Saturday, November 30, 2019

Pied Imperial Pigeon

I went to Warduwer beach this morning to see the progress of the construction of Raja Ampat Flower (RAFLOW) Resort. It would be continued soon. While I was there, I did some birdwatching. I brought with me my camera the Canon 200D with Tamron 150-600 mm telephoto lens. Inside the complex of the beach resort, I saw some Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) sitting on the tip branches of a tree. Slowly I walked closer to the birds. They did not fly when they saw me. So, I could take pictures without having to hide behind shrub plants. There were also Hooded Butcherbird on the lower branch of the tree.
Pied Imperial Pigeon in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat
There were also Lesser Frigatebirds that were flying high in the sky. From the nearby forest, I heard the calls of Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Rufous-bellied Kookaburra.
I decided to walk to a half-finished wooden structure at the beach. There, I checked the condition of the wooden bungalows that would be offered to tourists as accommodation for them. I was there for only a few minutes. I could see a Spangled Drongo and some Willie Wagtail hopping and flying through the branches of trees around the beach.
Birdwatching is very important for me because I often guide tourists who like birding.
A Beach Kingfisher was calling from a branch of a tree around 30 meters away from me but I could not see it. I was quite fortunate that morning. The Beach Kingfisher flew to a lower branch of a tree near me. It was a short encounter. He was there for less than one minute but I was quick enough to take some photographs of the beautiful bird.
Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus)
Beach Kingfisher at Warduwer beach of Raflow resort - Waigeo island
At around 09.00 morning time, I took a rest. I was with Rahman, an employee at a furniture workshop in Waisai. We had some Sari Gandum biscuits and water. While we were sitting near the unfinished bungalows of the Raflow beach resort, we saw some Eclectus Parrots flying low and fast through coconut trees that were standing at the beach. 
Birding in Raflow resort of Raja Ampat
Palm Cockatoo at Warduwer Beach 
I was happy because my birding walk this morning was very productive. Before going back to Waisai town, I took pictures of a Palm Cockatoo. The big bird was alone in a tree. Perhaps, he was looking for some tropical fruits to eat or a female partner to mate with.
Palm Cockatoos are my favorite birds. They are unique, big and majestic when they fly. Raja Ampat islands have been famous as a must see destination for tourists who like swimming, snorkeling and free diving. However, it is also a very beautiful destination for visitors who like hiking, sightseeing and birdwatching.

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