Our Toyota Tacome is equipped with a Furuno maritime radar array, which we use to detect seabirds and bats at high elevations on Maunakea.

The landscape is home to an endemic and endangered plant species known as a Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. sandwicense).

A Silversword in bloom! They can live up to 50 years or more, but only ever bloom once before dying. It is a special thing to see a Silversword bloom.

Our computer system captures an image of the radar screen once every two seconds. The red dots to the left are flying objects, indicated by the blue trail behind each one.

We use night vision to try and spot the flying targets at night.

The radar unit in action!

View during a radar survey from ~8,500 ft.

We have conducted radar surveys on other parts of the island as well, such as in Kohala.

Waipio Valley is another one of our study sites.

Maunakea is covered in red pu'u (cindercones), which could act as an area for nesting seabirds.