A trip to Fiji and New Caledonia in South Pacific in July 2012. Share with you some of the pictures taken in New Caledonia. Pictures of Fiji will be in other thread.
Visit to Parc Provincial de la Riviere Bleue is a must in order to see their legendary endemic bird – Kagu. The size of Kagu is similar to a Night Heron. Some of them are very tame but some can be very shy. They cannot fly and build their nests on ground and there are about 1200 birds left in this country. Drive to the park from Noumea is about 40 minutes.
Park entrance:
Reception where you should pay the entrance fee:
A trio of Kagu walked towards us:
This is a beautiful bird and some of them are quite tame.
This juvenile Kagu suddenly and quietly appeared at my back:
Kagu with erected crest:
They closely inspected me:
Another endemic bird New Caledonian Cuckooshrike @Parc Provincial de la Riviere Bleue
Goliath Imperial Pigeon, claimed to be the largest pigeon on earth. You can hear their calls everywhere @Parc Provincial de la Riviere. But to find it out is not an easy task.
Cloven-feathered Dove perched high up on the tree
While looking for the Crow Honeyeater, this Melanesian Whistler (M) appeared:
Barred Honeyeater
Yellow-bellied Flyrobin
Horned Parakeet frequently appeared at the entrance of the park
A group of 20+ Red-throated Parrotfinch also appeared at the entrance of the park
Long-tailed Triller
Streaked Fantail - they are everywhere
Melanesian Flycatcher (M)
White-breasted Woodswallow @Parc Provincial de la Riviere Bleue
A short 20 minutes drive from Noumea will take you to Mt Koghi where you can walk their trails to the top of the hill. There is a very nice French restaurant overlooking Noumea and their major ingredients of the menu are imported from France.
Small bungalows are also for rent:
South Melanesian Cuckooshire @ Mt Koghi
Rufous Whistler (F) @ Mt Koghi
Rufous Whistler (M) @ Parc Provincial de la Riviere Bleue
Also another hot spot for birding is La Foa, about 90 minutes drive from Noumea. Accommodation @ Refuge de Farino. It is built on a hillside in Farino’s forest where you can birding on the balcony.
Refuge de Farino
New Caledonian Friarbird @ La Foa
South Melanesian Cuckooshrike are abundant @ La Foa
Common Wax @ La Foa
Buff-banded Rail @ La Foa
Metallic Pigon @ La Foa
Green-backed White-eye @ La Foa
Sacred Kingfisher are abundant @ La Foa. Over 20+ were seen on a single day.
White-breasted Woodswallow @La Foa
Red Junglefowl @ Les Grandes Fougeres
Silver Gull @ Noumea Fish Market
Grey-eared Honeyeater @ Noumea Airport
