Here’s our plan:
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Morning:
- Arrive on Norfolk Island and settle into our accommodation. Best birding friend Steve Wood is staying separate from jan and I but no matter. We’ve chosen a guesthouse or eco-lodge surrounded by nature.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the property to spot common birds like the Norfolk Gerygone and Silvereye.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Norfolk Island Information Centre for maps and resources about birding and historical sites.
- Enjoy a short walk in the Botanic Gardens, known for its variety of native flora and birdlife, including the Scarlet Robin.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try Norfolk’s unique dishes like kumara-based meals.
Day 2: Pelagic Sea Birding Trip
- Morning:
- Embark on a pelagic sea birding trip to Phillip Island and the surrounding waters.
- The trip will be led by Simon Gorta, a PhD student specializing in sooty terns.
- Spot a variety of seabirds, including White Terns, Masked Boobies, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and the iconic Sooty Terns.
- Afternoon:
- Continue exploring the waters, learning about seabird behavior and conservation from Simon.
- Enjoy scenic views of Phillip Island’s rugged terrain and its unique bird habitats.
- Evening:
- Return to Norfolk Island for a relaxing dinner and share highlights from the pelagic adventure with fellow bird enthusiasts.
Day 3: Family History Exploration
- Morning:
- Visit the Norfolk Island Museum to delve into the island’s convict history and learn about the families who shaped its heritage.
- Explore Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the cemetery for genealogical insights.
- Afternoon:
- Tour Pitt’s Water Mill, an iconic site with ties to Norfolk’s early settlers.
- Stop by the Research Centre at the Norfolk Island Library to access genealogical records and archives.
- Evening:
- Attend a Sound and Light Show at Kingston to experience convict-era stories brought to life.
Day 4: Birding Along the Coast
- Morning:
- Visit Emily Bay Lagoon for sightings of seabirds like Black Noddy and Red-tailed Tropicbirds.
- Take a guided boat tour around the island to observe nesting seabirds on coastal cliffs.
- Afternoon:
- Explore 100 Acres Reserve, home to forest birds like the Golden Whistler.
- Stop at Anson Bay to enjoy the view and spot birds soaring over the cliffs.
- Evening:
- Relax with a BBQ dinner at your accommodation or a nearby park.
Day 5: Wrapping Up
- Morning:
- Revisit a favorite birding spot for one last observation session. Consider heading back to the Botanic Gardens or Mount Pitt.
- Take a guided tour with a local expert to fill in any gaps in your birding or family history experience.
- Afternoon:
- Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the Island Markets before departure.
- Evening:
- Depart from Norfolk Island, taking with you memories of its wildlife and historical treasures.
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