NORFOLK ISLAND

3 April - NORFOLK ISLAND: We made a dry landing on the southeast coast of
Norfolk Island, an Australian Territory. The island was discovered by
Captain James Cook in 1774 and is home to the Norfolk Pine. Traveling by
bus, we visited 3 terrific birding sites. Highlights of the day included
meeting the local author, Margaret Christian who has written a book about
the island's bird life. At the botanical gardens, we saw Nankeen Kestrel,
Norfolk Island Parakeet, Crimson Rosella, Grey Fantail, Pacific Robin,
Golden Whistler, Norfolk Gerygone and Slender-billed White-eye. We enjoyed a
wonderful lunch at Margaret & Ken's ranch, while watching soaring Masked
Boobies and Great Frigatebirds. A walk through the forest on the coast,
brought us to many Norfolk Pines which were decorated by roosting Black
Noddies, like Christmas tree ornaments. At the cliff edge, many Red-tailed
Tropicbirds were flying to and from their nests. A tiny white fluff ball of
feathers, hidden under the shrubs was a newly hatched chick! We returned to
our ship after a throughly enjoyable day ashore.
—Debi Shearwater