Papua New Guinea: West New Britain Extension - July 2026
Dates: July 26-31, 2026
Leader: Max Breckenridge
E-bird
Total Species: 81 birds
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Overall Summary
Our four-night stay at the lovely Walindi Plantation Resort on West New Britain is always a fantastic way to cap off a trip to Papua New Guinea. The resort grounds are always birdy, and the lodgings are second to none, with great outings on offer each day.
Our first day this year started with an excellent boat trip to several nearby islands. Despite bumpier conditions than usual, we did very well with the island targets, seeing all the hoped-for specialties, plus a bonus pair of scarce Beach Stone-curlews, Eastern Reef Egret, Brown Booby, and Black Noddy. That afternoon, we had great looks at large numbers of the endemic Bismarck Munia, as well as White-browed Crake and Buff-banded Rail, hulking Blyth’s Hornbill, vociferous Australian Reed Warblers and Papuan Grassbirds, plus some flushed King Quail.
The following day, we ventured out into the dense rainforests that extend beyond the slopes of the Garu volcano. Our first stop, along a thermally heated stream in the forest, was successful, with great looks at the smart New Britain Kingfisher, unobstructive Bismarck Cicadabird, a flyby Melanesian Megapode, Moustached Treeswift, shy Velvet Flycatcher, and the incomprehensibly tiny Buff-capped Pygmy-Parrot. Nearby, we really lucked in when a strange-looking bird was disturbed from its roost, revealing itself to be the rarely seen New Britain Boobook! Excellent looks at both endemic species of coucal (Pied and Violaceous) in practically the same tree were another highlight of a fantastic morning. That afternoon along the Kulu River, we spent a relaxing session observing birds flying across the river from an overlook, with several Black Bitterns, Nicobar Pigeons, Pacific Bazas, and Knob-billed Fruit-Doves.
Our last full day was another relaxed affair, with more birding along the Kulu River, finally getting good looks at Black-capped Paradise-Kingfisher, as well as comparing White-rumped and Uniform Swiftlets and enjoying better views of Purple-bellied Lories. The final new bird of our time on West New Britain was an impressive Lesser Frigatebird cruising low over the resort and even chasing several Crested Terns.
It had been another fantastic stay, and we all felt well rested and very much at home thanks to the wonderful staff at Walindi. After an uneventful flight back to Port Moresby, we had one final dinner together and reminisced on a very special journey through Papua New Guinea.
Day-by-Day Summary
July 26 - AM: Morning flight from Port Moresby to Hoskins via Lae and transfer to resort (approx. 1 hr drive to hotel); PM: afternoon birding around resort; night: Walindi Plantation Resort.
July 27 - AM: Morning birding by boat to Restorf and Malumalu Islands with snorkelling; PM: afternoon birding around Numundo Estate; night: Walindi Plantation Resort.
July 28 - AM: Morning birding in Garu Wildlife Management Area; PM: afternoon birding at the Kulu River; night: Walindi Plantation Resort.
July 29 - AM: Morning birding at the Kulu River; PM: afternoon birding around the lodge; night: Walindi Plantation Resort.
July 30 - AM: Transfer to Hoskins Airport for flight to Port Moresby via Lae; PM: transfer from Port Moresby Airport to hotel; night: Airways Hotel.
July 31 - AM: Transfer to Port Moresby Airport for international departures.
Wildlife Seen:
MAMMALS:
Great Flying Fox
REPTILES:
Saltwater Crocodile