Showing posts with label Malagufuk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malagufuk. Show all posts

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Birding in Klasow Valley of Sorong with a Swiss Lady and a French Girl

From 5 to 7 Oct. 2025, I guided a Swiss lady on a birdwatching tour in Klasow valley of Sorong regency. We walked through the forest to find paradise birds and other tropical birds of West Papua. During the 3 day/ 2 night tour in the rainforest, we were able to see Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. We also saw Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Orange-footed Megapode, Papuan Pitta and a lot of other birds. 

Papuan Pitta, Magnificent Riflebird and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Papuan Pitta

It rained in the afternoons and at nights during the tour. However, we managed to watch most of the target birds that we had planned to see. 

During the tour, we also saw a lot of beautiful butterflies. Some of them were Silky Owl Butterfly, Ulysses Butterfly, and New Guinea Clipper, Eastern Red Lacewing (Chetosia cydippe). We completed our trip with the morning walk to the dancing site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise.  

hibiscus in Klasow valley
Hibiscus in Klasow valley

I am now guiding a French girl on a rainforest wildlife watching tour in the same Klasow valley. We started yesterday (8 October 2025) and will finish the trip tomorrow (10 Oct. 2025). 

So far, we have seen Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, and a lot of other tropical birds of West Papua. 

If you are interested in taking a tour in West Papua or other parts of Indonesia such as Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Klabili Village for Birdwatching

I offer a tour for birdwatching in Klabili village. During the tour, participants will explore the rainforest of Klasow valley in Sorong regency to watch various species of paradise birds, and a lot of other tropical birds of West Papua, do night walk to see nocturnal animals such as cuscus and bandcoot as well as see unique tropical plants of rainforest. 

Lesser Bird of Paradise
Lesser  Bird of Paradise

Red Breasted Paradise Kingfisher
Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
The itinerary can be described as follows:
  • Day 1
Local guide will meet you at the airport or hotel of Sorong city and organize your trip by 4dw car to Klabili village in Sorong city. It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to reach it. Arriving at the village, we will check into the guesthouse. After a short rest, we could start birding by walking to the back of the village.
There are birds such as Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Shining Flycatcher, Papuan Eclectus, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Coconut Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Myna, Hooded Butcherbird, and etc. Butterflies such as the Ulysses butterfly, New Guinea Clipper and Cruiser butterfly could be seen along the way. 
If we are lucky we will be able to see monitor lizard or snake along the way to the village. Arriving in the village, participants could take a rest. 
Wildlife watching activity could be continued again at around 15:00 to see such birds as Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, and etc.
Basic Accommodation is provided in a homestay in the village. 
  • Day 2
Wake up early at around 05:00. You will walk to the site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
You could also go to the site of King Bird of Paradise, other birds such as Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, and etc. 
After lunch you could continue our trip to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise.
Night walk can be organized after dinner to look for such birds as Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, and birds that sleep on lower branches of tree. Cuscus, wallaby could also be seen in at night. They usually come out to find food and to find mating partner. 

  • Day 3

There is still time to watch birds of paradise as well as a lot of tropical birds such as Golden Myna, Frilled Monarch, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Large Fig Parrot, and etc.  After lunch, we will return to Sorong city.

Visitors who are interested in taking this tour need to bring binoculars, flashlight, camera, raincoat or rain-poncho, hiking boots and insect repellent lotion. 

If you are interested in joining, please, contact us by whatsapp through this contact link or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

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Monday, June 23, 2025

Birds in Malagufuk's Forest and Raja Ampat

Birds are attractions for tourists who love nature. I am quite busy this month because I have to guide tourists on several birdwatching trips in the forest of Malagufuk, at the outskirts of Sorong city as well as in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. Every place has got unique species to see. They also share a large number of bird species.


Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger atterimus)
Palm Cockatoo

Here are birds which visitors could watch in Malagufuk village of Klasow valley: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Western-crowned Pigeon, Superb Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Black-billed Cuckoo-dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black-capped Lory, Papuan Eclectus, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, and etc.

For birds in Waigeo, here are some of the vocal points: Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Brown-headed Crow, Papuan Eclectus, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Beach Kingfisher, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Radjah Shelduck, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Great-billed Parrot, and etc.

Most tourists will fly to Sorong city if they want to enjoy their holiday in Raja Ampat. The outskirts of Sorong city have got some interesting birds to see such as Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-browed Triller, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, Brown Oriole, and etc. 

There are still a lot of other species that birdwatchers and photographers could see when traveling to these places. 

Visitors could combine birdwatching and photography tour with snorkeling and sightseeing in Raja Ampat islands. 

Binoculars or Camera

Most birdwatchers bring binoculars 10×42 mm. Famous brands such as Nikon, Swarovski, and Leica are the preferable choice. Some of them will bring point and shoot camera with telephoto lens. Photographers usually bring D-SLR or mirrorless camera, telephoto lens and tripod. 

Booking

If you are interested in visiting Sorong city for your holiday in Raja Ampat, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by visiting this contact link.

Also read:

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. 
Birds in Malagufuk

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.

Also read:



BIRDS IN SONDER OF MINAHASA HIGHLAND

Bird Photo Tour to Minahasa Highland

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa Highland is a new birding destination in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is a highly recommended destination for visitors who are interested in watching tropical birds of Sulawesi.

Subdistrict Sonder is surrounded by mountain ridges, slopes, valleys, rivers and rice fields. There are a lot of species of birds that could be watched there. 

Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
Crimson Sunbird

The higher elevation land of Sonder is mostly covered by rainforest and agricultural crops. In this area, visitors could watch such birds as Warbling White-eye, Black-crown White-eye, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Black Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Drongo, Gray Wagtail, Collared Kingfisher, Black-faced Munia, Pygmy Woodpecker, and etc. 

Yellow-billed Malkoha
Yellow-billed Malkoha

As we do birding walk from higher elevation forest along the road down to farmland areas, we will be able to see more birds such as Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Crow, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Sooty-headed Bulbul, Pale Blue Monarch, and etc. 

In the agricultural land and rice field areas between Sonder and Tomohon, birdwatchers could watch more interesting birds such as Black-naped Fruit Dove, Bay Coucal, Pale Blue Monarch, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Purple Heron, Isabelline Bush-hen, and etc. 

Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
Some Birds in Minahasa Highland

Birding trip in Sonder could be extended to other areas in North Sulawesi such as Mount Mahawu of Tomohon for visitors to see Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Snowy-browed Flycatcher and etc.  

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

After birding in Minahasa highland, the tour could be continued to Tangkoko Nature Reserve for tour participants to watch Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, and Blue-backed Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, and etc.

Celebes-crested Macaque
Celebes-crested Macaque

In addition to birds, tour participants could also watch mammals, insects and reptiles. Spectral Tarsier, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and Celebes-crested Macaque are the main attractions of Tangkoko forest for the wildlife watching experience. 

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus
Sulawesi Bear Cuscus in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier
Spectral Tarsier

Duration of the Tour

The average duration of the tour in Minahasa Highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve is 7 days. It can be customized based on the needs of the tour participants.

Where is Sonder in Minahasa Highland, and where is Tangkoko?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The capital of the province is Manado city. Everyone who is interested in visiting Sonder needs to fly to Manado city first. After that, they could continue their trip by car to Sonder town for approximately 1 hour depending on traffic condition. 

Sonder, and Tomohon are located in Minahasa highland whereas Tangkoko (coastal and lower montane forest) is in northern part of Minahasa peninsula. It is under the administration of Bitung municipality.

How to get there?

To take this tour, participants need to fly to Manado city. There are regular flights between Manado and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong cities. They are served by Indonesian domestic airlines: Garuda, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air, TransNusa, and SuperAirjet.

Direct flights from Singapore to Manado is served by Scoot Air; and from Guangzhou to Manado is served by China Southern Airlines. 

Flight map to Manado city
Flight routes to Manado city

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching/ wildlife watching tour in North Sulawesi and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Monday, December 30, 2024

Birding in Waigeo of Raja Ampat and Klasow valley of Sorong Regency

Waigeo island is the most recommended destination for visitors who want to enjoy birding in Raja Ampat. The main targets of observation are Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. A lot of species of tropical birds can be watched in Raja Ampat especially Waigeo and its surrounding islands. They include Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Spangled Drongo, Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, and etc.

The trip in Raja Ampat is usually combined with snorkeling and sightseeing trips in Kabui bay, Friwen, Yenbuba Strait, Arborek island and Piaynemo karst. Visitors who are interested in snorkeling should bring their own snorkeling masks, snorkels and pipes. Underwater cameras are also needed for taking pictures of marine life during the snorkeling excursions in Raja Ampat. 

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)
Red Bird of Paradise
snorkeling in Arborek
Snorkeling photo from Arborek
snorkeling in Waigeo
Snorkeling Photo from Waigeo
Raja Ampat marine tours
Coral reef in Raja Ampat
I often guide tourists on birding or wildlife watching trip to Malagufuk, Sorong's ridge forest and Waigeo island in Raja Ampat. The duration of the trip is usually around 1 to 2 weeks covering lowland, hill and sea or coastal avifauna. During the tour, we could see various species of tropical birds from parrots and fruit doves to kingfishers and paradise birds. 
Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus(
Blyth's Hornbill

In Malagufuk, I usually spend between 3 to 4 days. We do birding in the mornings, late afternoons and at nights. Birds that we watch include Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, King Bird of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Azure Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Red-cheeked Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, and a lot more. 

After exploring the rainforest of Malagufuk, we usually continue our adventure by birding in coastal mangrove forest of Sorong city. There, we could look for Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Collared Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Sacred Kingfisher and etc. Sorong city is the main transit point for visitors who want to travel to Raja Ampat. 

Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea)
Common Paradise Kingfisher


Birding and Wildlife Watching Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland

Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a favorite destination in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia for birdwatching or wildlife watching activities. The tropical rainforest of area is the habitat of Yellow-billed Malkoha, Blue-backed Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher and White-necked Myna, and Red-backed Thrush, Ochre-bellied Boobook and etc. 

At the edge of the forest, especially on Temboan hill, visitors could see Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Gray-rumped Treeswift, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon and etc. 

For visitors who are interested in mammals, they could see Celebes-crested Macaque, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, Gursky's Spectral Tarsier, and Celebes Dwarf Squirrel. 

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier in Tangkoko National Park
Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

The trip in Tangkoko National Park usually includes a boat ride excursion to Naun river to find Great-billed Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Heron, Lesser Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird, White-rumped Cuckooshrike, Pacific Swallow and etc. 

The duration of the birdwatching and wildlife watching tour in Tangkoko is usually 4 days/ 3 nights and can be combined with another birding tour to Minahasa Highland. 

There are several birding sites in Minahasa Highland such as Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Sonder's Farm Forest, Lalek Farm Forest, Talikuran Rice Field, and Kengkang Waterfalls. Visitors could spend 4 days/ 3 nights in this region. 

Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Isabelline Bush-hen, Warbling White-eye, Sulawesi Pitta
Some birds in Minahasa Peninsula

A lot of species, including the endemic ones, could be watched in Minahasa Highland. There are Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Zebra Dove, White-breasted Woodswallow, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, and etc. 

There are regular flights between Sorong city and Manado city of North Sulawesi served by TransNusa and Lion Air. Visitors who are interested in taking a tour in North Sulawesi first and then in Raja Ampat could fly to Singapore and then continue their trip to Manado city by Scoot Air. There is direct flight between Guangzhou China and Manado city of Indonesia served by TransNusa and China Southern Airlines. Visitors who are already in Indonesia could fly from any big cities to Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado city. 

Flight routes to Manado city
Flight Routes to Manado City

Accommodation

There are hotels and homestays in Tomohon town, and lodges for visitors near Tangkoko Nature Reserve. 

If you are interested in taking a birding, sightseeing and snorkeling tour in West Papua as well as wildlife tour in North Sulawesi, and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

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Sunday, October 20, 2024

Another Birding Tour in Arfak Mountains and Klasow Valley

I have just conducted another birding tour in Arfak mountains and Klasow valley with a Dutch-Australian lady. We flew from Sorong city to Manokwari by Lion Air and then went directly to Arfak mountains by a chartered 4WD car.  We went hiking to watch Western Parotia, Black Sicklebill, Vogelkop Lophorina (female), Magnificent Bird of Paradise as well as other birds such as Blue Gray Robin, Black Fantail, Ornate Melidectes, Fantail Monarch, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Gray Green Scrubwren, Green-backed Robin, Mountain Fruit Dove, and Feline Owlet Nightjar. 

Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Western Parotia, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
Some rainforest birds in Arfak mountains in Manokwari and Klasow Valley (Malagufuk) of Sorong regency

We visited the sites of Wattled Brush Turkey, and Vogelkop Bowerbird but it always rained in the afternoons when we were there. So, we could not see the birds.

After spending 4 days/ 3 nights in Arfak mountains of Manokwari, we flew back to Sorong city again. We had to buy food materials before continuing our trip to Klasow valley where we spent 3 days 2 nights there. We saw a lot of species of birds including Hooded Pitta, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Tawny Straightbill, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Black Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Greater-black Coucal, Sahul Sunbird, and a lot more. 

Ornate Melidectes
Ornate Melidectes in Arfak mountains

For mammals, we saw dorcopsis, ground mouse, bandicoot, and fruit bats. I don't have field guide book for mammals of New Guinea. So, I could not accurately determine their species. 

We also saw a lot of species of butterflies from the Titonus birdwing in Arfak range to Meadow Argus, Hypolimnas Bolina, and Papilio Ulysses in Klasow valley. 

If you are interested in taking a bird tour in Arfak mountains, and Klasow valley of West Papua and need someone to arrange your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.


BIRDING IN SONDER OF MINAHASA HIGHLAND OF NORTH SULAWESI

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland of Indonesia. It is a great destination  for visiting birders who want to see the  avifauna of Sulawesi island. 

Some birds in North Sulawesi
Yellow-billed Malkoha, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Sooty-headed Bulbul, White-breasted Wood swallow, Crimson Sunbird

There are several interesting birding sites in Sonder and its surrounding areas. The paddy fields are the habitat of Purple Heron, White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Collared Kingfisher, Isabelline Bush Hen, White-breasted   Woodswallow. 

Citrine Canary  Flycatcher,  Scaly Kingfisher, Maroon-chinned  Fruit Dove, Superb Fruit Dove
Some birds in Sulawesi
The farmland of Sonder and the forest along the riverside is the site for watching Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-cheeked  Green Pigeon, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Zebra Dove, Sulawesi-crested Myna, White-rumped Triller, Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo, Finch-billed Myna, Lesser Fish Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle and etc. 
Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Fantail
Sulawesi Blue  Flycatcher, Sulawesi Fantail, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

As we explore the higher elevation forest of Sonder, we could see more interesting birds such as the White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Swiftlet, Glossy Swiftlet, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, and a lot  more.

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Manado city is the main gate for visiting Sonder forest and farmland in Minahasa Highland. There are daily flights between Manado and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong city. They are server by such airlines as Lion Air, Batik Air, Garuda. Direct international flight from Singapore and Manado city is server by Scoot Air. 

Where is Sonder of Minahasa
Sonder is a small sub-district town in Minahasa highland

Flight to Manado city
Flight routes to Manado city

If you are interested in birding and nature photography  tour in Sonder forest and farmland of Minahasa highland, please, contact me  by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read: 



Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Birding in North Sulawesi and West Papua

I have just completed two consecutive group tours that covered Minahasa highland in North Sulawesi Province and Klasow valley in Sorong regency of Southwest Papua Province of Indonesia as well as Arfak mountains in Manokwari regency of West Papua province. The first tour consisted of 4 Polish tourists and the second one consisted of 9 Swedish visitors. 

White-browed Crake, Crimson Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Sulawesi Malkoha, Sulawesi Drongo, Little Egret, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker,
Some birds in Minahasa highland
Reference: https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com
Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Superb Fruit Dove
Some birds in Sulawesi

In Minahasa highland, birding activity was conducted along the slope of Mount Mahawu to find the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, and in Subdistrict town of Sonder to watch: Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Barred Rail, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Collared Kingfisher, and etc.

Forest Bittern in Klasow valley of West Papua
Forest Bittern

In Southwest Papua Province, we visited Sausapor, Klasow valley (Klabili and Malagufuk), Sorong ridge forest and Mangrove forest near Sorong city. The Vogelkop region is the natural habitat of such paradise birds as Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode and etc. 

We also saw a juvenile female Northern Cassowary, and Forest Bittern which is a special avifauna of New Guinea. 

The first part of the tour with Polish tourists was a difficult one because we experienced heavy rain. For the second part with Swedish group the rainy season has just stopped. It was easier to conduct. 

We saw a lot of tropical birds during the tour including Eclectus Parrot, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-capped Lory, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Violet-necked Lory, White-breasted Fruit Dove, Western-crowned Pigeon, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Beach Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, and etc.

The Polishs tourists, when in Arfak mountains of Manokwari, saw Western Parotia, Arfak Lophorina, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Vogelkop Bowerbird and a number of birds that are endemic to high elevation forest of Arfak mountains.

If you are interested in taking a tour to Minahasa highland in North Sulawesi and birding sites in West Papua and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Paradise Bird Photography Tour in West Papua of Indonesia

I often organize tours for photographers who want to take pictures of paradise birds in tropical rainforest of West Papua of Indonesia. The places that we visit include Sorong city, Sausapor, Klabili, Malagufuk, and Waigeo of Raja Ampat, as well as Arfak mountains in Manokwari regency. 

King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus respublica)
King Bird of Paradise
Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus)
Magnificent Riflebird

Birds of Paradise that can be seen and photographed in their natural habitat include: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Western Parotia, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Superb Bird of Paradise, Trumpet Manucode, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Red Bird of Paradise, and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. 

Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleuca)
Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
Participants can also see and photograph other birds such as Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Large Fig Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Violet-necked Lory, and a lot more.
Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)
Red Bird of Paradise
To do the bird photography trip, participants need to bring D-SLR camera with large sensor plus telephoto lens such as the Sigma Sports 150 to 600 mm or Tamron G2 150-600 mm. 
Lesser Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)
Lesser Bird of Paradise
The recommended entry point for bird photography tour is Sorong city or Manokwari city in the Republic of Indonesia. Participants need to come in a group of two to four or more to share the cost.
Western Parotia (Parotia sefilata)
Western Parotia

This paradise bird tour can be combined with a birdwatching tour to a Wallace region (transitional zone from Asia to Australia), especially to North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. 

p.s. Photos in this article were taken by my clients and me during our previous tours. 


BIRDWATCHING AND SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN MINAHASA PENINSULA

Minahasa peninsula in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia is a highly recommended destination for visitors who are interested in watching tropical birds of Wallace region (the transitional zone between the continent of Asia and Australia) which is the habitat of a lot of unique tropical birds of Sulawesi island.

Pale Blue Monarch in Minahasa highland
Pale Blue Monarch

The rainforest and farmland of Minahasa is the habitat of such birds as:

  • Sulawesi Hanging Parrot 
  • Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
  • Ashy Woodpecker
  • Gray-sided Flowerpecker
  • Yellow-sided Flowerpecker 
  • Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
  • Sulawesi Fantail
  • Zebra Dove
  • Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
  • White-faced Cuckoo-dove
  • Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove
  • Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
  • Green Imperial Pigeon
  • Rock Pigeon
  • Black-crowned White-eye
  • Warbling White-eye
  • Sahul Sunbird
  • Crimson Sunbird
  • Brown-throated Sunbird
  • Turquoise Flycatcher
  • Pale Blue Monarch
  • Black-naped Oriole
  • Collared Kingfisher
  • Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
  • Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher
  • Green-backed Kingfisher
  • Sooty-headed Bulbul
  • Slender-billed Crow
  • Sooty-headed Bulbul
  • White-browed Crake
  • Barred Rail
  • Buff-banded Rail
  • Barn Swallow
  • Sunda Teal
  • Cattle Egret
  • Little Egret
  • Cinnamon Bittern
  • Finch-billed Myna
  • White-breasted Woodswallow
  • Ivory-backed Woodswallow
  • Barn Swallow
  • Gray-rumped Treeswift
  • Sulphur-bellied Whistler
  • Brush Cuckoo
  • Chestnut Munia
  • Scaly-breasted Munia
  • Black-faced Munia
  • Glossy Swiftlet
  • Purple Needletail
  • Hair-crested Drongo
  • Sulawesi Drongo
  • Red-backed Thrush
  • and etc.

Red-backed Thrush
Red-backed Thrush

Birding sites that can be explored by visitors include Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Pine Forest, The hill forest, farmland and paddy field of Subdistrict Sonder. 

Yellow-billed Malkoha
Yellow-billed Malkoha

More birds could be watched if we explore lowland and lower montane forest in Talawaan waterfall and farmland; and in Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Birds such as Sulawesi Pygmy Hornbill, Knobbed Hornbill, Purple-winged Roller, Black-naped Fruit Dove, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Great-billed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Myna, and etc.

Scaly-breasted Munia, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

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

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