleander plant (Nerium oleander)
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 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
Gigantic Hermit Crabs Found On Okinawa
Last year, a friend and I stumbled upon a local beach with gigantic hermit crabs. All of the hermit crabs were found adapting with non-native seashells.
Indonesian hermit crab (Coenbita brevimanus)
Where did these shells come from? The shell shack
The shell shack is an old wooden shed filled with boxes of imported craft shells from the Philippines. The hermit crabs found an opening and took advantage of this real estate.
Polished muffin (Ryssota ovum)
The most abundant shell was the polished muffin (Ryssota ovum) land snail. This shell is native to the Philippines and is twice the size of any land snail on Okinawa. The muffin shell is a perfect mobile home for the land hermit crabs. It’s lightweight, durable and large.
perspective photograph
The hermit crabs were healthy and doing well. I didn’t see any hermit crabs adapting with plastic or any twist top caps.
Land hermit crab (Coenobita cavipes)
Land hermit crab (Coenobita cavipes)
I also found hermit crabs adapting with a variety of marine shells from the Philippines at the same location.
Babylonia arealata (Coenobita purpureus)
hexaplex cichoreum (Coenobita cavipes)
Volema carinifera (Coenobita cavipes)
Melanella candida (Coenobita purpureus)
Casmaria erinaceus (Coenobita purpureus)
hexaplex cichoreum (Coenobita purpureus)
Turbo chrysostomus (Coenobita purpureus)
Tonna sulcosa (Coenobita cavipes)
Learn more about hermit crabs and adaptive behavior ” Crabs with beach trash homes ”
My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations. – If you would like to join my journey, check out my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature
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
House Geckos of Okinawa
The house gecko is the most abundant reptile on Okinawa. They can be found in apartments, buildings, public restrooms, outdoor phone booths, and vending machines. In many countries, they are considered good luck in the home.
- Scientific name: Hemidactylus frenatus
- Japanese name: Yamori
- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
- Habitat: Forests, apartments, and public restrooms
- Diet: Insects and small spiders
- Average Size: 50mm-67mm
Interesting facts about house geckos –
- They have the ability to lay eggs on vertical walls
- They have no eyelids
- They can walk upside-down
- When threatened they can release their tail
- They communicate by making loud chirping sounds
House geckos have amazing night vision.
Their tongues are used for grooming, catching food, and searching for a mate.
They have specialized walking pads with tiny hairs called setae. These hairs allow them to stick to surfaces and even walk up vertical walls.
Geckos are often found around artificial light sources (vending machines). The lights attract insects during the night. A buffet for the geckos!
Geckos and other wildlife are found in public restrooms. The light source attracts a variety of insects. Always check the scene before you sit down, you never know what’s hiding behind the toilet.
During the day, geckos seek shelter in warm areas. House geckos are responsible for high repair costs on air conditioning units. They crawl on the AC circuit board and cause it to short circuit. Repair costs are very expensive.
House geckos usually lay only two eggs. This is a good example of a communal nesting site. These eggs were laid on a vertical concrete wall.
Geckos are often found crossing public roads during the night. Please pay attention to crossing wildlife. The ants took advantage of the roadkill.
I often find geckos on local beaches near the coastal forest. Juvenile Ryukyu odd-toothed snakes (Akamata) prefer to feed on these sand-dwelling geckos.
Even the geckos have to adapt with our waste. I found this gecko under a piece of marine debris washed ashore in northern Okinawa.
My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations
If you would like to help me make a difference Please check out my Patreon Site https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature
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
The Art of Underwater Wide-Angle Photography – Tokina 10-17mm fisheye
I started shooting with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA back in 2012. It is the most popular fisheye lens used for wide-angle underwater photography. It is also known for its close focusing capabilities underwater and on land. The lens is a high-quality product built for professionals working in the field. The Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye is my favorite lens in my bag and has been my go-to lens for the project “Crabs with Beach Trash Homes“
If you plan on using the fisheye lens underwater, you will need an underwater housing. I currently use the Nauticam Na-D500 with the 100mm Zen dome port (Dp-100-N120T).
If you want to use the zoom function underwater, you must attach a zoom ring (P#19127) to the lens. The Nauticam zoom ring installation process is relatively easy.
Below are some of my favorite underwater photographs taken with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA combined with my older Ikelite underwater setup. I mainly focus on macro photography, but I will be pushing myself to shoot more wide-angle this year.
Okinawa is best known for its beautiful beaches and seascapes. All photographs were taken with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA.
Learn more about my favorite lens @ Tokinalens.com
I want to thank Tokina, Light & Motion, Nightsea, and Black Fin Grouper for all their continuous support over the years.
Have a great day!