Dear Richard,
I am most happy to hear of your trip to Fiji. Having spent nearly 5 years
of my childhood growing up there, I have quite an affinity with the place
and can definately recommend it! I lived on the opposite side of the island
to Suva, but here are some suggestions from a wonderful natural history
book I have:
Dick Watling and Ian Rolls (1986) Mai Veikau - Tales of Fijioan Wildlife,
Shell Fiji Ltd, Suva.
Reef Herons would probbaly be best seen on the Coral Coast near Sigatoka,
about a 3 hour drive west of Suva. This is also the best area of reef on
Viti Levu, mostly being inshore reef with much fringing rainforest. There
is an extensive strip of virgin rainforest on the road to Sigatoka (the
main highway) and a wander through this (make sure you take a good
compass!) will almost certainly give good views of native passerines such
as the many doves, pigeons and honeyeaters. According to Birds of Fiji in
Colour (W.J. Belcher, 1982, Collins, Melbourne), the endemic Fijian
Goshawk, an absolute must see, can often be seen in the coconut groves,
suburbs and parks of Suva. It is apparently relatively easy to spot. The
book also mentions that in season, large numbers of golden plovers are
known to assemble on the playing fields of Suva Grammar school. The
collared lorry can be seen almost everyday in Suva where its screeching
from mango and coconut trees should attract your attention. Apparently they
are particularly fond of the Queensland Umbrella tree. Mangrove herons are
plentiful in the vast expanses of mangrove around Suva and to the west. The
Fiji Warbler is often heard in central Suva, but prefers thick undergrowth
and you may have to search some nearby rainforest.
I think the general theme of this, is just drive around the suburbs of
Suva! I am afraid I never spent much time in Suva (a relatively horrible
city compared to the rest of Fiji) and I can't really be very specific as
in go to such and such a place to see this bird. But I hope what I have
given you is of some assistance. My best advice is call in to the Fiji
Museum. I'm sure they would be delighted to help. And in closing, I
absolutely 100% guarantee you sightings of the Bulbul and Mynah, they are a
pestilence over the whole island!
Well happy birding.
Rob.
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Robert Davis
Honours Student
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Murdoch University
Perth WA
E-mail :
PH: (09) 354 1719
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