Masoala: Helmet & Bernier’s Vanga again!

Birding Africa’s second Masaola extension in 2011 was again a success, with superb looks at Helmet Vanga on three occasions, and after a bit of searching, a family group of Bernier’s Vanga. We also had good view of other specials such as Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Pratincole and Red-breasted Coua. Red Ruffed Lemur was a major target and a huge highlight was watching a family group playing in the canopy above us! Even though you don’t add too many extra species compared to the main tour, it really is a privilege spending time in this remote wilderness area where the rainforest meets the sea, and it was a superb end to our tour. An especially obliging Sunset Moth, rated as one of the most striking insects in the world, was a real bonus!

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Helmet Vanga was seen well at Masoala on this Madagascar tour with Birding Africa © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

The endemic Helmet Vanga posed repeatedly and obligingly on this Birding Africa tour © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

Bernier’s Vanga at Masoala, one of a family group we saw with Birding Africa © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

A male Bernier’s Vanga, another endemic seen well at Masoala with Birding Africa © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

Our lodge at Masoala © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

We transferred by boat to a birding site at Masoala forest © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

We watched Red-ruffed Lemurs play above us. They are endemic to Masoala © Deirdre Vrancken & Callan Cohen http://www.birdingafrica.com

The endemic Sunset Moth, Chrysiridia rhipheus, is a dayflying moth endemic to Madagascar. We saw it on the Masoala extension © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com

Madagascar Pratincole breeds at Masoala © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken http://www.birdingafrica.com