Birding in French Polynesia - Day 23

Birding in French Polynesia XXIII

23 January 2026

Over the next 28 days, I will be spending my time birding on Tahiti and Mo'orea, two islands in the Windward Islands, an archipelago belonging to French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France. Birds in italics indicate lifers.

Friday Jan 23 2026 - Day 23

Today, I woke up at 5am, to clean our rental car before returning it at 9am, and save a good 3000CPF (about £20). After returning it, my mum and sisters joined us to go to Maruapo Valley, where another birder (Greg Roberts - see his blog here) saw Tahiti Monarch, and didn't need permission. Unfortunately, before going very far, we met some locals, who claimed that the valley was, again, private access. We therefore had to turn back, but we still saw a few Tahiti Swiftlets and a Tahiti Swallow.

Tahiti Swallow

Poster bringing attention to the dangers that the Monarchs face,

notably the little fire ant (petite fourmi de feu).