Why You Really Need Lounge Access For An Overnight Layover

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Tara

This article shows some of the hilarious positions people get into when they try to catch some winks during an overnight layover. At least most lounges have comfortable couches you can stretch out on! My personal favourite is the guy who had the foresight to bring a hammock, but also check out the “camper” who is apparently happy to see someone!

Click on image to see more!

I’ve had to spend a few nights in airports, usually Auckland as connections between Australia and the Pacific Islands are terrible but at least they do have sofas where you can stretch out.

Farewell To Rimatara – Drowning In Flowers

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Tara

In Rimatara, they really know how to leave a lasting impression! First, our hostess, Aline Kato from La Perruche Rouge gave us both beautiful leis.

Not sure whose tombstone this is but they picked a really nice view!

We checked in for the flight, then hung around the airport and visited the small gift shop. No products had lorikeets on them. They specialize in basket weaving but we would have had a hard time getting them into Australia.

The plane was right on time and we watched our backpacks get loaded on board.

Meanwhile new passengers were arriving and being greeted by leis. One of the ladies decided to give her lei to me so I now had two of them on! I could barely see over the top as I walked to the plane! Drowning in flowers isn’t a bad way to go!

You can see how flat this island is flying overhead.

Not a full flight so we got a row to ourselves for the short 1.5 hour flight to Papeete.

Rimatara reed warbler (Acrocephalus rimitarae)

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Tara

The Rimatara reed warbler (Acrocephalus rimitarae ) is a species of Old World warbler in the Acrocephalidae family. It is found only on the island of Rimatara in French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and swamps.

The are endemic to the island of Rimatara but have been overshadowed by the other endemic bird, the spectacular Rimatara Lorikeet. They are a bit harder to spot but if you walk slowly along the main road, you will probably see them if you are watching carefully.

This species is listed as Vulnerable because it is confined to one very small island where although it is currently not uncommon, it would have to be uplisted were a decline detected.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BIRD

Wikipedia

Birdlife

Manu

VIDEO

Unfortunately, I can’t find a video online. If I do, I will update this post.

One Last Evening With The Rimatara Lorikeets

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Tara

Although it had been cloudy throughout the day, we got very lucky and it didn’t rain so we got to spend one last evening watching the beautiful Rimatara Lorikeets have dinner before flying off to roost for the night.

After bidding farewell to the lorikeets, we walked back past the airport turnoff to our bungalow.

This little Oromao Rimatara Reed-Warbler was in a tree nearby.

We got a beautiful sunset as we sat on the deck. A few lorikeets came close so I couldn’t resist getting a few more shots.

This is the fragrant lei I was given at the airport, kept the room smelling nice!

Exploring Anapoto Village – Rimatara

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Tara

After a very successful birding trip to get up close and personal with Rimatara Lorikeets, Ina and I decided to take a leisurely stroll to the nearby village of Anapoto.

Ina enjoyed talking to the locals as he spoke their language.

I was content to admire the artwork on the bus stops. I really love how they honor their native birds!

Just behind the bus stop is a small general store where you can buy simple groceries, drinks, produce and such things as needles and thread which I needed to repair a torn bag.

We sat there for awhile watching the islanders go about their business.

Just before the general store is a small lane leading past the Anapoto church to the beach. We walked down there and watched the locals fishing for a while. The church is really beautiful!

Rimatara Birding With Guide Mooroa Tiraha

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Tara

As with Ua Huka in the Marquesas, Rimatara also has a superb birding guide who looks after the two endemic species – Rimatara Lorikeets and Oromao Rimatara Reed-Warbler. Mooroa Tiraha is not only a guide, he also works in biosecurity to keep the island free of black rats which would devastate the vulnerable birds. You can read more about him on the Manu website.

Here is Mooroa Tiraha picking us up in his truck first thing in the morning. He drove us down the road past the airport to a banana plantation. We were treated to a brilliant rainbow while still paled in comparison to the even more brilliant Rimatara Lorikeets. They were in no hurry to come out and have breakfast.

We waited, watched and listened and soon a few more came out and this time they came down to the banana trees near us!

I was probably less than 10 metres away from this one! In the past they had plenty to fear from humans but nowadays they are protected by law and a source of pride for the locals thanks to Queen Temaeva. A few more came down, there were about 12 in this area and more in the trees behind out of view.

They can be very playful and entertaining to watch!

My husband Ina chatting to a local. Then we both took photos with Mooroa.

This says it all!

Update On Parrot Lover’s Cruise Shore Excursions

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Tara

I think I missed the email that came in when the shore excursions were added as I was overseas at the time. I have my main post about the Parrot Lover’s Cruise which benefits the World Parrot Trust and sails from Galveston this year.

Offered exclusively to travelers onboard the Parrot Lover’s Cruise, these unique excursions will allow you to travel to where few have gone before.

Once you have secured your cruise booking and have your reservation number, all shore excursions can be booked by contacting Carol Cipriano. Important that you MUST use Carol’s agency to book the cruise or you won’t be included in the special seminars and shore excursions!

.	Moody Gardens November 2: 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Begin your vacation with an exciting visit to the Galveston Island Moody Gardens. Bus boards at 9:00 a.m. with pickup from the Springhill Suites hotel. Upon reaching Galveston, guests will spend a magical 2 hours at the famous Moody Gardens experiencing the Rainforest, Aquarium and Herb Garden exhibits. Afterwards, guests will be taken directly to the port to meet the cruiseship. Ticket Price: Bus portion: $45 – $54(USD) per person, depending on the number of guests Moody Gardens Admission: $18.50(USD) per person Contact Carol to book »
.	Belize Bird Rescue (BBR) November 6 – The Belize Bird Rescue is owned by Belizean residents Jerry Larder and Nikki Buxton, who began rescuing birds in April 2004. Parrots are a particular concern for Belize Bird Rescue, as the local pet trade and ever-increasing human encroachment on nesting sites reduces population numbers of several of Belize’s parrot species to potentially unsustainable levels. Belize is one of the last strongholds of the endangered Amazona oratrix: the Yellow-headed Amazon, the bird of choice as a family pet and still regarded by farmers as a major crop pest. Jerry & Nikki work closely with the Government of Belize Forest Department. In doing so, they aim to aid implementation and encourage enforcement of existing legislation, to rehabilitate and release as many captive parrots as possible and to initiate a mandatory banding and licensing programme of all captive indigenous avian species. Read the blog entry on the World Parrot Trust website recounting the visit by the Parrot Lover’s Cruise back in 2011. Ticket Price: $107.00(USD) per person (includes luncheon buffet and donation to the BBR) Contact Carol to book your seat »
.	Xcaret Park in Cozumel, Mexico November 7 – Join us for an exciting adventure at Xcaret, a majestic eco-archaeological theme park by the sea. Cruise guests will be taken on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their amazing Scarlet Macaw breeding and release facility. Spend some time with the many species of Mexican birds making the Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm their home, as well as interact with some of the mature parrots during their free-flight exercises. Best of all, Best of all, cruise guests will have the exclusive privilege of participating in a liberation flight of a special group of Scarlet Macaws raised onsite, all grown up and ready to experience free-flight in the surrounding rainforest! During your excursion to Xcaret, be sure to stop by the Butterfly Pavilion, where you will marvel at the stunning array of colours in the largest butterfly facility in the world. Another must-see is their Marine Turtles Area, where you can learn about their efforts for sea turtle conservation. Enjoy the Underground Rivers, stroll the Tropical Jungle Trail or observe ancient Mayan vestiges of Xcaret in their more than 500 residential structures and over 60 temples, scattered throughout the surrounding rainforest. Watch this beautiful video collage from the 2012 Parrot Lover’s Cruise to the Western Caribbean to get an idea of what awaits. Spots are limited – book now so you don’t miss out! Ticket Price: $146.00(USD) per person (includes entrance fee and donation) Contact Carol to book your seat »

Moody Gardens

November 2: 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Begin your vacation with an exciting visit to the Galveston Island Moody Gardens.

Bus boards at 9:00 a.m. with pickup from the Springhill Suites hotel. Upon reaching Galveston, guests will spend a magical 2 hours at the famous Moody Gardens experiencing the Rainforest, Aquarium and Herb Garden exhibits. Afterwards, guests will be taken directly to the port to meet the cruiseship.

Ticket Price:
Bus portion: $45 – $54(USD) per person, depending on the number of guests
Moody Gardens Admission: $18.50(USD) per person
Contact Carol to book »

Belize Bird Rescue (BBR)

November 6 – The Belize Bird Rescue is owned by Belizean residents Jerry Larder and Nikki Buxton, who began rescuing birds in April 2004.

Parrots are a particular concern for Belize Bird Rescue, as the local pet trade and ever-increasing human encroachment on nesting sites reduces population numbers of several of Belize’s parrot species to potentially unsustainable levels. Belize is one of the last strongholds of the endangered Amazona oratrix: the Yellow-headed Amazon, the bird of choice as a family pet and still regarded by farmers as a major crop pest.

Jerry & Nikki work closely with the Government of Belize Forest Department. In doing so, they aim to aid implementation and encourage enforcement of existing legislation, to rehabilitate and release as many captive parrots as possible and to initiate a mandatory banding and licensing programme of all captive indigenous avian species.

Read the blog entry on the World Parrot Trust website recounting the visit by the Parrot Lover’s Cruise back in 2011.

Ticket Price: $107.00(USD) per person
(includes luncheon buffet and donation to the BBR)
Contact Carol to book your seat »

Scarlet Macaws at Xcaret in Cozumel, Mexico

Xcaret Park in Cozumel, Mexico

November 7 – Join us for an exciting adventure at Xcaret, a majestic eco-archaeological theme park by the sea. Cruise guests will be taken on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their amazing Scarlet Macaw breeding and release facility. Spend some time with the many species of Mexican birds making the Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm their home, as well as interact with some of the mature parrots during their free-flight exercises.

Best of all, Best of all, cruise guests will have the exclusive privilege of participating in a liberation flight of a special group of Scarlet Macaws raised onsite, all grown up and ready to experience free-flight in the surrounding rainforest!

During your excursion to Xcaret, be sure to stop by the Butterfly Pavilion, where you will marvel at the stunning array of colours in the largest butterfly facility in the world. Another must-see is their Marine Turtles Area, where you can learn about their efforts for sea turtle conservation. Enjoy the Underground Rivers, stroll the Tropical Jungle Trail or observe ancient Mayan vestiges of Xcaret in their more than 500 residential structures and over 60 temples, scattered throughout the surrounding rainforest.

Watch this beautiful video collage from the 2012 Parrot Lover’s Cruise to the Western Caribbean to get an idea of what awaits.

Spots are limited – book now so you don’t miss out!

Ticket Price: $146.00(USD) per person
(includes entrance fee and donation)
Contact Carol to book your seat »

– See more at: http://www.parrotloverscruise.com/excursions.html#sthash.HxieH9WG.dpuf

This Blog When I Travel Overseas

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Tara

This will mostly make sense to my readers coming from the miles & points community as they are used to seeing some of their favourite bloggers blogging live from planes, hotels and airport lounges. I have never been able to figure out why they aren’t worried about their home security, especially as many of them are very well known and publish their full names. I am a lot more paranoid about home security.

You will never see me posting details and dates of upcoming trips. You will also see a post appear every day on this blog whether I am at home or not as I pre-write them and schedule them to appear on a certain day. I am lucky that since I don’t have a time sensitive “deals” blog and that my subject of travel for birding is pretty timeless so I can get away with pre-blogging! It does mean that I won’t be able to answer comments until I get back in most cases since I travel to places where there is no internet or the internet is extremely expensive.

I am not traveling now but when I am, you won’t know until I get home and start blogging about it! Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the post of the day which will always be appropriate to the topics of travel, birding or both!

Anyone Want To Sleep IN A Bird’s Nest?

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Tara

Yes, I said IN a bird’s nest! A very large, luxurious bird’s nest! The one drawback is that it is in a pretty cold location so you won’t see any tropical birds such as parrots, toucans and hummingbirds. If anyone is planning to visit Sweden it’s worth a look. I really wish they would build more of these! I have slept in a treehouse in Belize but a place like this that blends into the environment would be amazing!

Rimatara Lorikeets Coming In To Roost

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Tara

After taking the Circle Island Tour of Rimatara, it was time to get our first glimpse of the beautiful native Lorikeets. We already had a morning birding tour booked for the next day with the resident guide, Mooroa Tiraha so decided just to take a short walk towards Anapoto to the nearest banana patch. It didn’t take long before a pair of Lorikeets came down for a quick bite before settling in for the night. Having gotten my first close up photos, it was back to the bungalow to watch the sun set.

You can barely see an ‘oromao a.k.a. Rimatara Reed-warbler hiding in this tree!

He’s had enough so good night!

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