Paradise Bird Watching and Wildlife Tour in Indonesia: Lesser Birds of Paradise

Showing posts with label Lesser Birds of Paradise. Show all posts

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 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

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.

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.

Please, support this blog by buying products that are decorated with the illustration of Sahul Sunbird at this link: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/168570166?asc=u

Sahul Sunbird

Also read:

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Paradise Bird Watching Tour from Sorong City

The interest of international visitors in watching paradise birds is increasing. There are places in Sorong city where visitors can enjoy birdwatching during day tours. Lesser Birds of Paradise birds are the main target of observation. However, visitors can watch a lot of other birds too such as Red-cheeked Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Shining Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher and etc.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

Usually the time to watch the paradise birds is early in the morning. Participants need to start very early in the morning at around 04:00.

I usually organize the tour by car. Arriving at the foot of the hill, tour participants still need to go hiking to the site of the paradise birds for around 1 hour.

Eclectus Parrot

Bringing binoculars and camera will enhance the birding experience. This tour can be combined with snorkeling or fishing if the sea weather is calm.

The day tour to watch paradise bird at the outskirt of Sorong city can also be combined with trips to see unique buildings whose architectural designs were inspired by nature, and culture.

For multiple day trips, the places that are good for birding include Sausapor town, Klasow valley, and Raja Ampat.

Traveling further to North Sulawesi for Birding

For birding site that can be visited from Sorong city, the Minahasa highland in the Province of North Sulawesi should also be considered. It is only around 1 hour, 25 minutes flight. Sonder forest, Mount Mahawu are good places for watching birds such as:

Black-crowned White-eye
Mountain (warbling) White-eye
Crimson Sunbird
Sahul Sunbird
Chestnut Munia
Black-faced Munia
Scaly-breasted Munia
Black-naped Oriole
Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove
White-faced Cuckoo Dove
Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
Pale Blue Monarch
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Sulawesi Drongo
Hair-crested (White-eye) Drongo
Grey-sided Flowerpecker
Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
Cattle Egret
Little Egret
White-browed Crake
White-breasted Woodswallow
Collared Kingfisher
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
Sahul Sunbird
Black Sunbird
Sooty-headed Bulbul
Brush Cuckoo
Barn Swallow
White-nest Swiftlet
Sunda Teal
and a lot more.

Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Sulawesi Pygmy WoodpeckerPale Blue Monarch

Some birds in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi

If you are interested, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

Monday, September 2, 2019

Watching Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti Forest

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) is one of the most beautiful bird species in the world. The male one has got yellow, brown, green and black color. This paradise bird lives in tropical rainforest of New Guinea and has been the most wanted target of watching among visitors who go to West Papua. There is a forest area in Manokwari regency which tourists can go to watch the Lesser Birds of Paradise. Its name is Susnguakti forest.

Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

A Couple of Lesser Birds of Paradise

Male Lesser Birds of Paradise Bird in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

Male Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti forest

Lesser Birds of Paradise Birds (Paradisaea minor)

Courtship Dance of Paradise Birds

As a tourist guide, I have organized numerous trips for tourists to this forest. We usually spend 3 days/ 2 nights in the forest. We go hiking in the mornings, in the afternoons to find King Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, and Magnificent Riflebird, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, as well as other tropical birds that live in the forest.

Susnguakti forest is one of the best locations for photographers who want to take pictures of the Lesser Birds of Paradise. I attach some pictures that I made yesterday when I was guiding two tourists, Geoffroy and Clementine (from Belgium and France). They were very happy to see the birds. At nights, they were guided in the forest to see cuscus possum.

If you are interested in traveling to Manokwari city to watch and take pictures of Lesser Birds of Paradise, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
🔭🐦
Also read:

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Hiking and Camping in Susnguakti Forest of Arfak Mountains

Dutch students camping in Susnguakti forest

Guest Post by Eline
We went with Charles to the Manokwari jungle hills in the summer of 2018. All in all it was an amazing experience that I would recommend to any nature lover. In the end of the afternoon we left from Manokwari. Charles, who is fluent in English and Indonesian, took us to a local market first to buy our food for in the jungle. Afterwards, we spent about 1 hour in the car on a road along the coastline. In the middle of nowhere you get out and take off. Don't expect a grant-maintained path, signs or other people. From the coastal road you just have a 1-hour, steep climb up straight into the jungle hills. This climb often involves pulling yourself up by your hands and can be a bit thrilling. Not to the locals though, they guide you barefoot effortlessly. When we arrived at the base camp in the midst of the jungle, some wooden platforms with tents awaited us. No shower, toilet or beds. Instead a little stream, some tarantula's and the most beautiful sound of hundreds of animals. Together with some locals, Charles prepares a nice meal on a camp-fire.
Afterwards, a night-hike is scheduled. After holding our breath and sitting in the dark for 20 minutes three times, our patience was rewarded. One of the local guides had lured a Koeskoes Oppossum (Australian marsupial) straight to our location. Furthermore we saw lizards, birds, many big spiders, frogs and many more animals. Be prepared to get very dirty and walk through many spider webs. Part of the experience! In the morning we went to look for the famous Birds of Paradise, which was an amazing experience. The local guides know how to get you really close to the birds and have an amazing eye for spotting them. After a good lunch we went back to civilization. Seeing the jungle in sunlight was amazing and the trip resulted in many beautiful pictures and even more unforgettable memories. A must-do for anyone who is not scared to go back to basic and Charles become one of the best friends we made in West-Papua

Monday, May 14, 2018

Lesser Birds of Paradise in Sorong Regency

Birding Tour in Sorong regency of West Papua, Indonesia

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

I have just returned from Sorong city after taking 1 week trip around the forest to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise and other birds. The name of the forest was Klabolo. It was located in the east of Sorong, approximately one and a half hour ride plus 3 hours walk. It was a difficult trip because the path was muddy and slippery. I went there with some government officials who wanted to help local people develop their forest and village as tourist destination. One of the main attractions of the forest was the birds of paradise.
Lesser Birds of Paradise like to dance in the mornings and in the afternoons. Usually two, three or even five male compete against one another in order to attract their female birds of paradise.
When we visited the lek in the afternoons, we arrived too early. There were no birds dancing at that time. Later, they began to call one another and gathered in the branches of the tree where they usually chose for their courtship dance. The courtship dance performance started at approximately 16.00 and was still going more intense at 17.00 when we left the birding site.
For visitors who were interested in watching these birds, they need to bring their own binoculars, camera with telephoto lens of approx. 600 to 800 mm. There are no hotels in the forest, only simple huts for tourists. I could organize birding tours for 3 to 4 days or even more.
If you are interested, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
Related Post: Birding Tour in Sorong Regency

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Wildlife Watching in Susnguakti Forest of Manokwari

Spanish Lady in Susnguakti forest
Manokwari

I often guide tourists to Susnguakti forest of Manokwari. We go there to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), cuscus possum, Arfak dragon lizard, Hooded Butcherbird, glowing mushroom, and various species of butterflies.
Visitors
In the average, visitors spend between 3 to 4 days in Susnguakti forest. There are simple jungle huts that we provide for our visitors. Tourists come from Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. They come as a couple or in groups of 3 to 4, and 5 people. But I often guide solo traveling man or lady.
Recommended Binoculars

To enhance birdwatching and wildlife watching experience, I bring a good pair of Visionking 10x42 mm binoculars, and a 20-60x60 spotting scope.
Most visitors bring their own binoculars. For those who are looking for an excellent pair of binoculars, I highly recommend a pair of Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB binocluars. They are light enough to travel with and have got fluorite HD glass elements. The binoculars are filled with nitrogen gas to ensure that they perform well even in high moisture and foggy environment such as the tropical rainforest of Manokwari. There are also similar products manufactured by Leica, Nikon, Vortex. Please, do some research and read reviews on the internet before buying the binoculars that you are interested in.
Watching Paradise Birds

Lesser Bird of Paradise in Susnguakti forest
Manokwari

To watch paradise birds, we have to wake up early in the morning at 05.00. After having some tea, or coffee, we go on foot to the birding site of Lesser Birds of Paradise. There are some birdwatching huts built by local guides. Visitors can go into the huts to watch the birds. Lesser BOP are usually active until 09.00. After that, we can continue our hiking and wildlife watching trip to watch King Bird of Paradise.

How to go there?

From your country, find an international flight that brings you to Jakarta city or Manado city of the Republic of Indonesia.
After that take a domestic flight to Manokwari city.
I could meet you at the airport or at the hotel where you stay and then organize your trip to Arfak mountains.

Booking

I guide tourists in Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong, Susnguakti forest of Manokwari, and Numfor island. If you are interested in taking a tour with me as your guide, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180

Friday, January 26, 2018

Lesser Birds of Paradise of Arfak Mountains

Lesser Birds of Paradise in Arfak Mountains

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) is a very beautiful bird that lives in lower montane forest of Arfak mountains. Tourists who want to watch the birds can go to Susnguakti forest located in the eastern region of the range. There is a basecamp that has been prepared by local guides for visitors. Visitors can spend one or two nights to watch the birds, see butterflies and exotic plants that exist in the forest. The trails to the basecamp are quite steep. But we have prepared steps and railings made of bamboo to make sure that visitors could walk safely to the destinations.
We provide plates, glasses, spoons and forks as well as cooking and boiling pans in the jungle so that we can prepare and cook food for everybody who participates in the rainforest tour.
As a tourist guide, I have organized numerous tours to Arfak mountains for visitors who are nature lovers. They spend between 3 to 5 days in the forest to see the bio-diversity of the rainforest.
Your trip to the mountains can be combined with snorkeling trip in Manokwari where you can see coral reef and fish. For more info, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180
Also read:
Birding Tour in Susnguakti Forest
Watching Lesser and King Bird of Paradise

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Birding in Manokwari and Sorong

I frequently organize birding tours in Manokwari and Sorong for visitors who are interested in watching tropical birds that live in New Guinea's rainforest. The most important destinations in Manokwari are Arfak mountains and Lowland Forest along Mesirrokow river. For Sorong regency, Klasow valley has become the most favorite destination among tourists.

Cuscus in Susnguakti forest

MANOKWARI
Arfak Mountains - lower montane forest

Birds that can be found in the jungle are Common Paradise Kingfisher, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird, Magnificent BoP and a lot more. There is a camping site in Susnguakt forest which visitors can stay for several nights. Hiking activities can be done in the mornings to watch birds and in the nights to find cuscus possum and dragon tree lizard.

Hooded Butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus)
in Mount Mabowi of Arfak Mountains

Mesirrokow river - lowland forest

This forest area is located in northwest territory of Manokwari regency. Birds such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Papuan Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus), Little-ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii), Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus), Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot (Micropsitta keiensis) can be seen along the banks of Mesirrokow river forest.

However, it is not only birds that visitors can see in the jungle, there are various species of lizards including the soa-soa monitor lizard, deer, wild pigs and colorful butterflies.

SORONG REGENCY

Klasow valley is relatively new among visitors who want to watch birds in West Papua. Most of the land is flat but the path to the lek of Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) is steep and slippery.

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)
in Klasow valley of Sorong regency

Birdwatchers like to visit the area because there are a lot of birds that live in the forest of the valley. Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), Large Fig Parrot (Psittaculirostris desmarestii), Black lory (Chalcopsitta atra), Pink-spotted Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus perlatus), Beautiful Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus pulchellus), Red-cheeked Parrot (Geoffroyus geoffroyi), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud) are some of the birds that we could see in Klasow valley. Sometimes wild Northern Cassowary bird enter the jungle village in to ask for food from local villagers. There is also King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius) in the forest near the village but visitors need to use a good pair of binoculars such as the 10x42 or the 12x50 ones to see the small bird properly.

passion flower

Tour Duration

On the average, visitors spend between 1 to 2 weeks to watch birds both in lowland forest of Manokwari, and Klasow valley of Sorong regency.