Over half of the original endemic forest bird species on the island of Hawai'i are extinct. Of the few that remain, many are still in danger of extinction. Of all the Hawaiian islands, Hawai'i has the largest and most diverse habitats suitable for native forest birds. After great expense and effort, some of the damaged habitat is slowly recovering from centuries of carelessness and abuse. I spend most of my free time exploring the few remote places where the rarest native forest birds hang on, and watch them closely. I'm more interested in photographing rare birds for documentation as I encounter them in exploring the wilderness than in making pretty pictures.

The extinct forest birds of Hawai'i (island) include: Hawai'i 'o'o, Kioea, Hawai'i Mamo, Hawai'i ("lesser") 'akialoa, greater 'amakihi, Hawai'i nukupu'u(?), 'ula 'ai hawane, 'o'u, Kona grosbeak, lesser and greater koa finch (hopue), Hawaiian rail (moho). The fossil record also shows various species that probably became extinct sometime after human habitation of the islands. Additionally, the 'alala has been extirpated from the wild. (external info link)