After leaving Norfolk Island yesterday, it was on to New Zealand! A long passage through blue water was filled with seabirds. We observed many petrels and shearwaters, including one feeding on squid. We also spotted flying squid, dolphins, and a large shark. The day was broken up by presentations, and, of course, by being spoiled by the amazing crew of National Geographic Orion. Midmorning sausages, pretzels, and beer were a great way to start the day for sure. During dinner, a blazing sunset had us all looking forward to Aoteoroa.
2/11/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
The sound of the crunching leaves underfoot, the nagging, rattling call of the endemic Vanuatu kingfisher, the tickle of the sweat dripping down your knee, the glimpse from the corner of your eye of the shadow of a forest bird flying away, the yellow glow of the belly of the Vanuatu white-eye, the taste of the spongy coconut and the juicy pomelo at the end of our morning birding adventure. This morning, we explored the Loru Conservation Area in Espiritu Santo. The protected, 220-hectacre lowland forest is host to at least six Vanuatu endemics and many other songbird species. We were excited, sweaty, hot, curious, alert, occasionally frustrated, and ultimately rewarded. We were never bored. Birding in this kind of intact habitat is truly a special treat. In the afternoon, we took a beautiful canoe ride up to the Riri Blue Hole, where we went for a lovely swim. Vanuatu is a wonder to behold. What a time to be alive!