Seychelles

 
Bird Island is very small, with just 70 hectare of land, and an eco resort offering 26 simple bungalows. There is no road, no traffic, no outside lighting, only moon and stars that shine at night.

The water is warm, clear, with different shades of blue, so beautiful to swim in. 

There are these big Hawksbill turtle and ray, I like to follow them while snorkeling, they move around so effortlessly.

Being named 'Bird' island, the bird life there, especially various types of Tern, is indeed fascinating. The fact that there is no predator on the island means that the birds are not afraid of human beings. I could stand one foot away from them to watch them in detail.  

Noddy Bird - when husband & wife meet, they will nod to each other. 

 Fairy Tern, with snow white feather and dark rimed big eyes, very fairy like when they fly, husband and wife together,.

 Tropic bird with its unusual long tail feather.








Tropic Bird 2 weeks old chick.

 
From May to October, around 
2.5 million Sooty Terns will nest at the north end of the island. Every evening, around sunset and until dark, they will all fly around, just like mad, or just enjoying themselves, in all directions, and 'shrieking' as they fly. Remind me of Hitchcock's movie 'Bird'.

 
There are 22 Aldabra tortoises living on the island. They are huge and look solemn, but I found out that these tortoises, just like cats, love to have their necks scratched.

Shielded in big shells, they could only touch each other with their noses. 

At Mahe, the main island, I stayed at Hilton Northolme Resort, good sunset view, good snorkeling, excellent room design.

In the wet market at Mahe, there are a lot of big fish for sale. Net fishing is banned in Seychelles. Local fishermen use long lines and big hooks for fishing.

This is coco de mer palm, with the characteristic heart shaped nut, Seychelles is the origin of this special palm.

Local people are a mix of African, French, Indian and Chinese.