11 Oct 2014

Superb Pitta Sighting

Dawnbreak was hazy and humid as the Spirit of Enderby slid quietly into the anchorage at Lorengau. First ashore were the birders who promptly headed for the hills in search of birdlife and in particular the Superb Pitta. After four hours of searching and being agonisingly close on a few occasions to the beautiful Pitta it was spotted calling from the forest canopy. This was a bird that none aboard believed could be seen during our short visit to Manus, but nature can be full of surprises and this sighting was certainly a pleasant one! The rest of the group divided between the options of visiting the Australian operated detention centre on Manus Island and exploring the natural history of Manus. Some exciting encounters were had by both groups including Nicobar Pigeons and military personnel. The afternoon was spent enjoying the waters and walkways of Hauwei Island. Here the exceptionally hospitable locals guided some of us on a walking tour while others in the group took to the water. A gentle current drifted the snorkellers across the reef with many interesting sightings including a Banded Sea Snake and Trochus Shells. We are now sailing further northwards, ever closer to the equator and also our next destination, Mussua Island.