The lonely hermit crab adapting with a lug-nut cover by Shawn Miller

Posted on December 22, 2018 by Admin11

This week I went out camping with some friends on Miyagi Island. While searching for fire wood I stumbled upon a blueberry hermit crab (Coenobita purpureus) adapting with a metal lug-nut cover. I have previously found many hermit crabs adapting with other man-made items such as pet bottle caps, glass bottles, light bulb ends, laundry detergent caps and various scoops. I was pretty excited about this and had to show off the interesting find to my friends.

The blueberry hermit crab is temporarily making due with the available lug-nut cover. It will eventually switch to a shell when it finds an appropriate size. If you would like to learn more about this adaptive behavior please check out my post on “Crabs with Beach trash homes”

* All Coenobita species on Okinawa are recognized as a living natural monument of Japan.

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I also photographed the hermit crab on white for the Meet Your Neighbours Project. The technique eliminates distracting elements out of the background and shows the true beauty of the animal. The images are used for conservation awareness and educational purposes.

Later I offered lug nut a Turbo seashell and within five minutes he switched over to his new home.

Okinawa hermit crab

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather. Don’t forget to get out for some Nature Therapy! We all need a break from our busy lifestyles.

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 below.

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.

Custom Art Work by Shawn Miller

Posted on December 8, 2018 by Admin11

Growing up I attended basic art classes in elementary and high school. I was never really good or excelled in art, mainly because I couldn’t draw very well. From what I remember the two classes that I attended mainly focused on drawing and painting. I do remember spending many hours doodling on paper during class when I was bored.

In the mid-90s I became fascinated with shell art, guitars, and music. I first tried carving with a Dremel tool, this is when my daydream doodling finally paid off. I spent a total of eight to twelve hours carving these beautiful Turbo shells.

Next, I decided to experiment with woodburning and inlaying mother of pearl into a guitar body. This was my first attempt at customizing a Fender Stratocaster guitar. I had little guidance and improvised with what I had available.

My second guitar inlay attempt was much better than the first. I read Pearl Inlay by James Patterson and The Art of Inlay by Larry Robinson. My custom inlay work is basic and simple in comparison to the amazing work they offer. It took me a year to finally complete this project.

Growing up I never really had an interest in learning music. It wasn’t until 1995 that the interest sparked. My good friend Rob Marsh taught me the basic fundamentals of rhythm guitar. I remember playing repetitive rhythm progressions for hours. It was a great time and I met so many amazing people. We had many spontaneous jam sessions in our basement with local musicians. We eventually had a band named Ralph and the Machioes. In 2003 we had a reunion jam ” The Return Of The Shellman.”

In seventh-grade woodshop, I remember making my first clock out of pine wood. In 2000, I found a unique piece of wood in the scrap pile at the wood shop and decided to do something original. I carved it using a basic Dremel tool and later customized it with some inlay work.
This once was a Miller lite clock. It was going to be thrown away in the trash. I kept the clock and customized it with beautiful shells and beach sand.

Please check out my mentors work at Marshwood Guitars. Rob Marsh makes some of the best hand-crafted custom guitars. https://marshwoodguitars.blogspot.com/

I challenge you to make some beautiful art and share it with the world, Have a great day.

Blue Streaks of Light by Shawn Miller

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Admin11

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is one of the most beautiful birds of the Ryukyu Islands. They are a common species found near freshwater sources. I have observed these tiny birds four hours at a time. I know a few local nature photographers that have dedicated their lives to documenting the behavior of this beautiful bird.

Scientific name: Alcedo atthis
Common Name: Common Kingfisher
Distribution: Worldwide
Habitat: Forests near rivers and ponds
Diet: Fish and prawn
Average Size: 16cm

The Common Kingfisher spends most of the day patiently waiting on tree branches above the water.

They watch from above and pick out the perfect sized fish.

They dive bomb with very little warning. Below is the sequence of the catch.

After the feast, the Kingfisher preens itself.

Look close and you can see the process of the Kingfisher casting a pellet. They can’t digest the exoskeleton of prawn and fish scales. They regurgitate the waste in a pellet form.

I challenge you to get outdoors for some Nature Therapy.

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.

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly. Have a great day!

Deadliest Marine Fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Admin11

The reef stonefish is the most venomous fish found on Okinawa. The stonefish resembles an encrusted rock and sometimes has algae growing from its skin. The reef stonefish is an ambush predator and spends its day patiently waiting for a fish to pass by. The stonefish is not aggressive at all. It is extremely dangerous because it doesn’t show any flashy warning signs. The spines deliver an extremely painful sting with strong venom injected into the body.

Reef, rock, sponge or fish?

If you spend any time exploring the ocean, I encourage you to look at these images and get familiar with these deadly facial features.

The reef stonefish will also bury itself in the sand. Does that make it a sand stonefish?

The false stonefish is much smaller and is usually found in shallow water. Its a master of concealing itself from visual detection.

The false stonefish is more active than the reef stonefish. It generally gives predators a warning sign by displaying its brightly colored pectoral fins.

Most of the false stonefish and scorpionfish will fluoresce beautifully under blue light.

Ways to avoid injury

- Be respectful and avoid harassing, touching and feeding marine life

- Maintain good buoyancy control

Wear exposure protection- felt bottom booties

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly.

Have a great day!

The Fastest Fish Jaws on the Planet by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Admin11

The Sling-jaw wrasse is my favorite fish to observe underwater. The large wrasse is fairly common in the beautiful waters of Okinawa. It primarily swims using its pectoral fins, similar to the way a bird uses its wings. It can be seen at all of the popular snorkeling and diving locations on Okinawa.

Scientific name: Epibulus insidiator
Common Name: Sling-jaw wrasse
Distribution: Indo-Pacific
Habitat: Coral reefs
Diet: Small fish, crabs, and shrimp
Average Size: 29cm
Threats: Habitat loss and overfishing

The Sling-jaw wrasse looks very strange when viewed head-on. It has the ability to rotate its eyes 360 degrees.

The sling-jaw wrasse looks like a pretty average fish from its side but has a hidden ability. The Sling-jaw wrasse has the ability to protrude its jaw longer than any other fish in the ocean. Its jaw is used to extend its reach and suck in prey. The scientific term for this is known as jaw protusion. It uses suction feeding to catch small animals in tight cracks and crevices on the reef.

To increase its chances of catching prey the wrasse will team up with other fish and the octopus. It’s pretty amazing to watch this team hunting take place. The scientific term for this is known as nuclear hunting.

Sometimes a still photograph just can’t capture the behavior taking place. In order to really appreciate this animal behavior, it must be seen in the wild. Nuclear hunting at Maeda point.

Hundreds of fish washed ashore after Typhoon trami. This mature wrasse could not cope with the devastating power of Typhoon trami.

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly.

Have a great day!

The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

Posted on November 18, 2018 by Admin11

The Japanese sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) is another fascinating predatory bird found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are an uncommon species found on Okinawa. I have observed these pigeon-sized predatory birds feeding on insects and small birds.

- Scientific name: Accipiter gularis

- Common Name: Japanese sparrowhawk

- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands

- Habitat: Forests, parks, and farm fields.

- Diet: Small birds and a variety of insects

- Average Size: 27cm

Threats: Deforestation and Jungle crows

They are found perching high on the Ryukyu pine trees (Pinus luchuensis).

The females have yellow eyes and the males have bright red beautiful eyes.

They are impressive ambush hunters and surprise their prey in mid-flight.

They pluck the feathers off their catch before bringing it back to the nest

They stay busy feeding their chicks in mid-summer. When songbirds are scarce they feed on cicada and other large insects.

The chicks have darker banding bars on their chest. When its time they will leave the nest in search of their own hunting ground.

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 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.

Fly like a gray-faced buzzard eagle by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Admin11

The Gray-faced buzzard (Butastur indicus) is one of the most fascinating predatory birds of the Ryukyu Islands. They are a common species that migrate to Okinawa in the first week of October. I have observed these mid-sized predatory birds feeding on small insects, rodents and lizards.

Scientific name: (Butastur indicus)
Common Name: Gray-faced buzzard hawk or eagle
Distribution: Winters in Okinawa
Habitat: Forests, parks, farm fields, and local neighbors
Diet: Lizards, grasshoppers and a variety of insects
Average Size: 50cm

They are mainly found perching high in trees. Notice how well they blend into the surrounding environment.

They are also found perching high on electrical poles, wires, and rooftops.

Look close and you can see the nictitating membrane, its used to protect and moisten the eye.
I recommend using a telephoto lens to photograph these shy birds. They have a tendency to fly away as soon as you point the camera lens at them.

In recent years I have noticed an increase in the population of these beautiful migratory birds.

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

Hundreds of fish washed up on the roads of Nagahama, Okinawa

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Admin11

In 2014 Typhoon Neoguri brought in heavy winds and lots of rain. I have experienced many typhoons since 1989 but nothing like this. Typhoon Neoguri was the worse flooding I have ever seen. These photographs are from 2014, better late than never.

The rain was overwhelming and caused extreme flooding. The Nagaham dam overflow reservoir could not keep up with the amount of rain.

The massive amount of water caused hundreds of tilapia and mullet to wash ashore on the local farm roads.

Tilapia are a non-native fish. They were brought here as a food source in the mid-1900s. They have taken over most freshwater sources and compete with native aquatic animals on Okinawa.

With all the rainwater the coastline turned a bright orange. Red soil runoff contributes to coral reef bleaching and fertilizers entering the water from local farming fields.

Have a great day!

Moai Statue Found Underwater, Okinawa-Japan

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Admin11

A friend and I stumbled upon a Moai statue underwater. The statue had a good amount of surface growth on it as if it been underwater for a long time. Is It possible Typhoon Trami uncovered this statue? or did someone place it there on purpose for an underwater treasure hunt? Typhoon Trami was devastating and destroyed the coral and killed a good amount of marine life.

Moai statue- Ryukyu Islands

Regardless if the underwater statue is authentic or not, I was excited when I found it. I have never seen anything like this underwater. I got the same feeling when I went to Yonaguni to see the underwater monument.

Moai replica statue size: Two feet in length
Dive spot: Kadena north steps
Location: Okinawa, Japan.
Depth: Forty-five feet

Moai statue- Ryukyu Islands

Recent update: The mystery has been solved. It was purposely placed there by a dive instructor for a treasure hunt! The statue is not authentic but still a cool find.

I was not well prepared to photograph a subject of this size. The plan was to photograph tiny nudibranchs and gastropods. I had my underwater rig setup with a designated 60mm macro lens.

Underwater Equipment used:

Nikon D500 +Nikon AF-S 60mm macro lens
Nauticam Na-D500
Light & Motion Sola 3800
Sea & Sea YS-D2 strobes

Please do not use any images without my permission. Know your nature with Shawn Miller, have a great day!

Searching for the Ryukyu Ghost Crab by Shawn Miller

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Admin11

Ghost crabs are one of the fastest terrestrial crabs on the planet. They live in burrows underneath the sand on the coastline. They are found scavenging for food early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid predators. These sand crabs can change colors to adapt to their environment. In Okinawa, we have two species of Ghost crabs, the Horn-eyed crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus) and the Smooth-eyed ghost crab (Ocypode cordimanus).

Horn-eyed ghost crab at Maede flats

Ghost crabs have three ways to avoid predators.

Stay close to their burrow and retreat into it quickly.
Escape into the surf zone and burrow underneath the wet sand.
Stay still and slowly dig into the beach sand

Ghost crab burrow

Elusive ghost crab

These crabs have the ability to fold their eyes into grooves for protection.

Ghost crab - Fill flash and back-lighting Stella 200

Ghost crab & Stella 2000

This large ghost crab tried to intimidate me with its large claws and scary shadow.

The sand dwelling hunter

These crabs were photographed on white for the Meet Your Neighbours Biodiversity Project. The project is dedicated to connecting people worldwide with the wildlife in their communities. All images are used for conservation awareness and educational purposes.

MYN Biodiversity Project Japan.

Juvenile – Ocypode sp

The Juveniles can be extremely colorful depending on their surrounding environment. I have been finding more and more trash washed on the shoreline. Could the crabs possibly be adapting to the colors of the sounding marine debris washed ashore?

the Smooth-eyed ghost crab ( Ocypode cordimanus)

All ghost crabs are scavengers, mainly feeding on seaweed, fruit, seeds, other crabs, turtle hatchlings, and insects.

feeding on beetles

Feeding on a hermit crab

Feeding on a shrew

These crabs are beautiful creatures and hopefully, you will get the opportunity to see one in the wild.

Pink ghost crab

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: Know your nature

The lonely hermit crab adapting with a lug-nut cover by Shawn Miller

Custom Art Work by Shawn Miller

Blue Streaks of Light by Shawn Miller

Deadliest Marine Fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

The Fastest Fish Jaws on the Planet by Shawn Miller

The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

Fly like a gray-faced buzzard eagle by Shawn Miller

Hundreds of fish washed up on the roads of Nagahama, Okinawa

Moai Statue Found Underwater, Okinawa-Japan

Searching for the Ryukyu Ghost Crab by Shawn Miller