For birding enthusiasts in Hawai'i, there are opportunities throughout the Islands.

"During the fall, winter and spring months, Hawai'i's native forest birds are concentrated in the upland forests, busy courting, breeding and foraging. In the summer, the forests quiet down as the birds disperse," said Rob Pacheco, owner of Hawaii Forest & Trail adventures on the Big Island. "We still usually see all our target species, but in fewer quantities."

Though the exact reason for the dispersal is not well understood, Pacheco said one thought is that the birds are seeking old habitats no longer available due to loss of native forests. Birds that do drop to lower elevations may also suffer insect (mosquito)-borne diseases, which can be fatal. Other birds leave the Islands, such as the kolea (Pacific golden plover) which migrates to Alaska, he said.

Hawaii Forest & Trail bird- watching adventures explore two different habitats with small group tours: the kipuka rain forest on Mauna Loa and the subalpine dry forest of Pu'u La'au on Mauna Kea. Beginner and expert birders are welcome.

Rainforest and Dry-forest Birding Adventure: Pu'u La'au, on the west side of Mauna Kea, is home of the endangered palila and the bryani subspecies of 'elepaio. The Pu'u O'o Trail, in a cloud-forest habitat on the slope of Mauna Loa, is a habitat for the endangered 'akiapola'au, 'oma'o (Hawaiian thrush), 'i'iwi, 'apapane and others. On the way, birders keep an eye out for open-country birds and game birds as well as for the pueo, or short-eared owl. Cost: $165 for the all-day tour and refreshments. www.hawaii-forest.com/adventures/rainforest-and-dryforest-birding.asp.

Hakalau Forest Wildlife Refuge Adventure: Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge generally is not open to the public; Hawaii Forest & Trail's permit allows limited tours annually. Hakalau means "many perches" and is considered a critical bird habitat. Hakalau was the first national wildlife refuge established in the United States for forest birds and is home to some of the rarest plants and animal species on earth. $159 for the all-day trip. www.hawaii-forest.com/adventures/hakalau-forest-wildlife-refuge-birding.asp.