News
FRIENDS HIKING AND BIRD WATCHING AT BRAS D’EAU NATIONAL PARK
On 14 October, a group of 15 Friends of Mauritian Wildlife visited the Bras D’Eau National Park for a family hike and bird watching activity. Led by Lensley Etiennette (Friends Coordinator), Giani Abajee (Flora Conservation Biologist) and Vanousha Pillay (Project Officer), the group made its way into the forest, eager to discover the native jewels it shelters like the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone bourbonniensis desolata), the Ornate day gecko (Phelsuma ornata), the ‘Bois de renettes’ (Dodonaea viscosa) or the ‘Bois de ronde’ (Erythroxylum sideroxyloides).
On that Saturday morning, the participants enjoyed a mild weather which set them up for a very pleasant walk through the very shady Coq des bois trail. It must be said that this particularly hike is not very difficult as it goes on a flat but rocky surface.
Few native trees were observed along the way like the ‘Bois de reinette’ (Dodonaea viscosa) or the ‘Bois de ronde’ (Erythroxylum sideroxyloides). It must be said that this section of the park is well invaded by exotic trees like eucalyptus, bois d’oiseau and pine trees. However these trees reveal themselves to be suitable hiding places for the Ornate day gecko (Phelsuma ornata). Few of them were observed quickly looking for cover on the trees when noticing human movement around them.
As the Coq des bois trail reached towards its end, a very recognisable bird song caught the attention. Everyone remained silent, observing the surroundings – some with binoculars – to catch a glimpse of the stealthy Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone bourbonniensis desolata), a bird endemic to the Mascarenes. Soon enough, the typical blue heads of the birds could be seen while they flew from trees to trees around our Friends. Few females, recognisable by their light blue colored heads, were seen and were easily differentiated from the males’ dark blue heads which appeared quickly after. This show brought smiles all over participants’ faces who were enjoying this species’ amazing colors.
The hike continued through another trail which ended at the View point from which Mare Sarcelles, an inland body of water connected to the sea through subterranean channels, offered a lovely sight to our Friends.
You can contact Lensley if you want to be part of the next discovery hike. Friends regroups nature and environment lovers and has as objective to instil interest in all aspects of wildlife and habitat conservation. For more information visit: https://www.mauritian-wildlife.org/friendsofmwf
#MauritianWildlife #biodiversity
