Surfbirds Birding Trip Report: Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia And Vanuatu - 7th October - 24th October 2005

Kadavu

This was our favourite island mainly because it is still totally unspoilt by tourism and there were no introduced Mynas or Bulbuls. We stayed at the Airport Inn, a three-minute walk from the airport. The accommodation consisted of straw huts on the beach and although basic, it was excellent value for money as it included meals when we wanted them, e.g. breakfast at 11am after we had finished birding. The best birding area can be reached on foot so there is no need to organize transport

Contrary to what some reports stated, we found a really good large tract of undisturbed forest just outside the main town. From the airport, turn right and follow the coast for about 500m. Take the first main track on the right leading uphill. Follow the track past the school on your right-hand-side and you arrive at a six-way junction. Take the second on the right and continue along this track and after a km you reach some great forest. We walked for about further 4km with good forest most of way, which appeared to continue further.

We saw the Parrot, Fantail and Dove fairly easily, though the Honeyeater proved a little more difficult. It was easier in the morning especially around the town.

Surfbirds Birding Trip Report: Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia And Vanuatu - 7th October - 24th October 2005