Papua New Guinea: West New Britain

Pacific Baza © Dion Hobcroft

The Bismarck Archipelago is wholly included within the territory of Papua New Guinea and contains a myriad of gorgeous coral fringed, forest–covered islands. Nearly all of them support at least several endemic species of birds. By far, the richest of these islands is New Britain, which has become popular among visiting birders.

We will stay at Walindi Plantation Resort for the entirety of our stay—a delightfully appointed dive resort located right on the doorstep of some of the finest coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world. As if this weren’t enough, tropical lowland and hill forests, just brimming with birds, are located within driving distance of the lodge. We hope to see a wide variety of pigeons and doves; up to seven kingfishers, including the extraordinary Black-capped Paradise-Kingfisher; Blyth’s Hornbill; endemic Pied and Violaceous coucals; Blue-eyed Cockatoo; Purple-bellied Lories and Papuan Eclectus parrots in the trees around our chalets; and a host of nifty monarchs, fantails, myzomelas, and munias. If luck is on our side, we may find the elusive Golden Masked-Owl, or the virtually unknown New Britain Rail.

There will, of course, also be an excursion by boat to some of the beautiful islands just offshore, where we aim to see a selection of "supertramp" species (small island specialists), with the option to experience some world-class snorkeling.