Join us on June 12th as Shawn Miller, Naturalist and Wildlife photographer, discusses Okinawa’s biodiversity and answers questions about wildlife and conservation photography.
All ages are welcome. See you then!
Have a great day,
Shawn
Tag Archives: Okinawa conservation photography
Invest In Our Planet | Earth Day 2023
We all can make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult, but I challenge you to Make The Switch for Nature
The Earth Day 2023 theme is Invest In our planet. What will you do to make a difference on April 22nd? Below is my Earth Day Challenge
- Place twenty-three #mts4n shells in the coastal forest
- Pick up twenty-three pieces of beach trash
- Volunteer at a local elementary school
- Give two coastal forest conservation presentations
- Spread the word #taketrashnothomes
On June tenth, I will give an Okinawan wildlife presentation at Okuma beach resort. Please join the fun!
Hopefully, this post will inspire you to make a positive change for Earth Day 2023.
Support the #MTS4n Hermit Crab Conservation Project; check out my Patreon page. MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Learn more about making a difference, TEDx talk | Adapting to or Changing Environment by Shawn M Miller
Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for future generations
Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands – – – – SUBSCRIBE BELOW
World Oceans Day 2022
June 8th, 2009, was designated by the United Nations as World Oceans Day. This year will mark the fourteen-year. It’s a day encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. We can all do a better job making a difference, and our lives depend on it.
The World Oceans Day theme is Revitalization. Collective action for the ocean. What will you do to make a difference on June 8th? Here’s my plan!
- Donate fourteen dollars to Oceanic Global
- Pick up fourteen pieces of beach trash.
- Custom carve a #Mts4n 603 shell for Ocean Day 2022
- Place fourteen empty shells in the coastal forest for hermit crabs in need
- Spread the word! #revitalization
Keila Gaballo created this beautiful art piece to honor and celebrate World Oceans Day. It was inspired by one of my #mts4n hermit crab photographs. Check out her website
I will place fourteen shells in the coastal forest for hermit crabs in need. I often find hermit crabs adapting with single-use plastic. Shell over-collecting is a huge problem in Okinawa.
If you would like to support Hermit Crab Conservation please check out my Patreon page. MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Learn more about making a difference, TEDx talk | Adapting to or Changing Environment by Shawn M Miller
Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for future generations
Mangrove Forests of Okinawa
Mangrove forests are one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. The beautiful forests support a huge diversity of species that humans depend on for survival.
Benefits of Mangrove forests
- Provide nursery areas for small fish
- Provide coastal protection from storms
- Clean toxins out of the fresh water
- Reduce carbon dioxide
Coastal development, rising sea levels, and pollution are the mangrove’s biggest threat. The roots act as nets catching plastic bags, fishing ropes and other marine debris.
Over time the toxic plastic smothers the trees.
Mangrove roots protect small fish, crustaceans, and sea birds from predators.
My two favorite crustaceans of the mangrove mud plats are the Okinawa mud lobster (Thalassina anomala) and the Ryukyu soldier crab (Mictyris guinotae).
Mangroves trees can survive in freshwater and saltwater. They are a valuable ecosystem and must be protected.
Our waste is having a massive impact on the coastal forests of the Ryukyu Islands. This post is not to make people feel guilty or lose hope. It is to inspire people to change. Make The Switch 4 Nature!
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
The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins
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.
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.
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 Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations
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- Scientific name: Accipiter gularis
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- Common Name: Japanese sparrowhawk
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- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
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- Habitat: Forests, parks, and farm fields.
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- Diet: Small birds and a variety of insects
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- Average Size: 27cm
- Threats: Deforestation and Jungle crows
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.
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 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.
Coral Conservation Art Show & Fundraiser 2018 – Okinawa, Japan
Coral conservation fundraiser
For all that will be in Okinawa Sunday, October 28, 2018, visit the Corals Art Show & Fundraiser! This year is the International Year of the Reef, and that’s why the 3rd edition of Okinawa’s Art Show & Fundraiser (started by Julia Janicki) will be for CORALS!
Enjoy this great mix of art, artists and scientists, live music, nice beers, and a ‘touch table’ to play around with some real science. The auction of the art is until 5:30 PM, this is your chance to find some unique local artwork and donate to a good cause.
Flyer Design – Photos by Shawn Miller, Calligraphy and Illustration by Nicolas Baldwyn, Japanese Calligraphy by Tetsuhiro Hokama, Design by Mirijam Neve.
The Purpose – To educate others about these amazing creatures and the major threats they are facing. To donate some of the profits from the art pieces to conservation organizations (Conservation International to support their CTI)
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.
I will be offering five high-quality underwater fluorescence photographs printed on metal for the fundraiser. A percentage of the sales will be donated to coral conservation awareness.
Coral conservation fundraiser prints
The event was a huge success. Thank you all for your support. Here are a few photographs of the event.
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
The science and education table for the adults and children by Maggi Mars.
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Corals Art Show & Fundraiser @OBC
Live music by CJ & Friends. Thank you!
The band – CJ & Friends
A big thanks to all the artists and contributors. Mirijam Nerve, Sylvia Beauchain, and Julia Janicki did a great job organizing the art show and fundraiser. Have a great day!
Psychedelic Spiders of Okinawa by Shawn Miller
I have been photographing fluorescence for over five years now. Mainly underwater but lately I have been testing the technique on land. I often find insects, spiders, and plants that fluoresce using a specialized Light&Motion Sola Nightsea light. Some of the micro-spiders fluoresce brightly under blue light, the challenge is to get an acceptable photograph.
Below are some comparison photographs of spiders. The first photograph was taken under blue light and the second under white light using on-camera flash. All the spiders were photographed in their natural habitat on the beautiful Island of Okinawa.
Jumping spider -Fluorescence © Shawn Miller
Jumping spider – flash © Shawn Miller
Yanbaru jumping spider
Spider and fluorescence© Shawn Miller
Spider under white light © Shawn Miller
Onomustus kanoi © Shawn Miller
Onomustus kanoi © Shawn Miller
Onomustus kanoi & shadow © Shawn Miller
The custom Light & Motion fluorescence setup for these land-based subjects.
Fluorescence photography setup © Shawn Miller
The giant wood spiders (Nephila maculata) of Okinawa fluoresce under UV light.
giant wood spiders (Nephila maculata)
Giant wood spiders (Nephila maculata)
I used my nauticam underwater setup with NIGHTSEA’s fluorescence excitation filters to photograph the wood spiders.
Nauticam Fluorescence setup
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
Light&Motion exploration lights – https://www.lightandmotion.com/the-perfect-light
Okinawa Toxic Caterpillars by Shawn Miller
Think twice before you touch any of the beautiful hairy caterpillars on Okinawa. I have been stung at least four times. Some of the attractive caterpillars are toxic, the spines deliver a painful sting and irritate the skin. It will form red rash, itch badly and annoy you more than anything. If you find yourself having a severe allergic reaction seek medical attention immediately.
Gypsy moth caterpillar -Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller
Rosy Gypsy moth © Shawn Miller
Gypsy Moth © Shawn Miller
Eventually, the caterpillar will transform into a beautiful moth.
Rosy Gypsy Moth © Shawn Miller
March 2018, Some friends were exploring some waterfalls and a tiny caterpillar fell off a tree and landed right on the back of my neck. I knew exactly what it was when it happened. It felt like my neck was on fire, it was similar to the sting of a marine fireworm.
Toxic hairy caterpillar © Shawn Miller
It burns Dr © Shawn Miller
A few more of the hairy caterpillars found in Northern Okinawa.
Insects that sting -Mt Ishikawa © Shawn Miller
Insect of Okinawa © Shawn Miller
Insects of Northern Okinawa © Shawn Miller
Harry and scary insects © Shawn Miller
Insects of Hiji Falls © 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.
#MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Pryers Keelback Snake – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller
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.