Sonder is a highland district in Minahasa. It has got tens of sites that are suitable for birdwatching. In the rice field, river banks, and ponds, we can see such birds as Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Sulawesi Crow, Black-headed Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, and Collared Kingfisher. When we walk through the alleyways of the small town that have got trees on both of their sides, we could see Sooty-headed Bulbul, Olive-back Sunbird, Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, White-eyed Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus leucops), Sulawesi Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus montanus), and Crimson Sunbird and Grey-sided Flowerpecker, Black-crowned White-eye (Zosterops atrifrons)
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| Sulawesi Scops Owl in Sonder of Minahasa highland |
I also explore the farmland and secondary forest of Sonder. There, I see Sulawesi Malkoha, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Black-naped Oriole and Pale Blue Monarch.
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| Birdwatching in Kecamatan Sonder of Minahasa regency the Province of North Sulawesi |
More birds can be seen in Kecamatan Sonder of Minahasa regency if we spend several more days there. There is a good homestay in Tounelet village. It belongs to Gerardus Roentoe family (also called Om Boy).
How to get there?
It is very easy to reach Om Boy's Homestay. From the bus terminal of Tomohon town, find a public transportation to Kecamatan Sonder. Tell the driver to stop in front of the house of Alex Roring family in Tounelet village. The village is located in a slope between Kolongan Atas and Kolongan Bawah. The Om Boy's Homestay is located at the back of Alex Roring's house. Because the homestay is on the slope overlooking most of the Sonder town, visitors who stay there can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the town while watching birds from the front balcony of the house.
Internet Connection
Sonder town is covered by 4G internet connection provided by telkomsel. You only need to buy Simpati Simcard and internet quota at the airport or at the nearby supermarket to get access to the internet.
Food
There are eating houses or food stalls in Sonder town. So, it is easy to find food there. Because most of the Minahasan traditional foods are spicy, please inform the food vendors in advance if you do not want chilli souce in the foods that you order.
Internet Connection
Sonder town is covered by 4G internet connection provided by telkomsel. You only need to buy Simpati Simcard and internet quota at the airport or at the nearby supermarket to get access to the internet.
Food
There are eating houses or food stalls in Sonder town. So, it is easy to find food there. Because most of the Minahasan traditional foods are spicy, please inform the food vendors in advance if you do not want chilli souce in the foods that you order.
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| Sonder town in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi |
Birding is a fascinating activity. It brings us closer to nature. Our birding experience can significantly be enhanced if we bring a field guide book. For Indonesia, the recommended book now is Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago - Greater Sundas and Wallacea. The authors of the book were James A. Eaton, Bas van Balen, Nick W. Brickle, and Frank E. Rheindt.
Birding Devices
Birding Devices
In addition, visitors need to bring a good pair of binoculars such as Nikon Monarch HG 8×42, Nikon Monarch5 10×42, Nikon Action Extreme 12×50.
Birding camera such as Nikon Coolpix P1000, P900 or Canon SX70 HS will allow birdwatchers to take pictures of birds in high trees for identification purposes.
Because I work as a tourist guide, I often bring a spotting scope. Mine is a Kinglux 20-60×60 mm, a pair of Visionking 10×42mm roof prism binoculars, laser pointer, and sound player and a portable loudspeaker for calling birds.
Clothing
Birding in Sonder is easy. We do not need expensive hiking shoes. I usually spend my time walking in the farmland areas especially in placescwhere there are tall trees. There are unpaved roads, and footpaths which I can follow. They are not steep. I only wear flip-flops or running shoes. Because I often bring complete birding gear, I always wear jeans or trousers that have several big pockets. I put laser pointer, sound player and loudspeaker as well as a pen and a small note book in them.
Birding in Sonder is easy. We do not need expensive hiking shoes. I usually spend my time walking in the farmland areas especially in placescwhere there are tall trees. There are unpaved roads, and footpaths which I can follow. They are not steep. I only wear flip-flops or running shoes. Because I often bring complete birding gear, I always wear jeans or trousers that have several big pockets. I put laser pointer, sound player and loudspeaker as well as a pen and a small note book in them.
Further Explorations of Minahasa Highlands
From Sonder, visitors could explore more villages, and towns in Minahasa highland. Pierre Roring who lives near the homestay could arrange a rental car for visitors who need it.
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| Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon in Tounelet village of Sonder, Minahasa Highland |
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| Sahul Sunbird in Tounelet Slope of Kecamatan Sonder of Minahasa Highland |
Other Attractions
Minahasan society are mostly farmers. Visitors who stay in Sonder can go to Rambunan village for birding and also for seeing how local farmers make palm sugar using the sweet sap of aren tree. A visit to Polutan village will give visitors a chance to see how local people make flower vases, big plates using clay as the main raw material. There are also other villages in Minahasa highland which are interesting to be explored. The nearby Leilem village is a famous for its home industry in wooden furniture.
There are waterfalls in Tincep village. Visitors can go there while doing birding along the terraces of rice fields.
If you are interested in taking a birding tour in North Sulawesi and want me to be your guide, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
