Rainbow Bee-eater

Rainbow Bee-eater in Klasow Valley of Sorong regency
West Papua province of Indonesia

Sighting in Sorong forest
These are photographs of Rainbow Bee-eater that I saw in Klasow valley of Sorong regency. They were taken in May. According to field guide book, "Birds of New Guinea," the birds migrate to New Guinea during March to October. Rainbow Bee-eater perched on the branches of trees in the cleared forest in the morning waiting for insects. The sun was shining brightly. I walked closer to them and began to take pictures of them. They were not afraid of me when I shot them with my old Fujifilm HS50EXR.
Sighting in Manokwari

I also saw a large flock of Rainbow Bee-eater in lowland forest of Manokwari in June when I guided a French tourist. Perhaps, they had just arrived from a long flight crossing over the huge tropical rainforest of New Guinea. During the sunset time, they were flying very low over our heads when we sat on the sandbank of Mesirrokow river in a relaxed atmosphere. We really enjoyed the sighting very much. Unfortunately, it was getting dark, so, I could not take pictures of them.
The lowland forest of Manokwari is the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds such as Large-tailed Nightjar, Golden Myna, Little-ringed Plover, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Black-capped Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Palm Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Brahminy Kite, Variable Goshawk, Little Egret, Dollarbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Magnificent Riflebird, and a lot more.

Rainforest Bird and Wildlife Tour

Birdwatching in lowland forest of Manokwari

I offer hiking and birdwatching trips for visitors who are interested in watching paradise birds and other tropical birds of New Guinea, particularly in such places as Arfak mountains, Lowland Forest of Manokwari, Klasow valley in Sorong regency and tropical islands of Raja Ampat.
In general, a short birdwatching trip in Lowland Forest of Manokwari may last for 3 days/ 2 nights whereas a full bird tour to Arfak range, Klasow valley of Sorong and Waigeo island of Raja Ampat may last for 2 weeks.
Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Wildlife Tour in Susnguakti Forest of Manokwari

Cuscus Possum in Susnguakti Forest of Manokwari

There is a forest area in Manokwari that is suitable for wildlife watching. Its name is Susnguakti forest in the south of the city. Animals such as cuscus possum, blue-tailed lizard, butterflies, fireflies, and several species of birds of paradise live there. I personally have organized tens of wildlife tours to this forest.
There is a basecamp that local villagers built for visitors. It is covered by corrugated metal roofs and plastic tents. Mattrasses, pillows, cooking and eating utensils are available in the forest.
Here is the usual itinerary:
Day 1
We will meet you at the Rendani airport of Manokwari city, or at the hotel where you stay. After buying food supplies, we will go by car to Susnguakti forest. It takes 1 hour to reach it. Arriving in the forest, we will start hiking for one and a half hour to reach our basecamp. Water will be boiled and food is cooked when we start to install our dome tents, and sleeping materials. After having some tea or coffee with biscuits, we could go to the nearby forest area to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor). We will enjoy dinner at around 19.00.
We could install white screen cloth and shoot it with light so that we could see the kinds of nocturnal insects that land on it.
Day 2

Early in the morning, we will wake up early to have tea or coffee. After that we could enjoy morning walk again to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise hoping that we will have better sighting of the paradise birds. At 09.00, we could move to higher ground to watch King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius).
After lunch, we could take a rest for a while or do jungle walk to see butterflies, lizards, or other insects.
At night, we will do jungle exploration to see cuscus possum (a nocturnal marsupial animal that comes out at night to find fruits and mating partner), sometimes spiky dragon lizard could be seen in the forest. A short visit to bamboo forest will allow us to see glowing mushrooms (especially during rainy season).
Day 3

We will do morning walk to watch Magnificent Riflebird, Hooded Butcherbird and Coconut Lorikeet that like to eat fruits and nectar from flowers around our basecamp.
After lunch, we can start descending the slopes of Susnguakti forest to main road again. A stop in the village is highly recommended where we will meet villagers. We will return to Manokwari city again after saying Good Bye to our local guides and villagers.

Extended Tour

For visitors who are interested in coral reef, we could extend our tour by snorkeling in some coral reef sites of Manokwari to see damselfish, butterflyfish, moorish idol, or anemonefish.

Booking
Please, contact me: Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Binoculars for Wildlife Watching

Visionking 10x42 mm multi purpose binoculars

Binoculars are essential for wildlife watching when we go hiking in the forest. I personally use a good pair of Visionking 10x42 mm binoculars. It is equipped with Bak4 roof prism, Field of View: 303 feet@ 1000 yards with central focusing. They are light and small enough to carry. They are not the best but they can give me sharp images of birds and wild animals that are flying or perching on the branches of high trees.
Because I work as birdwatching guide, I had the opportunities of trying other binoculars that are carried by birdwatchers. I used to try Nikon EDG 8×42 binoculars. These birding optics are made of Extra Low Dispersion glass lenses. Although the magnification is smaller than my Visionking. The quality of the images is crisp and superior. I can say that the Nikon EDG 8×42 binoculars are one of the best wildlife binoculars that I have ever tried.

Recently, I also tried a pair of Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB. The binoculars belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Buttiker. They were birdwatchers who came from Switzerland. I guided them to Arfak mountains to watch Vogelkop Bowerbird, Western Parotia, Green-backed Robin, female Black Siklebill, Feline Owlet-nightjar, and Bronze Ground Dove. Their Swarovski binoculars greatly enhanced their birding experience.
It was rainy season in Arfak mountains when I and the Swiss couple went birding in along the unpaved road in the forest. I was impressed with the performance of the Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB binoculars. They were very sturdy and well fit in my grip.

American tourists

Bird and Wildlife Tour
I offer bird and wildlife tour for visitors who are interested in adventure trip to Arfak mountains, Klasow valley, Tambrauw Mountains and Raja Ampat Regency. Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Related article:
Watching Courtship Dance of Red Bird of Paradise

Birdwatching Binoculars

In my previous post Wildlife Binoculars, I mention about Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB which is a very sturdy optical device for field use. Actually, there are a lot of other brands that can also deliver clear and crisp images of birds and other wild animals that we would like to watch especially in a distant tree, beach or in the sky. I personally have got some Chinese made 10x 42 mm roof binoculars. They are not the best in the market but they give good quality images. I often bring them into the forest when I guide birdwatchers.

British tourists were watching birds in West Papua

Bad Binoculars

Several years ago I thought that binoculars with higher magnification were better. In reality I was wrong. I used to buy a pair of binoculars from a shop in my town without checking its performance in the field - a Chinese made Papillon 12-36×70 binoculars. The next day, I brought the binoculars to the field when I guided a French couple on a 3 day/ 2 night riverwalk and birdwatching tour in lowland forest of Manokwari. When I tried the device, I was very disappointed with the image quality it produced. My old binoculars with lower magnification gave me sharper and clearer views of birds, scenery and trees.
Characteristics of High Quality Birding Binoculars

From that day I decided to read more information on the internet about binoculars. I spent more time reading about technical aspects of binoculars, here are some of the features from the binoculars which birdwatchers must know.

• Brand name and long tradition in binoculars manufacturing - Companies that have manufactured binoculars for tens of years have got more experience and expertise in making high quality binoculars. Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, and Nikon are some of the manufacturers that have created high precision optical products including binoculars.
• High quality binoculars are made of high definition glass lenses such as Extra-low Dispersion glass and Bak4 prism.
• In tropical rainforest, the frequency of rainfall and humidity is high. Binoculars have to be sealed with waterproof O-ring and filled with dry nitrogen. 
• To ensure the production of clear and sharp bird images, every surface of the lens in binoculars have to be painted with anti reflective compounds. 

Swarovski EL 8.5×42 binoculars

One example of an excellent binoculars is the Austrian made Swarovski EL 8.5×42. I used test the product when I went birdwatching in Arfak range. The image quality it produced was sharp and clear. I highly recommend this device. Birdwatchers cannot be separated from their binoculars particularly when they go into the forest, the beach, lake, or walk along the banks of a river. High definition binoculars will definitely enhance birding experience. Bad quality binoculars can ruin the whole birding experience of an avid birdwatcher. So, before buying binoculars, make sure that the device has got at least four important characteristics that I mention above. written by Charles Roring
Related Post:
Sketch Red Bird of Paradise and Binoculars
Camping and Watching Wild Animals

Idea durvillei Butterfly

Idea durvillei butterfly in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat

Idea durvillei is a large black and white butterfly that I see in Mansinam island of Manokwari; Waim islet and Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. They live in coastal forest. I have never seen it in higher montane forest such as Arfak mountains and Tambrauw Mountains. The wings are white decorated with black lines. The abdomen of this beautiful insect is white. From my personal observations, the butterfly likes to find nectar of flowers early in the mornings. In the afternoons when the temperature is high, the butterfly prefers to take a rest on a green leave of shrubs under the shades of big trees. Actually, there are a lot of species of butterflies that we can see when we go hiking in lowland forest including cruiser butterfly - Vindula arsinoe, Silky Owl Butterfly - Taenaris catops, and  the Blue Mountain Swallowtail - Papilio ulysses.  The best months to watch butterflies in West Papua are during dry season June to early December.

Most of my tours are related to birdwatching. However, it does not mean that I don't pay attention to other animals. written by Charles Roring

Wildlife Tour in Lowland Forest of Sorong regency Indonesia

Male Lesser Birds of Paradise

This is the photograph of male Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor). I often see the birds when I guide visitors in lowland forest of Sorong regency. It is a city which has been the main gate to Raja Ampat. As a matter of fact, Sorong has got huge area of tropical rainforest that is home to a lot of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. There are a lot of plants that grow in the forest such as iron-wood tree, matoa tree, and huge pandanus tree.
Visitors spend between 3 to 4 days hiking and watching wild animals in the forest. From my previous wildlife tours in this environment I saw deer, northern cassowary, wallaby, ulysses butterfly and beautiful wild flowers.

Black-capped Lory

Itinerary
Day 1

Transfer by 4wd car from Sorong city to Klasow valley (1.5 hours)
Walk along the path from the main road to jungle village (1.5 hours)
Arrive in the village, take a rest, birdwatching around the clearing area of the village.

Day 2
Wake-up early in the morning at 04.00. Have tea or coffee and make preparation At 04.30 leave the village for the birdwatching site of Lesser BOP. Arrive at 06.00. Watch birds until 09.00. Walk back to the village. Have lunch. Take a rest. Jungle walk again to watch birds and other wildlife.
After dinner, we could do night walk to see wallaby thats comes out at night to find food and mating partner.

Day 3
Wake up in the morning to birding site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. After that, we will continue to the birding ground of King Bird of Paradise.
After lunch we will go hiking to a hill behind the village. Back to the village, we still can enjoy birdwatching in the clearing area of the village

Day 4
Morning walk to the river in the west of the village. Visitors can enjoy swimming or exploring the surrounding forest. Back to the village. After lunch, we could walk slowly back to the main road again and then back to Sorong city by car.

Booking your rainforest tour
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.
I need information such as name, country of origin, date and time of arrival and how long you plan to do the rainforest tour.
Lesser Birds of Paradise
King Bird of Paradise

Birding near Sorong city

Olive-backed Sunbird

This is the picture of Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) that I saw in a forest near Sorong city. For tens of years, this city has become the main gate to Raja Ampat islands for tourists who to spend their holiday scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling. However, there are also a lot of tourists who want to enjoy hiking, birdwatching and nature watching in general.

Yellow-billed Kingfisher

Birding Tour
As a tourist guide, I have organized tours to forest areas near Sorong city. Because this forest is just outside the city, visitors can start the tour early in the morning and then return to their hotel before dark. From a short hiking and birdwatching trip, I saw Helmetted Friarbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Coconut Lorikeet, and Yellow-faced Myna. I also saw some birds flying very fast in front of me making it difficult to identify them. I guess they were Black Lory, and Hooded Butcherbird.

American tourists were watching birds.

In addition to birds, visitors who take this tour will be able to see savanna hills, terrestrial Spathoglottis orchids, butterflies, grasshoppers, and unique tropical plants of Papua.
We will walk along the ridge of Savanna Hills and then down to tropical rainforest of Sorong that is still in very good condition. The shortest trip is one day, but we can organize multiple day hiking, camping and birding tour that lasts for 3 to 4 days. There are several sites in the forest where we can use to build our basecamp. Because organizing a multiple day tour in the forest needs more logistical supplies, we will bring tents, mattrasses, cooking and eating utensils.
What to Wear and What to Bring

To take this trip, please, wear sport/ hiking shoes with socks, long pants or short pants, apply insect repellent lotion, t-shirt and hat. During rainy season, bring raincoat.
To enhance your birding experience, bring a pair of binoculars such as the Swarovski EL 8.5×42, spotting scope and tripod as well as birding camera such as Nikon P900 or Fujifilm HS50EXR.

Birding Tours in Manokwari

Lesser Birds of Paradise

I often receive requests from readers of this blog about birding tours in Manokwari. There are several sites which tourists can choose to enjoy birdwatchings.

King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius)

• Mesirokow river is a rainforest area in Manokwari regency. It is a nice place for camping, birding and riverwalk activities. Visitors can watch Papuan Hornbill, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Brahminy Kite, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Boyers Cuckooshrike, Variable Goshawk, Lowland Peltop, Little-ringed Plover, Glossy-mantled Manucode, and etc.
• Susnguakti Forest: There are several paradise birds here including Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), Magnificent Riflebirds, Kingbird of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird, and Common Paradise Kingfisher, as well as a lot of other tropical birds that live in lower montane forest of Arfak range.
• Mount Soyti: The vocal points of this higher montane forest of Arfak mountains are Vogelkop Bowerbird, Magnificent Bird of Paradise and Western Parotia. Goldenface, Sclater's whistler, Green-backed Robin, Plum-faced Lorikeet and Cinnamon Ground Dove are some of other cloud forest birds that we can watch in Mount Soyti.

Booking

Please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 for details of the tours and prices.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) in West Papua

Here are pictures of Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) that live in tropical rainforest of West Papua. I often guide tourists to places in Indonesia such as Susnguakti forest in Manokwari, Klasow valley and Sorong forest, and Tambrauw Mountains. These are important destinations in West Papua province of Indonesia where visitors can watch Lesser Birds of Paradise and a lot of other tropical birds of New Guinea. Birds of Paradise have been hunted since hundreds of years ago for their beautiful feather. Their population is shrinking rapidly due to habitat loss. Ecotourism is a good answer to protect the birds.
If you are interested in taking a birding, hiking, and camping tours with me, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.

• Birding tours in rainforest of Manokwari
• Drawing of Lesser Birds of Paradise
• Lesser Birds of Paradise Art Drawing

Birding Tours in Rainforest of Manokwari

I offer birding tours for visitors who are interested in watching birds in lowland area of Manokwari and in lower montane forest of Arfak mountains.

Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

Susnguakti forest
In addition to watching birds in Lowland Region of Manokwari, visitors can watch Birds of Paradise in Lower Montane Forest of Arfak mountains. The target birds are: Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Birds of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius) and Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus). There are also other birds such as Common Paradise Kingfisher (Common Paradise Kingfisher), and Hooded Butcherbird and even Dwarf Cassowary that we may watch if we go hiking and birding in lower montane forest of Arfak mountains. Visitors need to stay in our basecamp for 3 days to enjoy birding in this rainforest.
Manokwari Lowland Area

Variable Goshawk in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

The duration of birdwatching tour in lowland forest is 3 days. The target birds are: Little-ringed Plover, Little Egret, Willie Wagtail, Brahminy Kite, Blyth's Hornbill, Variable Goshawk, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, and etc. In the middle of the forest, there is no luxurious hotel or guesthouse, we need to stay in tents and do birding walks along the banks of Mesirokow river. The river is quite wide and flat. It is my best birding site in Manokwari regency of West Papua.

Booking
Please, contact me by phone: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Also read:
Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

Birding in Tambrauw Mountains

Camping in Tambrauw forest

Tambrauw is a beautiful tourist destination in West Papua province of Indonesia. Most of its land is covered by tropical rainforest. Local Government of Tambrauw regency declared its territory as the regency of conservation, that's why ecotourism is seen as a sustainable income generation scheme for the indigenous people so that they could preserve their rainforest. To support this policy, I offer rainforest birding tours to anybody who wants to watch tropical birds of New Guinea. Tropical rainforest of Tambrauw and its rivers are a great sites for hiking and birdwatching as well as wildlife watching. Visitors who go there can enjoy riverwalk and rainforest tour to find:

Rainforest of Tambrauw Mountains

• Lesser Birds of Paradise, 
• King Bird of Paradise, 
• Magnificent Riflebird, 
• Palm Cockatoo, 
• Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, 
• Eclectus Parrot
• Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot
• Black-capped Lory
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon
• Pink-spotted Fruit Dove
• Beautiful Fruit Dove
• Coconut Lorikeet
• New Guinea Harpy Eagle, 
• Variable Goshawk
• Brahminy Kite
• and a lot of other tropical birds that live in the mountains. There are two sites in Tambrauw which visitors can go to enjoy hiking and birding. The first one is the lowland forest and the second one is the mountain forest.

Moustached Treeswift

The duration of the trip is between 4 to 5 days. Visitors can enjoy birding along the road or enjoy camping and river walk to watch such birds as Grey Crow, Little Egret, Blyth's Hornbill and Kingfishers.

The entry point to Tambrauw is through Manokwari city and Sorong city. Because the cost of transportation is quite expensive, visitors need to go in a group of 3 to 4 people to share the price. We usually charter 4wd cars to reach the river where we will enjoy camping, riverwalk and birding.
Things to bring:

French tourists in Tambrauw mountains

Besides bringing birding optics such as binoculars, spotting scope, laser pointer and telephoto camera, visitors need to wear water shoes, t-shirt, short pants and long pants for walking in the forest. A field guide book: Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler can be ordered from Amazon online bookstore. 

Booking

Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180

Wildlife Tours in Rainforest of Sorong

Lesser Birds of Paradise

I offer birding and wildlife watching tours for visitors who are interested in hiking and watching exploring the tropical rainforest of Sorong city. These tours are suitable for tourists who want to take land tour before or after their diving/ snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat. The duration of the tour can be customized into 1 day for day trip to 3 or 4 days for camping and adventure in tropical rainforest. We have prepared basecamp in the forest. There are cooking and eating utensils too. We provide these things so that visitors do not need to carry heavy things to explore the rainforest.

See the biodiversity of plants and animals in rainforest

Rainforest in Sorong regency of West Papua

We will explore the forest to see butterflies, beetles, and a lot of other insects,  birds, lizards, cuscus possum. Tropical rainforest of West Papua is a rich environment. There are a lot of species of trees, shrub and creeping plants, as well as wild flower plants that can be seen in the forest. Visitors will be able to see the scenery of the forest while walking along the ridge of the savanna hills. As we walk deeper and then down the slopes of the hill, we will be able to reach a river whose bed is covered by big granite stones.

Day Hiking Tour

Tropical Rainforest in Sorong regency

Most tourists request day hiking tour. I highly suggest that visitors go in a group of at least 4 people or even more to share the cost. We can start in the morning and then return in the afternoon.

How to get to Sorong city
Sorong city is the gateway to Raja Ampat islands - the most important tourist destination in Indonesia for scuba diving and snorkeling. Here is how to get there:

• Take an international flight from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia).
• After that, take a domestic flight, by Garuda or Batik Air or Sriwijaya, to Sorong city. I could meet you in Sorong and organise your trip to the forest.

Booking
To book your rainforest wildlife watching tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Magnificent Riflebird

Magnificent Riflebird

I often hear the calling sound of Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) when I guide tourists in lowland and lower montane forest of West Papua. The male feather is mostly dark with blue breast that looks like a triangle. We cannot easily find him. I saw the birds several times in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari and in Klasow valley of Sorong regency. I also heard his sounds in Syuan forest in Tambrauw mountains. Some tourists whom I guided saw the bird through a blind which we built especially for viewing the bird in Susnguakti forest.

Animals in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

Magnificent Riflebird

Magnificent Riflebird is not the only paradise bird that we could watch in lower montane forest of Manokwari. There are Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius). In addition to those paradise birds, visitors who explore tropical rainforest of Susnguakti could find Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud), Great Cuckoo-Dove (Reinwardtoena reinwarti), Beautiful Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus pulchellus), Hooded Butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus), Black-capped Lory (Lorius lory), Coconut Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus), cassowary, and etc.
Susnguakti forest is the natural habitat of insects such as: Cruiser butterfly, Silky Owl butterfly (Taenaris catops), birdwing butterfly Ornitopthera priamus, Blue Emperor butterfly (Papilio ulysses); beetles such as tiger beetle, and green jewel beetle. For marsupial animals, I have seen cuscus possum and bandicoot. There are also various kinds of reptiles including snakes, brown grown skink, Papua dragon tree lizard, small forest lizards.

Birding and Wildlife Watching Tour

I offer a 3- day/ 2-night birding and wildlife watching tour in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari. This can be combined with tour lowland forest of Manokwari. Similar birding tours to Sorong and Raja Ampat can also be organized.

Booking

Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com and whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Also read:
Lesser Paradise Birds
Riverwalk and Birdwatching Tours in Manokwari Forest

Birding and Wildlife Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Birding in Tambrauw regency

Yellow-faced Myna

I and my team offer birding tour for tourists who are interested in watching tropical birds that live in Tambrauw mountains. The duration of the tour can be customized to between 4 and 7 days or even more. Most of the land in Tambrauw is still covered by pristine tropical rainforest. They become the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds

Target Birds

Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, King Bird of Paradise, Glossy Manucode, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Large Fig Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black-capped Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Boyer's Cuckooshrike, Lowland Peltop, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit-Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Hooded Butcherbird, Helmetted Friarbird, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-necked Phalarope (migrant bird polar region), Nankeen Night Heron (migrant from Asia), Oriental Dollarbird, Moustached Treeswift, Papuan Blyth's Hornbill, Variable Goshawk, Grey-headed Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Northern Cassowary.

Other Wild Animals in Tambrauw regency: wild boar, Deer, Soa-soa Lizard, snakes, cuscus possum, large ground skink, bandicoot, fruit bat and etc.

How to get there?

• If you are interested in joining birding tour with us, you can take an international flight from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia).
• After that you could continue your trip to Sorong city or Manokwari city by taking domestic flight.
• I will meet you in Sorong city or Manokwari city and organize your trip to Tambrauw.

Things to bring:

• Binoculars
• Spotting scope (if you have)
• Field guide book: Birds of New Guinea
• Head Torch for night walk tour in the forest
• Dark camouflage clothing  for birding 
• Hiking boots or sportshoes
• Personal toiletries and towel
• Rain Poncho

Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Birding Tour in Fulgidus Forest of Tambrauw Regency

Birding Tour in Tambrauw Forest

There is a nice birding site in Tambrauw regency that we promote to bird watchers. Its name is Fulgidus forest. We call it: Fulgidus because it is the natural habitat of New Guinea Vulturine Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus). We offer hiking, camping and birding tour to this forest to support local people in preserving their rainforest and at the same time generating alternative income for them. When the indigenous people feel that they can get positive benefits from their forest, they will stop hunting paradise birds and other important wild animals. They will also stop logging activities that are very destructive to the environment.

New Guinea Vulturine Parrot

The duration of the birding tour can be 3 days to 1 week depending on how long visitors want to stay. During the birding tour, visitors can stay in the houses that belong to local people. However, for hiking and birding tours to the mountain and coastal area, we will build tents in the forest near a river and at the beach. We will provide tents, mattrasses, cooking and eating utensils so that visitors do not have to bring heavy equipment to this forest.

Things to Bring for Birding Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Palm Cockatoo

• All birdwatchers know that they need a good pair of binoculars. I recommend Swarovski EL 8,5×42, Swarovski SLC 10×42, Nikon Monarch 5 10×42, Canon 15×50 Image Stabilizer.
• If you have got a spotting scope, please, bring it too.
• For taking pictures, a camera with telephoto lens will be needed.
• You need to bring hiking boots or sport shoes with socks.
• Dark clothing such as dark grey or dark green or camouflage t-shirts and trousers will be very useful.
• Personal toiletries and towel
• Rain poncho

Birdlist from Lowland and lower montane forest of Tambrauw regency

There are a lot of species of birds in this forest including:

• Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), 
• King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), 
• Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), 
• Western Crowned Pigeon (Goura cristata), 
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), 
• Pink-spotted Fruit- Dove (Ptilinopus perlatus), 
• Beautiful Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus pulchellus)
• Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger atterimus), 
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
• Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), 
• Northern Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus)
• Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii)
• Golden Myna (Mino anais)
• Variable Goshawk
• Gray-headed Goshawk
• Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
• Lowland Peltop (Peltops blainvilii)
• Boyer's Cuckooshrike
• Grey Crow (Corvius tristis)
• Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)
• Oriental Dollarbird
• Yellow-billed Kingfisher (Syma toro toro)
• Forest Kingfisher
• Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud)
• Rainbow Bee-eater
• and a lot more

How to get to Fulgidus Forest in Tambrauw Mountains

• You need to take an international flight to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• After that, you could take a domestic flight that will bring you to Sorong city.
• I could meet you at the airport and organize your trip to Fulgidus forest of Tambrauw regency. 

Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Watching Paradise Birds in Tambrauw

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) in Ayapokiar forest of Tambrauw mountains - Photo: Nico Nauw

I offer tours for visitors who want to watch paradise birds in their natural habitat. The destination that I recommend is Tambrauw regency. It is approximately 2 hours ride by a 4wd car from Sorong city. To share the cost of the tour and accommodation,  visitors need to go in a group of several people. Birding tour will be done along a path in the forest and along an open space such as rivers, coastal area, and at the beach. Good physical condition is needed for exploring the avifauna of Tambrauw, especially in the mountains. Every visitor needs to bring a good pair of binoculars. A spotting scope will also be good too but is not a must.

Road to Fef valley in Tambrauw Mountains

The duration of the bird and wildlife tour is around 3 to 7 days where camping near a river can also be organized to increase the chance for bird watchers to see more birds and other wild animals. There are hundreds of species of birds which birders can see when they go hiking in the tropical rainforest of Tambrauw mountains.  Some of them are listed below:

• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
• Palm Cockatoo
• Moluccan King Parrot
• Eclectus Parrot
• Red-cheeked Parrot
• Large Fig Parrot
• Black-capped Lory
• Black Lory
• Yelllw-capped Pygmy Parrot
• Josephine Lorikeet
• Coconut Lorikeet
• Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
• Olive-backed Sunbird
• Black Sunbird
• Yellow-faced Myna
• Golden Myna
• Sacred Kingfisher
• Yellow-billed Kingfisher
• Common Paradise Kingfisher
• Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
• Hooked-bill Kingfisher
• Azure Kingfisher
• Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher
• Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
• Hooded Butcherbird
• Northern Variable Pitohui
• Hooded Pitohui
• Mountain Peltop
• Lowland Peltop
• Oriental Dollarbird
• Papuan Blyth's Hornbill
• White-eared Catbird
• Masked Bowerbird
• Vogelkop Bowerbird
• Little Egret
• Little-ringed Plover
• Grey-wagtail
• Spangled Drongo
• Magnificent Bird of Paradise
• Lesser Bird of Paradise
• Magnificent Riflebird
• King Bird of Paradise
• Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
• Glossy Manucode
• Grey Crow
• Torresian Crow
• Black-sided Robin
• Torrent Flycatcher
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon
• Papua Mountain Pigeon
• Pink-spotted Fruit Dove
• Beautiful Fruit Dove
• Long-tailed Buzzard
• Grey-headed Goshawk
• Variable Goshawk
• Brahminy Kite
• New Guinea Harpy Eagle
• Large-tailed Nightjar
• Papuan Frogmouth
• Marbled Frogmouth
• Northern Fantail
• And etc.

Field Guide Books
There are two field guide books. The first one is Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt, Bruce Beehler and their friends; and the second one is Birds of New Guinea: including Bismarck Archipelago and Bougainville written by Phil Gregory. There are also a lot of resources about tropical birds of New Guinea scattered throughout the internet which tourists can read from trip reports made by leaders of bird tour companies who used to visit West Papua.

French tourists were watching birds in Tambrauw Mountains

Birding Sites
There are a lot of birdwatching sites in Tambrauw mountains. As a matter of fact, birding activities can be done in most places of the regency. However there are several vocal points which tourists could visit to enjoy birding. Ases Valley, Ayapokiar and Fef are some of the important birding sites which tourists can explore.

How to get there?

There are several ways to get to Tambrauw Mountains. You could either fly to Manokwari city which is the capital of West Papua province or fly to Sorong city. We can meet you at the airport and then organize your trip to Tambrauw Mountains. 

Written by Charles Roring

8 Americans Hiking and Birding in Sorong Forest

Hiking and Birding in Sorong forest

I have just completed a hiking and birding tour in Sunbird Ridge forest of Sorong regency with 8 American tourists. We left Swissbelhotel of Sorong city at 05.30 by car and began hiking at 06.00. During the tour, we were able to see various species of birds including Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Oriental Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis), Olive-crowned Sunbird, Black-Sunbird, Rainbow bee-eater, Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), Singing Starling, Coconut Lorikeet. Morning time was good for birding a long the ridge because tropical birds were usually active during that period.
In the afternoon, we arrived at a river in the jungle. When all the tourists enjoyed swimming, I and some local people boil water for them to make coffee and tea. Under the canopy of the trees, the temperature was quite cool. As we continued our trip to another big river, we became more exposed to sunlight.

Birding in Sorong Ridge Forest with 2 Australian Tourists

Double-eyed Fig Parrot

I went birding with 2 Australian visitors (David and Jane) today. We visited Sorong ridge forest. We left Swiss-belhotel at 05.30 for the Sunbird Ridge Forest. I carried a Kinglux 20-60×60 spotting scope to watch birds that sit on the branches of distant trees. During the tour we saw Yellow-faced Myna, Oriental Dollarbird, Brahminy Kite, Grey-headed Goshawk, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Rainbow Bee-eater, Blyth's Hornbill, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black Sunbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Black-browed Triller, Fairy Lorikeet, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Eclectus Parrot.

Although in the first one hours it rained a lot, we could enjoy the hiking and birdwing tour in the forest. We also saw Eupholus schoenherri beetle and various kinds of butterfly during the tour. 

Female Black Sunbird

Sorong city is the gate to Raja Ampat. A lot of people fly to this city every day. Most of the tourists spend one or two days in Sorong before and after their trip in Raja Ampat. They could take advantage of their stay in this city by enjoying hiking and birding.

I highly recommend that visitors travel in a group of tourists to share the cost. Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send whatsapp message to my number: +6281332245180 if you are interested in taking the birding tour with me as your guide in Sorong city of West Papua province of Indonesia.

Papua Dragon Lizard

by Charles Roring

Papua Dragon Lizard

These are the photograph of Tree Dragon Lizard that I saw in Susnguakti forest when I guided 2 Dutch tourists on a 4-day/ 3-night hiking and birding tour in Manokwari. The forest is located in the eastern region of Arfak mountains approximately one and a half hour ride from Manokwari.
I have organized numerous tours to the forest for visitors who come from Poland, the United States, Australia, Germany, The Philipines, South Korea, France, Spain, and Indonesia.
Susnguakti forest is the natural habitat of birds such as Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Spot-winged Monarch, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Hooded Butcherbird, Great Cuckoo Dove and a lot of other species of birds that are endemic to Arfak mountains.
In addition to birds, tourists who go there could also see cuscus possum, and bandicoot, ground brown skink, and snakes when doing night walk in the jungle. Fireflies and glowing mushrooms exist in the jungle.
There are no hotels or guesthouses in the jungle. I and local villagers built basecamps in the forest for tourists who want to spend a few days exploring the wealth of biodiversity of the forest.
If you are interested in visiting Susnguakti forest, please, fly from your country to Jakarta city - the capital of Indonesia. After that, you can take a domestic flight to Manokwari by Garuda, Sriwijaya Air or Batik Air. Don't forget to bring binoculars, spotting scope, head torch, field guide book: Birds of New Guinea.
Booking:
This is my email: peace4wp@gmail.com and whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Lesser Paradise Birds

Lesser Paradise Birds (Paradise birds)

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) is an important bird species in West Papua. Its feather is used as head-dress in most traditional costumes of the indigenous Papuan people. Hunters kill the birds and sell them to wealthy city dwellers who put them as decoration in the living rooms of their houses. Although the population of paradise birds in the forest is still high, the number is shrinking rapidly because of logging, and conversion of forest into roads, as well as human settlements and farmlands.
To support indigenous Papuan people in preserving their tropical rainforest, birds and wildlife, I introduce ecotourism in West Papua particularly in such regions as Tambrauw Mountains, Arfak mountains, Sorong regency and Raja Ampat. Although the title of the post is Lesser Paradise Birds, actually, visitors who take the birding and wildlife watching tour with me will see more. The duration of the tour is 3 days to 2 weeks depending on the number of places that visitors plan to visit.
Other birds that visitors can watch include Twelve-wired Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Eclectus Parrot, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Azure Kingfisher, and a lot more.
Visitors who want to take birding tour with me need to bring their own binoculars, and a D-SLR camera with telephoto lens.
Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.
Also read:
Wildlife tour in Sorong regency of Indonesia
Birds of Paradise watching tour

Adventure Trip to Tambrauw

Guest Post by Astrid de Wilde

Deer in Tambrauw mountains

If you want a holiday with a high wow factor, a visit to the Tambrauw region is worthwhile. I have been in this region for a week. Together with my guide Charles Roring, we stayed in Sausapor - a small quiet coastal town. From Sorong, it is a 3-hour boat trip. During this trip you can already enjoy the view.
Sausapor actually has everything. The village has many eateries. Especially the nasi koening near the guesthouse is advisable. You can also walk along the coast and relax along the water. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Do you like snorkeling or diving you will also enjoy yourself here. I learned to snorkel during this holiday. I did not expect to like it that much. The underwater world is beautiful here. Several coral reefs and fish can be seen.
Are you tired of the "urban" life you can go into the jungle. The paths are very good. A novice hiker can easily walk here.

Baby Pyton in Tambrauw forest

Nature is breathtakingly beautiful. The views are beautiful. Beautiful untouched nature. Furthermore you see and hear many birds. Charles enthusiastically tells which birds they are. I have learned a lot in a short time. In addition to birds, we have seen deer, butterflies, dragonflies and a baby python. I thought it was a special experience. The area is too beautiful to describe. It is best to see for yourself with your own eyes. Then you can also enjoy this untouched nature. It was nice to have some fun while  hiking and birding in the forest.
How to go there:
You need to fly from your country to Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia.
After that, you can take a domestic flight (served by Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air or Nam Air) to Sorong city.
Charles Roring could meet you at the airport and organize your trip to Tambrauw
If you want more information, please contact Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180

Frigatebird - The Symbol of Freedom

I haven't made any drawings for quite long. After traveling to Raja Ampat islands and coastal area of Tambrauw, I decided to make more drawings again.
This time I draw Frigatebird. This is a sea bird that I often see when I conduct tours around the tropical karst and open sea of West Papua. The bird is very big compared to other land birds. Its plumage is black but has got some white underparts especially on its chest, belly, and some parts of the wings.
Sometimes frigatebird flies alone but most frequently they fly in large group. Frigatebirds could fly to distant ocean without having to perch on a tree or a rocky island for taking a rest. This bird really symbolizes freedom.

Frigatebird Flying Free T-shirt
by tropicalart

The wingspan of this bird could reach more than 1.5 meters. They look like kites. They also do circle flying when they look for fish. Once they spot schooling fish on sea surface, they will dive to catch the fish and then quickly glide up again with the prey on their bills.
To watch frigatebirds, I go to the beach where I could see open sea and then wait for them. They usually appear in the mornings and in late afternoons soaring high in the sky.

Rainbow Lorikeet

I used to take pictures of the frigatebirds when I go to Tambrauw regency. The coastal area of Tambrauw is very beautiful and good for birdwatching, swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Please, order the above frigatebird drawing in the form of t-shirt if you are interested to wear it as a symbol of freedom, creativity and love of nature. Just click the link provided under the photograph. The artwork is also available in my Redbubble artshop: Frigatebird Flying Free in the Sky
Interested in taking a birding tour in West Papua with me as your guide? Please, contact me by email to: leororing@gmail.com or whatsapp to: +6281332245180

Birding and Snorkeling in Tambrauw Regency

Tambrauw mountains

Tambrauw mountains always attract my attentions. I have visited them since eight years ago to watch birds and other wild animals. A few weeks ago, I went there with a Dutch lady to watch various species of tropical birds.
Our birding gear was quite simple, 10x42 binoculars, a 20-60×60 spotting scope,  a point and shoot camera Canon SX 430 IS, field guide book: Birds of New Guinea. To support our stay in the forest, we brought food, cooking and eating utensils, mattrasses and pillows, and torches. We went to the mountains by a 4WD car and stayed in the jungle for several days.

Hooded Butcherbird

During our stay and exploration of the forest, we watched Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's hornbill, Moluccan King Parrot, Large Fig Parrot, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rusty Pitohui, Eclectus Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Rainbow Bee-Eater, Brahminy Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Grey Headed Goshawk, Helmetted Friarbird, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and Intermediate Egret. In total, there were 55 species that we saw. If we stay longer, we could reach hundreds of species.
In addition to birds, we also saw deer, snake, and a lot of butterflies. The rainforest of Tambrauw was a great place to see a lot of kinds of tropical vegetation from fern, pandanus and palm trees to giant ficus and iron-wood merbau trees. Terrestrial and arboreal orchids can be seen in this mountain range.

A Dutch Lady enjoying
the beautiful scenery of Tambrauw mountains

Tambrauw Mountains are located between Manokwari and Sorong and could be reached by car, by plane and by boat. The coastal region of Tambrauw has been famous as tourist destination for turtle watching. We visited one of its many beaches and enjoyed snorkeling for several hours. I brought my action camera Brica B-Pro5 at that time and was able to take pictures of the marine life. I saw damselfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, snappers, groupers, and anthias. I even saw a huge Humphead Wrasse at a depth of approximately 5 metes below. I tried to take pictures of the fish but it went into deeper waters.
I like traveling in Tambrauw because I could enjoy hiking and birding in its forest as well as snorkeling and freediving in its coral reef areas. Visitors need at least 5 to 7 days if they want to explore both the jungle and the sea of Tambrauw. I highly suggest that visitors go in a group of 4 according to the inside cabin capacity of the 4WD car.

Coral Reef in Tambrauw waters

As a tourist guide, I offer wildlife watching adventure tour to this region for anybody who is interested in exploring tropical rainforest and coral reef of Tambrauw regency.
Tambrauw is a highly recommended site for tourists who like hiking, birding, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, freediving and fishing.
Because it is located in remote area, please, read the following explanation of how to get there:

• Fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• Take a flight to Sorong city (airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Sriwijaya and Nam Air provide regular flights to this city)
• I can meet you at the airport or at a hotel in Sorong and organize your trip to Tambrauw.

For more info about Traveling in Tambrauw, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.