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WildWings, 577 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3AF.UK
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South of Indonesia, north west of Australia lies this small tropical paradise, home to two full endemic seabirds and at least four full endemic landbird species. We visited the island in April 2005 and a full illustrated trip report is available on our website or from us. Seabirds are always in view, anywhere over the island, hence the local’s nickname for them, the Christmas Island Air Force. Abbott’s Booby is the first of the two endemic seabirds, the largest and rarest member of it’s family, they nest on tall trees in the island’s forests and prefer to roost in trees even outside the breeding season, about 3000 pairs. They have an almost albatross-like look to them in flight with long straight wings. The second is the Christmas Island Frigatebird, also the rarest member of it’s family with about 2000-2500 pairs, especially common around the settlement.
The island also boasts the stunning golden-apricot coloured race of White-tailed Tropicbird (known locally as the Golden Bosun) plus breeding Red-tailed Tropicbirds too (Silver Bosuns). Add Brown and Red-footed Boobies (yellow-headed white form), Great and Lesser Frigatebirds and finally nesting Brown Noddies. At least four full land endemics also occur, Christmas Island Imperial Pigeon, Christmas Island White-eye, Christmas Island Brown Goshawk and the hard to see Christmas Island Hawk Owl, plus at least four distinct island races of other birds. Some of these may yet be split into full species over time.In addition to the birding (and photo opportunities are excellent) superb snorkelling is also on offer including with Whale Sharks at certain times of year. A resident group of Spinner Dolphins can often be seen offshore. If you see any black buzzard type ‘birds’ flying around they will be the island’s endemic fruit bat! The island is also world famous for it’s ‘crab-based’ ecosystem, Red, Blue and Robber Crabs are abundant. The famed endemic red crab migration occurs in the latter part of the year . Reached by frequent flights from Perth, Western Australia and a weekly flight from Singapore, our packages can be customised to suit your needs. We have picked The Sunsets, a small and friendly property in the settlement, we suggest the oceanview rooms and the property has a dipping pool. As it’s name implies, most evenings you can enjoy spectacular scenes as the sun sets over the ocean. 4 x4 vehicle hire is essential for getting around. There are currently no ‘bird guides’ on the island but we will supply our customers with the site information they need. You could see most of the birds in just a few days but we suggest at least five nights to fully absorb the magic of this special place.
If you are serious about your seabirds, this is a place you just have to add to your list of travelling destinations.
Holiday information (year round)
From Perth,WA.
Prices: 5 nights from £675 per person sharing a oceanview twin room.
Single supplement: £149
Car hire: from £35 per vehicle per day (4x4).
Price includes: Return economy class flights from Perth including taxes, 5 nights accommodation in rooms with oceanview, air-conditioning, private facilities and fridge.
Price excludes: Transfers (car hire is from the airport), meals, visa fees and travel insurance.
From Singapore.
Prices: 7 nights £685 per person sharing a oceanview twin room.
Single supplement: £199
Car hire: from £35 per vehicle per day (4x4).
Price includes: Return economy class charter flights from Singapore including taxes, 7 nights accommodation in rooms with oceanview, air-conditioning, private facilities and fridge.
Price excludes: Transfers (car hire is from the airport), meals, visa fees and travel insurance. Contact us for any other duration.
Christmas Island Bird Week 1st – 7th September 2007 & TBA September 2008
A new, unique opportunity to get behind the scenes which will particularly appeal to seabird buffs, photographers and artists. In conjunction with the Parks Australia staff, there are some very special events planned. These include assisting the ringing of the endemic Abbott's Booby in their rain forest canopy nests, also colour-ringing of Brown Boobies, Christmas Island Goshawks, CI Frigatebirds and Red-tailed Tropicbirds. CI Hawk Owl survey work may be on offer too. Nightly seminars will include such topics as seabird research, endemic landbird status, rarities and the marine and terrestrial ecology of the island. The first event in 2006 was a great success and places are limited. Flights are available from both Singapore and from Perth, WA.
2007 Prices from £829 per person sharing a twin room (single supplement from £115 per person) ex Singapore and from £1099pp twin share from Perth (single supplement from £105).
Includes: return economy class flights from Singapore or Perth to Christmas Island including taxes, seven nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities, transfers and transportation throughout, all meals and five full days guided birding events.
