Reports from Ranger Rogers

Last Report from Ranger Rogers: Touched by Place

This past Saturday, at sunset, I climbed the 51 steps of the Kilauea Point Lighthouse for the last time as a park ranger. When I reached the Watch Room, I slowly and carefully closed the round, brass vents that allow air to circulate. This was the floor where lighthouse keepers spent most of their time…

Report from Ranger Rogers: Parking Cars and Sharing Moments

A week ago, on Earth Day, under blue skies, I took my spot in the parking lot at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. “Did you know you’d have to be a parking lot attendant when you applied for the job” a woman asked me a couple weeks ago. “I did,” I said. “But it’s only…

In Remembrance of Mark Twain

Last week, on April 15th, flags across America flew at half-staff. No, not in grief over the taxes I owed the government—in fact, this year, for the first time in quite a while, I am due a refund. One of my duties as a park ranger at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is to raise…

Report from Ranger Rogers: Endangered Human Species Spotted

Last week it was the Kermadec Petrel. This week it was Ed and Bob. I’ve always said what I love about the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands is there’s always something interesting going on. Usually, I say it in reference to the wildlife. And usually I mean it in a positive way. Last…

Report from Ranger Rogers: Speaking of Scat.

Wedge-tailed shearwater are back at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. I can tell by the white splotches on the sidewalk leading from the fee booth, alongside the bookstore, and up the slight hill to where the first view of the lighthouse comes into focus. Where nene scat resembles a cat’s leavings and is easily scooped;…

Report from Ranger Rogers: St. Pat and Scat

St. Patrick must have been a friendly guy. I suppose all the raucous celebration of him is testament to that. Because his day—Tuesday, March 17th—seemed to put everybody in a good mood at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge last week. As if the place itself (gorgeous) and the wildlife (cool) living there isn’t enough to…