Christmas Island Tropical seabirds and island endemics

South of Indonesia, north west of Australia lies this small tropical paradise, home to two full endemic seabirds and at least four full endemic landbird species. We visited the island in April 2005 and a full illustrated trip report is available on our website or from us. Seabirds are always in view, anywhere over the island, hence the local’s nickname for them, the Christmas Island Air Force.  Abbott’s Booby is the first of the two endemic seabirds, the largest and rarest member of it’s family, they nest on tall trees in the island’s forests and prefer to roost in trees even outside the breeding season, about 3000 pairs. They have an almost albatross look to them in flight with long straight wings. The second is the Christmas Island Frigatebird, also the rarest member of it’s family with about 2000-2500 pairs, especially common around the settlement.

The island also boasts the stunning golden-apricot coloured race of White-tailed Tropicbird (known locally as the Golden Bosun) plus  breeding Red-tailed Tropicbirds too (Silver Bosuns).  Add Brown and Red-footed Boobies (yellow-headed white form), Great and Lesser Frigatebirds and finally nesting Brown Noodies. At least four full land endemics  also occur, Christmas Island Imperial Pigeon, Christmas Island White-eye, Christmas Island Brown Goshawk and the hard to see Christmas Island Hawk Owl, plus at least four distinct island races of other birds. Some of these may yet be split into full species over time.In addition to the birding (and photo opportunities are  excellent) superb snorkelling is also on offer including Whale Sharks at certain times of year.  A resident group of Spinner Dolphins can often be seen offshore. If you see any black buzzard type ‘birds’ flying around they will be the island’s endemic fruit bat! The island is also world famous for it’s ‘crab-based’ ecosystem, Red, Blue and Robber Crabs are abundent. The famed endemic red crab migration occurs in the latter part of the year . Reached by  frequent  flights from Perth, Western Australia and a weekly flight from Singapore, our packages can be customised to suit your needs. We have picked The Sunsets, a small and friendly property in the settlement, we suggest the oceanview rooms  and the property has a dipping pool. As it’s name implies, most evenings you can enjoy spectacular scenes as the sun sets over the ocean. 4 x4 vehicle hire is essential for getting around. There are currently no ‘bird guides’ on the island but we will supply our customers with the site information they need. You could see most of the birds in just a few days but we suggest at least five nights to fully absorb the magic of this special place.

New! Christmas Island Bird Week 31^st Aug – 7^th September 2006 and TBA 2007

A new, unique opportunity to get behind the scenes which will particularly appeal to seabird buffs, photographers and artists. In conjunction with some of the Parks Australia staff, especially David James, there are some very special events planned. These include assisting the ringing of the endemic Abbott's Booby in their rain forest canopy nests, also colour-ringing of Brown Boobys, Christmas Island Goshawks, CI Frigatebirds and Red-tailed Tropicbirds. CI Hawk Owl survey work may be on offer too. Nightly seminars will include such topics as seabird research, endemic landbird status, rarities and the 

marine and terrestrial ecology of the island.  Flights will be available from Singapore and from Perth, WA.

Prices from £799 per person sharing a twin room, singles from £885 per person.

Includes: return economy class flights from Singapore to Christmas Island including taxes, seven nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities, all meals and four wheel drive vehicle hire. Participation in special birding events.

If you would like to join this very special week, please contact us for details of the 2007 event, when details become available.

If you are serious about your seabirds, this is a place you just have to add to your list of travelling destinations.

Holiday information

From Perth,WA.

Prices:             5 nights  from £675 per person sharing a oceanview twin room.

Single supplement:             £149

Car hire:                      from £35 per vehicle per day (4x4).

Price includes: Return economy class flights from Perth including taxes, 5 nights accommodation in rooms with oceanview, air-conditioning, private facilities and fridge.

Price excludes: Transfers (car hire is from the airport), meals, visa fees and travel insurance.  Flights UK – Perth start from £575 return.

From Singapore.

Prices:             7 nights  £685 per person sharing a oceanview twin room.

Single supplement:             £199

Car hire:                      from £35 per vehicle per day (4x4).

Price includes: Return economy class charter flights from Singapore including taxes, 7 nights accommodation in rooms with oceanview, air-conditioning, private facilities and fridge.

Price excludes: Transfers (car hire is from the airport), meals, visa fees and travel insurance. Flights UK –  Singapore start from £519 return.

Contact us for any other duration.