Long tailed cuckoos, Micronesia

[gmckinlay]

May 2 at least two heard (one seen) in Sokehs, Pohnpei
May 4: one heard in another location
May 7: a single feather found on descent from Mt Winapwet, Tol island, Chuuk.

I vaguely recall a post reasonably recently from someone who was doing research on this species, and perhaps looking for specimens. Can someone help me identify who I can communicate with about this?

[Neil Fitzgerald]

That would be me working on this species. That's a nice sighting. I have a few birds tagged but none in Micronesia at the moment (that I am aware of).
I am collecting samples of birds in NZ. Unfortunately, I'm not collecting from the winter range at this stage – that would be some interesting fieldwork – and you can't simply bring something like a feather back. The biosecurity people would not take kindly to that.
I would be interested to hear if and where you come across more.
Thanks
Neil

[fras444]

That would be me working on this species. That's a nice sighting. I have a few birds tagged but none in Micronesia at the moment (that I am aware of).
I am collecting samples of birds in NZ. Unfortunately, I'm not collecting from the winter range at this stage – that would be some interesting fieldwork – and you can't simply bring something like a feather back. The biosecurity people would not take kindly to that.
I would be interested to hear if and where you come across more.
Thanks
Neil

You know, it's funny how you word it like that. As I'd never give it a second thought, "oh sorry sir" and how that feather would not be acceptable to a Biosecurity officer, yet. thousands of long-tailed cuckoos bring them into the country every single year and that's not even talking about the godwits and what not

[simon.fordham]

..... you can't simply bring something like a feather back. The biosecurity people would not take kindly to that.

I am not sure that is the case, Neil. We have brought feathers into the country on occasion. The key is that they are declared. Biosecurity will check that they are clean, and not protected by CITES, before allowing them through.

[Neil Fitzgerald]

Yes, I wasn't very clear on "simply". It might be as easy as declaring it. Long-tailed cuckoo does not seem to be on CITIES list. I have no idea if there might be export or other restrictions at the other end though. You also need a 'permit' under the Wildlife Act to have feathers or other parts of a NZ native. I'm not sure how they would deal with that.
I guess it would also rely on border staff to have confidence in the identification?

[Neil Fitzgerald]

A tagged bird left Banaba / Ocean Island within the past 24 hrs and is heading toward Kosrae, Micronesia.