Red Bird of Paradise - digital art

Here are some drawings of Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra). I saw the birds when I guide tourists in Raja Ampat islands on a hiking, birdwatching as well as swimming, snorkeling and sightseeing tours. To watch the birds, I and the tourists whom I guided had to wake up at 04.30 in the morning. It was still dark outside. We made preparation by wearing jeans, t-shirts, and putting binoculars, and a bottle of water into each of our bags.

Red Bird of Paradise

After that we went to the dining room of the guesthouse where we stayed to have tea/ coffee and some bread. We had our early morning breakfast for around 15 minutes and then left for the birding ground of the paradise birds. Because it was still dark, we used flashlight. First, we used a small boat to a beach in the south of Waigeo island and then continued our trip on foot for around 1 hour. It was a round 06.00 when we reached the site. Local villagers had build a platform for tourists around 2 meters high. We climbed its ladder and sat on the benches also made of round woods. When the sunlight reached the top branches of the tree where the paradise usually gather, the male Red Bird of Paradise began to call their female counterparts.

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)

As more birds perched on the branches of the tree, the male birds started to perform their courtship dance. It was a beautiful dance similar to acrobatic pole dance in human world. The male Red Birds of Paradise were often in upside down position when they were dancing. Their female counterparts were watching from higher or nearby branch. When one was impressed with the performance of one of the male Red Bird of Paradise, she gave an ok gesture for mating.

I have made several artworks of the birds both in colored pencil drawings and anyone can see them at this link: birds of paradise art

Please, send whatsapp to my number +6281332245180 if you want to take birdwatching tour to Raja Ampat with me (Charles Roring) as your guide.