28 Apr 2014

Dugong Encounter

A lot of exciting things have happened since I last wrote and the highlights just keep on coming. Our Dugong search was successful and we spent some time swimming with these amazing animals. The Vatthe Conservation area on Espiritu Santo is a great example of what local people can achieve with the help of conservation agencies. We spent the day with some locals who were keen to show us the birds in the area. They are rightly proud of their conservation efforts and we were rewarded with great views of the endemic Monarch, Kingfisher and Megapode. We later enjoyed a meal provided by the villagers before saying our farewells.

The following day was spent at a waypoint north of Banks Island where the Vanuatu Petrel had previously been recorded. We went out in the Zodiacs and had magnificent views of these recently ‘rediscovered’ birds. Yesterday was one of those days that will live in our memories for a very long time as we were the first tourist ship ever to be welcomed at a small village on the Island Vanua Lava. Their sincere and genuine hospitality was overwhelming, with the birding equally good.

Today we are bound for the Santa Cruz Islands and are scheduled to be at Ndendo Island this afternoon.