Birding in West Papua

Here is the picture of Sulphur Crested Cockatoo that I saw while I was guiding Gauri, a lady from India on a 2-week nature tour, snorkeling, and birding trip in Raja Ampat, Sorong regency, and the Arfak mountains. We visited remote uninhabited islands, villages and walked through empty road in the jungle to find tropical birds, butterflies, cuscus possum and wild flowers. We also enjoyed swimming and snorkeling at secluded white sandy beaches of Raja Ampat to see its coral reef and colorful fish.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo in Waigeo island

While in Raja Ampat, we did not go to places that had been frequently visited by tourists such as southern area of Waigeo, Kri, Gam, Mansuar and Arborek islands. Instead, we went to eastern region of Waigeo. We went to Sopen village and explored its nearby islands, i.e. Waim and Mamiaef. We also did rainforest tour through a river in the north of the village and then continued our trip southward to Yen-Papir Karst. Here, went hiking to the top of one of the islets to see its beautiful scenery. Standing on the top of the rock island inside the karst formation, we felt as if we were looking over a huge lake.

Yenpapir Karst in Raja Ampat

Sahul Sunbird

I brought several sets of snorkeling equipments (masks, snorkels, lifejackets) and birding devices (binoculars, spotting scope and bridge camera Fujifilm HS50EXR) during the tour.
During our birding tour in eastern region of Waigeo, we also Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Red Bird of Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, Beach Kingfisher, Olive-backed Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Lesser-crested Tern, Lesser Frigatebird, Pacific Swallow, White-breasted Wood Swallow.
In Sorong, we saw Lesser Birds of Paradise, Northern Cassowary, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit Dove, and a lot of other birds during the tour.
In Arfak range, we saw Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Western Parotia, and Vogelkop Bowerbird.
Also read:
Wilson's Bird of Paradise
Birding Tour to Raja Ampat

Birding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Yellow Capped Pygmy Parrot

There is a nice birding site in northwest region of Manokwari. Its name is Mesirrokow. It is located deep in the forest. To reach it, visitors need to go there by car, and then continue their trip on foot through the forest and through the river. Various species of birds can be seen along the banks of the river such as Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Glossy Manucode (Manucodia ater), Little-Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) and a lot more.
There is no guesthouse in the jungle, so, our accommodation will be portable dome tents. Cooking and eating utensils are provided.
Birding in the forest along the Mesirrokow river is easy because the open space is very wide. A good pair of binoculars and a spotting scope will enhance the birding experience.

Hiking and Birding in Mesirrokow forest

In addition to birding, visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Fishing can be done in the river too.
Also read:
Riverwalk Tour
Birding tours in rainforest

Watching Birds in Tambrauw Mountains

American birdwatchers in Tambrauw 

Here is the picture of American tourists and local people in the forest of Tambrauw regency who were watching nocturnal birds.  male Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) in tropical rainforest of Tambrauw mountains. The bird can be found in lowland and lower montane forest. Visitors who want to go there can also see other birds such as Black Capped Lory, Forest Kingfisher, Egret, Variable Goshawk, King Bird of Paradise, Golden Myna, and a lot of species of birds that live in lower to upper montane forest areas of the regencies. Ayapokiar village, Ases valley and Mount Sakofsiah are important sites in Tambrauw Mountains which tourists can visit to watch birds and other wild animals as well as see interesting tropical plants.

As a tour guide, I can organize a birding trip for visitors who want to see rainforest environment and enjoy birding. I can guide single traveler and also groups of visitors. Because the cost of a chartered 4wd car is quite expensive, I suggest that birdwatchers come in a group of 2 to 4 people.

Male Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

How to get there?

• Fly from your country to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia
• Continue your trip to Manokwari city by taking a domestic flight
• I will meet you in Manokwari and organize your hiking and birding trip in Tambrauw Mountains

What to bring

In general, every birdwatcher knows what they should bring when going to the forest for birding such as a good pair of binoculars, spotting scope and tripod, laser pointer. For birding in Tambrauw mountains, a field guide book Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler is highly recommended.

Booking

Please, contact me by e-mail to: leororing@gmail.com or send text message to my whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

Tambrauw regency in Papua Barat province of Indonesia

Birding Trip to Tambrauw Mountains

Moustached Treeswift in Aibogiar ridge of
Tambrauw Mountains

This is the picture of Moustached Treeswift (Hemiprocne mystacea) that I see in Aibogiar ridge of Tambrauw Mountains. I visited that region to watch birds and explore the tropical rainforest that covers most of its slopes, ravines and valleys. I also saw Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, New Guinea Vulturine Parrot and a lot of other birds that make the forest of Tambrauw as its habitat. Tambrauw regency is located between Sorong and Manokwari. It has got the potentials to be developed as a highly recommended destination for birdwatchers.
How to get there?

Tambrauw Mountains

If you want to enjoy hiking and birding in Tambrauw Mountains, here is the routes that you can take to reach the region.

• First, fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• After that, take a domestic flight to Sorong city.
• I could meet you at the airport and organize your birding and wildlife watching trip to Tambrauw.

Coconut lorikeet

What to bring

In general, every birdwatcher knows what they have to bring when they want to enjoy birding in the forest. Here are some of the things that visitors need:

• A good pair of binoculars and spotting scopes
• Digital camera with telephoto lens
• Field guide book: Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler
• Flash light/ torch
• Ponco
• Ziploc plastic bags to protect your electronics in case of rainings

Booking

Traveling to Tambrauw Mountains is quite expensive. I suggest that visitors travel in group to share the cost. If you are interested in going to Tambrauw Mountains, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text message to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Birding Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

This is the picture of Great Cuckoo Dove (Reinwardtoena reinwardti) that was made by a Belgian tourist in the forest of Tambrauw Mountains. There are a lot of beautiful birds which visitors can see while traveling to the regency. Birds such as Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius) and Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Diphylodes magnificus) can be found in region.

As a guide, I could organize tour to the regency for visitors who are interested in seeing rainforest environment. Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Rainforest Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Tambrauw Mountains

Tambrauw is a mountain range that is located in the vogelkop region of West Papua. It is covered by tropical rainforest. I visited the mountain a few days ago to see the biodiversity of the forest environment. The tropical rainforest that covers the mountains and valleys of this regency is the natural habitat of a lot mammals, reptiles, marsupials, and insects. There are unique tropical trees, shrubs and lianas that visitors can see while walking through the dense forest of Tambrauw.
Birds such as Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes magnificus), Lesser Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), New Guinea Vulturine Parrot can be found in Tambrauw regency. Cuscus possum, deer, wild pigs, soa-soa monitor lizard, and a lot of species of insects also make the mountains as their natural habitat. While I was traveling in the mountains I saw plants such as sago, bamboo, a lot of kinds trees in the slopes and flat lands.
How to get there?
There are two entry points which visitors can choose to reach Tambrauw, i.e. Manokwari city and Sorong city. If you fly into Manokwari, you will be able to fly to Anjai and then by 4wd car to Tambrauw Mountains.
If you fly into Sorong city, I can organize your trip to Fef town by a chartered 4wd car.
Activities:
Hiking, camping, birdwatching/ wildlife watching

Nature lovers who are interested in seeing rainforest are highly recommended to go to Tambrauw Mountains. As a tourist guide, I organize rainforest tour for everybody who wants to explore the wealth of bio-diversity of Tambrauw. The duration of the tour is 5 to 7 days. 

If you are interested, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send whatsapp message to: +6281332245180.

Palm Cockatoo

Here are some pictures of Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus). Actually local people call the bird - Kakaktua Raja (meaning: King Cockatoo). The bird lives in tropical rainforest of New Guinea and its surrounding islands. As a tourist guide, I provide birding tours to anybody who is interested in watching King Cockatoo and other tropical birds in lowland forest especially in Manokwari or Raja Ampat.
How to get there?
Fly from your country to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
Continue your trip to Manokwari, I will meet you at the airport and organize your trip to the forest.

Kakatua Raja (meaning: King Cockatoo)

What to bring:
A good pair of binoculars
Clothing that is suitable for tropical region
Blanket
Anti insect lotion
Field guide book: Birds of New Guinea, written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler

Booking:
Please, send message to Charles Roring by email to: leororing@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180

Large Tailed Nightjar

Large-tailed Nightjar

This is the picture of Large-Tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus). I saw it in Mesirrokow forest of Manokwari. The birds are usually active at nights. They like to sit among tall grass near rivers.
In addition to watching the nightjar, we can also watch Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Blyth's Hornbill, Brahminy Kite, and a lot more.
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp message to: +6281332245180 if you are interested in exploring tropical rainforest and birding with me.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

This is the picture of male Lesser Birds of Paradise that lives in tropical rainforest of New Guinea. Its natural habitat can be found in Vogelkop (Klasow valley, Tambrauw Mountains and Arfak mountains of Manokwari), Bomberai peninsula, Kaimana regency, Yapen Waropen, Sarmi, Jayapura and northern region of Papua New Guinea.
Susnguakti Forest of Arfak Mountains
In Susnguakti forest of Arfak mountains, visitors can watch these birds. To watch male birds of paradise perform mating dance in the branches of trees, we have to wake up early in the morning at 05.00 After that we need to have tea or coffee and make some preparation for long walk through the jungle to reach the birding ground of the paradise birds. They usually dance from 06.00 to 09.00. We need to watch them with binoculars. They are very beautiful. They are also active in the afternoons from 15.00 to 17.00.
Susnguakti forest is located in lower montane area of Arfak mountains, it is also the natural habitat of other birds of paradise such as Magnificent Riflebird, and King Bird of Paradise. - by Charles Roring
Also read:
King Bird of Paradise
Wilson's Bird of Paradise
Red Bird of Paradise

Birding in Lowland Forest of Sorong

Variable Goshawk

Klasow valley in Sorong regency is a nice destination for birdwatcher who wants to see such birds as Northern Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus), Variable Goshawk, Golden Myna, King Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Lowland Peltop, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and a lot of other birds that make the lowland rainforest of West Papua as their natural habitat.
Duration: On the average, the birding trip lasts between 4 to 5 days. Visitors can stay at a simple guesthouse built by local villagers.
How to get there?

• Fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• Fly to Sorong city. 
• I will meet you at the airport and organize your tour to Klasow valley by a 4WD car.

If you are interested in visiting Klasow valley and enjoy birding with me, please, send email to (Charles Roring): peace4wp@gmail.com or text message to my whatsapp: +6281332245180

Also read:
Watching the Courtship Dance of the Red Bird of Paradise
Watching Birds and Sea Turtle in Waigeo Island

Birding in Raja Ampat

Red Bird of Paradise

Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia have been considered as the best destination for scuba diving, snorkeling and other activities that are related to marine tourism. However, its hundreds of tropical islands are also very good destination for bird and wildlife watching. I have visited the islands a lot of times to organize marine tours as well as land tours for tourists.

Beautiful Birds

I guide birding visitors to Raja Ampat islands to see such birds as:

• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita),
• Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), 
• Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), 
• Moluccan King Parrot,
• Rainbow Lorikeet which is now called Coconut Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)
• Red-cheeked Parrot,
• Great-billed Parrot
• Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra), 
• Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus respublica),
• Hook-billed Kingfisher, 
• Rufous Bellied Kookaburra, 
• Sacred Kingfisher, 
• Beach Kingfisher, 
• Spice Imperial Pigeon, 
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon
• Pied Imperial Pigeon
• Great cuckoo Dove
• Pink-spotted Fruit Dove
• Radjah Shelduck
• Pacific Swallow
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Sooty Tern
• Lesser-crested Tern,
• Striated Heron
• Eastern Reef Egret
• Little-pied Cormorant
• Lesser Frigatebird, 
• Eastern Osprey, 
• Brahminy Kite, 
• White-bellied Sea Eagle,
• Torresian Crow
• and a lot more. 

The duration of the birding walk can be as short as 2 days to as long as 1 full week. Most often, the birdwatching tour is combined with sightseeing trip by boat to various tropical islands and snorkeling activities in coral reef sites of Raja Ampat.

American tourists were birdwatching in Waigeo island

Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson B.O.P. and most other paradise birds are polygynous meaning that they are sexually very active and have more than one partners. To attract females, a male Red B.O.P. has to creates beautiful sounds of calls, perform a courtship dance to show his bright color plumage. This mating ritual, if I may call it, is performed early in the mornings (approximately from 06.00 to 09.00) and in the afternoons from around 15.00-17.00. We may consider them as philander or womanizer from the forest but these birds have to do that in order to survive.

Map Location of Raja Ampat

When you decide to take a birding trip to Raja Ampat islands, there are certain things that you need to bring such as:

• A good pair of binoculars
• Birding camera
• A spotting scope (optional)
• Watch/ alarm clock to manage your wake-up and birding time.
• Field guide book Birds of New Guinea
• Hat that you may need to use when birding during sunny days
• Anti-insect lotion/ spray
• Darker color clothing (dark green t-shirt and etc.)
• Flashlight

Visitors who also want to enjoy snorkeling could bring their snorkeling sets (masks, snorkels, and fins) as well as underwater camera.
If you are interested in visiting Raja Ampat and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
Also read:
Wilson's Bird of Paradise
Marine Life in Raja Ampat
Snorkeling Tours in Raja Ampat

Birding Tour in Tambrauw Mountains of West Papua

The mountain range of Tambrauw is located between Manokwari and Sorong. It is one of the best birding sites in West Papua province of Indonesia. A lot of species of birds live there including Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Yellow-faced Myna, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Mountain Peltops, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Kingfisher, and Yellow-billed Kingfisher.

French tourists were birdwatching in Tambrauw Mountains

Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)  Photo: Wim Boyden

As a tourist guide, I could organize birding trip to the area especially for visitors who want to spend multiple days birding in the lower montane and upper montane forest of Tambrauw.

Pinon Imperial Pigeon  Photo: Wim Boyden

Because of its remote location, I highly suggest that visitors go in a group of 3 to 4 people or more to share the cost of transportation, food and accommodation. Most of Tambrauw regency is covered by pristine rainforest. For birding sites that are located deep in the forest, we will provide tents, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils for our clients.

Most birdwatchers know what they have to bring when going on a birding trip. Usually a pair of binoculars and a camera with telephoto lens will be needed for the purpose. Sometimes, laser pointer is used to show where a bird sits in a high tree. I personally use a Visionking 10×42mm binoculars that are equipped with Bak 4 Prism and multi-coated lens. For watching birds in an open forest area, I bring a Kinglux 20-60×60 mm spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod. It gives me clear view of birds in high trees especially when the weather is good.

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Tambrauw mountains and want me to be your guide, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: leororing@gmail.com or whatsapp to: +6281332245180

Also read:

• Tour Package for Holiday in Raja Ampat
• Snorkeling and Birding in Raja Ampat

Camping and Birding in Arfak Mountains

Common Paradise Kingfisher

Arfak mountains have been famous as one of the most important destinations among birdwatchers. There are several places in the region that are frequently visited by foreign birdwatchers who want to see paradise birds. One of them is Susnguakti forest. It is located in the south of Manokwari city approximately one hour by car. To watch birds such as Magnificent Riflebird, Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), and Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea) visitors need to stay for at least 2 to 3 days in the mountains. As of today, there is no guesthouse in the jungle of Mount Mabowi. So, birdwatchers need to stay in tents in campsites that have been prepared by local guides.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

Birds are usually active in the mornings and in the afternoons. For instance, Lesser Birds of Paradise like to gather and dance at around 06.00. So, visitors need to wake up early at 05.00. After drinking tea or coffee and some biscuits or bread, they have to walk for 20 minutes to the birding ground. They can watch the birds until 09.00. In addition to watching Lesser B.O.P., visitors can watch King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), Hooded Butcherbird, Rainbow Lorikeet, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, and a lot of other birds that are endemic to New Guinea.

Birders, in general, bring their own binoculars, and spotting scope. Some also bring Swiss Army Knife, GPS tracker, and sound recording device. I highly recommend a field guide book: Birds of New Guinea written by Than K. Pratt, and Bruce Beehler.

Cuscus Possum in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari.

Night walk is usually carried out by local villagers and guide to find cuscus possum. In certain places, villagers and tourists will stop and sit on the ground. After that, one of the villagers will immitate the sound of female cuscus to attract the male one. When the call is being done, all flash lights have to be off. Glowing mushrooms can also be seen at night especially during rainy season.

Bringing a portable dome tent is a good idea but not a must. There are some campsites in the forest of Mount Susnguakti which I, and local villagers built for visitors. There are also plates, glasses, and cooking pans. With all of the available equipment, I hope that visitors who go to the forest can enjoy their birding trip in the area well.


Also read:

• A Visit to North-east Region of Waigeo island
• Watching Birds and Sea Turtle in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat
• King Bird of Paradise