Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Morning Bird Walk in Raja Ampat

I am in Waigeo island now.  This morning I went to Warduwer beach to do some birdwatching. It was a nice birding walk. The first birds that I saw were a couple of Radjah Shelduck sitting on the dead branches of a tree near the beach. At first I did not notice them. I was trying to shoot a Sacred Kingfisher sitting on an electrical line. Shortly after shooting the kingfisher, I heard the calls of the Radjah Shelduck. I was able to make some pictures of them.
Radjah Shelduck in Waigeo island
Near the place where I stood, there was a dead tree. On top of its broken trunk, a Yellow-faced Myna (Mino anais) was sitting silently. I immediately aimed my camera at the bird and shoot. I could only make two photos of the bird. 
Yellow-faced Myna at Raflow Beach Resort - Raja Ampat
Blyth's Hornbill
As the morning got brighter, some Blyth's Hornbills, and Channel-billed Cuckoo, and Eclectus Parrots were flying in the sky. Around three of the hornbills landed on the branches of a tall tree behind me. It was not easy for me to shoot them because of backlight.
Channel-billed Cuckoo
I continued walking down the slope to Warduwer beach. This beach would be the location of Raflow Beach Resort. RAFLOW stands for Raja Ampat Flow. Here, at this beach, I was able to make some pictures of Eclectus Parrot. The Channel-billed Cuckoo was also within the reach my telephoto lens. So, I also made the picture of the bird.
Male Eclectus Parrot at Raja Ampat Flow Resort
There were also a lot of other birds that I saw that morning such as Red Bird of Paradise, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Spangled Drongo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Black Sunbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Brahminy Kite, Pacific Swallow, White-breasted Wood Swallow, and Willie Wagtail. 
Because I am still staying in Waigeo island, I will be able to take pictures of other birds as well. 
If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Raja Ampat and want me to be your guide, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.