Friday, May 9, 2025

Birdwatching in Raja Ampat of Indonesia

Raja Ampat is a famous destination for visitors who love swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling. However, it is also a good destination for birdwatching. A lot of species of tropical birds could be watched and photographed in Waigeo island such as:

  • Wilson's Bird of Paradise
  • Red Bird of Paradise
  • Papuan Eclectus
  • Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
  • Palm Cockatoo
  • Black-capped Lory
  • Coconut Lorikeet
  • Great-billed Parrot
  • Red-cheeked Parrot
  • Yellow-faced Myna
  • Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
  • Yellow-billed Kingfisher
  • Common Paradise Kingfisher.
  • Beach Kingfisher
  • Collared Kingfisher
  • Sacred Kingfisher
  • Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
  • Sahul Sunbird
  • Black Sunbird
  • Lowland Peltop
  • Pinon Imperial Pigeon
  • Pied Imperial Pigeon
  • Great Cuckoo-dove
  • Black-billed Cuckoo-dove
  • Claret-breasted Fruit-dove
  • Brown Cuckoo-dove
  • Claret-breasted Fruit-dove
  • Spice Imperial Pigeon, 
  • Golden Monarch
  • Willie Wagtail, and etc. 

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)
Red Bird of Paradise

A lot of coastal or sea birds could also be seen there. They include:

  • White-bellied Sea Eagle
  • Osprey
  • Lesser-crested Tern
  • Common Tern
  • Black-naped Tern
  • Common Sand Piper
  • Pacific Golden Plover
  • Pacific Reef Heron
  • Striated Heron
  • Great-billed Heron
  • Purple Heron, 
  • Whimbrel, and etc.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Tour participants who want to enjoy swimming or snorkeling can do it at the house reef of the beach resort or homestay where we stay at. The coral reef of Raja Ampat is the habitat of a lot of species of marine creatures such as moorish idol, butterflyfish, striped surgeonfish, parrotfish, wrasse, wobbegong, anemonefish and etc.

swimming and snorkeling in Waigeo of Raja Ampat
Snorkeling in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat

White sandy beach in Urai island and Waigeo
Birding, swimming and snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat

snorkeling in Waigeo of Raja Ampat
Orange Skunk Anemonefish

Birdwatching near Sorong city

The tour to Raja Ampat for watching birds could be combined with the tour to the outskirts of Sorong city to watch interesting species of birds such as Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Glossy-mantled Manucode, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Black-browed Triller, Blyth's Hornbill, and etc. Usually, tourists who are in transit in Sorong city do not have much time. They can enjoy morning birding trip that starts at 05:00 a.m.  and finishes at 10:00 a.m. or afternoon birding tour from 14:00 to 18:00 p.m. 

Participants need to bring their own binoculars. If they do not have the device, as a guide provide a spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod for everyone to share. 

For identification of birds that we see or photograph, we could use Merlin App. 

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Raja Ampat and the outskirts of Sorong city, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Night Walk Tour in the Forest of Sorong City

I have just conducted a night walk tour in the forest of Sorong city for an American tourist. The tour started at 08:00 when I picked him up from Swissbel Hotel. We went to a forest near Sorong city. I was accompanied by a driver and a local guide. 

Before starting the walking tour, we had some tea and coffee with some cakes that I bought from a bread store. We could feel the sudden change of atmosphere. From a city with a lot of lights to a rainforest that is very dark. On the positive side, we could see stars in the dark sky.

When we were walking along a road inside the forest, we used sound recordings to attract birds. We played the sounds of Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook. 

Flying Fox feeding on fruits
Flying Fox in the forest of Sorong regency

Although we walked for quite long, we did not feel hot at all. The temperature of the forest that night was cool. We were able to watch Papuan Frogmouth and Marbled Frogmouth. We also saw some flying foxes in trees and flying in the air.

Papuan Frogmouth
Papuan Frogmouth in the forest of Sorong city

We completed our night walking tour in the rainforest of Sorong city at around 00:15. It was a nice trip although we did not see many animals. When we arrived in Swiss Belhotel, it was 00:30 in the middle of the night.

Morning or Afternoon Birding Tour

For visitors who are interesting in taking birdwatching tour at the outskirts of Sorong city. Usually the morning birding tour starts at 05:00. We will go to birdwatching site outside of Sorong city by car. It takes around 1 hour. As soon as we arrive, we could see the sun light on the canopy of the forest. Birds that we could watch include Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-browed Triller, Black-capped Lory, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blyth's hornbill, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, and etc.

Papuan Eclectus
Papuan Eclectus

To enhance the birding experience of the participants, I will bring spotting scope. We will also walk along the beach area to enjoy the landscape of the coastal area as well as watching birds. Beach Kingfisher is the main target at the beach but we could see other species such as Willie Wagtail, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, Little Egret, Pacific Golden Plover and etc.

Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus)
Beach Kingfisher

If you are interested in taking this night walking tour in Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

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Sunday, May 4, 2025

Sorong City Birding Tour

The outskirts of Sorong city have got several sites that are good for sightseeing and birdwatching tours. Tourists could take this tour to see the beautiful natural landscape of forest, hills and coastal area a little outside the busy city and at the same time, watch colorful avifauna such as parrot, doves, kingfishers, and hornbills. 
These tours are suitable for tourists who are in transit to or from Raja Ampat. 
Golden Myna (Mino anais)
Golden Myna - birdwatching tour from Sorong city

ITINERARY
  • 05: 00- 06:00 - We usually starts early in the morning at We will meet you at your hotel and then organize your transfer by car to hill area outside the city. It takes nearly one hour to reach it. We will have tea or coffee with some biscuits and fruits to start our activity. 
  • 06:00 - 08:00 - When the sunlight brightens the sky, birds begin to show up on the branches of trees. We will use spotting scope to watch them. We will look for such birds as Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot,  Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Coconut Lorikeet, Black Lory, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, Black-browed Triller, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pacific Baza, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Pinon Imperial pigeon. We will walk along the roadside to watch them. In general, we spend around 2 hours doing the birdwatching walk. 
Buddhist temple
The harbour area of Sorong city as seen from Buddhist Temple
  • 08:00-10:00 - We will continue our activity to the coastal area. We will do birdwatching along the boardwalk to look for coastal birds such as Beach Kingfisher, Little Egret, Pacific Reef Heron, Torresian Crow, Common Sand Piper, Whimbrel and White-bellied Sea Eagle. The seascape view of  beach area outside Sorong city is beautiful.
  • 10:00-11:00 - We will return to Sorong city. After a short stop at a Buddhist Temple or a traditional market, we will bring you back to your hotel. End of The Tour.
Yellow-faced Myna
Yellow-faced Myna
Birds of Sorong regency
Sightseeing and birdwatching tour from Sorong city
If you are interested in taking this short birding tour during your waiting time in Sorong and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Bird Photography Trip in Malagufuk Village of Sorong Regency

Malagufuk is a small village located in the middle of the rainforest of Klasow valley. It is the habitat of a kot of species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals. 
A lot of tourists go there to watch tropical birds such as Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Blue-Black Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Brown Cuckoo-dove. Birds of paradise can also be watched in the forest of the village. They include: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird. 
The duration of the birding tour in Malagufuk village is usually 3 days/ 2 nights.

Birding could be carried out during the day and night. Birds that could be watched at night along the boardwalk and concrete path include Papuan Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook, and Hooded Pitta, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Tawny Straightbill, and etc.
Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
Sometimes when we do night walk in the forest of Malagufuk, we could see cuscus, echidna, green tree python. 
Itinerary
Here is a brief description of the tour in Malagufuk:
  • Day 1: We will meet you at the airport or harbor of Sorong city. We will organize your transfer by 4WD car to Malagufuk in Klasow valley.  It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the destination. Birding and wildlife watching trip into Malagufuk village for 1 to 2 hours. Check into the homestay.
  • Day 2: Birding and wildlife watching. Nightwalk.
  • Day 3: Birding and wildlife watching in Malagufuk's forest. Check-out after lunch. Return to Sorong city by 4WD car.  
Western-crowned Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra Beautiful Fruit Dove
Some tropical birds in Malagufuk
Equipment
There are some devices that tour participants need to bring to enhance their birding and wildlife watching experience. They are binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, flash light. Raincoat or rain-poncho will also be needed. Participants can wear hiking boots or wellington boots to explore the forest. Insect spray will also be needed. 



Accommodation
There are no hotels in Malagufuk. Tour participants will stay in simple homestays that are run by local villagers.

The birding and wildlife watching tour can be continued to Waigeo island or Batanta island of Raja Ampat for another 3 days/ 2 nights trip. Short half day birding tour in Sorong city and also be organized for tour participants who do not have much time in Sorong. 
 
Booking
If you are interested in taking this birding tour in Malagufuk village of Sorong regency and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

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Sunday, April 20, 2025

Birding and Sightseeing Tour from Sorong City

Sorong city is main transit point for tourists who are going to or returning from Raja Ampat. It is the place where visitors spend 1 or 2 days before continuing their trip. They look for activities that would enable them to see nature and enjoy watching birds, and butterflies as well as see beautiful scenery of the surrounding environment.

Beautiful Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus pulchellus)
Beautiful Fruit Dove
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Birding and sightseeing tour is a popular activity which tourists can enjoy while in Sorong. Usually the birding program starts early in the morning at around 05:00. The destination is forest area outside the city. We will meet tour participants at the hotel and go by car for around 1 hour to birding site. Arriving at around 06:00, we will have some coffee or tea with biscuits or fruits. 

Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus)
Blyth's Hornbill

Golden Myna (Mino anais)
Golden Myna

After that we will start walking along the roadside to look for such birds as Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Helmeted Friarbird, Blyth's Hornbill, Brown Oriole, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Pacific Baza, Gray-headed Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Long-tailed Honeybuzzard, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, and etc. 

Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii)
Yellow-faced Myna

To enhance the birding experience of participants, we will bring spotting scope and binoculars. At around 09:00, we will continue our trip to beach area to look for such birds as Willie Wagtail, Beach Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, and etc. 

Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)
Palm Cockatoo

We could watch these sea birds while walking along the boardwalk or the beach. At around 10:00, we will return to Sorong city. 

Foreign tourists were birdwatching and sightseeing
Birdwatching and Sightseeing Tour from Sorong city

This short birding and sightseeing walking tour at the outskirts of Sorong city is suitable for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape of Sorong regency and at the same time see the diverse avifauna of the region.

Olive-crowned Flowerpecker (Dicaeum pectorale)
Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
Visitors who are interested in taking longer birding trip could take tour packages that combines visits to rainforest areas in Malagufuk, and Kasulala of Sorong regency and Waigeo island in Raja Ampat regency. The birding trip in Raja Ampat could be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing trips to islands that are located near Waigeo.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Sorong City Sightseeing and Birding Attractions for Tourists

Sorong city is the transit point for visitors who are interested in traveling to or from Raja Ampat. Scuba divers need 1 day off before flying back to their country. On the average, they have got at least 24 hours of stay in the city. There interesting places that they can visit while in Sorong city. Here are some of them: 

Papuan Eclectus (Eclectus polychloros)
Papuan Eclectus
Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus)
Beach Kingfisher

  • Sorong Ridge and Coastal Area -  This place is located in north-east region outside of the city approximately 1 hour drive. Visitors can enjoy walking along its roadside and boardwalk to watch birds, butterflies, and see green tropical forest along the way. The blue sea and the rocky islets offer magnificent view of the seascape of Sorong regency for tourists to enjoy. There are a lot of species of birds which visitors could watch while doing nature walk along the ridge and coastal area of this place. They include: Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Black-browed Triller, Gray-headed Goshawk, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Blyth's Hornbill, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Papuan Eclectus, Red-cheeked Parrot, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Pacific Baza, Golden Monarch, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Coconut Lorikeet, and etc. At the beach, visitors could watch such birds as Beach Kingfisher, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Willie Wagtail, and etc. Visitors need binoculars, camera with telephoto lens and spotting scope (optional) to enjoy birdwatching in this area.
Batu lubang beach and hill forest
Sightseeing and Birdwatching Tour in Sorong regency
  • Sorong Hill - This is a place at the suburb of the city that can be reached in 30 minutes drive. The view of the surrounding tropical forest can be enjoyed by visitors by standing on a towers and wooden platform that were built by government. Visitors could also enjoy birdwatching and insect watching by walking along its boardwalk. Black Butcherbird, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Black Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker,  Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, and etc.
Beautiful Fruit-dove
Beautiful Fruit Dove
birding in West Papua
Hill Forest at the Suburb of Sorong City
  • Mangrove Forest Outside the City - There is a mangrove forest area that is located outside Sorong city. It is a hidden place. Birds such as Brown-backed Honeyeater, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Collared Kingfisher, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and etc. could be found in this area.
Buddhist temple
Sightseeing trip in Sorong city
  • Buddhist Temple - For visitors who are interested in culture, they can visit this Buddhist Temple that is located on a hill inside Sorong city. Visitors could enjoy the landscape view of Sorong city by walking to the higher ground of the temple. Upon special request, visitors could do meditation inside the temple.
  • Sorong Regency's Hiking and Swimming Sites - The name of the place is Gauksuak. It is located outside Sorong city. The rainforest on the mountaineous area is the habitat of a lot of species of animals and plants. Lesser Bird of Paradise, Blyth's Hornbill, Coconut Lorikeet, Papuan Pitta could be watched early on the morning. However, the habitat of the paradise birds could only be watched by visitors who are physically fit.
  • Dom Island - This is a small island that is located  off the coast of Sorong city. It used to be the centre of administration of Dutch government in 1950s. At that time the Dutch was busy developing Sorong as logistical base for the exploration and exploitation of oil and coal in Klamono, Teminabuan, Bintuni and Babo. Now Dom is one of the crowdest islands in Indonesia. 
  • Mangrove Tour by Boat and Recreational Fishing in Sorong city - the mangrove forest of Sorong is the natural habitat of a lot of species of fish. Tourists who are interested in fishing can enjoy recreational fishing by boat. 

If you are interested in taking a tour in Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 


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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Sightseeing and Meditative Trip in Sorong City

I have just guided Kary, a tourist from France on a motorcycle tour around Sorong city. I picked her up at Swissbel Hotel and then arranged a trip to a newly reclaimed land in the west of Sorong city. It is in the north of Halte Dom (the water taxi harbor). There were a lot of people who were sitting on the wall of the reclaimed land. The wall was protected by big granite stones from seasonal sea waves. The atmosphere was very relaxing. The city dwellers of Sorong were enjoying the beautiful scenery of the blue sea and the sunset. It was quite noisy to be at that place. Plastic wastes, cans began to appear on that area. Soon, shops, restaurants, offices and other businesses will be opened there. It is good for the economy of the city. Unfortunately, there was coral reef areas that had been burried under that newly formed reclaimed land. 

Vihara Buddha Jayanti
A Buddhist Temple on a hill in Sorong City

We continued our trip to a more quiet place located on a hill above Sorong city. It was Vihara Buddha Jayanti - a Buddhist Temple. The workers asked me why we were so late in visiting the temple. It was around 06:30 when we arrived. After paying the entrance fee and being allowed to enter the higher ground of the temple, we walked along the stairs up to the frontyard of the temple. It was a peaceful place for anyone who wants to enjoy the landscape view of Sorong city. We could hear the noisy sounds of the motorized vehicles.

sacred statues Buddha and Kwan Im or Guanyin
Buddhism Sacred Statues in Vihara Buddha Jayanti of Sorong City

When a worker from the temple appeared from the stairs, we asked him to grant us permission to see the inside part of the temple. He told us to wait. He still had other things to do. He had to open a faucet to let water flowed along the hose. They were watering the surrounding flower plants. 

Mazu 妈祖
Mazu - Sea Goddess 

The concrete road that connected the Buddhist Temple and the main street was badly damaged. I had to be extra careful when riding my motorcyle down the steep hill. 

We continued our trip to Marina Star Restaurant where we enjoyed a plate of fried shrimp bakwan snack, ice tea and beer. At around 10:00 p.m. I brought her back to Swissbel Hotel of Sorong city and then I immediately drove my motorcycle back home. The next day, I still have to organize another tour for this tourist to the suburb of Sorong.

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Nature Tour to Outside Area of Sorong city

In the previous day, I organized a nature tour for an American couple to two different places, i.e.: a hill and a coastal village outside of Sorong city. It is a combined birdwatching and walking tour. Because we started quite late, we only saw a few birds such as Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Beach Kingfisher and Pacific Reef Heron. 

walking trip to Batu Lubang Pantai
Sightseeing Tour in Sorong regency
Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophagus)
Beach Kingfisher

If you are interested in taking a tour around Sorong city and wants me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Monday, March 31, 2025

Birding, Sightseeing in Sorong and Raja Ampat

Short Day Birding Tour Near Sorong City

In the past few weeks I guided tourists on various birding, sightseeing and snorkeling tours in Sorong. Most of participants have just returned from their snorkeling and scuba diving trip in Raja Ampat. There are also visitors who have just arrived in Sorong city. After taking this short tour, they will continue their trip to Raja Ampat.

European tourists in Sorong and Raja Ampat
Birdwatching/ wildlife tour in Sorong regency of Indonesia

I usually pick up the participants of the tour from such hotels as Swissbel, Aston, or Rylich Panorama. Sometimes, I meet the participants of the tour at DEO Airport of Sorong city. They arrive in the mornings by Garuda, or Batik Air.

Gaulsuak, Batu Lubang in Sorong regency
Rainforest Tour in Sorong city

The tour at the outskirts of Sorong city allows visitors to explore forest to watch birds, butterflies and flower plants as well as see the magnificent beauty of the coastal area of Sorong. In my recent trip, I and the participants of the tour watch various species of birds such as Gray-headed Goshawk, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Papuan Pitta, Red-billed Brush Turkey, Blyth's Hornbill, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black-browed Triller, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Sahul Sunbird, Variable Goshawk, Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Gray Crow and etc. 

Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon)
Pinon Imperial Pigeon

The short birding tour is conducted in the mornings or in the afternoons depending on the time and interest of the participant. For general birding, we usually start at 05:00 in the morning and finish at around 09:00. We usually go by chartered car. The number of participants is between 1 person and 10 people. to For afternoon birding, we start at 14:00 and finish at 18:00. Bringing camera and binoculars will greatly enhance this wildlife tour. 

A few days ago, I and some tour participants from South Africa saw dugong at a beach in Sorong city.

Eclectus Parrot
Papuan Eclectus

Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

The island of Waigeo is a great destination for visitors who are interested in both birdwatching and snorkeling. There are a lot of tropical avifauna that we could see in Raja Ampat. Some of them  are Papuan Eclectus, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Red-cheeked Parrot, Beach Kingfisher, and etc. Most tourists like to watch Red Bird of Paradise, and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. 

This rainforest birding can be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing tours to a lot of coral reef sites in Raja Ampat such as Friwen, Mioskon, Yenbuba Strait, Arborek, Piaynemo and etc. A lot of reef fish could be seen in the coral reef. They include Striped Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Anemonefish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idol, Wobbegong, Carpet Shark and etc. 

snorkeling in Waigeo
Snorkeling photo from Waigeo of Raja Ampat

corak reef
Coral reef in Raja Ampat
birding and snorkeling in Sorong and Raja Ampat
Piaynemo Karst in Raja Ampat
If you are interested in taking this birding, sightseeing and swimming tour in Sorong city and Raja Ampat, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Courtship Display of Lesser Bird of Paradise in Sorong Regency's Forest

A few weeks ago, I guided a couple of birdwatchers from the United Kingdom. We watched a lot of species of birds including the male Lesser Birds of Paradise that were performing courtship dance in the forest of Malagufuk village of Sorong regency. I had the chance to make some video. Early in the morning the light from the sun had not fully reached the entire ground of the rainforest. So, the video is not bright enough. 

Courtship Dance in Malagufuk forest
Courtship Dance of Lesser Bird of Paradise

At least, it is good enough for those who are interested in seeing the courtship behaviour of this beautiful bird. 

The trails to the site for watching birds of paradise are steep and long. This tour is suitable for avid birdwatchers who are physically fit. Most often, visitors need to spend at least 2 to 3 days tour in the forest in order to watch the paradise birds. The cost of this paradise birdwatching tour is also expensive.

Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii)
Yellow-faced Myna

For visitors who only want to do nature tour at the outskirts of Sorong city, there are several places that are also beautiful and worth visiting although they are not the habitat of birds of paradise. Sorong's hill and mangrove forest are cheaper alternative and more suitable for those who want to enjoy easy nature walk. The hill forest of Sorong is the habitat of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Black Butcherbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Yellow-faced Myna, and etc. To enhance the birdwatching activity, I bring a spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod. This device enables tour participant to watch birds and other wild animals in distant trees. 

Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus)
Papuan Eclectus

Tour participants need to bring binoculars, and camera with telephoto lens if they want to watch and take pictures of the birds that they see. 

If you want to take birdwatching tour in Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.



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Sahul Sunbird
Sahul Sunbird

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