09 Apr 2024

A Micronesia adventure – A day on Weno Island

Heritage Adventurer cruised through crystal clear waters in the early morning, towards Weno Island, in Micronesia. The birders were up early and were rewarded with great sightings of Tropical Shearwaters, White-winged Black Tern & Brown Noddy’s, before we docked at the main wharf.
 
Micronesia endemics were spotted from the deck as we waited for clearance. These included the stunning Micronesian Myzomela, Micronesian Starlings & the Caroline Islands Swiftlets.
 
Arriving on Weno Island we chose how to best explore this tropical paradise.
 
The birders set off to explore the island town, which proved very rewarding as more endemics were added quickly. We had great observations of the Oceanic Flycatcher, Purple-capped Fruit Dove, Caroline Reed Warbler & Citrine White-eye.
 
In the afternoon, we added the gorgeous White-fronted Ground Dove, Oriental Pratincole and Pacific Golden Plover to our list.
 
Those not birding enjoyed a bus tour experiencing the World War II history of the island. First stop, the Japanese Lighthouse. It was an easy walk up to the lighthouse in the beaming sunshine. Once inside it was cooler, and we enjoyed amazing views of the area. We could only imagine how it must have felt to be here at the height of warfare.
 
Next stop was the Japanese Gun. We were told it was probably the last one standing, and not even fired, as it was facing the 'wrong' side of the island. We then visited the Weno Market and rubbed shoulders with the locals, to learn how these 'little' shops play such a huge part in the economy of the island. Our local guide explained what to look for, how it works and what daily life is like for residents here.
 
After all these impressions and new knowledge, it was time to relax and enjoy the sunset at Blue Lagoon Resort.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions