Adventures with Bird Girl

This week we were fortunate to go birding and swimming in Rock Pools with Bird Girl.

Over the two adventures we spotted two baby Mao's and their Mamma Mao's, Samoa's National Bird, which is unfortunately on the endangered list.

This is Uri, he hasn't developed his tail or flying ability yet, but hops around with flair.

We learnt to listen for Mamma Mao calling him by his name "Uri" and his replies of short little mao's.

The boys loved their forest adventure.

Where no tree is just a single tree, but a layering of ferns, orchids, moss and a plethora of plant life.

Once the sound recorders were in place we explored the forest further.

In search of the Temple of the Octopus, the crumbling ruin of the pagan Octopus God. Who it is told made his way up the streams and waterfalls to make a home in a huge piece of coral in the forest.

Next door is a Banyan Tree House.

The tree house was magic

Knowledge was shared

Then it was time to jump in the truck and head to the swimming hole, Samoan style.

The boys swam Queensland rock pool style; jeans and no shirts

Our Sunday Rock Pool adventure turned out to be a little more than the gentle 5 minute walk in the forest and the steep slopes were slippery.  My white dress was not appropriate for this forest adventure.

The sweaty, hot trek through the forest was worth it once you plunged into the freezing cold water of the rock pool.

And the boys went off swords in hand for another forest adventure.