Field Blog – January 11, 2026

We’ve finished another sunny week of transecting with a considerable amount of Verbesina keiki found by the team throughout the island. A significant amount of marine debris has been washing up on the beaches, with a 1500-pound marine debris conglomerate being our current challenge. We’re definitely using this weekend to recover! On Friday, Jordan continued our ‘Ā / Booby monitoring, Kayla and I updated some data sheets, and Nick has been working on the Oikonos GLS Kaʻupu / Black-footed Albatross project and uploading the data from the recovered tags.

This past week has been warm and sunny, with the bright sun being very appreciated in the midst of this winter season. During the full moon, the moonrise was an eye-catching orange, making it quite the sight to see. Kayla excitedly spotted a Pueo / Short-eared Owl, which we were all lucky enough to see later in the week.

We watched Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (recommended by Nick), which Kayla, Jordan, and I came to appreciate by the end of the second movie. We’ve also started Pluribus, involving the creation of a hive mind for humans all around the world through the invasion of aliens; the verdict is still out on that show. Die, My Love was also watched, one of my suggestions. This new movie had us slightly confused by some of the metaphors used. Nick and Kayla decorated the med room with some marine debris decor and nighttime lights, earning our beloved hangout spot a new name: The Roost.

On the menu this week, Nick made fried ravioli, which he was very excited about and cannot wait to attempt to fry more food in the future. Kayla made spaghetti and meatballs, I made dumplings, and Jordan made sweet and sour deep fried Tofu.

The kitchen was packed full of action this weekend with Kayla’s strawberry frosted donuts, my pumpkin muffins, and Jordan’s delicious hummus and pita bread. Continuing the excitement, I made sushi for dinner tonight with a side of seaweed salad.

Kayla’s Bird Observation: Female Mallard

Mahalo ~ Delia