Bird that looks like a pterodactyl?

[steve1]

Just got back from taking the dogs to the beach and we saw 3 black birds flying together that looked like pterodactyls for lack of a better description. All black and sleek looking with wingspans of probably 4 to five feet. Flew in off ocean and disappeared into Ironwoods over Beach road. Anyone know what they might be, and do they live here or are they just tourists?
Mahalo.

[Rob Tucker]

They are pterodactyls. They live up on Mauna Loa.

[Pilgrim]

They probably are pterodactyls....
But if not, maybe you saw 'iwa or frigate birds.
They don't nest here on this island but they do come in from the ocean when a storm approaches. They're gorgeous in flight.

[hikatz]

The male Frigate birds are all black and can have a wingspan of over 7ft!

http://www.kilaueapoint.org/education/na...index.html

I do like Robs version, since Coast to Coast has a studio in Kona, we can compete with the Bigfoot sightings, good publicity[]

http://www.susanscott.net/OceanWatch2011/nov-28-11.html
http://www.susanscott.net/OceanWatch2000/oct16-00.html

[steve1]

Aloha,
Thanks for all your help. They sure seem to be a majestic bird, and right now it looks like that storm is heading in from Hilo way. It's nice they gave a few hour advance notice of the storm and I can see how fishermen use their feeding habits to locate school fish.
Mahalo,
steve

[Greg]

It's a little known fact that you cannot hear a Pterodactyl going to the bathroom.

[dmbwest]

Roaming around off Waa Waa road I came across one just sitting there calm and peaceful. She did not have any reaction to me being there so I sat down and inched a little closer ... Within a few minutes I was sitting less than 3' away from her. Both of us looking out @ the water.

I had to go so inched away and bid farewell to a new friend.

aloha,
pog

[Sue Nomie]

Saw two today in HPP on 3rd. Wondered what they were. Thanks

[malolo]

Frigates ....one of my very favorite creatures on the planet!
Was SO happy to see 'em gliding around here recently!

(Saw an enormous breeding population on Midway (back in the late-90s when tourism was permitted), and a few of 'em seem to hang out year-round off Kilauea lighthouse on Kaua'i. Grrreat that they've made their way all the way down to Puna. (If we had more mangrove trees, they could probably be convinced to stick around and breed!)

[2liveque]

We called them "Storm Birds" when we were growing up. Have not see them in years. Glad to hear they are back.