French Polynesia
- Tuamotus and Marquesas Islands - Page 3 |
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Black Noddies at
Fakarava in the Tuamotus on 21 November 2010 |
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On 20 November we started our cruise on the
Aranui 3 to the
Marquesas Islands. I thank the Aranui expedition leaders and Vai
Here for information about natural
history. |
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Our first stop was
Fakarava, an atoll in the Tuamotus, 494 km from Tahiti. The
Marquesas Islands are about 1430 km from Tahiti. |
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Disembarking from the barge at Fakarava in the
Tuamotus on 21 November 2010 |
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Black Noddy has a
longer more slender bill and darker plumage than Brown Noddy. Fakarava on 21 November 2010. |
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Black Noddy has a grey tail, whereas
Brown Noddy has a brown tail. Black Noddies were common at sea and
throughout the Marquesas Islands where they nest in trees in
villages. |
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Blue-gray Noddies were common in the
channel where the current brings ocean water into the inner lagoon
at Rangiroa in the Tuamotus on 2 December 2010. |
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Snorkeling and diving
were outstanding at Rangiroa in the Tuamotus, |
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Light morph Pacific
Reef-Heron at Fakarava in the Tuamotus on 21 November 2010 |
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Dark morph Pacific
Reef-Heron at Tahuata in the Marquesas Islands on 28 November 2010 |
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Aranui docked at Ou Pou to unload supplies for
the residents while we hiked and explored the island. 23 November
2010. |
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Endemic Marquesas
Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus mendanae dido is the subspecies on
Oa Pou. 23 November 2010. |
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Now go to
Page 4 |
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