Tropical Birding Tours in Susnguakti Forest

King Bird of Paradise

Finding Paradise Birds

Susnguakti is the name of Lower Montane Forest of Arfak range in Manokwari regency. It is a recommended destination for tourists who are interested in hiking, camping, and observing rainforest animals, particularly birds of paradise, and plants that live in the area. I organize a 3 to 4 day wildlife and birdwatching tour to see Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea), Hooded Butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus), Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) and other tropical birds of West Papua. There is no guesthouse in the middle of the jungle. Visitors will stay in huts that we have built for visitors. Cooking and eating utensils have been prepared in the huts.

Lesser Birds of Paradise - the King of Seduction

Male Lesser Birds of Paradise

Tropical birds are usually active in the mornings and in the afternoons. To watch Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), visitors have to wake up at 05.00 for making preparations. After drinking tea or coffee and some biscuits, they could leave their tents for the birding ground that is located approximately 5 to 10 minutes walk to the south of the forest. Birds can be watched using binoculars and telephoto camera. Male lesser birds of paradise call their female counterparts and perform courtship dance in order to win their hearts. Several male birds compete one another to mate with the female birds. These birds of paradise have got several sex partners. They have been hunted since ancient times. So, they practice poligamy to survive. After 09.00 morning time, visitors can return to the basecamp and then continue their birding activities to higher elevation area.
The next target bird is King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius) which lives in higher elevation area of Susnguakti forest. If we are lucky, we can also see Magnificent Birds of Paradise and Glossy Manucode.
In addition to birds, visitors can also watch Cuscus Possum, Bandicoot, and Soa-soa Lizards in the forest. A night walk in the forest will be organized by local guides for visitors to see these animals.

Birding Optics

Most birders know what to bring when they go on a tour to watch tropical birds in remote forest region. In general, birdwatchers bring a good pair of binoculars preferably 10×42 mm Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Nikon or Cannon. High definition birding binoculars are made of ED lenses and Bak 4 prism glasses. I personally have got a more affordable Visionking 10×42 mm binoculars and a 20-60×60 Kinglux spotting scope.

Extended Trip
In addition to birding in Manokwari, I can organize birding tours to Tambrauw mountains or to Raja Ampat islands.
Booking
Please, send me (Charles Roring) e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.