birding-aus Melanesia

[Phil Gregory <>]

G'day birders,
I've not yet had a chance to take a look at Doughty's Solomon's guide,
I am keen to get hold of it. Regarding the Bismarcks (New Britain and New
Ireland) and Admiralty Islands (Manus), Guy Dutson spent a year researching
the entire Melanesian area (Vanuatu and Solomons included) with a view
to producing a Melanesian Field Guide. He is now completing a paper on
his sightings during that year, plus working on the Birdlife International
up-date of their Birds to Watch 2 for the region as whole. I'll keep reminding
him about the Field Guide, it is badly needed and is a major ornithological
blank spot if you don't have access to Coates' Birds of PNG Vol
1 and 2. Time scale unknown, but don't hold your breath!
Phil Gregory, Cassowary House, Kuranda, Queensland.