WildWings Western Pacific Odyssey 2008 Systematic List

WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY

2nd April – 4th May 2008

SYSTEMATIC LIST

The taxonomy and English names used in this checklist generally follow The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World by James Clements with revisions made where an alternative name/taxonomy is considered more appropriate.

Compiled by Tour Leader Chris Collins (based on the figures agreed at the nightly logs).

Accurately counting seabirds at sea is extremely difficult (eg as one can never be sure which birds are following or revisiting the ship), so the system outlined below was adopted with this also used for the more numerous land birds:

1-10 = actual number seen

11-100 = A

101-1,000 = B

1,001-10,000 = C

10,001-100,000 = D

Non-native introductions are shown in brackets.

____________________________________

BIRDS

Little Penguin Eudyptula minor

Two seen in the Hauraki Gulf (3 April).

Snowy Albatross Diomedea exulans

One bird showing characteristics of this species was seen in the Outer Hauraki Gulf (3 April).

Gibson’s Albatross Diomedea gibsoni

Birds showing characteristics of this form were seen on the first three days of the trip (3 April: 5+; 4 April: 9+; 5 April: 1), although the majority were logged as ‘Wandering albatross sp’, as the views were not close enough to safely assign them to species.

Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus

Taking the ship close to Torishima led to one of the undoubted highlights of the voyage, with almost all plumages of this threatened albatross seen scrabbling for squid behind the ship. The maximum count at any point in time was 25 individuals, although over the course of the day, it is likely that the number seen was several times higher than this.

Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis

This species was not seen on either the recce voyage in 2005 or on WPO 2007, however, a total of five individuals were seen this year, with the first logged whilst cruising up the west side of the Bonin Islands (ie off ChiChi-jima) on 30 April. A total of three individuals were then seen the following day, with a final bird off Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes

The commonest North Pacific albatross of the voyage with a low A logged whilst cruising up the west coast of the Bonin Islands (30 April) and mid A the following day (cruising to and around Torishima). A total of seven were then noted over the following two days (2 May: 4 birds; and 3 May: 3 birds).

Campbell Albatross Thalassarche impavida

Three seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April with a further two noted the following day.

White-capped Albatross Thalassarche steadi

A new seabird for the WPO list, with a single bird seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Beck’s Petrel Pseudobulweria becki

For many on the ‘Spirit of Enderby’, this was undoubtedly the star bird of the voyage with the entire Wildwings group getting great looks at this recently rediscovered species.

The first individual was seen before breakfast on 19 April by only a few of the group, however, a couple of hours later, 3+ birds were well watched for over an hour on a chum/oil slick off western Bougainville with the closest being within 150m of the ship. As the ship cruised up the eastern side of New Ireland later that day, at least another eight Beck’s petrels were seen.

Whilst Beck’s petrel has been described as extremely similar to a Tahiti petrel, we concluded that it was not that difficult to tell them apart with the differences including size (Beck’s truly is a midget compared with Tahiti), flight style (Beck’s is considerably more manoeuvrable with tighter turns over a chum slick etc) and jizz (Beck’s petrel is proportionately longer necked with a smaller head).

Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata

The first individual was seen the day before reaching Norfolk Island (5 April) which was followed by mid A counts on both sea days between Norfolk Island and New Caledonia (7 and 8 April). Similar numbers were then seen the day after leaving New Caledonia (10 April) with the only subsequent sightings being a single bird on 11 April and two individuals off Bougainville on 19 April.

Grey-faced Petrel Pterodroma gouldi

Good numbers were seen between the Hauraki Gulf (3 April) and day 1 to New Caledonia (7 April) with B logged on 4 and 5 April and A on 3 and 7 April.

Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta

Seen on five dates during the voyage with 8+ birds on 4 April and seven on 5 April (days 2 and 3 to Norfolk Island). A low A count was then recorded for the first sea day north of Norfolk Island (7 April) with a further individual seen the following day. The only other sighting was considerably further north with a lone bird on day 4 north of Chuuk (28 April).

White-necked Petrel Pterodroma cervicalis

Seen in variable numbers on a daily basis from the Hauraki Gulf until we reached New Caledonia with A logged on 4, 5 and 7 April and single figure counts on 3, 6 and 8 April. The final sightings were on 10 April (day 1 north of New Caledonia) when a further two birds were seen.

Cook’s Petrel Pterodroma cookie

Approximately five birds were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Gould’s Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera

Seen on four dates with A logged on 4, 8 and 10 April (day 2 to Norfolk Island, day 2 to New Caledonia, day 1 to the Solomon Islands) and five birds on 7 April.

Collared Petrel Pterodroma brevipes

During the voyage, it became apparent that separating Gould’s petrels from pale Collared petrels was not as simple as has been suggested in some of the literature and that this was best done via photographs. As a result, a number of birds were listed as “Gould’s/Collared”, however, definite Collared petrels were seen on five dates with the majority of these being pale individuals, although a number of ‘classic’ dark birds were also observed.

The first sighting was on 4 April (day 2 to Norfolk Island) with five birds then noted on 7 April (day 1 to New Caledonia), a single bird the following day, two on 10 April (day 1 to the Solomon Islands) with the final sighting on 11 April.

Two of the sightings on 7 April were in Australian waters (ie north of Norfolk Island) and these records appear to confirm that this species is not infrequent in these waters – what were apparently the first Australian records were in broadly the same area on WPO 2007.

Bonin Petrel Pterodroma hypoleuca

Seen daily between 28 April – 2 May (day 4 to Bonin Islands and off Ko-jima) with A logged for 29 April and 1 May and single figure counts on other days.

Black-winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis

Encountered on a daily basis from the Hauraki Gulf until the day before we reached New Caledonia (3-8 April inclusive) with A logged on 4-7 April and single figure counts on the other two days.

A few birds were seen flying around the garden of our ground agent at Anson Bay on Norfolk Island on 6 April where this species breeds.

Pycroft’s Petrel Pterodroma pycrofti

No definite Pycroft’s petrels were recorded, although there were strong suspicions that a number of the birds seen in the late afternoon of 3 April were this species.

Note: a shipping exclusion zone has recently been declared around the main breeding colony north of the Hauraki Gulf (Poor Knights Islands), so it was not possible to take the ship passed this as had originally been planned.

Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur

Only small numbers (mid-A) seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulweria

Seen in small numbers on a daily basis from the sea day south of Chuuk (22 April) until day 4 north of there (28 April) with the highest count being ten birds on 22 April and an average of two birds per day on the other dates.

White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis

Single individuals were noted on both 4 and 5 April (days 2 and 3 to Norfolk Island).

(Parkinson’s) Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni

Seen in good numbers in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April (B logged) with good, but smaller, numbers the following day (A logged). Two birds were then seen on 5 April with the final sightings being two on 7 April and one on 8 April (days 1 and 2 to New Caledonia).

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas

One of the most spectacular sights on the entire voyage was the sheer number of Streaked shearwaters which were seen in the late afternoon of 3 May, ie after leaving Miyake-jima. So many birds were present that it became impossible to accurately estimate numbers, however, the consensus was that 100,000+ were almost certainly seen over the course of 2-3 hours.

Good numbers were also logged on the previous two days (A+ on 1 May and B+ on 2 May) with the only other sightings being off New Ireland and the sea day north of there.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes

This species was seen on seven days, although the sightings were widely spread across the voyage. Good numbers (B) were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April with a further five individuals the following day. None were then seen again until 19 April (Bougainville -> New Ireland) when B was again recorded.

Single figure counts (between 1-3 birds) were then logged on 26 April (day 2 to Japan), 29 April (day 5 to Japan) and 1 May (near Torishima) with the final sightings being near Ko-jima on 2 May.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus

Along with Short-tailed shearwater (see below), this was the joint most widespread species on the entire voyage with sightings on 22 dates. The first records were of nine birds on day 3 to Norfolk Island (5 April) and the species was then logged on almost every sea day (generally A or B counts) until 2 May (off Ko-jima).

During the first half of the trip, dark phase birds predominated, however, during the later stages of the voyage, all the birds were pale.

Buller’s Shearwater Puffinus bulleri

Good numbers (B) seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April with the only other sighting being a lone bird close to Torishima on 1 May.

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus

Only two definite individuals were recorded in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris

Seen on an almost daily basis from 7 April (day 1 to New Caledonia) until 2 May (off Ko-jima). Daily counts were typically A, although C was logged on 7 April.

Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavial

Ten birds were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis

A single bird, presumably of the race haurakiensis, was seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April. Two individuals were then seen as the ship approached Norfolk Island on 5 April, with at least a further fifteen birds in the late afternoon of the following day, ie after the day ashore on the island.

The latter birds would presumably have been of the race assimilis which breeds on Norfolk Island, however, it is interesting to note that according to Margaret Christian who wrote the field guide to the Birds of Norfolk Island, there are summer and winter breeding Little Shearwaters on the island and these vary so markedly in size that they require different size leg rings !!

Tropical Shearwater Puffinus dichrous/bailloni

Although the Audubon’s/Little/Tropical Shearwater complex has recently been split by several authorities, it seems unlikely that the situation has been fully resolved as some of those on the ‘Spirit of Enderby’ felt that the birds seen in the Solomons (2 individuals on 16 April whilst cruising from Guadalcanal to Kolombangara) differed from the more northern birds seen close to Chuuk on 23 and 24 April. The name ‘Atoll shearwater’ was used on board to describe the latter birds, although this name has no formal place in the ornithological literature.

Bannerman’s Shearwater Puffinus bannermani

Another split from the Audubon’s/Little/Tropical Shearwater complex which was seen on three dates with a low A recorded on 28 April (day 4 to Japan), a single individual noted the following day and A then logged again as the ship approached Ko-jima on 2 May.

Heinroth’s Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi

Another of the star birds of the WPO with eleven individuals seen off Central Bougainville on 18 April.

Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus

Small numbers (1-4) were seen on fourteen, widely spread, dates throughout the trip with a low A logged on an additional four days. The first sightings were of two birds in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April and the final bird was not too far from Torishima on 1 May.

New Zealand Storm-petrel Oceanites maorianus

At least seven individuals of this recently rediscovered species were seen on 3 April (Hauraki Gulf and further north). By dripping oil for much of that afternoon there were ‘NZSPs’ regularly behind the ship, so the number logged may in fact be an underestimate of the true number seen.

A bird which showed many characteristics of New Zealand Storm-petrel was then seen relatively close to New Caledonia on 8 April and a paper by Steve Howell and Chris Collins about this occurrence is due to be published in Birding World. This paper describes the bird seen off New Caledonia as a ‘possible’ NZSP and discussions after the voyage with several highly experienced New Zealand and Australian seabirders confirmed Steve and Chris’ view that there are some inconsistencies with that species.

White-faced Storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina

Only one bird was seen during the voyage in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Storm-petrel sp.

A small number of unidentified storm-petrels were seen distantly during the trip, including at least one white-bellied bird on 12 April (day 3 to the Solomon Islands).

Polynesian Storm-petrel Nesofregetta fuliginosa

Only one sighting on WPO 2008 compared with 10+ individuals (over 4 dates) on the previous year’s voyage. The bird was, however, seen well by everyone, as it spent approximately 10-20 minutes following the ship seemingly attracted by the oil drip which was being run at the time. What made this sighting particularly noteworthy was that it was within Australian waters and, if accepted by the Birds Australia Records Committee, will be the first record for Australia.

Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa

Seen on eight widely spread dates during the voyage with the first individuals seen on day 2 to the Solomon Islands (11 April) and the final records being off Ko-jima on 2 May. The number seen was typically between 1-3 birds/day, although a low A was logged on 20 April (day 1 north of New Ireland) and 2 May (off Ko-jima).

Tristram’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma tristrami

Seen daily between 30 April – 3 May with the largest number being once the ship was off the shelf edge after leaving ChiChi-jima on 30 April when a count of a mid B was logged. On the following two days, only two individual birds were identified with a low B count then seen again off Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Matsudaira’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae

First seen on 26 April (day 2 north of Chuuk) and with the exception of 30 April (when none were noted), this species was seen on a daily basis until 2 May. Counts were typically a low-high A, although only one bird was identified for certain on 2 May.

Common Diving-petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix

Good numbers (B) were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April.

Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda

The first sighting was on day 2 to Norfolk Island (4 April) with four then seen the next day. This species breeds on Norfolk Island and A were recorded there (6 April) with six and two birds respectively then noted on the two sea days between Norfolk Island and New Caledonia.

Single individuals were then seen on 12 April (day 3 to the Solomon Islands), 25 April (day 1 to Japan) and 29 April (day 5 to Japan) with two birds logged for 28 April.

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus

Seen on twelve dates although there were only three occasions when more than three birds were noted, with the highest counts being near Chuuk on 23 and 24 April when a low A was logged. The first sighting was on 11 April (day 2 to the Solomon Islands) with the final bird being on 28 April (day 4 to Japan).

Australian Gannet Morus serrator

Only seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April when B was logged.

Masked Booby Sula dactylatra

This species breeds on Norfolk Island and eight were seen the day before we arrived there (5 April), a high A was noted around the island the following day (with several breeding birds seen in the garden of our ground agent at Anson Bay) with six and one birds recorded respectively on the two sea days to New Caledonia (7 and 8 April).

The only other sightings were on 11 April: 3 birds (day 2 to the Solomon Islands), 16 April: 1 bird (sea day between Guadalcanal and Kolombangara) and 28 April: A (day 4 to Japan).

Red-footed Booby Sula sula

Seen on fifteen dates between 8-30 April although on most dates only a single figure count was recorded. The highest numbers were when the ship was closest to the North Mariana Islands (27-29 April) when A was logged each day.

Red-footed Boobies make a regular habit of roosting on ships and this occurred on at least three nights during the latter stages of the trip with the maximum confirmed count being nine individuals.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster

This species was first encountered on the first sea day after leaving New Caledonia (when a low A was logged) and was then seen on ten subsequent, but widely spaced, dates with the final bird being near Ko-jima on 2 May. The highest count was on 16 April (the sea day between Guadalcanal and Kolombangara) when B was logged, however, otherwise the maximum number seen was generally a low A.

Japanese Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus

Three birds were seen at the landing site on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

At least seven birds were seen during the shore excursion on New Caledonia on 9 April.

Great Frigatebird Fregata minor

Although many of the more distant frigatebirds seen during the voyage were not identified to species, there were confirmed sightings of Great frigatebird on ten dates with the first seen on Norfolk Island on 6 April and the last being on 24 April at Chuuk. The maximum numbered noted on any one day was four birds (19 April) with one bird being the typical count on other dates.

Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel

This species was commoner than the previous one with sightings on an almost daily basis from 10-19 April inclusive although the maximum count was still only eight birds.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Two seen on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia

The only definite sighting of this species was of a single bird during the shore excursion on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae

A low A count on Norfolk Island on 6 April with a further bird seen on New Caledonia on 9 April.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Only seen on two dates with a single bird on ChiChi-jima on 30 April and two individuals then seen three days later on Miyake-jima.

Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra

The first individual was found on Rennell on 13 April and three birds were then seen on both days we were ashore on Chuuk (23 and 24 April).

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

A single bird was on Norfolk Island on 6 April with a total of three then seen on 23 and 24 April whilst ashore on Chuuk.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus

The only sighting of the entire voyage was of a single bird on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax Nycticoraxn

Two birds (an adult and a juvenile) were seen at the Nature Centre on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus

This species was only seen on Chuuk with three individuals on 23 April and four the following day.

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

Another species which was only seen on Chuuk with a total of three logged.

Australian Ibis Threskiornis molucca

A single bird was seen on Rennell on 13 April with A then recorded the following day on Makira.

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa

Five birds were seen on Kolombangara on 17 April with a total of seven then seen on Chuuk (23 April:2; and 24 April: 5).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

There is a nest of this species close to the landing site on Rennell and up to four birds were seen during the shore excursion there on 13 April. A single bird was then noted the following day on Makira, with up to six recorded on Kolombangara on 17 April. The final sighting of the voyage was a single bird on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata

At least six birds were seen during the shore excursion to Mount Austin on Guadalcanal on 15 April with several of the birds giving great views as they displayed overhead.

Black(-eared) Kite Milvus migrans

The only sightings on the voyage were of two birds near to the wharf on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus

A total of five birds were seen on New Caledonia on 9 April.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus

This species was seen during three of the four landings in the Solomons with four birds on Makira on 14 April, a low A at Mt Austin (Guadalcanal) the following day and two on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Solomon Islands Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi

A lucky few saw this stunning eagle at Mt Austin (Guadalcanal) on 15 April, however, the rest of the group caught up with it two days later on Kolombangara where at least one pair is known to nest close to where we landed for the shore excursion.

Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster

The only sighting was a single bird which was seen during a zodiac cruise on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus

Two birds were seen on Rennell on 13 April.

Pied Goshawk Accipiter albogularis

The most widely encountered of the goshawks which can be found in the Solomon Islands with a total of nine individuals logged. The first sighting was of a single bird on Rennell on 14 April, however, up to six birds were seen the following day on Makira with the final sightings being of two birds on Kolombangara on 17 April.

New Caledonia Goshawk Accipiter haplochrous

Only heard during the shore excursion to Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April.

Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo

A single bird was seen distantly from the ship whilst leaving the natural harbour on ChiChi-jima on 30 April.

Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides

Two birds were seen on Norfolk Island on 6 April.

Oriental Hobby Falco severus

Only seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal where two birds were seen over the forest on 15 April.

(California Quail) Callipepla californica

This North American introduction is reasonably numerous on Norfolk Island and on 6 April a count of mid-A was logged.

Chinese Bamboo-partridge Bambusicola thoracicus

Only heard during the shore excursion on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

(Red Junglefowl) Gallus gallus

Although the plumage of the feral birds on Norfolk Island is highly variable, they are regarded as ‘tickable’ for Australian listing purposes and a high A was recorded on 6 April.

Roviana Rail Gallirallus rovianae

One of the star birds of the voyage which was only described in the early 1990s, however, this species was seen very well by all during the shore excursion on Kolombangara with a low A count logged over the course of the morning.

Somewhat surprisingly (for a bird which is nigh on flightless), it seems to have adapted reasonably well to the arrival of humans, with the best views being in the middle of Kukundu village where several were seen feeding with chickens and underneath some of the houses !!

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

This species was only seen on Kolombangara where 3 were noted on 17 April.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

A single bird was seen on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus

Another of the key landbirds of the voyage and at least ten of these extraordinary birds were seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April. Most of these showed extremely well and for many of the Wildwings group seeing a family party of five birds (two adults plus three sub-adults/juveniles) calling, displaying and copulating a matter of feet away was amongst the highpoints of the expedition.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

Two birds were seen on Chuuk on 23 and 24 April with the only other sightings being on ChiChi-jima where A was logged on 30 April.

Double-banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus

At least two birds were seen on Norfolk Island on 6 April.

Lesser Sand-plover Charadrius mongolus

One bird was seen on the beach near to where the ship was berthed on ChiChi-jima on 30 April.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

A single bird on Norfolk Island on 6 April was the only sighting of the voyage.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

One bird was seen on Makira on 14 April.

Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes

This species was seen on four dates with the first sighting being on 6 April on Norfolk Island. Another bird was then seen on the shoreline on Kolombangara on 17 April with a further two birds at sea (apparently migrating north) several hours after leaving Chuuk on 24 April. The final records were on ChiChi-jima on 30 April where two individuals were noted.

Wandering Tattler Heterosceles incanus

A total of four birds were seen and heard calling on Chuuk on 23 and 24 April.

Tattler sp. Heterosceles sp.

A number of unidentified tattlers were seen on Norfolk Island on 6 April and Chuuk on 23 April.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Six turnstones were seen on Norfolk Island on 6 April with the next sighting being a bird way out at sea on 21 April (two days north of New Ireland). This flew around the boat several times before presumably continuing its northward migration.

The only other sightings were on Chuuk (where A was logged on both 23 and 24 April) and ChiChi-jima where a similar number were seen on 30 April.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus

A single individual was seen close to ChiChi-jima on 30 April with three birds offshore from Ko-jima on 2 May.

South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki

This species was observed on eight dates with the first seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April. The main concentration of sightings, however, was between 25 April – 3 May when a total of fifteen birds were seen over 6 days.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

A total of twenty ‘Poms’ were seen during the voyage with a number of these having full ‘spoons’. All except one of the sightings were in the second half of the trip with the highest counts being on 19 April (Bougainville and New Ireland) and 2 May (off Ko-jima) when four birds were seen.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

This species was seen on fourteen widely spread dates across the expedition. The first bird was seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April, with a further two the following day. There was then a gap of a week before the next was seen (11 April: day 2 to the Solomon Islands), with the final sighting being off Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus

Another species which was seen at regular intervals throughout the trip with the maximum count being eight birds on both 4 and 5 April (days 2 and 3 to Norfolk Island).

Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris

This species was seen off both Ko-jima and Miyake-jima (2 and 3 May) with A logged on both dates.

Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae

This species was reasonably common (A) around the harbour in Noumea, New Caledonia on both 8 and 9 April.

Red-billed Gull Larus scopulinus

This New Zealand endemic was only seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 3 April when A was logged.

Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus

Only seen around the wharf on Miyake-jima (3 May) where 3+ were well watched.

Great Crested Tern Sterna bergi

This species was seen on most dates between 8 April (arriving in New Caledonia) and 17 April (Kolombangara) with A logged on three days. The only other sightings were around Chuuk with a single bird on 23 April and two seen the following day.

Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana

The first sighting of this species was as the ship approach Noumea on 8 April when two birds were seen. Three were then seen on 13 April (close inshore to Rennell Island) with eight noted the following day near Makira. The final sightings were around Chuuk where this species is reasonably numerous and A was logged on both 23 and 24 April.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Only one bird which was near Makira on 14 April.

Grey-backed Tern Sterna lunata

This species rarely showed well, however, birds were seen on five dates with the first seen on 12 April (day 3 to the Solomon Islands). A total of nine birds were then logged between 16-18 April (west of Guadalcanal to Bougainville) with the final sightings being two birds on 27 April (day 3 to Japan).

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus

This species was encountered far less frequently than Sooty tern with sightings on only four dates. The highest count was just offshore from Makira where B was logged on 14 April, with five seen on 16 April (sea day between Guadalcanal and Kolombangara) and three the following day (offshore from Kolombangara). The final sighting was a single bird on 20 April (day 1 north of New Ireland).

Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata

One of the most frequently encountered seabirds on the voyage with sightings on nineteen dates. The first birds were seen close to Norfolk Island (6 April) with sightings then on a more-or-less daily basis until the day before ChiChi-jima (29 April). Although B was logged on six dates (ie between 100-1,000), there were eight days when only a single figure count was made.

Black Noddy Anous minutes

This Noddy is very common around Norfolk Island and B was logged on 6 April with similar numbers seen around Chuuk on 23 and 24 April. Birds were also seen on a further widely scattered nine days with the last two individuals being on 28 April (day 4 to Japan).

Brown Noddy Anous stolidus

This species was seen almost daily between Norfolk Island (6 April) and ChiChi-jima (30 April). Although the majority of the day counts were in single figures, A was logged on six dates and B on 11 and 23 April (day 2 to the Solomons and close inshore to Chuuk).

Grey Ternlet Procelsterna albivitta

Grey Ternlets breed in the Hauraki Gulf and on islets just offshore from Norfolk Island and A was logged at both these localities (3 and 6 April). The only other sighting was on the sea day prior to arriving at Norfolk Island when a single bird was seen.

White Tern Gygis alba

Sightings of this species were divided into two discrete blocks with birds seen each day between 5-8 April (the sea day prior to arriving at Norfolk Island – arriving in New Caledonia) and then again on an almost daily basis between 19- 28 April (Bougainville - day 4 to Japan).

The typical number logged was A, although B was recorded for 6 April as this species breeds on Norfolk Island.

Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume

The WPO ended on a major high when at least twenty of these threatened alcids were seen close to some rocky stacks a few miles offshore from Miyake-jima on the afternoon of 3 May.

Three small auks had also been seen close to Ko-jima the previous day, however, the atrocious weather conditions did not allow these to be identified to species, although in all likelihood they were Japanese Murrelets.

Japanese Wood-pigeon Columba janthina

This near-threatened species was only seen during the shore excursion on Miyake-jima on 3 May when a low A was logged.

Oriental Turtle-dove Streptopelia orientalis

Another species which was only seen on Miyake-jima with 4 individuals seen.

(Spotted Dove) Streptopelia chinensis

This Asian introduction was seen in small numbers around Noumea, New Caledonia on 8-9 April.

Mackinlay’s Cuckoo-dove Macropygia mackinlayi

This species was seen on all four of the islands visited in the Solomons (ie Rennell, Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara) with the highest number being at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal where a low A was logged. Otherwise counts were only of two or three individuals.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Five of this widespread species were seen in the Botanical Gardens on Norfolk Island on 6 April.

Caroline Islands Ground-dove Gallicolumba kubaryi

This species is endemic to the Caroline Islands and three individuals were seen well on 24 April at Japanese Gun on Chuuk.

Superb Fruit-dove Ptilinopus superbus

A single bird was seen at Mt Austin (Guadalcanal) on 15 April and four were then seen two days later on Kolombangara.

Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Reasonably numerous on Chuuk with A logged on both 23 and 24 April.

Silver-capped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus richardsii

This species is endemic to Rennell and a few nearby islets, however, it is fairly common with A recorded on 13 April.

Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus viridis

Another range-restricted fruit-dove which was seen on both Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (15 and 17 April) with a count of a low A on both islands.

White-headed Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus eugeniae

Two individuals of this poorly-known Makiran endemic were seen during our shore excursion on 14 April.

Cloven-feathered Dove Drepanoptila holosericea

This New Caledonian endemic can be moderately tricky to find at Riviere Bleue, however, the majority of the Wildwings group got to see at least one bird with two individuals seen during our trip to this National Park.

Pacific Imperial-pigeon Ducula pacifica

Only three of these pigeons were seen on Rennell on 13 April.

Red-knobbed Imperial-pigeon Ducula rubricera

This impressive looking pigeon was seen on Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (14, 15 and 17 April) with A logged for each date.

Island Imperial-pigeon Ducula pistrinaria

Seen on three of the four islands we visited in the Solomons with two individuals on 13 April on Rennell, five seen the following day on Makira and A logged on 17 April on Kolombangara.

New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath

Three of these hefty pigeons (which are a New Caledonian endemic) were seen at Riviere Bleue on 9 April.

Ducorps’ Cockatoo Cacatua ducorpsii

The highest count of this species was at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal on 15 April where A was logged. Two individuals were also seen on Rennell and Kolombangara (13 and 17 April).

Cardinal Lory Chalcopsitta cardinalis

This brilliantly coloured parrot was seen at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal and on Kolombangara (15 and 17 April) with A recorded for each island.

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus

This species was found on New Caledonia (where it is common in downtown Noumea) and was also noted (A on both dates) on Makira and Kolombangara.

Yellow-bibbed Lory Lorius chlorocercus

A Solomon Islands endemic which was only seen on Guadalcanal (15 April) with A logged on 15 April.

Duchess Lorikeet Charmosyna margarethae

Three of these parrots were seen on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Finsch’s Pygmy-parrot Micropsitta finschii

Although this species is reasonably numerous in the Solomons, its tiny size can make it difficult to spot, however, birds were seen on Rennell, Makira and Guadalcanal (13, 14 and 15 April) with the highest count being at Mt Austin (Guadalcanal) where a low A was recorded.

Horned Parakeet Eunymphicus cornutus

Having failed to see this New Caledonian endemic on WPO 2007, most of the group eventually got good looks at a couple of perched birds during the excursion to Riviere Bleue with a total of seven logged for the day.

New Caledonian Parakeet Cyanoramphus saissetti

Another endemic with 4+ seen at Riviere Bleue on 9 April.

Norfolk Island Parakeet Cyanoramphus cookie

At least three of these endemic parrots were seen at the Botanical Gardens on Norfolk Island on 6 April, although they were more often heard than seen.

(Crimson Rosella) Platycercus elegans

This species has been introduced on Norfolk Island and is common with A logged on 6 April.

Singing Parrot Geoffroyus heteroclitus

Seen on all the islands visited in the Solomons with the highest number noted on Rennell where a low A was recorded. On the subsequent islands only two or three individuals were noted.

Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus

Another stunningly beautiful bird which was recorded on Makira (14 April: 5 birds), Guadalcanal (15 April: low A) and Kolombangara (17 April: 6 birds).

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus

A single bird was seen by some of the group on Makira (14 April).

Shining Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus

Only seen in the Solomon Islands with two individuals seen on Rennell on 13 April and two more four days later on Kolombangara.

Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala

One was heard calling on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Buff-headed Coucal Centropus milo

This raucous Coucal, which is endemic to the Solomon Islands, makes an almost mammalian-like noise and was seen well at Mt Austin on 15 April with A logged across the course of the day. A further five birds were then seen on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Solomon Hawk-owl Ninox jacquinoti

One bird was heard calling distantly at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal at dusk on 15 April.

Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta

This species was seen in reasonable numbers at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April (A being logged) and then on all the islands visited in the Solomons.

White-rumped Swiftlet Aerodramus spodiopygius

Only noted on Kolombangara where four individuals were seen on 17 April.

Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis

Seen on Rennell, Makira and Guadalcanal with A or B logged each day (13-15 April).

Caroline Islands Swiftlet Aerodramus inquietus

This extremely common Swiftlet is endemic to the Caroline Islands and a count of B was logged on Chuuk on both 23 and 24 April.

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus

A single bird was seen in very poor weather conditions close inshore to Ko-jima on 2 May with A logged the following day during the shore excursion on Miyake-jima.

Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea

Only seen on Rennell where two individuals were noted on 13 April and on Kolombangara where a count of a low A was recorded.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Two birds of the race salomonensis were seen near the landing site on Kolombangara on 17 April. These birds differ markedly from the birds in Europe having blue ear-coverts and richer purple-blue upperparts.

Little Kingfisher Alcedo pusilla

The only sighting was during a zodiac cruise on Kolombangara (17 April) when a single individual was seen.

Ultramarine Kingfisher Todirhamphus leucopygius

This Solomon Islands endemic was only heard at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal despite considerable efforts to tape it in.

Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris

The only definite sighting was of a single individual on Makira on 14 April.

Beach Kingfisher Todirhamphus saurophaga

Three birds were seen from the zodiacs whilst transferring between the ship and shore on Makira on 14 April.

Sacred Kingfisher Todirhamphus sanctus

A reasonably numerous bird on Norfolk Island with A logged on 6 April. A single individual was then seen on New Caledonia on 9 April with others seen on Rennell and Kolombangara.

Blyth’s Hornbill Aceros plicatus

Six of these spectacular birds were recorded at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal on 15 April although getting good views was often quite challenging given the tight forest canopy. A further two birds were then seen two days later on Kolombangara.

Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos kizuki

Only seen on Miyake-jima (3 May) where it was reasonably common (A).

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

This species was only seen on Miyake-jima on 3 May (when a low A was noted). Unlike WPO 2007, no migrating birds were recorded at sea during this year’s voyage.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

Only seen during the Solomon Island landings with A logged on Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (15 and 17 April) and five also noted on Makira on 14 April.

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena

A common bird on Norfolk Island (6 April) where A was logged. Birds were also seen at sea on 3, 7 and 8 April.

Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caledonica

This species can be found on New Caledonia and in the Solomons and six birds were logged during the visit to Riviere Bleue on 9 April, with a similar count on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineate

This cuckoo-shrike was the most frequently encountered during our shore excursions in the Solomon Islands and was seen on all the islands which were visited. A was logged on both Makira and Guadalcanal (14 and 15 April), with 3-4 birds also seen on Rennell and Kolombangara (13 and 17 April).

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis

As with the above species, this cuckoo-shrike was only seen in the Solomons with low A counts on both Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (15 and 17 April).

New Caledonian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina analis

This New Caledonian endemic was seen at Riviere Bleue on 9 April where five birds were found.

Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris

Only seen on Makira and Guadalcanal (14 and 15 April) with three and five birds being logged respectively.

Solomon Islands Cuckoo-shrike Coracina holopolia

As its name suggests, this species is endemic to the Solomon Islands, however, it was only seen during the shore excursion to Mt Austin on Guadalcanal where eight birds were found.

Long-tailed Triller Lalage leucopyga

At least six individuals were seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April with a low A also logged on Makira on 14 April.

(Red-vented Bulbul) Pycnonotus cafer

This Asian introduction is reasonably common around Noumea, New Caledonia and was noted on both 8 and 9 April.

Brown-eared Bulbul Ixos amaurotis

Only seen on the last two landings of the voyage, ie ChiChi-jima (30 April) and Miyake-jima (3 May) with A logged on both islands.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

This widespread species was only seen during the excursion on Miyake-jima (3 May) where A was recorded.

Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius

Good numbers (A) of the red-bellied form of this species were seen on ChiChi-jima (30 April). A single individual was also found on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

(Eurasian Blackbird) Turdus merula

This European introduction is numerous on Norfolk Island with A recorded on 6 April.

Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus

The only island on the WPO itinerary where this highly variable species can be found is Rennell where the birds resemble ‘mini Blackbirds’. During our shore excursion on 13 April, at least three individuals were seen, although the birds could be difficult to see.

Izu Thrush Turdus poliocephalus

Endemic to the Izu Islands, this species was found to be reasonably numerous on Miyake-jima (3 May) with A logged.

Japanese Bush-warbler Cettia diphone

Although this species was common by voice on both ChiChi-jima and Miyake-jima (30 April and 3 May), it was typical of other members of the Cettia family and comparatively difficult to see.

Caroline Reed Warbler Acrocephalus syrinx

This species is endemic to the Caroline Islands and was common (A) on Chuuk on 23 and 24 April.

Ijima’s Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus ijimae

The second of the two Izu Island endemics and like the Izu thrush, this species was numerous with a low B logged during the shore excursion on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Japanese Robin Erithacus akahige

This skulker was seen by some of the group in the woods on Miyake-jima (3 May), although it was comparatively difficult to see with only five birds logged.

Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys

Seen on Makira (14 April: 3 birds), Guadalcanal (15 April: 2 birds) and Kolombangara (17 April: low A).

White-winged Fantail Rhipidura cockerelli

A Solomon Islands endemic which was only seen by a few with a single bird at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal on 15 April.

Rennell Fantail Rhipidura rennelliana

Endemic to Rennell, this species proved to be comparatively elusive this year with a total of only four birds seen on 13 April.

Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa

This species was comparatively common (A) on Norfolk Island on 6 April and also on New Caledonia (A) on 9 April.

Streaked Fantail Rhipidura spilodera

This New Caledonian endemic was seen well at Riviere Bleue (9 April) with A logged.

Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons

This species was reasonably common on Makira where A was logged (14 April). Two birds were also seen the following day at Mt Austin on Guadalcanal.

Southern Shrikebill Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides

At least five were seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April.

Rennell Shrikebill Clytorhynchus hamlini

This Rennell endemic is common (A) and was seen well during our shore excursion.

Chestnut-bellied Monarch Monarcha castaneiventris

A Solomon Islands endemic which was seen on both Makira (5 birds on 14 April) and at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal (a low A on 15 April).

White-capped Monarch Monarcha richardsii

This monarch is only found in the New Georgia group of islands (including Kolombangara) and was reasonably numerous on the shore excursion on 17 April with A logged for the day.

White-collared Monarch Monarcha viduus

Another very range-restricted species (this one is only found on Makira and some nearby islets) and a single bird was seen on Makira on 14 April.

Black-and-white Monarch Monarcha barbatus

This species was only seen at Mt Austin on Guadalcanal where five birds were seen on 15 April.

Oceanic Flycatcher Myiagra oceanica

This Micronesian endemic is relatively common on Chuuk and A was logged on both 23 and 24 April.

Steel-blue Flycatcher Myiagra ferrocyanea

This Solomon Islands endemic was seen on Guadalcanal (15 April: 6 birds) and on Kolombangara (17 April: 4 birds).

Melanesian Flycatcher Myiagra caledonica

This species was moderately numerous at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia with a low A logged on 9 April. Its range also includes Rennell and during the shore excursion there, a further two birds were seen.

Pacific Robin Petroica multicolour

The Scarlet Robin has recently been split into two species and the birds on Norfolk Island are now regarded as different to the birds in mainland Australia. At least six birds were seen in the Botanical Gardens on Norfolk Island on 6 April.

Yellow-bellied Robin Eopsaltria flaviventris

During the shore excursion to Riviere Bleue on 9 April, a low A of this New Caledonian endemic were seen.

Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis

This species was first encountered on Norfolk Island where the highly distinctive (but very plain) endemic race was common with A logged. Golden Whistlers were also seen on Makira and Guadalcanal (two birds on each island) where their plumage is somewhat more typical.

New Caledonian Whistler Pachycephala caledonica

This endemic is generally found in more forested areas than the next species (ie Rufous Whistler) and a low A was recorded during the visit to Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April.

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

Only seen on New Caledonia with two birds seen near the entrance to Riviere Bleue on 9 April.

Norfolk Gerygone Gerygone modesta

One of the three extant Norfolk Island endemics and found to be common (A) on the island during the visit to the Botanical Gardens on 6 April.

Fan-tailed Gerygone Gerygone flavolateralis

Seen in good numbers (A) at both Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 9 April and on Rennell on 13 April.

Interestingly, the birds on these two islands look very different, eg those on New Caledonia have yellow vents and dark eyes whilst the birds on Rennell have pale eyes and the yellow extends up onto the breast. Some limited playback experiments were undertaken during this year’s visit to Rennell and the birds did not show any interest in recordings of the Gerygones on New Caledonia, whilst the same individuals responded vigorously to Gerygone recordings made on Rennell. It is interesting to speculate, therefore, whether the current taxonomy is valid and if the Gerygones on Rennell should in fact be treated as a sixth Rennell Island endemic given the above and how isolated they are from other Fan-tailed Gerygone populations.

Great Tit Parus major

A comparatively common bird on Miyake-jima with A logged on 3 May.

Varied Tit Sittiparus varius

This species was also only seen on Miyake-jima with similar numbers seen as for Great Tit.

Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis

Only seen on Guadalcanal with 8 on 15 April and good numbers (low A) on Kolombangara on 17 April.

Midget Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeneum

This Solomon Islands endemic is not uncommon at Mt Austin on Guadalcanal and A was logged on 15 April, although its tiny size meant getting good views was often challenging.

Mottled Flowerpecker Dicaeum tristrami

At least six of this Makiran endemic were seen on the shore excursion on 14 April.

Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus

This species was common (A) on both Japanese islands which were visited, ie ChiChi-jima (13 April) and Miyake-jima (16 April).

Caroline Islands White-eye Zosterops semperi

This Micronesian endemic is reasonably numerous on Chuuk and A was logged on both 23 and 24 April.

Rennell White-eye Zosterops rennellianus

Endemic to Rennell and not uncommon with a low A seen on 13 April.

Solomon Islands White-eye Zosterops rendovae

This slightly confusingly named White-eye is only found on the New Georgia group of islands (including Kolombangara) within the Solomon archipelago. During our shore excursion, however, it was less numerous than some of the other White-eye species seen on the voyage with only four individuals noted.

Green-backed White-eye Zosterops xanthochrous

This New Caledonian endemic is common at Riviere Bleue and A was logged on 9 April.

Slender-billed White-eye Zosterops tenuirostris

Endemic to Norfolk Island and well seen in the Botanical Gardens on 6 April with A recorded.

Silver-eye Zosterops lateralis

This species is also present in the Botanical Gardens on Norfolk Island and is probably a little more numerous (A) than the endemic Slender-billed White-eye.

Bare-eyed White-eye Woodfordia superciliosa

This species is probably the commonest of the single-island endemics on Rennell and good numbers (mid A) were seen during the shore excursion on 13 April. Structurally this bird seems very different from a conventional White-eye and it is surely just a matter of time before genetic studies move it from this family.

Dark-brown Honeyeater Lichmera incana

This species has adapted well to living in an urban environment and about six birds were seen in a small garden next to the wharf at Noumea, New Caledonia on both 8 and 9 April.

New Caledonia Myzomela Myzomela caledonica

The first of six species of Myzomela seen on the voyage with a low A recorded during the visit to Riviere Bleue on 9 April.

Micronesian Myzomela Myzomela rubratra

This species is extremely common on Chuuk and a high A was logged on both 23 and 24 April.

Cardinal Myzomela Myzomela cardinalis

Seen on both Rennell and Makira with A recorded on both islands (13 and 14 April).

Yellow-vented Myzomela Myzomela eichhorni

A relatively scarce Solomon Island endemic on Kolombangara with five birds seen on 17 April.

Black-headed Myzomela Myzomela melanocephala

Endemic to some of the islands in the Central Solomons, this species was seen by most of the group at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal on 15 April with a total of eight birds being recorded.

Sooty Myzomela Myzomela tristrami

Restricted to Makira and a few nearby islands, this species was found to be not uncommon (a low A) during our shore landing on 14 April.

New Caledonian Friarbird Philemon diemenensis

Approximately seven individuals of this New Caledonian endemic were seen at Riviere Bleue on 9 April.

San Cristobal Melidectes Melidectes sclateri

This bizarre-looking honeyeater is restricted to Makira and was seen well with a low A logged during the morning shore excursion (14 April).

Crow Honeyeater Gymnomyza aubryana

One of the hardest New Caledonian endemics to find at Riviere Bleue with probably only about half of the Wildwings group seeing this species on 9 April, although three presumably different birds were seen.

Barred Honeyeater Phylidonyris undulata

This endemic is not uncommon at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia with a low A logged on 9 April.

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

This species was only seen in more ‘open country’ habitats on New Caledonia with seven logged during the shore excursion on 9 April.

New Caledonia Crow Corvus moneduloides

This New Caledonian endemic is one of the few birds known to use tools (sticks in the case of this species). It can, however, be tricky to locate at Riviere Bleue and only a small percentage of the group saw two birds on 9 April.

White-billed (“Guadalcanal”) Crow Corvus woodfordi

Endemic to the Central Solomon Islands, this species was heard calling on several occasions at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal, however, only two birds were actually seen.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

This species was reasonably common on Miyake-jima (3 May) with A logged during the shore excursion.

Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica

Seen on both Makira (14 April: 5 birds) and Kolombangara (17 April: A).

Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides

This was the most frequently encountered of the Aplonis starlings with birds seen on Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara.

Rennell Starling Aplonis insularis

Endemic to Rennell where A was logged on 13 April.

Brown-winged Starling Aplonis grandis

This Solomon Islands endemic species is reasonably numerous at Mt Austin, Guadalcanal with good numbers (mid A) seen on 15 April. Despite its name, the diagnostic pale brown primaries can, on occasions, be moderately difficult to see when the birds are perched.

San Cristobal Starling Aplonis dichroa

Only six of this Makira endemic were seen during the landing on 14 April.

Striated Starling Aplonis striata

A New Caledonian endemic which is not particularly common at Riviere Bleue with only two birds noted on 9 April.

Micronesian Starling Aplonis opaca

A very common bird on Chuuk with A recorded on both 23 and 24 April.

Yellow-faced Myna Mino dumontii

Seen in reasonable numbers (A) on both Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (15 and 17 April).

(Common Myna) Acridotheres tristis

This Asian introduction was very common (A) in Noumea, New Caledonia (8 and 9 April) and Honiara, Guadalcanal (15 April).

(European Starling) Sturnus vulgaris

This European introduction has adapted well to Norfolk Island and was very common (B) on 6 April.

(House Sparrow) Passer domesticus

Another European introduction which was extremely numerous on Norfolk Island (B) on 6 April but a little less so on New Caledonia (8 April: 5 birds; 9 April: A)

(Tree Sparrow) Passer montanus

At least four birds were seen around the wharf on Chuuk on 23 and 24 April where they are apparently a recent (presumably ship-carried) arrival. Six birds were also seen on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa

This species was well seen on Chuuk with seven birds on 23 April and a low A logged the following day.

Red-throated Parrotfinch Erythrura psittacea

A low A was recorded for this New Caledonian endemic during the excursion to Riviere Bleue on 9 April.

Oriental Greenfinch Carduelis sinica

Only seen on Miyake-jima with A logged on 3 May.

Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personata

Two birds were seen on Miyake-jima on 3 May.

Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides

Another species which was only found on Miyake-jima with two birds seen (3 May).

CETACEANS

Sperm Whale Physter macrocephalus

A low A was recorded off Bougainville on 18 April with two more then seen a day north of New Ireland on 20 April. The final sightings of the voyage were of at least eight animals the day before arriving at ChiChi-jima (29 April).

Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae

At least four whales were seen in the early morning relatively close inshore to ChiChi-jima (29 April) with 2+ of these regularly breaching.

Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus

Two whales were seen well on day 2 to the Solomons (11 April).

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale Ziphuis cavirostris

Three animals were seen in deep water off Rennell on 13 April.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale Mesoplodin densirostris

The only sighting of this species on WPO 2008 was of 3+ animals the day before arriving at ChiChi-jima (29 April).

Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncates

A pod of this widespread species came over to investigate the ship shortly after sailing away from Norfolk Island on 6 April. Another pod which may have also included Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins was seen in the late afternoon off Miyake-jima (3 May).

Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis

A number of these dolphins were seen in a mixed pod of cetaceans off Bougainville on 18 April.

Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris

The only confirmed sightings of this species were off Bougainville on 18 April when B was logged, with two animals then seen two days later, ie a day north of New Ireland.

Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

A medium-sized pod of Striped Dolphins were seen on 24 April, several hours after sailing from Chuuk.

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Stenella attenuate

At least a couple of pods (A) were seen offshore from ChiChi-jima on 30 April.

May 2008