Birwatching and Snorkeling in South Waigeo of Raja Ampat

When I run a birdwatching tour in Raja Ampat, I always provide time for me and my clients to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the house reef of the guesthouse where we stay. This morning, I and Michael - my client from the US, went to a small island at the south of Waigeo island. It was only around fifteen minutes by speedboat to reach it.

Spice Imperial Pigeon

Approaching the island, we saw some Spice Imperial Pigeons sitting on the branches of a small tree that stood on a big rock. There were some Singing Starlings too. They were on the lower left branch of a tree of the same rock. After landing on the beach, I installed my spotting scope and aimed it at the birds that were sitting on tree tops. Using the scope, we watched Hooded Butcherbird, Eastern Osprey, Eclectus Parrot, and Lesser Frigate Bird. I also heard the sounds of Olive-backed Sunbird but I could not find it.  Torresian Crow sat on a tree that grew on a vertical cliff. We spent around 1.5 hours birding in the island. After that, we slowly moved along the coastal area of another island trying to find birds in tree again. We were quite lucky that morning because we could see White-bellied Sea Eagle, Moustached Treeswift, Brahminy Kite, Pacific Swallow, and more Spice Imperial Pigeon. The marine scenery of Raja Ampat waters was very beautiful. A Beach Kingfisher was flying fast above us. In his bill, he was holding a crab.

Beach Kingfisher

Puff-backed Meliphaga

When we had returned to our guesthouse, I did some snorkeling at its house reef. Again I saw Anemonefish, Striped Surgeonfish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idol and a Banded Sea Krait. I tried to take pictures of the snake while he was moving fast in the water. Well, I was able to get some pictures of the venomous snake.

Banded Sea Krait

Moorish Idol

Well, I was able to get some good photos but not so sharp. In the afternoon, I saw a Puff-backed Meliphaga that is preparing her nest around twenty centimeters above the ground.
If you are interested in taking a combined birdwatching and snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat with me as your guide, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180