24 Oct 2017

Setting Sail to Nendo Island

DAY 4: MAKIRA ISLAND

Arriving at Star Harbour on Makira Island, we were again made to feel welcome by the residents of Na-mamaru Village [Namugha Station]. After meeting the tribal elders, we witnesses another charming dance performance by the women of the village, followed by a walk through the jungle to the village of Panisa [Tora] known as the village with the ‘Million Dollar View’. Here, some of the men challenged the local children to a soccer match; while others waded through the watery rock pools, or sat on the beach admiring that view.

Meanwhile, the birding group was battling 100% humidity after heavy rains the night before, walking flooded trails, and standing knee-deep in mud. The rewards however were great, with sightings of species such as the White-headed fruit dove and Tahiti Petrel, and Wedge-tailed and Short-tailed shearwaters, on their migration from Alaska. Endemic species included the Sooty myzomela; Makira honey-eater; and the tiny Mottled flower pecker.

After an active and exhilarating morning, we spent the afternoon at sea while Spirit of Enderby took us to our next destination, Nendo Island in the Santa Cruz Province. It was a perfect time to catch up on downloading our photos, comparing notes, and for some who had been up before dawn, to take a short nap. The afternoon was punctuated by lectures: Stefan, our ornithologist, gave an interesting presentation on Seabirds of the Pacific, before leading us up on deck to see what we could find.

Our cultural expert, Suzanne, and our Solomon Islands ambassador, Wilson, gave us a fascinating insight into the traditions of the islands, such as the shell and red-feather money, and marriage customs still adopted by many communities.
With a greater understanding of the complexities of each of the societies within these islands, we look forward eagerly to our arrival in Nendo tomorrow.

Written by Kris Madden