Tag Archives: conservation and wildlife photography by Shawn miller

The Fishing Spiders of the Yanbaru forest By Shawn Miller

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The Okinawan fishing spider (Dolomedes orion) is one of the most unique spiders we have on the Island of Okinawa.

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My fishing hole

Most fishing spiders are ambush predators. They have the ability to catch prey on the land, on the surface of the water and even underwater. Fishing spiders use vibrations to attract insects like water striders. The spiders vibrations simulate a helpless insect floating on the surface of the water.

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Dolomedes sp, Iriomote Island

I have seen amazing photographs of these fishing spiders eating frogs. I personally have observed Dolomedes orion eating insects only.

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Dolomedes orion hunting

The beautiful color contrast allows them to blend in with their surrounding environment to avoid being seen.

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Dolomedes orion feeding

It is thought that the white reflective leg sections are used to lure in prey when hunting during the daytime, but do they serve a purpose at night?

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MYN Technique

Look close, the female fishing spider handles her egg sack with extreme care.

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Female protecting her egg sack

Meet Spi-Zilla, This is an average healthy specimen found in the Yanbaru forest.

 

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Huge spiders on Okinawa

I used my iPhone to compare the size of this huge spider, I kept my distance for sure.

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Iphone comparison, Thanks R Shobe

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Please be respectful to the wildlife. If they show any signs of stress or aggression give them their space and move on. Learn more about the Huntsmen spiders of Okinawa

 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.

 

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

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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.

IMG_2671The 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.

IMG_6318Later I offered lug nut a Turbo seashell and within five minutes he switched over to his new home.

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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.

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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.

 

Deadliest Marine Fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

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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?

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Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) Sunabe, Okinawa

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

37059972063_6a80c038b1_oThe reef stonefish will also bury itself in the sand. Does that make it a sand stonefish?
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The false stonefish is much smaller and is usually found in shallow water. Its a master of concealing itself from visual detection.

43841230074_9a32ff9591_oThe false stonefish is more active than the reef stonefish. It generally gives predators a warning sign by displaying its brightly colored pectoral fins.

False stone fish

Most of the false stonefish and scorpionfish will fluoresce beautifully under blue light.
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 Ways to avoid injury

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

 

    • Maintain good buoyancy control

 

  • Wear exposure protection- felt bottom booties

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!

The Fastest Fish Jaws on the Planet by Shawn Miller

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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.

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  • 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.

DSC_8028 The sling-jaw wrasse looks like a pretty average fish from its side but has a hidden ability. DSC_8044The 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. DSC_8045It uses suction feeding to catch small animals in tight cracks and crevices on the reef.

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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.

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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.

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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!

The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

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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). IMG_2474 (1) The females have yellow eyes and the males have bright red beautiful eyes. 0K2A4097 IMG_6604 They are impressive ambush hunters and surprise their prey in mid-flight. IMG_0544 (2)They pluck the feathers off their catch before bringing it back to the nest IMG_0476 They stay busy feeding their chicks in mid-summer. When songbirds are scarce they feed on cicada and other large insects. IMG_6534 - Copy The chicks have darker banding bars on their chest. When its time they will leave the nest in search of their own hunting ground. IMG_0581 - CopyPeople 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 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 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

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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.

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

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Look close and you can see the nictitating membrane, its used to protect and moisten the eye.
16599684692_b410d078ac_bI 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.

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

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

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

Moai Statue Found Underwater, Okinawa-Japan

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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.

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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

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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!

Okinawa Coral snake – Venomous snakes of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

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The Okinawa Coral snake (Simomicrurus japonicus boettgeri) is a venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are difficult to find here on Okinawa and are usually found at night. More effort should be focused on conserving this exotic native snake. This beautiful snake has been overlooked and needs to be protected. It is currently listed near threatened on the IUCN red list of endangered species.

  • Scientific name:  Simomicrurus japonicus boettgeri
  • Local name: Okinawa Coral snake
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat:  Forests
  • Diet: Small snakes and lizards
  • Average size:  30cm -60cm
  • Color:  Black, orange with a yellow and black belly.

photograph They blend in very well with leaves and broken sticks making them hard to find.

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When threatened the coral snake will coil its tail. This defense mechanism confuses the predator.

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These rare snakes are often found crossing the road at night and sadly I have seen more dead than alive.

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The underside of the snake is quite beautiful as well.

IMG_3074 The Hyan coral snake ( Sinomicrurus japonicus japonicus) is a subspecies we found on Amami Island.  The stripes are less interrupted than the Okinawan coral snake.

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IMG_0764People 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

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 

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 

Even the birds had nowhere to hide during Typhoon Trami

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I have experienced many typhoons in the last twenty-five years. Typhoon Trami was by far the strongest storm of the year. Its normal to see marine life washed ashore but this was my first time finding shorebirds washed ashore.

The images might be disturbing to some of the viewers but this is how I naturally found the birds on local beaches.  A variety of egrets, terns, snipes, pigeons, and herons could not cope with the harsh conditions.

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IMG_3865 IMG_3991 IMG_4082 IMG_3491An abundance of marine debris also washed up. A disgusting amount of single-use items like styrofoam, plastic bottle caps, water bottles, lighters, combs, razors, cigarette butts, and floats littered the shoreline.

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IMG_3495Our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. What are you doing to make a difference?  Have a great day.

Marine life washed ashore during Typhoon Trami

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Typhoon Trami was by far the strongest storm of the year. The typhoon brought heavy winds, rain, and extreme sea conditions. A huge amount of marine life could not cope with these harsh conditions.

An abundance of marine debris also washed up. A disgusting amount of styrofoam, plastic bottle caps, water bottles, lighters, combs, razors, and floats littered the shorelines.

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Marine debris

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Environmental impact

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Styrofoam pollution

I have been living on Okinawa for over twenty-five years and this was the first time seeing a devastating amount of marine life washed ashore. The storm was so powerful that large clumps of stony coral broke off and washed ashore.

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Marine life and plastic pollution

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Marine fish and plastic pollution

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Pufferfish washed ashore

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Red Grouper

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Plastic wrapping

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Parrot fish washed up

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Eel and Styrofoam

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Dead fish

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fish and flops

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Wrasses and plastic

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Hermit crab and plastic

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Pufferfish washed ashore

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Coral washed ashore

I also managed to find some unique animals washed ashore. Five red frogfish, twelve sea snakes, a spiny seahorse and five unknown orange fish (Ogilibia sp).

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Frogfish washed ashore

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Sea snake washed up

Spiky seahorse

Spiky seahorse

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Starfish of Okinawa

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Undescribed orange fish (Ogilbia sp).

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