Wilson's Bird of Paradise

Male Wilson's Bird of Paradise

Here is the picture of Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica) that I saw when I went organized birdwatching tour for 2 Australian and 1 Chinese visitors in the southern region of Waigeo island - Raja Ampat archipelago. We had to wake up early in the morning at 04.00 to make preparations before leaving our guesthouse for the birding site by a small motorized boat. When we arrived at the beach, we still had to hike for one hour to reach the birding hut where visitors usually watched the bird. Unfortunately the weather was not so good. It was six o'clock morning time and it started to rain heavily.
We had to wait for 12 hours just to see Wilson. Finally, we could hear his calls again and soon after that he landed on his playing ground at approximately 16.00. He cleaned the ground picking up dry leaves and twigs. He was there for approximately 30 minutes, long enough for us to take pictures of this beautiful bird. The female bird did not come but we were satisfied with the sighting of the male one. The next morning, we were able to watch the Red Bird of Paradise. It was a tiring but very successful trip.

A Guesthouse in Raja Ampat

Abundant Marine Life
The guesthouse where we stayed during our birding tour in Raja Ampat stood above sea water with beautiful coral reef and marine life. So, it was not only birding that we enjoyed but also swimming and snorkeling. I wish I could take pictures of the tropical fish. Unfortunately, my underwater camera was broken and could not be used anymore. We only spent nearly 3 days/ 2 nights here but it was an unforgetable experience. I hope that I will be able to return to this place again in the near future. by Charles Roring
Also read:

• Birding in Raja Ampat
• Birding Tour to Raja Ampat
• Coconut Lorikeet from Waigeo island of Raja Ampat
• Beach Kingfisher