We have found the Fiji Long Legged Warbler Trichocicla rufa at a second location.
A joint effort was made between myself, (Ian Morley), Josh Engel an American birder, and Guy Dutson and Lisa Dakuna of Birdlife International to survey the birds around Monasavu Dam in the mountain forests of Fiji. On the morning of 6th November 2004 we made one last search near the dam as we had heard an unusual call on the previous evening near a stream area.
We arrived just before dawn and heard the call again. on searching the thick vegetation we had several clear sitings of the Long Legged Warbler and were able to record the calls. I tried to photograph it but was beaten by the high humidity fogging the lens and the exceptional ability of this bird to hide in the vegetation.
The site found at Wabu near Mt Tomaniivi last year was the first observation of the species since 1894!
It does appear to like the mountain stream areas as both sites are very similar.
Ian Morley
This is fantastic news Ian, congratulations.
I know the chap who is writing the section on Fijian endemic warblers for HBW. I'll let him know I'm sure he'll be in touch.
Darrell
Thanks Darrell,
I have been in touch with HBW regarding other pics of Fijian birds I have. I'm well on the way to a complete set for a proposed photographic guide to the Birds of Fiji.
Ian