Off we go into the night to seek the Yanbaru Kuina, with our tummies full of fabulous food and drink, except noble Ichiro san who is driving. So the deal is that the Yanburu Kuina is a very rare bird that skulks around the undergrowth in the hundreds of square miles of the forest of Yanbaru, which is the totally northern part of the island. The chances of seeing one are low as there are hundreds of square miles of forest but very few birds. However we have a secret weapon – Ichiro san! Not only is he a fine painter but is also a first class ornithologist. We drive along slowly, shining flashlights into the trees.

Within 5 minutes Ichiro san sees one! It is in a perfect spot at the end of a branch with no brush in front. We have an excellent view. The Kuina clamber up into trees to sleep. They are scared of Habus, highly venomous snakes that slide and slither around at night.

We keep driving and soon see a baby Scops Owl.

The Milky Way fills the sky or so I am told. I forgot to bring my glasses.

We saw lots of other good stuff but I am still struggling with the new lens and did not get any good photos.

Next day we resume the fun at 6:00 am. Again, we soon see a rail looking for earthworms by the side of the road. I screw up the photography. We go up to a headland to watch the dawn.

We go to a beach.

Back to the hotel, outside of which there is a tree covered with flaming blossom. The blossom are covered with butterflies.

Thanks Ichiro san for guiding us. Such a great trip!

Just to round things up, here is what we ate on the way home.

Click twice on all the photos!