June 27 - Day 1: Arrival in PNG and first birding

After several hours sleep we duly landed at Port Moresby, the capital of PNG at 05:30, just a bit later than scheduled. It was still dark so no chance of seeing any birds to start the list while taxiing to the terminal. Obtaining a free visa on arrival was a doddle (providing you have a copy of your return flights) and we quickly picked up our luggage and were met by Max, one of the local guides. 

With Neil at Dixie's Bungalows

After changing money we were on our way to Dixie’s Bungalows where we would be staying for two nights. En route we managed to see our first birds: Eastern Cattle Egret and Australasian Swamphen, with the latter reminding ourselves how close we were to Australia.

We checked into our rooms, had a sort out, devoured a large breakfast and then had a wander around the grounds with Max. The first bird was a New Guinea Friarbird, one of many island endemics that we’d see over the next 18 days. 

Yellow-faced Myna

My first lifer was Yellow-faced Myna, quickly followed by Fawn-breasted Bowerbird and Black-backed Butcherbird. There were also familiar birds as well, like Willie Wagtail and Brahminy Kite. 

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra

A Rufous-bellied Kookaburra posed well for photos before returning to our rooms for a rest, laundry and a shower.

Fawn-breasted Bowerbird

A little later, our leader and the rest of the group arrived, having flown in from Brisbane. We got to know each other over lunch before heading the short distance down the road to PAU for a few hours birding. 

Despite the sign we couldn't find any Frogmouths

Ponds at PAU

The university campus has extensive grounds including some ponds where we saw some wetland birds that we didn’t encounter anywhere else on the trip such as Pacific Black Duck, Comb-crested Jacana, Dusky Moorhen, Pied Cormorant and Nankeen Night Heron. 

Australasian Swamphen

Pacific Black Duck

White-breasted Woodswallow

Australian Figbirds

Also in the grounds were flocks of Australian Figbirds. We returned in the evening for dinner and log and got ready for a full day’s birding tomorrow.