Witness the Rare Beauty of Birds Preparing for Breeding Season on Cousine Island
As September unfolds on Cousine Island, the island’s skies and treetops come alive with an awe-inspiring display of bird activity. This time of year marks the beginning of the breeding season for several bird species, each one more magnificent than the next.
For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, it’s a rare opportunity to witness an intimate part of nature, as the island’s avian residents engage in courtship displays, build their nests, and prepare for the next generation. From the ghostly Fairy Terns to the majestic White-tailed Tropicbirds, September offers a glimpse into the private lives of these magnificent birds, making Cousine Island a paradise for those seeking rare and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Did you know?
Most bird species on Cousine Island nest on low branches or the ground. This made their eggs and chicks (like this fluffy fairy tern) particularly vulnerable to rats and cats. Removing these invasive predators is the first step in island conservation.
The Ghostly Fairy Tern
A Vision in White
The Fairy Tern, with its pristine white plumage and delicate, graceful flight, seems almost otherworldly as it glides through the skies of Cousine Island. Known for its ghostly appearance, the Fairy Tern is a rare and elegant sight. As September brings the breeding season into full swing, these enchanting birds can be seen engaging in breathtaking courtship displays, where they dance through the air, reinforcing their lifelong bonds with their partners.
What makes the Fairy Tern truly unique is its nesting habit. Rather than building a traditional nest, it lays a single egg directly on the branches of trees. Watching these fragile eggs balanced delicately on open branches, and seeing the chicks cling to the tree from birth, is a rare privilege. It’s moments like these that make September a truly magical time to visit Cousine Island.
Fairy terns mate for life, producing a single egg per breeding season
The Majestic White-tailed Tropicbird
Aerial Elegance
With long, trailing tail feathers and snow-white plumage, the White-tailed Tropicbird is a sight to behold. These birds are known for their stunning aerial displays, especially during the breeding season. Watching them loop and soar through the sky in their dramatic courtship rituals is one of the highlights of September.
These birds choose secluded rock crevices for nesting, making them elusive yet all the more fascinating to observe. With their long tail feathers trailing behind them, the White-tailed Tropicbird appears regal as it navigates the island’s cliffs. Seeing these graceful birds in action, especially during the height of their breeding season, offers a rare connection to the natural beauty that defines Cousine Island.
The White-tailed Tropicbird nesting on Cousine Island can be seen up close
The Mysterious Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Nighttime Serenades
While many birds fill the daytime skies, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater dominates the nights on Cousine Island. Known for their haunting calls that resonate through the island at dusk, these nocturnal birds return each September to breed in burrows along the island’s sandy shores. Their eerie cries, often described as mournful, create a mysterious and mesmerizing atmosphere, filling the night air with the sounds of nature.
Shearwaters are masters of the night sky, gliding effortlessly under the cover of darkness. With their burrows safely hidden along the shores, their nesting behavior is a rare and captivating event to witness. As September brings the breeding season into full swing, visitors can experience this unique species as it tends to its young and serenades the island under the stars.
The Charming Seychelles Warbler
A Conservation Success Story
Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the Seychelles Warbler now thrives thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. This small, olive-green bird has made a remarkable recovery and can now be seen throughout Cousine Island’s vegetation, especially during the September breeding season. Their melodic songs and vibrant energy bring a sense of joy and renewal to the island, as these warblers continue to flourish.
The warbler’s nesting rituals are a testament to the resilience of nature. You’ll hear their songs echoing through the island as they build intricate nests to protect their young. The Seychelles Warbler represents the power of conservation, and seeing them thrive on Cousine Island is a reminder of the island’s ongoing commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity.
Seychelles Warbler Cousin Island (a neighboring island to Cousine)
Conservation is at the Heart of Cousine Island
September is not only a month of renewal for the island’s birds but also a crucial time for conservation efforts. Cousine Island’s team works tirelessly to ensure that breeding habitats remain protected and undisturbed. Whether it’s safeguarding nests or managing the island’s delicate ecosystems, our conservation efforts allow these rare bird species to thrive. Visitors are invited to take part in eco-tours and conservation activities that showcase the island’s dedication to protecting its wildlife for future generations.
September at Cousine Island is a rare and captivating experience for any bird lover or nature enthusiast. Whether you’re mesmerized by the ethereal flight of the Fairy Tern, enchanted by the mysterious calls of the Shearwater, or moved by the resilience of the Seychelles Warbler, the island’s birdlife offers unforgettable moments.
The Cousine Island conservation team with some of our feathered inhabitants
Join us for Birding Season
September and October is the start of the birding season but also has some of the calmest and clearest days, making for incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s also the start of the fishing season! Explore our eco calendar or contact our team to plan your holiday.
