Hi Dave,
I recently spent some time working over in Mauritius on a few bird projects. I
agree with Wendy about a visit to Ile Aux Aigrettes (South-east near
Mahebourg), not only have Pink Pigeons been reintroduced there, but also the
Mauritian Olive White-eye, and the Mauritian Fody (the fody you commonly see on
the mainland is the introduced Madagascan Fody, interestingly it is hard to see
in its native Madagascar). You can often see white-tailed tropicbirds flying
around the island too.
A visit to the Black River National Park is also worthwhile where Pink Pigeons
have been reintroduced, as well as Echo Parakeets, and Mauritian Kestrels (the
latter are harder to see). It is also possible to see Mauritian Bulbul (locally
called the Mérle), Mauritian Flycatcher, and Mauritian Cuckoo-shrike. There are
two entrances to Black River National Park; Petrin where there is a visitor
centre, picnic tables, and supplementary feeding hoppers for Pink Pigeons, and
another entrance from the nearby town of Black River on the West Coast. Petrin
is the better of the two options for birding.
Another growing key area to see birds is at Vallée de Ferney (a little north of
Mahebourg on the East coast). Several reintroductions have occurred there in
the past few years including Pink Pigeons, Echo Parakeets, Mauritian Kestrel
(they do a brilliant talk demonstrating the hacking training they do with
kestrels), Mauritian Flycatchers, and Mauritian Cuckoo-shrike. They have
developed a very nice walking trail through a forested area that
reintroductions have taken place at.
Visits to Ile aux aigrettes can comprise of joining a group tour, or you can
have a tailored tour e.g. if you would rather see all the reintroduced bird
species than the reintroduced reptiles. I would recommend emailing
<>
in advance as depending on the time of year the tours can easily be
fully-booked in advance. Tours of the island are guided by eco-guides.
Mauritius is a beautiful island, enjoy it there!
Best,
Jamie Dunlop
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