December 14, 2007
La Grande Terre
This year I had even less time on mainland New Caledonia (damned job-hunting), and in fact I didn't see any new species in spite of a return visit to the endemic-rich Riviere Bleue park.
I did, however, get astonishingly good views of a party of 3 Kagus, and this year we even got to see the crest-raised and wing-drooping threat display. Magic!
As with last year, a late arrival and the long hike to the forest left us with precious little time for birding. New Caledonian Friarbirds were abundant and easy to see.
New-Caledonian Imperial Pigeons (the world's largest pigeon) played hard to get, and was mostly detected by call. Among the other species seen were Streaked Fantail, Barred Honeyeater, Striated Starling and a tool-carrying New Caledonian Crow (which turned away just at the wrong moment).
A few hours around the port at Koumac produced some fun birding, including all the big raptors you're likely to see here (Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier and several Osprey).
The mangroves and surrounding mud were suprisingly bird-free, with flight views of White-headed, Eastern Reef and Nankeen Night Heron, a pair of Grey Teal and a single Bar-tailed Godwit of note. Purple Gallinule was noted from the harbour itself...
... as were several noisy Sacred Kingfishers.
Passerines were represented by Silvereye and Green-backed White-eye, the abundant endemic Dark Brown Honeyeater....
... a few Grey Fantails...
... and this LBJ, a female Rufous Whistler.
Smart butterfly.
Back in Noumea, introduced species predominate. I confess to having a soft spot for Red-vented Bulbuls.
