Birding in Klasow valley of Sorong regency

I have just completed a 3-day/ 2-night birding and wildlife watching tour in the jungle of Klasow valley with 2 British tourists. As biologists, they showed great interest in the ecosystem of tropical rainforest. They had spent several days diving in Raja Ampat islands before continuing their trip with me to the rainforest of Sorong regency.

Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon)

During the birdwatching trip, we were able to see a lot of birds including Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus perlatus), Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), Large Fig-Parrot (Psittaculirostris desmarestii), Red-cheeked Parrot, Black Lory, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Lesser Black Coucal (Centropus bernsteini), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud), Yellow-billed Kingfisher (Hacyon torotoro).

Two Birdwatchers from the United Kingdom

My British guests, Niall and Rachel were very fit and were able to explore the forest during the day, night and early morning time. It was not only birds that attract their attention but also trees, insects, vines, reptiles and anything that could be seen in the forest.
When taking a night walk, we were able to see several wallabies that were feeding on green leaves. We also saw glowing mushroom and venomous ground spider. I had a great time with them discussing a lot of issues related to the preservation of rainforest and empowerment of local people through ecotourism.
In the last day of the trip, they looked so happy because they were able to see both male and female Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus rotatus) on the way back to the main road before leaving the forest.

Eclectus Parrot in tropical jungle of Sorong regency - West Papua

As a matter of fact it was not the last bird that we saw. When our car was speeding up a steep mountain on the way back to Sorong city, we spotted a Lesser Black Coucal (Centropus bernsteini). This black bird with his long tail was walking on the ground, perhaps, trying to cross the road. Suddenly he saw our car was approaching in fast speed, in less than a few seconds he moved back into the bush.
If you are interested in taking a birdwatching trip with me in the jungle of West Papua province of Indonesia, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrot

Here is the picture of a female Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) that I see in Klasow valley of Sorong regency. The male has got green feather. In West Papua, people call them Kakatua Merah (Red Cockatoo) and Kakaktua Hijau (Green Cockatoo). I was walking with two Australian birdwatchers at that time. We had spent three days hiking and birdwatching in the forest and was about to leave for Sorong city. Suddenly there were some calls from a high tree on the left of us. Local villagers led us to walk through the trees and bush to approach the bird. After searching for several minutes, we could see the male and female parrots. I aimed my camera at the female bird and shot her several times using my Fujifilm HS50EXR. Unfortunately, I was late in shooting the male. He flew away. They were around 30 meters above us in a tall tree.

French birdwatchers in Manokwari lowland forest

Actually, it was not the first time I saw the birds. I used to see it in Numfor island when I was guiding some Dutch tourists. Some islanders in Numfor catch Eclectus Parrot birds and sell them in Biak town or Manokwari city. Eclectus parrot and its relatives Sulphur Crested Cockatoo are often considered as pest because they like to food crops planted by villagers in Numfor island. This also happens in Raja Ampat where islanders catch birds and go to Sorong to sell them in the city.
LOWLAND FOREST OF MANOKWARI

Willie Wagtail in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Another good site for watching Eclectus Parrot is in Manokwari. There is a lowland river-forest called Mesirrokow river. Birdwatching in this forest is very easy. We could enjoy walking along the banks of the river to see a lot of species of birds and see the beautiful river-forest environment. I have guided a lot of visitors to the river. They come from France, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, and China.
Well, it is not only birds that we can see in Mesirrokow forest but also butterflies, beetles, flowers, soa-soa lizards and wild tropical flowers of New Guinea. In general, visitors spend 3 days/ 2 nights to explore the high bio-diversity of the lowland forest of Manokwari. written by Charles Roring
Also read:
Purple-naped Lory from Ceram island