I have just completed a tour in Klabili village of Tambrauw regency and in the birding sites at the outskirts of Sorong city and Aimas town. I guided a couple from the Netherlands. We spent 3 days/ 2 nights in Klabili and 2 days/ 2 nights in Sorong to watch birds. During our stay in Klabili, we explored the rainforest of the village where we saw various species of rainforest birds including Papuan Pitta, Eastern Hooded Pitta, Blyth's Hornbill, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, King Bird of Paradise, Sahul Sunbird, Black-capped Lory, Red-cheeked Parrot, Frilled Monarch, Streaked-headed Honeyeater, Brahminy Kite, Long-tailed Honey-buzzard, and New Guinea Vulturine Parrot (Pesquet Parrot -ebird)etc.
 |
| Eastern-hooded Pitta |
We also did some night walks in Klabili where we saw Papuan Frogmouth and Flying fox.
At the outskirts of Aimas town in Sorong regency, we saw Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Black Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, and Metallic Starling. We also explored coastal area in the north coast of Sorong. There, we saw Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Brahminy Kite, Torresian Crow, Beach Kingfisher. We also saw, perhaps, a Blue Rock Thrush, on top of a rocky islet. Well, it is not a common bird in this region.
 |
| Birdwatching in the north coast of Sorong regency |
We also visited Love Hill of Sorong where we saw Yellow-faced Myna, and Black Butcherbird. In mangrove area at the outskirts of Aimas town, we saw White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Collared Imperial Pigeon, Orange-fronted Imperial Pigeon, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover and Little Heron. There were Scaly-breasted Munia and Spotted Dove which, probably, were escaped caged birds.
 |
| Rainforest at the suburb of Sorong city; Brahminy Kite, Beach Kingfisher |
To watch birds, I use 2 pairs of 10×50 binoculars. I carried one and the other pair was mounted on the tripod. This allows everyone to watch birds that were sitting on distant branches of trees.
 |
| Wompoo Fruit-dove |
Also read:
Birding Tour in North Sulawesi: Tangkoko, Lake Tondano, Mount Mahawu & Sonder Forest
 |
| Some Birds in Sonder of Minahasa Highland |
North Sulawesi is one of the best places in Indonesia for birdwatching. In a short distance, you can visit rainforest, lakes, farmland, and mountain forest. A birding tour that includes:
- Tangkoko Nature Reserve
- Lake Tondano
- Mount Mahawu
- Sonder Forest
This trip gives you the chance to see many special birds that only live in Sulawesi.
 |
| Birds in North Sulawesi |
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Tangkoko is a famous rainforest area in North Sulawesi. It is one of the best places to see Sulawesi’s unique birds. The forest is close to the coast and has many different habitats.
Some birds you may see here include:
* Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher
* Green-backed Kingfisher
* Sulawesi Hornbill
* Lilac Kingfisher
* Sulawesi Pitta
 |
| Gursky's Spectral Tarsier |
The best time to watch birds in Tangkoko is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when birds are most active. In addition to birds tour participants could also see mammals, reptiles and insects. Attractive mammals include Celebes-crested Macaque, Spectral Tarsier, and Sulawesi Bear Cuscus.
 |
| Rusty-backed Thrush |
Lake Tondano
Lake Tondano offers a different birding experience. It is a large lake surrounded by villages, rice fields, and open land. This area is good for seeing waterbirds and birds that live in open spaces.
You may see:
* Wandering Whistling Duck
* Purple Heron
* White-browed Crake
* Yellow Bittern
* Collared Kingfisher
The lake area is also a good place to see birds flying over the water and feeding in the fields.
 |
| Collared Kingfisher |
Mount Mahawu
Mount Mahawu is a small volcano with cool mountain forest. There is a walking path around the crater, making it easy to explore. The higher elevation means you can see different birds than in the lowland forest.
Some possible birds include:
- Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
- Sulawesi Scops Owl
- Sulawesi Myzomela
- Mountain White-eye
- Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove
On clear days, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the crater and surrounding landscape.
 |
| Crater of Mount Mahawu |
Lake Linow
This is a volcanic lake that is always visited by tourists. We could see a lot of species of birds both along its shore and in the water. There are Sunda Teal, Javan Pond Heron, Whiskered Tern, Little Egret, Woodsandpiper, Barn Swallow, White-breasted Waterhen and etc.
Sonder Forest
Sonder Forest is a quieter and less crowded birding spot. It has mountain forest with tall trees and thick vegetation. This makes it a good place to find shy birds.
You may find:
- Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
- Sulawesi Drongo
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
- Black-naped Fruit-dove
- Black-crowned White-eye
- Crimson Sunbird
- Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
- Mountain Tailorbird
- Black Sunbird
Because fewer people visit Sonder, it is peaceful and great for slow birdwatching and photography.
 |
| Yellow-sided Flowerpecker |
Why Visit All These Places?
Each location offers a different type of habitat:
* Rainforest
* Lake and rice-field wetlands
* Farmland
* Mountain forest
* Water-falls
By visiting all four places, you increase your chances of seeing many different bird species, especially those found only in Sulawesi.
 |
| Barred Rail |
Best Time to Go
You can go birdwatching in North Sulawesi at any time of year. However, the dry season usually makes forest trails easier to walk. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see birds.
A Great Birding Experience
A birding tour to Tangkoko, Lake Tondano, Mount Mahawu, and Sonder Forest is a wonderful way to explore nature in North Sulawesi. With beautiful scenery and many special birds, this trip is perfect for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
 |
| Flight routes to Manado city |
How to get there?
You need to fly to Manado city. It is the capital of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia. We could meet you at the airport and then organize your tour to birding sites mentioned in this blog post.
Accommodations
There are homestays, guesthouses and hotels that you could stay in during your birding/ wildlife watching tour in this part of North Sulawesi province. We could organize it for you.
If you are interested in taking day birding tour to the above places and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.
 |
| Birds and Paddy Fields in Sonder |
Also read:
