Heron Island is for the birds

Clark Mason (“Heron Calls, and Lady Elliot Beckons,” Jan. 19) should have warned readers about some of the pitfalls of Heron Island. For one thing, the water temperature -- at least in September 1997, when we were there -- was in the low 60s, making snorkeling rather unpleasant. But that was minor compared with the island’s general atmosphere, which was disgusting: The place was full of intrusive birds and, even worse, reeked of bird droppings.

Mike Berliner

West Los Angeles