03 Nov 2023

Brilliant Birding and Incredible Cultural Exchanges, Snorkelling and Adventures

As soon as Heritage Adventurer dropped anchor in Makira Island's Star Harbour, near Frigate Island, the birding group headed ashore for another early morning of birding. Walking along an easy trail from the village, the birders encountered a number of interesting Solomon Islands endemic species, such as the impressive, highly vocal Makira Honeyeater, super active Sooty Myzomelas, and secretive Chestnut-bellied Monarch, not to mention two gorgeous parrots, the Duchess Lorikeet and Yellow-bibbed Lory, both of which gave stunning views as they fed in the canopy of flowering trees.

Starting an hour later, the rest of our guests made a short Zodiac trip across the calm, sheltered waters to the idyllic, sandy beach of Frigate Island. Here we were greeted by traditional dancers and local villagers, who had also made the journey out to this tiny island in order to welcome us. 

We were also greeted with the spectacle of hundreds of Lesser Frigatebirds circling above our heads and perched in the taller trees of this picturesque island. Island, however, is probably not the best description for Frigate, since it only takes a couple of minutes to walk to the other side - hence islet would be a more appropriate name. Despite its tiny size and significant tree cover, there are still several thatched wooden buildings on the islet, and even a garden with scattered crops such as bananas, papaya, yams and herbs. Small numbers of megapode birds also still persist here, no doubt providing the locals with the occasional huge eggs, an additional source of protein. 

While we were snorkelling just offshore, sea kayaking, or perusing the assortment of beautiful traditional carvings and shell necklaces that were on sale, several boats full of local children arrived, all eager to meet and mingle with us and learn where we had come from. They were, no doubt, also hoping to ride in our Zodiacs, having heard tales from our previous visits to this special island. Our Expedition Leader Nathan didn't disappoint these young adventurers, taking a Zodiac of excited children on the voyage of a lifetime, a literal spin in a zodiac, just off the beach. Looking distinctively out of place, the wellie-clad birders arrived at Frigate Island just in time to witness this memorable moment.

The children's laughter and obvious joy was a highlight of our day and it was with a little sadness that we said our farewells and made our way back to our home away from home, Heritage Adventurer, and sailed onwards to the remote Santa Cruz islands, our gateway to Vanuatu.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions