Wilson's Bird of Paradise

A few weeks before Covid Pandemic reached Sorong city and Raja Ampat, I was in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. I was guiding Michael, a birdwatcher from the United States. 

In the morning, we woke up very early at 03.40 to make preparations. We did not have much time to make coffee or tea. So, we only drank water. At 04.00 we left the homestay where we stayed for a beach located in the south of Waigeo island. 

Male Wilson's Bird of Paradise

It was still dark so I used my flash-light to help our boat driver. He carefully maneuvered his boat between hard corals that grow in the front waters of the homestay. When the boat reached the open water, he raised the speed. Our boat was just a long wooden boat with a 40 horse power Yamaha outboard engine. It took only around 15 minutes to reach the beach. After that we continued our trip walking along the slope path that led us to the dancing ground of Wilson's Bird of Paradise. We walked for around 1 hour until we reached our destination which was a small hut covered by dark brown plastic tarp. 

Inside the hut there were two benches roughly made of hard wooden planks. On the front side of the hut that was facing the display ground of the paradise bird, there were around six rectangular holes that were cut through the thin tarp to allow visitors to watch the Wilson's Bird of Pararise. 

The sun was slowly rising in the east giving light to the forest. Some birds began to sing. I could hear the sounds of Helmetted Friarbird, Hooded Butcherbird, Common Paradise Kingfisher and several other birds which I could not identify. 

Male Wilson's Bird of Paradise was calling his female partners

Minutes later we heard the calls of the male Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus respublica). He landed on wooden sticks in front of us. We were amazed by the bright colors of the paradise bird. His wings were red, neck was yellow and head was light blue. The chest was dark green. His feet were dark blue. The side of the body and the underpart were dark. The tails or the antennas were also dark. This bird was fabulous. 

Female Wilson's Bird of Paradise

He tried to attract his female counterparts by performing is courtship dance. He played his antenna, jump to the stick trunk where a female bird was sitting. Actually, there were three female birds that came that morning. Well, it was a mating season for Wilson's in March, I guess. It was interesting to see that birds of paradise were mating during rainy season. 

I took a lot of pictures of the birds. When it was still dark, I was struggling with my camera trying to find the best setting that could produce sharp pictures. All that I got were blurred ones. Finally, I found the best setting and then I could make reasonably good photographs in lowlight condition. I did not use tripod when taking pictures. I only held my camera by hand. 

It was a successful trip and we returned to our homestay with big smile and a lot of positive comments about the bird.
We immediately took our breakfast and then returned to our bedrooms to  take a rest. One hour later, We enjoyed snorkeling and freediving at the front waters of the guesthouse where I saw Striped Surgeonfish, Anemonefish, Moorish Idol, Giant Clams, and etc. It was a lovely Sunday morning.

Please, book your trip
If you are interested in taking a combined birdwatching and snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:
Birds of Paradise Watching Trip
Raja Ampat Birds
Evening Birds in Raja Ampat

Birding in Malagufuk in Rainy Season

Malagufuk is one of the many villages in Klasow valley. I introduced ecotourism for the first time to local people in late 2014. There were only two big tents where local people lived. It was very difficult to organize birding trip at that time. There were no guesthouse, toilet, or comfortable mattrasses with mosquito nets. The walking paths were muddy. The forest was infested with mosquitoes and leeches. Every time I went there, I had to carry dome tents, air mattresses, and a lot of equipments to the village. Alone I could not carry them all. So, I hired some people to work as porters.
I had to raise fund, I saved my income so that I could help provide basic things that tourists would need during their tour in the valley. I bought cooking and eating utensils and with savings that I had collected from running previous birding tours, I bought corrugated metal roofs for the construction of simple guesthouse in Malagufuk. I also contacted Wally and Coby Vreede from SDSP Foundation from the Netherlands to help. They raised money to help with the construction of a small water weir and a water sistern with its piping installation from the nearby stream to the village. With two basic basic guesthouses, dining sets, and toilets, rainforest birding tours could now be started.

Black-capped Lory

No birding guide or travel agency knew its existence. I have been guiding a lot of tourists to this village. After several years of running birding tours to the village with Nico Nauw, I began to see more visitors coming to Klasow valley.  And now more birding guides and travel agencies know about the village. Now it has become a famous destination for birdwatchers.
A few days ago from 26 to 28 February 2020, I went to Malagufuk again with an American tourist. We watched several interesting birds that lived in the rainforest of Sorong's lowland area. Some that we saw were Black-capped Lory, Black Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Large Fig Parrot, Moustached Treeswift, Metallic Starling, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Pitta, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Lesser Black Coucal, Torresian Crow, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Northern Cassowary, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Hooded Butcherbird, Grey-headed Goshawk, Mimic Meliphaga, and Blyh's Hornbill.
Local government from Sorong regency built two more bungalows. Each of them was filled with comfortable furniture (spring beds, chair and table), small kitchen, and a nice toilet. A long wooden bridge that will connect main road and the village is being constructed too.

Common Paradise Kingfisher

Every day and night we experienced heavy rain. The paths were muddy and slippery. It was quite difficult to carry heavy things such as camera, drinking water, binoculars, spotting scope and field guide book. So, we spent much of our time birding around the clearing area of the village especially along the edge of the forest. Because I brought my spotting scope, I was able to show beautiful birds to Michael, a professor from a medical school in the United States. He was my only client during the 3 days trip in the rainforest that was located in the suburb of Sorong city. Because the muddy paths were slippery, he fell several times in the forest. Well, it was part of the adventure and he still enjoyed the trip.

Pinon Imperial Pigeon

I also brought my camera the Canon 200D with Tamron 150-600mm lens. It was not the best photographic device but it was good enough for me to make some nice pictures that we saw in the rainforest. Local people were very friendly. They were happy to see me again.

Other places or villages that are also good for rainforest tour and birdwatching
There are several other villages in the suburb of Sorong that are located along the roadside and are good for tourists who like to explore the biodiversity of rainforest, or to enjoy birdwatching. Some of them include Klatomok, Klayeli.  If we go by 4wd cars or by ferry to Tambrauw regency, we will be able to explore pristine rainforest that is the natural habitat of hundreds of species of tropical birds.

Blyth's Hornbill

Booking
If you are interested in taking a rainforest tour or birdwatching tour in Sorong regency, before or after your trip to Raja Ampat, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Also read:

• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching Tour in the Forest and Farmland of Minahasa
• Manado City Tour: Birdwatching and Sightseeing

• Birding in High Elevation Forest of Minahasa
• Walking Tour, Birdwatching and Butterflywatching in District Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in Minahasa Highland
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birdwatching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching and butterflywatching in Sonder
• https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com
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Tropical Birds in Sorong Forest

Sorong regency is the main gate to Raja Ampat. Visitors need to fly from their country to Jakarta, Denpasar or Manado and then continue their trip by taking domestic flight to Sorong city before continuing their trip by fast ferry boats or speed boats to tropical islands in Raja Ampat. Airlines such as Garuda, Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air, and Lion Air provide daily flights from the above major cities in Indonesia to Sorong. Sorong itself is located in western tip region of West Papua province and is a great destination for tourists who want to see rainforest.

Large Fig Parrot in the forest of Sorong regency

Tropical Birds of New Guinea

There are a lot of tropical birds which visitors can watch when exploring the lowland and ridge forest of Sorong regency. Some of them include Papuan Blyth's Hornbill, Helmetted Friarbird, Dollarbird, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Large Fig Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Black Lory, Black-capped Lory, Grey-headed Goshawk, Variable Goshawk, Black-sided Robin, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Western-crowned Pigeon, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Amboyna Cuckoo Dove, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Black-browed Triller, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blue-black Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Moustached Tree Swift, Metallic Starling, Shining Flycatcher, Black Sunbird, King Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy Manucode, and etc.

A Male Lesser Birds of Paradise

Where and How to watch these birds?

Well, it is easy to watch the tropical birds of New Guinea in Sorong forest. There are several good places which we can go to see them. Some of them include Sorong ridge forest located north of Sorong city, mangrove forest and Klatomok forest.  Most birdwatchers know the equipment which they need to bring. Some of them include binoculars, spotting scope (mounted on a tripod), laser pointer, bluetooth loudspeaker and records of bird sounds stored in cell phones, field guide book Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler.

Sahul Sunbird (Cynniris jugularis) in Sorong ridge forest

We are now in rainy season. It comes quite late compared to previous years. Intensive rain starts in February. So, in the next three months, i.e. March, April, and May, we will see more rainy days. After that the intensity of the rain gradually decreases. People often say, rainy season is bad for birdwatching. I don't think so. Usually after the rain, birds and other forest animals come out of their hiding places to dry their feather, fur or skin. The next day, when the sun shines brightly, we can see more birds in trees. That's the natural phenomenon that I have seen since my childhood. 

Forest Bittern in rainforest of Sorong

During rainy season, the forest floor in Sorong regency is muddy. There are also leeches. So, I suggest that tourists wear anti-leech socks and hiking or wellington boots.

Guided Birding Tour

I personally have guided a lot of tourists from 2010 on birding tours in West Papua especially from Manokwari to Sorong, Tambrauw mountains, and Raja Ampat. So, I am familiar with the tropical birds in the forest of Sorong. Usually, we will stay in a homestay that belongs to local villagers and then do birding walks in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Although the tour is called birding, we may also see other animals as well such as wallaby, soa-soa lizard, butterflies and beetles.

Cost of the Birding Tour

The cost of the birding tour depends on the number of days and the number of participants which visitors need to spend in Sorong forest. It the tour in Sorong is combined with the tour in Manokwari or Raja Ampat, the cost will also be different. 

So, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 to get more info on customized tours and their costs.

Jungle Tour in Sorong

I often organize birding and wildlife watching tours in Sorong regency for tourists who want to take land trips in mainland of West Papua before and after their trip to Raja Ampat. 

The lowland rainforest in the jungle of Sorong is the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds including Western-crowned Pigeon, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Lowland Peltop, Hooded Butcherbird, Dollarbird, Black Lory, Black-capped Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Large Fig Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit  Dove, Brown Cuckoo Dove, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, and a lot more. There is a huge rainforest in eastern area of Sorong regency. It is a good place for visitors who like birdwatching and wildlife watching in general. For birding in an open area along the road or village border around the forest, the I use spotting scope. 

Golden Myna

Visitors who are interested in taking this land tour in mainland West Papua should bring binoculars, camera, flashlight, trekking boots or hiking shoes, insect repellent lotion. Don't forget to also bring anti leech sock if you like to explore the deeper part of the rainforest. In my previous birding tours with some tourists from Australia and the United States, I bring a bluetooth speaker. I played the sounds of several birds such as Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookburra and Yellow-billed Kingfisher to attract them to where I and my clients were when we were walking in the forest. Some of the birds came out of their hiding places and we were able to see the birds well. 

Western-crowned Pigeon

I usually bring field guide book Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler. Today there is a similar book written by Phil Gregory. These are the main references for birwatchers who plan to take rainforest birding trip in New Guinea. 

Rainbow Bee-eater

In addition to birdwatching, I also conduct night walk for visitors who want to see wallaby. The lowland forest of Sorong is an ideal site for watching this marsupial animal. Insect lovers can also take this tour to see cricket, spider, snout beetle, butterfly, stick insect, and moth. Sometimes we see soa-soa monitor lizard, and snakes.

Cruiser Butterfly

The duration of the birding tour is between 3 to 4 days depending on how many birds and other wild animals you want to see.  I can pick up tour participants at Domine Eduard Osok ((DEO) airport, a hotel in the city, at ferry harbor or Usaha Mina ferry harbor in Sorong city.
Hotel in Sorong
After taking the tour in the forest, participants may need to stay in a hotel in Sorong city before flying back to their country. There are a lot of hotels which they can choose such as Swissbel hotel, Belagri hotel, Mamberamo hotel, Family Guardian, M Express, Mariat, Fave hotel and etc. Tourists can book the hotel through internet.

To book your jungle tour in Sorong, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to +6281332245180. I can also be contacted by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Also read:
Tropical Birding tour in Sorong forest
Birds of Paradise in the Rainforest of Sorong

Watching King Bird of Paradise with 5 German Tourists

I guided 5 German tourists today in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari. We went there to watch King Bird of Paradise that usually dances in the mornings and in the afternoons before sunset time. Their tour organizer was Irawan Halir from the North Sulawesi. We left by a chartered vehicle at 04.30 for the forest. 

Arriving at the entrance site, we got off the vehicle and started hiking to our basecamp. We needed around 1 hour to reach it. It was around 06.30 when we arrived. Because the King Bird of Paradise showed up later, we decided to go to the blind of Magnificent Riflebird. Thirty minutes later, we continued our morning walk to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise. We watched the birds for around 30 minutes and then returned to our basecamp to have our morning tea or coffee. We enjoyed hot tea, coffee and milk with some biscuits and rambutans. 

King Bird of Paradise

Fifteen minutes later, we continued our tour in the rainforest by hiking to the watching site of King Bird of Paradise. When we reached, the bird had not shown up. But we could hear his calls. We sat on the ground with binoculars and camera in our hands. I also prepared my spotting scope which I aimed at the vines where the King Paradise Bird usually sits while waiting for his female counterpart. Minutes later, he flew to the vines and started jumping among them several times. He sat on a hanging liana under a left branch above our heads. The German tourists began taking pictures of the bird. We watched the bird for around 1 hour. We saw the female one too. She showed up later. Other birds that we saw were Frilled Monarch. The calls of Magnificent riflebird, Northern Variable Pitohui, Papuan Pitta, Hooded Butcherbird and Long-tailed Buzzard could also be heard inside the forest. 

We went back to our basecamp and had lunch. The ingredients consist of rice, kangkung (vegetables), fried tuna, sliced ham, and noodle soup.

German tourists with local guides

We walked back to the main road at 13.30 and then headed to the village where we stayed to write the guestbook and saw how local villager made fire using traditional match made of bamboo, palm fiber and granite stone. Villagers gave us rambutan, and soursop.

Our car showed up later. We returned to Manokwari city at around 3 p.m. It was a nice adventure tour.
Here is my contact number: +6281332245180. You could send whatsapp message to book your trip to this forest of Manokwari.

This was written by Charles Roring

Also read:

• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birding in High Elevation Forest of Minahasa
• Walking Tour, Birdwatching and Butterflywatching in District Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in Minahasa Highland
• Manado City Birdwatching and Sightseeing Tour
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birdwatching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching and butterflywatching in Sonder
• https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com

Watching Papuan Pitta, Cuscus Possum and Insects in Susnguakti Forest

The Papuan Pitta (Erythropitta maklotii)

I went to Susnguakti forest in the suburb of Manokwari a few days ago. I guided 2 tourists (Andrew and Barbara) from Poland. We spent our time in the forest to enjoy hiking, birdwatching, insect watching, and general wildlife watching. We explored the rainforest of Susnguakti in the mornings, afternoons and in the evenings. 

Watching Paradise Birds

Because they were veterinarians, they were familiar with biological terms of animals and plants. Some of the birds that we saw and heard during our tour in this eastern region of Arfak range were Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Hooked-billed Kingfisher, Frilled Monarch, Golden Cuckooshrike, Hooded Butcherbird, Northern Variable Pitohui, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Amboina Cuckoo Dove, Black Sunbird, Fairy Lorikeet, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Black-capped Lory, Blyth's Hornbill and etc.

A Couple of Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti forest in the morning

Watching Insects

Night walk was our favorite activities. We did it every night. Because we regularly clear the walking paths in the jungle by cutting tall grass and sweeping the fallen leaves and twigs using palm brooms. This gives an easy access for visitors to explore most parts of Susnguakti forest. Stick insects, assasin bug, longhorn beetle, crickets, fire flies praying mantis, snout beetle, spiders on the leaves of plants, moths, butterflies, trunks of trees and on the ground. Our Polish guests said that Susnguakti was a very nice forest. 

Cicada in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

Calling Cuscus Possum

A villager who accompanied us had a special skill to call cuscus possum. It was around 08.45 when we left our base-camp on the second night of our tour in Susnguakti. We stopped for a while at a slope leading to the birding ground for King Bird of Paradise. Moon provided twilight for us. Usually when there is moon in the sky, our chance to see cuscus possum is low. However, this time, it was different. Our Papuan friend began to immitate the sounds of female cuscus. In less than 5 minutes, we could hear the sounds two possums. The sounds of broken twigs in trees were heard when they were walking towards the "female cuscus." Suddenly we heard fightings above our heads. Seconds later a small cuscus possum fell to the ground with a thud. Our Papuan friend turned on his torch and jumped to the possum. He chased the possum. I warned him not to catch the cuscus because it had sharp claws. He grabbed its tail and brought the cuscus possum closer to us.

The cuscus possum that fell on the the ground

For us, the skill of immitating the sounds of cuscus to attract the marsupial animal at night was an extraordinary skill. But this time, he caught it using his bear hands. We were able to see and make good photographs of the cuscus.

We continued our night walk exploration to higher elevation area of the forest. We saw more insects including moths, longhorn beetle, and cicada. We also saw a Papuan Pitta too. He was sitting on the branch of a small tree. We carefully approached the bird and made some pictures of the bird. It did not fly away. We also saw wild flowers on the forest floor. Some emitted fragrant scents. Unfortunately, we do not have the capital to refine the flowers for making essential oils.

Wild Flowers in Forest Floors

It was a nice adventure that night. When we returned to our basecamp again we felt very happy. We were able to see interesting animals.

Susnguakti is a lower montane forest of Arfak mountains. It has been visited by tourists from all continents of the world since 2011. The first tourists who went to Susnguakti forest were university students from Poland. I organized their trip.

Our team with 2 Polish tourists in Susnguakti forest

To reach Susnguakti forest, tour participants have to be physically fit. From the place where car stops, visitors need to go hiking up steep slopes for 1 hour to reach our basecamp. It is a very basic accommodation. We provide mattrass, dome tents, cooking and eating utensils. 

Visitors need to bring clothing that is suitable for hiking, trekking boots or sport shoes, and tropical rainforest, insect repellent lotion, torch/ flash light, and camera with extra batteries. This trip is only suitable for rainforest enthusiasts. 

If you are interested in traveling to Manokwari city to enjoy birdwatching, insect watching as well as wildlife watching in general in Susnguakti forest, you could contact me (Charles Roring) to organize your trip. This is my cell phone/ whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

Please, support this blog by buying some artworks that are available as t-shirts, mugs, cell phone case, stationery, home decor and etc. at the following links:

• Birds
• Red Bird of Paradise

Red Bird of Paradise

Birdwatchers who travel to Raja Ampat will usually put the Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) in their list of target birds to see. The best times to watch this bird are in the mornings and in the afternoons. There are a lot of places which visitors can choose if they want to watch the paradise bird in Waigeo island. Most tourists go to Saporkren area. I go to different places. Some are located in eastern area of Waigeo whereas others are located further in the south and in the north of the island.  There, I and my guests can enjoy exclusive sites for watching the paradise birds and other tropical birds of Raja Ampat. My recommendation will be the southern hill of the island. There are also other forests in north-east region of Waigeo which tourists can go to enjoy birding.

Male Red Birds of Paradise were performing their courtship dance

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)

I highly suggest that visitors bring a good pair of binoculars, and a camera with telephoto lens if they want to take pictures of this beautiful creature. Usually, at least 2 to 4 male birds gather on top of a tree located deep on a hill of the forest. They start calling their female counterparts for mating. When the female Red Birds of Paradise have come, the male ones will perform their courtship dances. They compete one another to win the female birds. Most often the competition gets tougher. The one that is stronger and performs better dance will become the winner. This is a natural selection. 

Red Bird of Paradise in northeast forest of Waigeo

Tropical Birds in Raja Ampat
There are a lot of other birds that we also can see while traveling in Waigeo and other smaller islands around it. They include Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird, Palm Cockatoo, Great-billed Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Beach Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna,  Moustached Treeswift, Wimbrel, Beach Thick Knee, Radjah Shelduck, White-breasted Woodswallow, Sahul Sunbird, Singing Starling, Lowland Peltop, Eastern Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and a lot more.
When I guide tourists to these small islands, I charter a small motorized boat. I also bring a spotting scope which I like to install at a beach to watch coastal birds such as Willie Wagtail, Eastern Reef Egret, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Little-pied Cormorant, and Sahul Sunbird.
Most birdwatchers bring binoculars but there are also tour participants who bring birding cameras. The development of digital camera with telephoto lens such as Nikon P900, or Nikon Coolpix P1000 has increased the chance of birdwatchers to shoot birds in distant and very tall trees. I used Fujifilm HS50EXR to shoot the birds above. Now a lot of pictures of beautiful birds are circulating in social media. They are made using the superzoom photographic devices. Digiscoping system can also produce good quality pictures of birds but they are mostly used by birdwatchers in open areas such as a field with trees around it or clearing areas near a forest. For taking pictures of birds in thick forest, a camera with telephoto lens is more convenient.
However, most birdwatchers will be happy to watch birds using spotting scope too because they can see the vivid colours of their feather through the scope. Famous brands like Swarovski, Leica, and Nikon are very good but expensive. I use Kinglux 20-60×60. Although it is considered as entry level scope, it is quite good. It has got Bak 4 prism in its barrel.

I often combine the birding tour in Raja Ampat with snorkeling tour and with rainforest tour in Sorong regency or Manokwari.

Also read:
Raja Ampat Birds

Watching Red Bird of Paradise

Birding in North Waigeo of Raja Ampat

Parrots in Waigeo Island

Rainforest Tour in Raja Ampat

I personally have created some drawing artworks that are now available as prints on t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and etc.

Red Bird of Paradise

• Birds
• Red Bird of Paradise
• Red Bird of Paradise Classic T-shirt

Birding in Klawos Forest of Tambrauw regency with 4 American Tourists

From 30 January to 1 February, I guided 4 American tourists on a birding tour to Klawos forest in Tambrauw regency. Klawos forest is located in north east region of Klasow valley. They were Greg, Michael, Debby and Bethany. They had just finished their sea tour in Raja Ampat. So, the birding trip to Klawos forest was an extra mainland tour for them.

Our targets at the time were Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Magnificent Riflebird, Golden Myna, and Lesser Birds of Paradise. Because the habitat of these birds were widely distributed in the lowland land and mountain ridge of the region, we had to do long walks from the flat land to the steep slopes of the forest.

Hooded Pitta was sleeping on a vine.

It was a nice trip. We did birding from early morning to night time. We saw a lot of birds including Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Large-Fig Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Long-tailed Buzzard, New Guinea Harpy Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Yellow-faced Myna, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo Dove, and White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Blyth's Hornbill, Helmetted Friarbird, and a lot more. I brought my Kinglux 20-60×60mm Spotting scope at that time. So, watching those birds from a hill during sunset time was a very enjoyable experience. Only one of my guests had a good pair of binoculars. So, the spotting scope greatly enhanced their birding experience.

Exploring Klawos forest in Tambrauw regency

Walking down the steep slopes of Klawos forest after watching the Lesser Birds of Paradise, we heard the calls of New Guinea vulturine parrots from the mountain ridge behind us. Unfortunately, we could not see the rare birds.
We also did night walk around the clearing area of the forest and along the main road that connects Sorong city and Sausapor town. We saw Hooded Pitta, and Marbled Frogmouth. 

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

On the final day before leaving the village where we stayed in during our birding tour, we saw 3 Palm Cockatoos flying low and making whistling sounds over the village. I immediately installed my spotting scope and aimed it at the tree where they landed but they quickly disappeared into the thick forest of Tambrauw regency.

Yellow-faced Myna in Klawos Forest

Sorong city in West Papua province of Indonesia is the entrance point for visitors who want to go birdwatching in this Klawos forest. Birding in this forest is easy, we could use binoculars, and spotting scope in a number of open areas of the village.

American tourists were watching birds in Tambrauw regency accompanied by villagers

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in this forest and want me to organize your tour, please, send your message by whatsapp to my number: +6281332245180.