WildWings Western Pacific Odyssey 2007 Systematic List
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WildWings Western Pacific Odyssey 2007 Systematic List |
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WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY 26th March –27th April 2007
SYSTEMATIC LIST
The taxonomy and English names used in this checklist generally follow Birds of the World: A checklist by James Clements (published 2000) with revisions made where an alternative name/taxonomy is considered more appropriate. Compiled by Andy Roadhouse.
Species in brackets are non-native introductions to the places we visited. Accurate counts of seabirds is almost impossible to make, so the group adopted to round up the counts as follows and also relate to sightings rather than individuals, as one can never be sure which birds are following or revisiting the ship. The figures are the ones agreed at the nightly log. 1-10 = 1-10 11-100 = (A) 101-1000 = (B) Over 1000 = (C)
Antipodean Albatross Diomedea antipodensis Two showing characteristics of this species were seen on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th March.
Gibson’s Albatross Diomedea gibsoni Singles showing characteristics of this species were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 27th and on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th March.
Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus A total of 5 (3 adults, 2 sub-adults) were seen off the north-eastern side of Torishima, Japan on day 7 to Japan on 23rd April. One of which came into the wake for several minutes, giving everyone excellent views and one of the major highlights of the voyage.
Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes Four were seen on day 6 to Japan on 22nd April, then the next day good numbers (mid-A) were seen following the boat with many birds coming to the ‘chum’. The maximum count was 17 seen at any one time, but a minimum of 30 plus birds were estimated during the day.
Campbell Albatross Thalassarche impavida A single was seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 27th March.
[Beck’s Petrel] Pseudobulweria becki A small, short-winged Tahiti type was seen on day 3 to Chuuk, off Buka Island in Papua New Guinea waters on 11th April and was strongly suspected to be this species.
Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata Seen daily from day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st March to day 4 to Solomon Islands on 6th April, 30 were logged on 31st, but the largest concentration was on day 2 to Solomon Islands when 102 were counted on 4th April. The only other sightings were 2 between Bougainville and Buka on 11th April and 1 on day 5 to Chuuk on 13th April.
Grey-faced Petrel Pterodroma gouldi Good numbers seen (A) in the Harauki Gulf on 27th and on the two days at sea to Norfolk Island.
Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri A total of 9 sightings: 1 was seen on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th; 2 were seen the following day; two were seen on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st March; with 2 more the following day and singles were seen on 4th and 5th April (day 2 and 3 to the Solomon Islands).
Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta 1 in the Harauki Gulf on 27th, then 7 on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th, 10 the following day, 7 on day 1 to New Caledonia on 1st and 3 the next day. Two further singles were seen on 5th and 6th April (days 3 and 4 to Rennell), 1 on day 4 to Japan on 20th and the last was a bird on day 7 to Japan on 23rd April.
White-necked Petrel Pterodroma cervicalis 1 in the Harauki Gulf on 27th March, low A on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th and a minimum of 31 seen on day 2 (29th). The only other sightings were of 1 on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st and 2 on day 1 to Rennell (4th April).
Cook’s Petrel Pterodroma cookie Small numbers (low A) seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th and just one seen the next day on the way to Norfolk Island.
Gould’s Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera The first 2 were seen on day 2 to Norfolk Island on 29th March, which were probably the nominate race P.l.leucoptera. All other sightings probably refer to the race P.l.caledonicus. 8 were logged on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st March, however it was very common on the morning we approached New Caledonia when 105 were counted and then during the afternoon of 3rd April, the day we left New Caledonia 500+ were estimated. Surprisingly the next day only produced 6 birds and they were the last seen on the trip.
Collared Petrel Pterodroma brevipes A minimum of 10 birds were seen on the first full day at sea between Norfolk Island and New Caledonia on 31st March. The first four were in Australian waters and if accepted constitute the first records for Australia, the position of the first bird was 26.42 degrees south and 167.22 degrees east, one was seen the following day. 5 were seen on day 2 to Rennell on 4th April and the last record was of 2 the next day.
Bonin Petrel Pterodroma hypoleuca Only seen on days 4-8 to Japan (20th-24th April), with the largest numbers seen on 22nd when well over 100 were recorded, which was the day we passed the western side of the Bonin Islands. The next day there were only 5 sightings and just a single seen on 24th.
Black-winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis Small numbers (low A) seen daily at sea from 27th March to the last sighting of 1 on day 1 to Rennell on 4th April. The most sightings were the day before and the day after Norfolk Island, where the species breeds. A few birds were seen flying around the house and garden of Margaret Christian at Anson Bay on 30th March.
Pycroft’s Petrel Pterodroma pycrofti At least 1 bird was seen on several occasions in the Harauki Gulf on 27th March.
Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur Only small numbers (low A) seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th.
Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulweria The first was seen on 13th April (day 5 to Chuuk), with 4 then seen on the 18th, 3 on 20th and the last single on 21st.
(Parkinson’s) Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni Seen in good numbers in the Harauki Gulf on 27th March and on the first day north to Norfolk Island. This species would regularly follow the boat and come to the ‘chum’. Three birds still followed on day 2 to Norfolk Island on the 29th, however they had all departed by the next day.
Westland Petrel Procellaria westlandica A single bird photographed in the Herauki Gulf on 27th March.
Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas One seen on day 4 to Chuuk on 12th April, then no more until day 5 to Japan on 21st April, after which they were seen daily until 26th, with the largest count of 250+ on 25th April.
Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes Good numbers (A) were seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th, and on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th, then 6 on 29th were the last until 2 on day 7 to Japan on 23rd April, followed by 2 more the next day.
Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus The most widespread shearwater, seen almost daily from 29th March (day 2 to Norfolk Island) to 25th April (day 9 to Japan). Generally birds were dark phased birds up until the day before Chuuk (15th April) after which the pale morphs predominated. There were many counts of over 100 including a minimum of 200+ on 1st April.
Buller’s Shearwater Puffinus bulleri Good numbers (A) seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th March and the next day on day 1 to Norfolk Island, while only 5 were seen on day 2 to Norfolk Island.
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Very few definitely recorded and a lot of confusion with Short-tailed Shearwaters. 1 in the Harauki Gulf on 27th March, 1 in Noumea harbour, New Caledonia on 3rd April and 2 on day 3 to the Solomon Islands on 5th April.
Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris 9 on day 2 to the Solomon Islands on 4th April were the first identified then seen almost daily until day 8 to Japan (24th April). Generally low to mid-A counts, but an incredible movement on day 5 to Japan on 21st April when a minimum of 15,000 were estimated moving north on quite a stormy day.
Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavial Just one single seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th.
Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis 1 in the Hauraki Gulf on 27th March was of the race P.a.haurakiensis, all other sightings were assigned to P.a.assimilis:2 on day 2 to Norfolk Island on 29th; 3 as we approached the island on 30th; and the last sighting of 1 on day 4 to Rennell on 6th April.
Tropical Shearwater Puffinus bailloni The whole Audubon’s/Little/ Tropical Shearwater group has recently been split by several authorities. Three seen off Guadalcanal on 8th April couldn’t be assigned to a race. At least 5 of the race dichrous were seen on day 7 to Chuuk, not far outside the reef on 15th.
Bannerman’s Shearwater Puffinus bannermani Another new species in this group seen between Chuuk and Japan, with 7 on 20th, 8 on 21st and 2 on 22nd.
Heinroth’s Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi Another one of the star birds of the voyage, one was seen late afternoon off Bougainville on day 2 to Chuuk 10th April. It showed very well and was photographed. The next day a minimum of 8 birds.
Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus Small numbers (1-5) seen on 9 dates throughout the trip, with a minimum of 15 logged on day 2 to the Solomon Islands on 4th April.
New Zealand Storm-petrel Oceanites maorianus At least 6 of these fantastic birds were seen on the outer edges of the Harauki Gulf on 27th March.
White-faced Storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina 2 were seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th March.
Storm-petrel sp. Many unidentified storm-petrels were seen distantly throughout the trip.
Polynesian Storm-petrel Nesofregetta fuliginosa Two (an intermediate morph and a pale morph) were seen by a few people as we approached New Caledonia on 1st April. One was then seen by a few on the afternoon on 3rd April after leaving New Caledonia. But to everyone’s relief, a very close pale morph fed in front of the bows on 4th April as we approached a dead whale in the middle of the ocean and a further 4 were seen that evening. Needless to say the atmosphere on board lifted immensely. On 5th April (day 2 to Rennell) another 2 birds were seen well.
Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa A single on day 4 to Chuuk on 12th April and 3 on day 6 to Japan on 22nd April.
Tristram’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma tristrami Only seen on one day when a minimum of 10 seen amongst Matsudaira’s Storm-petrels on day 6 to Japan on 22nd April.
Matsudaira’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae 1, possibly 2 birds were seen on day 1 to Japan on 17th April, after which they were seen daily until day 9 to Japan on 25th April. the highest count was on day 7 (23rd) when a minimum of 70 were seen in the wake of the ship at one time and low B were logged.
Common Diving-petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix Small numbers (low A) seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th.
Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda The first was seen on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th March, 6 seen the next day, then common (mid-A) around Norfolk Island on 30th where they breed. Two were seen on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st March, then none until 2 on day 4 to Solomon Islands on 6th. One was seen on 7th and another on day 6 to Chuuk on 14th April. the only other sighting was 1 on day 6 to Japan on 22nd April.
White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus 2 were seen on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st March, small numbers were seen (1-3) daily to the Solomon Islands, then single to low A seen between 13th and 18th April (Truk area).
Australian Gannet Morus serrator Only seen in the Harauki Gulf on 27th (B) and on day 1 to Norfolk Island (28th) where it was common (A).
Masked Booby Sula dactylatra 1 seen on day 2 to Norfolk Island on 29th March, common on Norfolk Island the next day where at least one pair were breeding at Anson Bay. Up to 4 seen daily to New Caledonia, common (low A) on day 2 to Solomon Islands, 2 seen on both 6th and 7th and 1 on 11th. The last record was of 5 following the boat on day 4 to Japan on 20th April.
Red-footed Booby Sula sula Small numbers seen regularly between 1st and 25th April, generally single figure counts, but at least 50 on 12th April (day 4 to Chuuk) and mid-A on 20th April (day 4 to Japan).The last bird on 25th April, got stuck on the foredeck briefly and while there regurgitated a couple of fair-sized squids.
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster A common and widespread bird, logged regularly between 31st March and 26th April, particularly common in Solomon Island waters where good numbers (mid-A) were found around fishing buoys and present in mixed feeding flocks.
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos 3 at Riviere Bleue and 1 near Noumea, New Caledonia on 2nd April.
Great Frigatebird Fregata minor There were many frigatebird sp. seen during the voyage and of the ones identified, this species was the scarcer of the two. The first was seen over Norfolk Island on 30th March, then 1-3 on 6 further dates with the last single on day 3 to Japan on 19th April.
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Single or low A figures recorded daily between 4th and 12th April (day 2 to Solomon’s to day 6 to Chuuk). The highest count of frigatebird sp. was 200+ on 10th April on day 4 to Chuuk.
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 8 on Norfolk Island on 30th March, 1 on New Caledonia on 1st and 2 on 2nd April.
Great White Egret Egretta alba At least 2 heading north at sea on day 9 to Japan on 25th April and a single bird also heading north to Japan on the 26th.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 2 at a marsh seen from Japan Gun on Chuuk on 17th April and 2 singles north at sea on day 9 to Japan (25th April).
Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1 at a marsh seen from Japan Gun on Chuuk on 17th April, and at least 2 at sea on day 9 to Japan on 25th April.
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra 1 seen on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April. Two seen on the reef surrounding Chuuk Lagoon on both 15th and 16th April.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis coramandus On 25th April (day 9 to Japan), a group of 13 were seen flying around the ship in the early morning half light, one bird was roosting on the ship for most of the morning and in the afternoon a total of 5 flew north, bring the daily total to a minimum of 19.
Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 1 seen from the bus to Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April, and at least 6 seen on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis One seen at Japan Gun on Chuuk on 17th April.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus At least 2 were around the ship on day 9 to Japan (25th April).
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata One seen on the marsh from Japan Gun on Chuuk on 17th April.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 over the harbour at Noumea, New Caledonia on 3rd April. 2 attending a nest on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata 2 seen on both days on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands (8-9th April).
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 2 at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus 2 seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Solomon Islands Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi On 9th April, one showed extremely well for five minutes in the hills above Honaira, Guadalcanal, with the same bird or another a couple of kilometres further down the hill.
Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 1 at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April.
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 1 circling over Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April.
Pied Goshawk Accipiter albogularis A total of 4 seen on 9th April on Guadalcanal, Solomon’s Islands. These included a grey phase and two of the pied phase.
New Caledonia Goshawk Accipiter haplochrous 1 was seen by just a few people at Rivierre Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd and an adult and an immature were seen by most at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1 seen on day 3 to Japan on 19th April was over 100 miles from the nearest land.
Oriental Hobby Falco severus 2 circled over the forest at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides 3 seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
(California Quail) Callipepla californica At least 10 of this North American introduction were seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 seen at a marsh from Japan Gun on Chuuk on 17th April.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Just 2 seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus A total of 11 of these stupendous birds were seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April. Most birds showed extremely well, including some birds which crossed the tracks just a few feet from observers.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 16 seen at Anson Bay on Norfolk Island on 30th March. 10+ were seen on Weno Island, Chuuk on 17th April. At sea to Japan birds seen flying over included 3 on 20th, 1 on 21st, 5 on 24th, 1 on 25th and 7 on 26th. On 24th, a partial breeding plumaged bird landed on the top deck during the late afternoon. The bird was exhausted and the next day it was picked up and kept in the WildWings leader’s cabin until we reached Japan and was due to be released onto the quayside after we docked.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 3 on Norfolk Island on 30th March and 1 over the harbour at Noumea, New Caledonia on 2nd April. 50 large waders as the ship left Noumea harbour on 3rd were probably this species.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 3 seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March. On Weno Island, Chuuk, 1 on 16th and 5 on 17th April.
Little Whimbrel Numenius minutes A nice surprise was a bird which circled the ship for a couple of hours on day 4 to Japan (20th April).
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola One flew over the ship on day 8 to Japan on 24th April.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos One was seen on the deck of the ship briefly in the early hours of 25th April.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus One circled the ship once mid-afternoon on 25th April.
Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes 4 flew north on day 10 to Japan on 26th April.
Wandering Tattler Heterosceles incanus 1 seen and heard calling on Weno Island, Chuuk on 17th April.
Tattler sp. Heterosceles sp. On Weno Island, Chuuk, 1 on 16th and 2 on 17th April.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 9 on Norfolk Island on 30th March. On Weno Island, Chuuk, 2 on 16th and 8 on 17th April.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus iobatus 4 were seen on day 6 to Chuuk on 14th April.
Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius At least 10, mostly in full breeding plumage were seen flying north on day 10 to Japan (26th April).
South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki A possible was seen on day 1 to Rennell on 7th April and a ‘blonde’ bird was seen well on day 4 to Chuuk on 12th April. Four singles were seen on the journey to Japan with the last being a ‘blonde’ bird on 23rd.
Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus An adult with full ‘spoons’ day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th March, with a possible seen on day 4 to Rennell on 6th April. Then seen almost daily between 10th and 26th April with a max. day count of 6 on 25th.
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus 3 seen off Norfolk Island on 30th March, 1 on day 3 to the Solomon Islands on 5th April, then 1-2 seen almost daily during the rest of the voyage.
Long-tailed Skua Stercoraqrius longicaudus The most frequently encountered skua; 6 on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th March, 8 the following day, 1 on day 1 to New Caledonia 31st March and 1 on day 2 to the Solomon Islands 4th April. Seen almost daily from 10th-26th April, usually 1-4 but into the low A’s on 23rd-25th.
Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Up to 30 around the harbour in New Caledonia on the 3 days in dock.
Great Crested Tern Sterna bergi 5 in the harbour at Noumea, New Caledonia on 1st, with 2 there on 3rd April, then 3 on day 2 to the Solomon Islands on 4th April. Good numbers (low A) were present around Guadacanal from 8th to 10th, then 1-3 almost daily until the last on 16th (Chuuk).
Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana 10 in the bay at Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April. c.10 present in Chuuk Lagoon on 15th and 16th April.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo 2 off Guadalcanal on 8th April were the only one’s seen.
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea 4 seen on day 9 to Japan on 25th April.
Grey-backed Tern Sterna lunata A possible seen on day 2 to Chuuk (10th), and then 3 were seen on 11th and 2 on 12th April On day 4 to Japan (20th) 1 was seen very close to the ship.
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus 2 on day 2 to Norfolk Island on 29th March and 3 seen off there on 30th. Common at sea (A) when approaching and whilst transecting through the Solomon Islands. One as we approached Chuuk Lagoon on 15th April was the last sighting.
Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata Seen daily in good numbers from 29th March (day 2 to Norfolk Island) to 23rd April (day 7 to Japan). The largest concentrations were between New Caledonia and Chuuk when several hundred were seen on several days.
Black Noddy Anous minutes Very common on and around Norfolk Island (C) on 30th March, then seen daily from 4th April to the last 2 on 19th April, generally (A) but over 2000 logged on 12th (day 4 to Chuuk).
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus The first 2 were seen on day 1 to New Caledonia (31st March), then seen daily until 20th April with a further sighting of 2 on 23rd April (day 7 to Japan). Generally A but a few days B was logged including 200+ on 6th April (day 4 to Solomon Islands).
Grey Ternlet Procelsterna albivitta 6 were seen near the breeding stacks in the Harauki Gulf on 27th, 1 on day 1 to Norfolk Island on 28th, 2 on day 2 to Norfolk Island and A recorded on and around Norfolk Island on 30th.
White Tern Gygis alba 6 on day 2 to Norfolk Island on 29th, very common (B+) on Norfolk Island and 2 on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st. 1-2 on day 3 and 4 to the Solomon Islands on 5th and 6th and then seen daily in good numbers (low to mid-A) between 11th and 20th April (day 3 to Chuuk to day 4 to Japan).
Metallic Pigeon Columba vitiensis At least 10 seen at Mount Koghi, New Caledonia on 3rd April.
(Spotted Dove) Streptopelia chinensis This Asian introduction was seen in small numbers around Nomea, New Caledonia on 1st-3rd April.
MacKinlay’s Cuckoo-dove Macropygia mackinlayi Only seen in the Solomon Islands, where there were 6 on Rennell on 7th, a single on Guadalcanal on 8th and at least 5 there on 9th.
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica 3 seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March and 2 seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April.
Caroline Islands Ground-dove Gallicolumba kubaryi Endemic to the Caroline Islands. 3 were seen at Japan Gun and 1 at Sapo Forest on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April. They were generally seen in flight or perched on bare snags.
Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus porphyraceus Common (A) on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Silver-capped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus richardsii A fairly common bird (A) on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus viridis On Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 1 was seen on 8th and 12 seen on 9th.
Cloven-feathered Dove Drepanoptila holsericea A New Caledonia endemic; 2 were seen and 3+ heard at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 3 heard at Mount Koghi on 3rd.
Pacific Imperial-pigeon Ducula pacifica A few (low A) seen very well on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Red-knobbed Imperial-pigeon Ducula rubricera Only seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands with 8 on 8th and 9th April.
Island Imperial-pigeon Ducula pistrinaria 3 seen on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath New Caledonia endemic; 5 seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 3 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Ducorps’ Cockatoo Cacatua ducorpii Small numbers (low A) easily seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 8th and 9th April.
Cardinal Lory Chalcopsitta cardinalis At least 6 seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Small numbers (low A) seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March and Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Yellow-bibbed Lory Lorius chlorocercus Solomon Islands endemic. The most obvious parrot (low A) on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands and seen on both 8th and 9th April.
Meek’s Lorikeet Charmosyna meeki 2 singles seen in flight on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Duchess Lorikeet Charmosyna margarethae A single seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Finsch’s Pygmy-parrot Micropsitta finschii In the Solomon Islands, good numbers seen on Rennell (low A) on 7th April and on Guadalcanal 3 on 8th and 2 on 9th April.
New Caledonian Parakeet Cyanoramphus saissetti New Caledonian Endemic. 6 were seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 4 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Norfolk Island Parakeet Cyanoramphus cookie Norfolk Island Endemic. 10+ seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March, mainly at the Botanical Gardens but also a couple were seen at the National Park.
(Crimson Rosella) Platycercus elegans Introduced. 10+ seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Singing Parrot Geoffroyus heteroclitus Low numbers (low A) seen on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April and 3 seen on Guadalcanal on 9th.
Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus 3 seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 8th and good numbers seen (A) the next day.
[Brush Cuckoo] Cocomantis variolosus 1 was heard only on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Shining Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 1 calling bird was eventually seen well at Mount Koghi on New Caledonia on 3rd April and 1 was seen on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala 1 was heard on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Long-tailed Koel Eudynamys taitensis 1 was seen well at the Botanical Gardens on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Buff-headed Coucal Centropus milo Solomon Islands endemic. Easily detected by their very loud, raucous calls, with up to 6 seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 8th and 9th April.
Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta Good numbers on New Caledonia at Riviere Bleue (high A) on 2nd and (low A) at Mount Koghi on 3rd April. Also seen in good numbers (high A) on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis A few (low A) were mixed in with the Glossy Swiftlets on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April, then (low A) seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 8th and 9th.
Caroline Islands Swiftlet Aerodramus inquietus Endemic to the Caroline Islands. Common on Weno Island, Chuuk with (A) on 15th and (B) on 16th April.
Swiftlet sp. A few birds were photographed at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April and appeared to show characteristics of the poorly known Mayr’s Swiftlet Collocalia orientalis.
Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea On the Solomon Islands, 5 were seen on Rennell on 7th and several (low A) were seen on Guadalcanal on 9th April.
Ultramarine Kingfisher Todirhamphus leucopygius Solomon Islands endemic. 2 pairs of this very smart bird (including 1 at a nest) were seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Good numbers were seen in the forest at Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April and the birds were very variable in plumage.
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Good numbers (low A) were seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March and 1 was seen on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Blyth’s Hornbill Acerus plicatus On Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands 2 were seen very well on 8th with 4 on 9th April.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica A migrant seen at sea to Japan, 4 were seen on 20th (day 4) including one which was onboard until 26th when it was seen to fly off the ship and continued going in a north-easterly direction. The bird was well looked after and was regularly fed flies people collected from around the ship, it was also fed small pieces of meat and did spend two days in a box until it regained its strength. The 24th saw a passage of birds moving north-west in the afternoon, a total of 26 in groups of up to 6, a further 6 roosted on the ship that evening, but the next morning at least 20 birds were present in the very early hours. On 26th 7 more were seen flying north..
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica On the Solomon Islands, 2 seen on Rennell on 7th and common (low A) around the harbour at Honiaira, Guadalcanal on 8th and 9th.
Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Common (mid A) on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica One bird was present around the ship briefly at dawn on 25th April.
Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caledonica On New Caledonia, 4 at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 7 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April. A single was seen on Guadalcanal on 9th April.
Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineate On the Solomon Islands, good numbers (low A) were seen on Rennell on 7th, and Guadalcanal on 8th and 9th April.
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Good numbers (low A) were seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 8th and 9th April.
New Caledonian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina analis New Caledonia endemic. More elusive than the other cuckoo-shrikes, 5 were seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd April.
Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris 4 seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Solomon Islands Cuckoo-shrike Coracina holopolia Solomon Islands endemic. On Guadalcanal, 4 seen on 8th and 5 on 9th April.
Long-tailed Triller Lalage leucopyga Only seen on New Caledonia, where there were 6 at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 2 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
(Red-vented Bulbul) Pycnonotus cafer Asian introduction. 1-4 seen around Noumea, New Caledonia 1st-3rd April.
Siberian Rubythroat Erithacus calliope A male flew around the ship briefly on 24th April (day 8 to Japan) where it was photographed.
(Eurasian Blackbird) Turdus merula European introduction. Common (A) on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus Small numbers seen (low A) Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
(Song Thrush) Turdus philomelos European introduction. Small numbers (low A) seen on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Thrush sp. Turdus sp. 2 different thrushes were heard calling in the early hours of 25th April (day 9 to Japan), one of which sounded like Eye-browed Thrush and the other very European Blackbird-like.
Caroline Reed Warbler Acrocephalus syrinx Endemic to the Caroline Islands where it was found to be common (low A) on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Blue-and-White Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana A minimum of 9 flew north over the ship on the last day of the trip, the males were easy to identify in the mixed flocks, which totalled 54 passerines in 4 flocks (14, 16, 20, 4).
Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina An adult male flew north over the ship on the last day of the voyage.
Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Just 2 seen at Honiara harbour, Guadalcanal on 9th April.
White-winged Fantail Rhipidura cockerelli Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal where there was 1 on 8th and 4 on 9th April.
Rennell Fantail Rhipidura rennelliana Endemic to Rennell in the Solomon Islands, where it was common (low A) on 7th April.
Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Common (20+) on Norfolk Island on 30th March and also on New Caledonia (low A) on 2nd and 3rd April.
Streaked Fantail Rhipidura spilodera New Caledonia endemic. At least 10 seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 2 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Just 4 seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th April.
Southern Shrikebill Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides At least 6 seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd and 2 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Rennell Shrikebill Clytorhynchus hamlini Endemic to Rennell, Solomon Islands where it was common (low A) on 7th April.
Chestnut-bellied Monarch Monarcha castaneiventris Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal with 2 on 8th and 6 on 9th April.
Black-and-white Monarch Monarcha barbatus Bougainville and Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal, with 2 on 8th and 1 on 9th.
Oceanic Flycatcher Myiagra oceanica Endemic to Chuuk, where it was found to be common (low A) on 16th April.
Steel-blue Flycatcher Myiagra ferrocyanea Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal, with 2 on 8th and 9 on 9th.
Melanesian Flycatcher Myiagra caledonica Only seen on New Caledonia, 2 seen and 2 further birds heard at Riviere Bleue on 2nd, and 1 seen at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolour 6 were seen in the Botanical Gardens on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Yellow-bellied Robin Eopsaltria flavaventris New Caledonia endemic. Common (low A) at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 5 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis At least 10 were seen on Norfolk Island of this distinct island race on 30th March. One was seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 8th April.
New Caledonian Whistler Pachycephala caledonica Endemic to New Caledonia. Common (low A) at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 2 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April. Generally found in more forested areas than the next species.
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Only seen on New Caledonia with 8 at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 2 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Norfolk Gerygone Gerygone modesta Norfolk Island endemic. Common (low A) on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
Fan-tailed Gerygone Gerygone flavolateralis On New Caledonia, common (A) at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 2 at Mount Koghi on 3rd. Also common (A) on Rennell, Solomon Islands on 7th April.
Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Only seen on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, with 1 on 8th and good numbers (low A) on 9th April.
Midget Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeneum Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal, where it was common (A) on both 2nd and 3rd April, although good views could be hard to obtain.
Caroline Islands White-eye Zosterops semperi Endemic to Caroline Islands and Palau. Common (A) on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Rennell White-eye Zosterops rennellianus Endemic to Rennell, Solomon Islands where it was common (low A) on 7th April.
Green-backed White-eye Zosterops xanthochrous New Caledonia endemic. Good numbers (A) seen at both Riviere Bleue and Mount Koghi on 2nd and 3rd April.
Slender-billed White-eye Zosterops tenuirostris Endemic to Norfolk Island where it was very common (A) and easily seen on 30th March.
Silver-eye Zosterops lateralis Common (A) on Norfolk Island on 30th March where it was found in mixed flocks with the above species.
Bare-eyed White-eye Woodfordia superciliosa Endemic to Rennell, Solomon Islands where it was found to be very common (mid-A) on 7th April.
Dark-brown Honeyeater Lichmera incana New Caledonia endemic. Seen from the ship as it docked in Noumea, where there is a small garden next to the customs building, 2-4 were present there with 2 also seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd April.
New Caledonia Myzomela Myzomela caledonica New Caledonia endemic. 10 seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 6 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Mycronesian Myzomela Myzomela rubratra Endemic to Palau, Marianas and Micronesia. Very common (mid-A) on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Cardinal Myzomela Myzomela cardinalis Only seen on Rennell, Solomon Islands when 20+ were logged on 7th April.
Black-headed Myzomela Myzomela melanocephala Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal where it was scarce, 1 on 8th and 5 on 9th April.
New Caledonian Friarbird Philemon diemenensis New Caledonia endemic. Only seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd April where it was common (A).
Crow Honeyeater Gymnomyza aubryana New Caledonia endemic. A hard bird to find at this time of year. Luckily two singles and a group of 3 were seen by a large percentage of the group at Riviere Bleue on 2nd April.
Barred Honeyeater Phylidonyris undulata New Caledonia endemic. Common (low A) at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 6 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Only seen on New Caledonia where there were 7 at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and 8 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
New Caledonia Crow Corvus moneduloides New Caledonia endemic. A strange but interesting corvid, a party of 6 birds were seen at Riviere Bleue on 2nd April, two of which were carrying sticks – apparently one of the few birds to use tools.
White-billed (“Guadalcanal”) Crow Corvus woodfordi Solomon Islands endemic. Just 3 were seen on Guadalcanal on 9th April.
Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides Solomon Islands endemic. Small numbers were seen at the dock in Honiara, Guadalcanal on 8th and 9th April.
Rennell Starling Aplonis insularis Endemic to Rennell, Solomon Islands where up to 10 birds were seen on 7th April.
Brown-winged Starling Aplonis grandis Solomon Islands endemic. Only seen on Guadalcanal where good numbers (low A) were seen on 8th and 9th April.
Striated Starling Aplonis striata New Caledonia endemic.6 at Riviere Bleue on 2nd and c.30 at Mount Koghi on 3rd April.
Micronesian Starling Aplonis opaca Endemic to Palau, Marianas and Micronesia. Very common (high A) on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Yellow-faced Myna Mino dumontii Only seen on Guadalcanal where there were good numbers (low A) on 8th and 9th April.
(Common Myna) Acridotheres tristis Asian introduction. Common (A) in the built up areas on New Caledonia and Guadalcanal.
(European Starling) Sturnus vulgaris European introduction. Very common (B) on Norfolk Island on 30th March.
(Tree Sparrow) Passer montanus At least 4 at the port on Weno Island on Chuuk on 16th April
(House Sparrow) Passer domesticus European introduction. Common (A) on Norfolk Island on 30th March and less than 10 seen daily on New Caledonia.
Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa Several small groups totalling about 10 birds seen on Weno Island, Chuuk on 16th April.
Red-throated Parrotfinch Erythrura psittacea 5 seen well at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 2nd April.
Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala One flew around the ship, landing very briefly on 24th April on day 8 to Japan.
Cetaceans
Sperm Whale Physter macrocephalus 1 seen on day 2 to Solomon Islands on 4th April and 2 on day 9 to Japan on 25th April.
Bryde’s/Omura’s Whale Balaenoptera edeni/omurai 4 singles seen on 13th-15th and 17th April in the warm tropical waters around the Caroline Islands.
Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus 8 on day 1 to New Caledonia on 31st, 10 on 9th, 38 on 11th and 30+ on 14th April all between the Solomon Islands and Chuuk.
Pygmy Killer Whale Feresa attenuate A group of about 15 were seen on 9th April after leaving Guadalcanal.
False Killer Whale Pseudorca crassidens A large group (A) were seen on 11th April on day 2 to Chuuk, then at sea to Japan, 5 on 20th, 2 on 23rd and 3 on 24th.
Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus 6 on 9th April after leaving Guadalcanal and 12+ on day 8 to Japan on 24th April.
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale Ziphuis cavirostris 6-8 were seen on 9th April after leaving Guadalcanal.
Longman’s Beaked Whale Indopacetus pacificus A pod of 10 were seen on day 4 to Solomon Islands on 6th April.
Blainville’s Beaked Whale Mesoplodin densirostris 6+ on 10th April (day 1 to Chuuk) and 4 possibles on 14th April.
Dwarf Sperm Whale Kogia sima 1 on 8th April as we approached Guadalcanal. Small groups of kogia sp. were seen daily between the Solomon Islands and Chuuk, some of which were suspected as being Pygmy Sperm Whale.
Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiopes truncates 6 seen in Chuuk Lagoon on 15th April.
Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis Good numbers (low A) seen on 11th April on day 2 to Chuuk and 2 on 14th April were bow riding.
Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris The commonest identified dolphin, 2 on day 3 to Solomon Islands on 5th April, then up to 50 seen daily between 10th and 17th April.
Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba 7 seen on 13th April on day 4 to Chuuk.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Stenella attenuate Good numbers (A) seen on 12th and 14th April en route to Chuuk and again (A) seen on 23rd April (day 7 to Japan).
Others
Tiger Shark 1 seen at a whale carcass on 4th April (day 2 to Solomon Islands). An unidentified shark was also in attendance at the whale carcass. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark 1 swam very close to the ship on day 9 to Japan on 25th April.
Whale Shark 1 on 18th April on day 2 to Japan.
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