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Petrel Paradise

10,000 Birds

Soon we were out of the protected harbour and into choppier waters, and here I have to say I suffered for about two hours from the dreaded affliction known as sea-sickness. The first to cruise past in a hurry were the stunning Cook’s Petrels. The Grey-faced Petrel has all dark plumage with a lighter area around the face.

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Tongatapu and ‘Eua; Birding Southern Tonga

10,000 Birds

I mentioned last week, while talking about rails and the Pacific, that Tonga is not a particularly birdy birding destination. Tonga is still a fun place to visit, particularly if you’re a poor PhD student anxious to escape the Austral winter. They are quite wary but stunningly beautiful if you can get a look at them.

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