Black-faced Pitta

News from a relatively close neighbour, the Solomon Islands: May 22 was one of the most amazing days I’ve had birding, being shown a Fearful Owl at nest site early on after a tough slippery walk over sharp limestone rocks, then finding a calling Black-faced Pitta in a forest patch by the track and getting great views of it. We had a field lunch of tuna and rice, and were back at the village by 1300. I tried for Santa Isabel Rail that afternoon and got to hear one or two calling from a dense thicket. That night we embarked on what proved to be an entertaining and unusual process of getting the rare Solomons Frogmouth, ultimately successful too. I got 3 mega lifers today, and 2 of them were new genera too, my thanks to Gerard, Stephen and George for their invaluable help here. Next day I managed to get Santa Isabel Rail as well, so I did really well for the rarities of Tirotonga on Santa Isabel. The full trip report will shortly be available on our website under the Solomon Islands heading Phil Gregory Website 1: Http://www.sicklebillsafaris.com Website 2: Http://www.cassowary-house.com.au