Red Bird of Paradise

Male Red BOP was performing courtship dance
to attract his female birds.

Here are the photographs of Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) that I watched when I went birding in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat.
There are several places in the island which birders could visit to watch the birds. The ones that I know are Warafar, Mamdifu and Fish Lagoon forests in the eastern region of the island. There are also some birding sites in southern region of Waigeo, particularly Saporkren where the Red BOP could be seen. The best time to watch the birds is early in the morning at approximately  05.30 to 09.00.

From my personal experience, morning time is not always the best time because most often the birding site is against the morning sunlight. I usually checked the birding site first before deciding whether it is good to watch in the morning or in the afternoon. If the bench for birdwatchers or birding platform is in the east or northeast of the tree, morning time is the best. If it is in the west or south west, afternoon time will be the better choice. Watching birds of paradise with sunlight against our eyes will not give us the best birding experience. Most often, when we want to take pictures of birds in high tree in backlight condition, what we will get are dark or glare pictures.
When the sun is behind us during the birding time, we will get brighter and sharper pictures of the paradise birds.
The population of birds of paradise in the forest is decreasing due to continuous logging activities and poaching. The introduction of birding tourism in Raja Ampat is very important in supporting local people to protect their forest and animals that live in it.

Tiger Orchid

While travelling in the forest, it is not only birds that can be seen but also other animals and unique plants. One day, I went to the eastern most area of Waigeo island. While exploring the tropical rainforest, I saw beautiful orchid flowers at a steep hill. I was surprized to see that flowers were very fragrant. I took pictures of the flowers and then did some research on the internet about this interesting plant. Finally, I could identify it. Its name was  Queen of the Orchids (Grammatophyllum speciosum). It is also called Tiger Orchid. by Charles Roring
Also read:

• Lesser Bird of Paradise

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

Wisata Petualangan di Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat adalah salah satu destinasi wisata bahari yang terkenal di seluruh dunia. Puluhan ribu wisatawan ke sana untuk berenang dan menyelam serta melihat keindahan panorama pulau-pulau tropis yang mencuat dari lautan biru.

Petualangan di Raja Ampat

Sebagai pemandu turis, saya sudah mengatur perjalanan wisata bagi banyak pelancong yang datang dari dalam dan luar negeri. Meskipun sebagian besar dari mereka mengambil paket wisata biasa seperti snorkeling dan kunjungan ke pasir timbul, Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, Teluk Kabui dan Pianemo, ada juga pengunjung yang meminta paket wisata yang berbeda.

Naik Perahu Keliling Raja Ampat

Untuk memenuhi permintaan yang seperti itu, saya menyediakan tur khusus ke lokasi-lokasi yang terpencil atau yang tidak berada di jalur kunjungan yang umum. Contohnya: Wisata Petualangan ke Hutan dan Pulau-pulau Kosong di bagian timur Raja Ampat. Selama mengikuti tur petualangan ini para pelancong bisa menikmati berenang di pulau-pulau kosong, berkemah di dalam hutan, menonton burung, serta melihat kampung-kampung pesisir masyarakat Papua yang ada di kawasan itu. Jadi peserta tidak tidur di resort - resort mewah melainkan di dalam tenda di tepi sungai atau di tepi pantai.

Laguna Ikan di Raja Ampat

Bahkan di perairan tertentu, wisatawan bisa menikmati kegiatan mancing dan piknik di pantai sambil memanggang ikan hasil tangkapan. Pemandangan alam pegunungan yang berpadu dengan lautan seperti pada foto di atas ini sungguh memukau di mata para pelancong dan tidak kalah dibandingkan situs lainnya seperti Wayag, Pianemo dan Teluk Kabui.
Kebanyakan peserta wisata petualangan ini berasal dari luar negeri seperti India, Jerman dan bahkan dari Ceko.

Pasir Timbul di Raja Ampat

Untuk memudahkan wisatawan mengikuti petualangan tersebut, saya menyediakan tenda dome, lampu penerangan bertenaga surya serta peralatan masak dan makan.
Peserta diminta untuk membawa sendiri perlengkapan pribadi seperti baju renang, senter, dan alat snorkeling.
Wisata petualangan di Raja Ampat ini akan meninggalkan kesan tersendiri di hati setiap peserta tur tentang betapa indahnya alam ini dan betapa pentingnya upaya kita untuk melestarikannya. - Ditulis oleh Charles Roring

Wisata Pengamatan Burung di Hutan Papua

Sebagai pemandu turis, saya telah mengatur banyak sekali perjalanan wisata ke hutan - hutan Papua Barat bagi para pelancong dalam dan luar negeri. Kami menjelajah hutan untuk melihat berbagai macam tumbuhan dan hewan. Daya tarik utama hutan Papua baik di dataran rendah maupun dataran tinggi adalah adanya beberapa spesies burung surga yang indah warnanya. Burung-burung ini biasanya aktif di pagi dan sore hari.

Burung Cendrawasih Kuning

Wisatawan dari manca negara umumnya menghabiskan waktu selama 3 sampai 4 hari untuk melihat Cendrawasih Kuning (Lesser Birds of Paradise), Cendrawasih Raja (King Bird of Paradise) serta Magnificent Riflebird.
Di samping itu pula, ada juga burung-burung lain yang indah warnanya seperti Mina Emas (Golden Myna), Kakaktua Raja (Palm Cockatoo) serta burung Raja Udang Paruh Kuning.
Wisatawan suka memotret burung dan satwa liar lainnya. Kamera yang sesuai untuk keperluan tersebut adalah kamera bridge dengan zoom sebesar 50 hingga 60 kali seperti Nikon P900, Canon SX60HS. Kamera D-SLR dengan lensa telefoto hingga 800 mm cocok untuk memotret burung yang sedang bertengger di cabang pohon yang tinggi.
Di samping kamera, ada pula peralatan lain yang diperlukan untuk menonton burung-burung tersebut. Peralatan seperti binokular, spotting scope dan pena laser digunakan untuk mengamati burung serta satwa liar lainnya di hutan.

Kegiatan wisata pengamatan burung dapat membuka wawasan kita tentang alam sekaligus membuat kita semakin peduli untuk melestarikannya.

Common Paradise Kingfisher

Common Paradise Kingfisher

Here is the photograph of Common Paradise Kingfisher that I saw in Susnguakti forest of Arfak range when I guided a Filipino lady for 3 days/ 2 nights on a hiking and birding tour in the area. Actually, we were not waiting for the Kingfisher. What we were waiting for was Lesser Birds of Paradise. We sat silently on the ground under some trees while listening to the calls of the paradise birds on the canopy of the forest. Suddenly, the Common Paradise Kingfisher landed on the branch of a tree just a few meters from me. I quickly aimed my Fujifilm HS50EXR at the bird and pressed the shutter button of my camera several times. Seconds later, the bird flew away again. Actually, I used to see the same bird several months earlier in the same place where I made good photographs of the Paradise Kingfisher. During the tour, we also saw Dwarf Cassowary, Hooded Butcherbird and the Lesser Birds of Paradise that we were waiting for.
This Common Paradise Kingfisher can also be seen in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat and even in Halmahera island. Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher looks similar to the Common Paradise Kingfisher but its tails are thicker.

Also read:

• Yellow-billed Kingfisher
• Beach Kingfisher
• Azure Kingfisher in Halmahera
• Great-billed Kingfisher

Kingfishers

There are a lot of species of Kingfishers in tropical rainforest of West Papua. I personally have seen many of them in lowland, lower montane forest and in the islands of Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong, Arfak mountains, Tambrauw mountains and Wondama regency. In lower montane forest of Arfak range, while I was waiting for the Lesser Birds of Paradise to show up in the branches of trees above myself, suddenly I saw a Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea) landed on a branch of a tree just a few meters away from me. He sat there for less than one minute and then flew away again. Fortunately, I was able to make some pictures of the bird. It was the second time I saw the bird in relatively the same place.

Kingfishers of Klasow Valley

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

I also saw several species of Kingfishers in lowland forest of Sorong regency. Some of them include Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and Yellow-billed Kingfisher. Some like to live along the sides of the river whereas others like forest edges near the village. For the Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, I saw the bird several times in Klasow valley. I does not live near a river. The bird liked to sit alone one the branch of a tree with the above green leaves as heat cover. Actually, I did not see the bird. I was walking towards a tree where Lesser Birds of Paradise were dancing. A local guide stopped me and pointed his finger to the kingfisher. The bird was not far. I immediately aimed my Fujifilm HS 50EXR camera at the bird ant shot him. A few seconds later, the bird flew away. I was lucky, it was a good shot.

Yellow-billed Kingfisher

For the picture of these Yellow-billed Kingfisher (Syma torotoro), I took it when I guided a Chinese lady in Klasow valley. We were trying to see King Bird of Paradise but he did not show up. Next, we moved on to the tree where Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise like to perch and dance. He did not come either. But ee heard the sounds of Yellow-billed Kingfisher at the forest edge that bordered with the clearing area of the village. We approached the birds. They were not afraid of us. Perhaps, the birds were so much attracted to each other. It was a mating season for the kingfishers, I think.

In Raja Ampat, I had the chance to see Hook-billed Kingfisher while walking in the forest in southern region of Waigeo. I also saw Beach Kingfisher on several occasions. Recently, I visited Waisai town of Raja Ampat for two days. While I was doing a short birding walk at a cape near the harbor of the town, I saw a Beach Kingfisher calling from a branch of a tree near the sea. He was quite big compared to other kingfishers.

I will go to Sorong regency tomorrow again. I hope that I will be able to see and make photographs of the ones that I have not seen before.

Outdoor Adventure Tour in Raja Ampat

As a tourist guide, I often organize adventure tour for anyone who is interested in exploring the outdoor marine environment of Raja Ampat. The tour will include swimming, snorkeling and free-diving in some uninhabited islands where visitors can see the wealth of marine life of the archipelago. There are thousands of fish and marine creatures that we could see in the water while we enjoy snorkeling or free diving. Some of them include
butterflyfish, spadefish, moorish idol, convict surgeonfish, damselfish, pink anemonefish, snappers, groupers, parrotfish, sweetlips and giant trevally and manta.

Adventure Tour in Raja Ampat islands

In addition to water sport activities, we will also go hiking in the forest to watch wild animals and tropical birds including the Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica). From my previous experience, we could also watch other birds such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Blyth's Hornbill, Beach Kingfisher, Singing Starling, Brahminy Kite during the tour.
Taking Pictures

Visitors need to bring good photographic devices for taking pictures of those birds. D-SLR camera, with super telephoto lens, is an ideal one but it is heavy and expensive. Fortunately, there are bridge cameras that offer excellent quality pictures for birding and wildlife watching. Some bridge cameras that I highly recommend are Nikon P600, Nikon P900, Canon SX60 HS, and Fujifilm HS50EXR. 

Flying to Raja Ampat

I often receive questions about flight info from visitors who want to visit Raja Ampat. As a matter of fact, it is not difficult to reach Raja Ampat. 

• Fly from your country to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia
• And then fly from the city to Sorong city. There are daily regular flights that are served by such domestic airlines as Garuda, Sriwijaya, Nam Air, Batik Air and Travira Air between Jakarta and Sorong.
• When you have arrived in Sorong, you could take ferry or speed boat to Raja Ampat.

Things to bring

If you want to enjoy swimming and snorkeling, don't forget to bring mask, fins, and fins. If you also want to enjoy birding, a good pair of binoculars is highly needed. You also need to bring ziploc plastic bags to protect your passport, money and other important documents for the trip. Torch is also needed because electricity is not always available in remote islands.

For traveling to remote uninhabited islands, bringing dome tents and mattrasses will enable us to stay there for several nights.

My Bridge Birding Camera

Lesser Birds of Paradise shot by Fujifilm HS50EXR

Most professional photographers use D-SLR camera with telephoto lens to take pictures of birds. However, they are very expensive and heavy. I have used bridge cameras for birding since 2010. The quality of photographs, may not be the best, but is good enough for bird identification and picture sharing on my blog and social media. My first bridge camera was Nikon Coolpix P500. I used it when I traveled to a lot of regions not only in West Papua but also in Indonesia. Later, when the camera could not function properly anymore, I bought Nikon Coolpix P600. It was a nice camera but had a very short life. I did not make a lot of pictures of birds with the P600. Now, there are Nikon P900 and Nikon P1000 on the market but I haven't tested them yet.

Grass flowers in Tambrauw Mountain

My Current Birding Camera

After using Nikon cameras for several years, I decided to buy a different camera from different brand. I bought a Fujifilm HS50EXR. After using the cameras for several years, I could say that this is my best choice. I have captured hundreds of good quality pictures of birds, butterflies, flowers and landscape scenery. The camera is not expensive compared to high end D-SLR camera. To take pictures of  birds, I have to turn the lens barrel manually. This saves the battery life of my camera. I often spend 3 days up to 2 weeks guiding visitors on a birding trip in the jungle of West Papua from the tropical rainforest of Arfak mountains to Klasow valley, to Raja Ampat. For that long trip, I always have 1 extra battery in the pocket of my bag. I also put the charging device and its cable in it. My Fujifilm HS50EXR allows me to take pictures of birds for several days in the jungle without recharging. I often mention this camera in my blog posts.

Coconut Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)

I hope that Fujifilm will continue to upgrade this Finepix HS50 EXR camera by creating higher version with 50x or even 60x optical zoom. However, I am sad to read that the company has discontinued the production and further development this electronic product.

by Charles Roring

Red Bird of Paradise

Red Bird of Paradise

I have organized birding tours in West Papua for several years now. Most of the visitors come to watch paradise birds. One of the most favorite destinations is Raja Ampat. There are two species that are known to science, i.e. Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica). There are a lot of places that we could go to watch the Red BOP. One of them is in the forest of Waigeo island. This year, I run several birding and snorkeling tours to Raja Ampat. To watch the birds, we have to wake up at 04.00 in the morning. We need to make some preparations such as preparing our clothing, hiking shoes, binoculars, camera and food. After having some tea and biscuits, we need to walk up slopes for approximately 45 minutes to reach the birding ground. Local villagers have built a birding platform made of wood. The raised wooden structure is 4 meters tall and is suitable for photographers who want to take pictures of birds.

Birdwatching in Raja Ampat

Birds are usually active from 06.00 to 09.00. Male Red Birds of Paradise call their female counterparts and compete one another to win the heart of the female birds for mating. They perform their best courtship dance to impress the female birds. Red Birds of Paradise look similar to Lesser Birds of Paradise but they have got red feather.

To watch Red Bird of Paradise, visitors need binoculars. I highly recommend the ones manufactured by Zeiss, Swarovski or Nikon. The size can be 10×42 mm or even the 12×50 mm. There are also binoculars that are made by Chinese companies and are offered in more affordable prices. I personally use a pair of Visionking 10×42 mm binoculars. They are not the best in the market but they are good enough for birding and wildlife watching. So, if you plan to enjoy birding, don't forget to bring good quality binoculars to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Birding is not the only activity which tourists can enjoy while traveling to Raja Ampat, snorkeling and swimming are also interesting especially for visitors who like to see coral reef and marine life. So, visitors can bring mask, snorkel, and fins if they want to enjoy snorkeling in the archipelago.

Also read:
Red Bird of Paradise Digital Art
Wildlife Tour in Raja Ampat

Outdoor Adventure Trips in Raja Ampat

I organize Outdoor Adventure Trips for anyone who is interested in exploring uninhabited islands, coral reef environment and tropical rainforest of Raja Ampat. The duration of the tour is from 3 to 6 days. During the trip, visitor will be able to enjoy snorkeling over coral reef of the archipelago to see such colorful tropical fish as moorish idol, anemonefish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish and a lot more.

Panoramic View of Raja Ampat islands

For adventure in the forest, visitor will go hiking to watch paradise birds such as Wilson's Birds of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica) and Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor). There are also a lot of other birds and animal in the jungle of the archipelago. Some of them include Lowland Peltop, Eclectus Parrot, Rainbow Lorikeet, Beach Kingfisher, Olive-backed Sunbird, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, and Coconut Lorikeet.
Raja Ampat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. This regency has got hundreds of small tropical islands that are surrounded by white sandy beach and pristine coral reef.

Things to bring:
For visitors who like swimming and snorkeling, a snorkeling set such as mask, fins, and underwater camera is needed.
For birders, a good pair of binoculars, digital camera with telephoto lens will enhance their birding experience.

Crystal Clear Sea Water and Coral Reef in Raja Ampat

How to get there?
It is easy to reach the islands.

• First, visitors need to make a little research on the internet about the available tour package in Raja Ampat. 
• After finding the ones that they are interested in, they can fly from their country to Jakarta or Denpasar. 
• There are regular domestic flights served by airlines in Indonesia such as Garuda, Sriwijaya, Nam Air and Batik Air to Sorong city.
• From this city, visitors can continue their trip by fast ferry boat to Raja Ampat.

Beach Kingfisher

I was in Waisai town of Raja Ampat a few days ago for meeting with other local guides. During that trip I had a short birding walk in a small cape near the harbor. It was morning time and the activity of birds were quite high. Birds that I saw at that time were Willie Wagtail, Coconut Lorikeet, Moustached Treeswift, Singing Starling and Beach Kingfisher.

I brought with me a pair of 10×42 mm Visionking roof prism binoculars, and my old bridge camera Fujifilm HS50EXR. Because I was watching birds from the second floor of a building, I could easily find birds that were perching on the surrounding trees. I could also see some singing starlings that were sitting on top of navigation lamp post that stood on the shallow water of the cape. After watching birds for approximately 30 minutes, I walked down the building and had a short walk to the side and backyard of the building. There was a gazebo on the shallow water right below the cape. It was connected to the cape by wooden bridge. I walked to the gazebo. I could hear the sound of various species of birds in that small forest but could not see them easily due to the enormous number of leaves, branches and twigs of the trees in the steep slopes of the cape. So, I walked back to the top of the cape.

Beach Kingfisher in Waigeo island

Soon I was able to take pictures of rainbow lorikeet. I gave up hope of seeing Beach Kingfisher that was calling from inside the bush of the trees. One hour later I could hear the sound of the Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus). The bird had flown on to dead branches of a tree above the sea. He called his female counterpart for a few minutes from that naked branches. As soon as I saw him, I quickly turned on my camera and aimed it at the bird. I was able to take some good pictures of the bird. He was approximately 40 meters away from me. I used maximum zoom of my camera. Less than 3 minutes later, he flew away.

Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus)

About Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat islands are very beautiful destination for visitors who like marine tourism such as swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. The islands are also perfect places for birding. I have guided visitors to Raja Ampat both for birding, snorkeling and sightseeing.

There are hundreds of islands in this regency that are surrounded by pristine coral reef and covered by pristine rainforest. Every year thousands of visitors go there to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and kayaking. But there are also significant percentage of visitors who go there for watching birds particularly the Wilson's Bird of Paradise and Red Bird of Paradise. This was wriiten by Charles Roring

Also read:

• Azure Kingfisher in Klasow valley
• Azure Kingfisher in Halmahera
• Yellow-billed Kingfisher
• Great-billed Kingfisher

Coconut Lorikeet in Waigeo Island of Raja Ampat

This is Coconut Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) that I saw at a hill near the harbor of Waisai town in Raja Ampat. A government building about Geopark stood on it. I was there to participate in certification works for tourist guides. While waiting outside of the Geopark building with my other friends, I did some birding. I brought a point and shoot camera. It was a Fujifilm HS50EXR. I was trying to find a Beach Kingfisher that was calling from trees at the lower area of the hill.  Suddenly when I looked at the higher branch of the tree in front of me,  I saw this lorikeet walking down a branch. I quickly aimed my camera at the lorikeet and shot it.

The Coconut Lorikeet fed on nectar of flowers in that tree. Actually there were a few lorikeets in other nearby trees but branches and leaves covered those birds. The bird was common in lowland and lower montane forest of New Guinea.

Coconut Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) in Raja Ampat

Shortly after taking picture of the lorikeet, I was able to see the Beach King Fisher that i was looking for. He was sitting on a naked branch of a tree that was close to the beach. Because I stood on a hill looking down on the bird. The background image of the bird was the sea. It was not difficult to shoot the bird. There was a big window among the branches and leaves of trees. I could take good picture of the bird through it. 

Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus)

In the past this coconut lorikeet was categorized in one group with Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus). The coconut lorikeet has got red and dark blue stripes on his or her breast. Because the birds have got beautiful feather, it is often caught and sold as pets.

Birding is an environmentally friendly sport or tourism activity. To enjoy birdwatching, at least, we need a good pair of binoculars.b byCharles Roring

Also read:

• Birdwatching tour in Arfak mountains
• Palm Cockatoo

Slender-Billed Cuckoo Dove

When I was guiding two Australian and one Chinese birders in Arfak mountains to watch Magnificent Bird of Paradise, I saw a bird landed on a tree near me. It was feeding on small yellow fruits some 10 meters above my head. I slowly moved under the branches and leaves and then carefully aimed my Fujifilm HS50EXR at the bird. There was a small window among the thick green leaves above my head where I could see the bird.

Slender-billed Cuckoo Dove in Arfak Mountains

I turned the lens of my camera to maximum zoom (1,000 mm) and pressed the shutter button to shoot the bird. This bird was called Slender-billed Cuckoo Dove also called Brown Cuckoo Dove. He turned his body on the same branch and sat for a while perhaps trying to find out what happened downed there. I thought the sounds of my camera had attracted his attention.

Slender-billed Cuckoo Dove in Arfak range of Manokwari

Again, I aimed my camera at the Cuckoo Dove and shot him several times. I was happy with the results. Birding in tropical rainforest was quite difficult because we could not see the birds easily. Most birds sat on the branches of trees on the canopy of the forest. Birders could not easily find them because of obstructions from the branches, twigs, vines, and leaves.
Most often, the birds sit in tall trees making it difficult to take picture of them using ordinary pocket camera. Carrying a D-SLR camera with telephoto lenses is a good solution. However, such camera is very expensive. I recommend bridge camera with telephoto lens such as the Nikon B700, Nikon P900 and Nikon P1000. The camera is suitable for wildlife watching and birding.
Birding tours in Manokwari
Birding tours in rainforest of Manokwari

Yellow-billed Kingfisher

This is the photograph of Yellow-Billed Kingfisher (Syma torotoro) that lives in the forest of New Guinea especially in the lowland and lower montane forest. I often guide tourists on riverwalk birding expedition in Manokwari regency for visitors who want to watch such birds as Blyth's hornbill, Dollarbird, Willie Wagtail, Little Egret, Yellow Faced Myna, Large Tailed Nightjar, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and even the Black-capped Pygmy Parrot.

Yellow-billed Kingfisher

The duration of the tour is 3 to 4 days. Because there is no guest house in the forest, we will provide dome tents, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils as well as spotting scope and binoculars for visitors.
Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text message to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.
King Bird of Paradise
Lesser Birds of Paradise
Camping and Watching Wild Animals in Arfak mountains

Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Hooded Butcherbird

I guided 3 visitors from Cina and Australia in Raja Ampat last week. We stayed in southern region of Waigeo island enjoying hiking, birding, swimming and snorkeling. During our jungle tour in the island, we were able to see Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Red Bird of Paradise, Eclectus Parrot, Great Cuckoo Dove, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Moustached Treeswift, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, and various species of birds. I brought my old camera Fujifilm HS50EXR. It was powerful enough to take pictures of birds even in distant trees. When we went hiking to the hill behind the homestay which we stayed, I was able to take pictures of the Red Bird of Paradise.

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)

It was a nice journey for my guests because they could complete their birding tour in a tropical island whose waters are clear and whose coral reef and beach are very beautiful. Besides hiking and birding, we also enjoyed swimming, and snorkeling to see beautiful tropical fish such as butterflyfish, striped surgeonfish, damselfish, parrotfish, moorish idol and even anemonefish. Coral reef in Raja Ampat is the richest in the world for marine bio-diversity.

the underwater picture of coral reef in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a favorite destination for marine tourism. Its coral reef environment has got the richest marine bio-diversity in the world. Its forest is also the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds, marsupials, reptiles, insects, and a lot of unique trees as well as beautiful flower plants.
As a tour guide, I run tours for visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling and birding in Raja Ampat islands. Most visitors extend their tour to mainland for watching King Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Golden Myna and a lot of other tropical birds that live in New Guinea.
The tour in Raja Ampat is relatively expensive. So, I highly suggest that visitors come in a group of 3 to 5 people to share the cost of transportation, accommodation. I also can run private tour for single traveler.
Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Snorkeling Holiday in Raja Ampat
Birding Walk in Waigeo island

Birding Tour to Raja Ampat

Red Bird of Paradise

I offer birding tour to Raja Ampat for visitors who want to watch such birds as Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica), Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra), Radjah Shelduck, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Black-capped Lory, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Olive-backed Sunbird, Pacific Swallow, Beach Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Frigatebird, Singing Starling and Crested Tern and a lot more.

The duration of this birding tour can be as short as three days or as long as one full week. It can also be combined with swimming and snorkeling activities in the front waters of the guesthouse where we stay or even in an uninhabited island that we visit.

Brown Cuckoo Dove in Raja Ampat

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Raja Ampat and want me to be your private guide, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text message to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Blyth's Hornbill

These are the pictures of Blyth's hornbill birds that I saw in Mesirrokow forest of Manokwari when I was guiding a French tourist. The birds were very common in the Lowland Forest. I spent four days/ three nights hiking, birdwatching, camping and interacting with local people in the area.

Blyth's Hornbill in Mesirrokow Forest of Manokwari

I made the pictures of these birds using Fujifilm HS50EXR. With its 1/2 inch EXR CMOS sensor, and Fujinon 42× optical lens (equivalent with 24 mm to 1000 mm) on a 35 mm format, the camera was powerful enough to shoot birds and other wild animals in distant trees. Fujifilm stopped the production of the camera a few years ago and has not launched an update version of this wonderful photographic device.
Similar cameras with higher optical zoom are now available on the market but in general the size of their sensor is smaller than the Fujifilm HS50EXR. The famous bridge cameras which readers can buy now are the Nikon Coolpix P1000, Nikon Coolpix P900, and Canon Powershot SX70HS. 

Female Blyth's Hornbill

Hornbills are big birds. Together with a lot of other tropical birds such as palm cockatoo, sulphur crested cockatoo, eclectus parrot, they play important roles as seed dispersers. They eat fruits and drip their seed throughout every corner of the forest. In other words, birds are the ones that grow rainforest. 

I have organized numerous birding and camping tours to Mesirrokow forest and its surrounding areas for visitors who come from French, China, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Austria, Sweden, Thailand, and the Netherlands to watch birds and other wild animals that live in the forest.

Riverwalk tour in lowland forest of Manokwari

In addition to Hornbills, we can also see other birds in the same forest such as Little-ringed Plover, Little Egret, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Variable Goshawk, Rainbow Bee-eater, Willie Wagtail, Lowland Peltop, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Brahminy Kite, Coconut Lorikeet, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Black Sunbird, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, and a lot more. Because the birding  and wildlife watching trip is carried out along the sides of the river, it is much easier to see birds. Visitors can enjoy swimming too.

Riverwalk and Birdwatching Tour in Manokwari

We enjoy riverwalk tour and do birdwatching along the river banks. To enhance our birding experience, we bring binoculars, Swarovski spotting scopes and camera with telephoto lens. This rainforest tour in Mesirrokow forest opens jobs for local people and help them preserve their natural environment.

by Charles Roring

Palm Cockatoo from Tambrauw Mountains

Palm Cockatoo in Tambrauw Regency

This is the photograph of Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) that was made by Wim Boyden, a Belgian visitor in Tambrauw Mountains. The bird has got black feather with red cheek. In West Papua and other parts of eastern Indonesia, the bird is called Kakatua Raja (meaning King Cockatoo). The bird eats tropical fruits and is considered as an important seed disperser for New Guinea rainforest.
Based on my personal observations of guiding tourists in Tambrauw regency since 2010, there are a lot of other birds that can be seen including Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, New Guinea Vulturine Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black-capped Lory, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, Hooded Pitta, Blyth's Hornbill, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and etc.
The recommended destination for birdwatching is Fef town which is the capital of Tambrauw itself. Visitors should travel in a group of three to four people to share the cost of transportation, food and accommodation in order to travel efficiently.
If you are interested in watching Palm Cockatoo and other birds in Tambrauw Mountains, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Cockatoos and Parrots of West Papua
Watching New Guinea Vulturine Parrot
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

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.