Azure Kingfisher

Azure Kingfisher in Klasow valley

This is the picture of an Azure Kingfisher that I saw while I was guiding a Dutch visitor in Klasow valley of Sorong regency, Indonesia. At first, I thought it was a Dwarf Kingfisher but after reading some description in the field guide book Birds of New Guinea, I concluded that it was an Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus).
The bird lives near the river whose water is calm. I and the Dutch birder were sitting at the bank of a small river when I saw the bird landed on a vine just a few meters away from me. It was was a nice moment. I took my Fujifilm camera and slowly aimed it at the bird. I made several shots of the bird. There are several species of Kingfishers in the valley. Some of them include: Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher.
If you plan to go birdwatching in rainforest of West Papua, don't forget to bring a good pair of binoculars such as 10x42 that is made by Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, or Nikon.

Kingfishers

There are a lot of species of Kingfishers in tropical rainforest of West Papua. I personally have seen a lot of them both in lowland, lower montane forest and in the islands of Raja Ampat, Klasow valley and Arfak mountains. In lower montane forest of Arfak range, while I was waiting for the Lesser Birds of Paradise to show up in the branches of trees above myself, suddenly I saw a Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea) landed on a branch of a tree just a few meters away from me. He sat there for less than one minute and then flew away again. Fortunately, I was able to make some pictures of the bird. It was the second time I saw the bird in relatively the same place.

Kingfishers of Klasow Valley

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

I also saw several species of Kingfishers in lowland forest of Sorong regency. Some of them include Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and Yellow-billed Kingfisher. Some like to live along the sides of the river whereas others like forest edges near the village. For the Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, I saw the bird several times in Klasow valley. I does not live near a river. The bird liked to sit alone one the branch of a tree with the above green leaves as heat cover. Actually, I did not see the bird. I was walking towards a tree where Lesser Birds of Paradise were dancing. A local guide stopped me and pointed his finger to the kingfisher. The bird was not far. I immediately aimed my Fujifilm HS 50EXR camera at the bird ant shot him. A few seconds later, the bird flew away. I was lucky, it was a good shot.

Yellow-billed Kingfisher

For the picture of these Yellow-billed Kingfisher (Syma torotoro), I took it when I guided a Chinese lady in Klasow valley. We were trying to see King Bird of Paradise but he did not show up. Next, we moved on to the tree where Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise like to perch and dance. He did not come either. But ee heard the sounds of Yellow-billed Kingfisher at the forest edge that bordered with the clearing area of the village. We approached the birds. They were not afraid of us. Perhaps, the birds were so much attracted to each other. It was a mating season for the kingfishers, I think.

In Raja Ampat, I had the chance to see Hooked-billed Kingfisher while walking in the forest in southern region of Waigeo. I also saw Beach Kingfisher on several occasions. Recently, I visited Waisai town of Raja Ampat for two days. While I was doing a short birding walk at a cape near the harbor of the town, I saw a Beach Kingfisher calling from a branch of a tree near the sea. He was quite big compared to other kingfishers.

I will go to Sorong regency tomorrow again. I hope that I will be able to see and make photographs of the ones that I have not seen before.

Red Bird of Paradise

Red Bird of Paradise

I have organized birding tours in West Papua for several years now. Most of the visitors come to watch paradise birds. One of the most favorite destinations is Raja Ampat. There are two species that are known to science, i.e. Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica). There are a lot of places that we could go to watch the Red BOP. One of them is in the forest of Waigeo island. This year, I run several birding and snorkeling tours to Raja Ampat. To watch the birds, we have to wake up at 04.00 in the morning. We need to make some preparations such as preparing our clothing, hiking shoes, binoculars, camera and food. After having some tea and biscuits, we need to walk up slopes for approximately 45 minutes to reach the birding ground. Local villagers have built a birding platform made of wood. The raised wooden structure is 4 meters tall and is suitable for photographers who want to take pictures of birds.

Birds are usually active from 06.00 to 09.00. Male Red Birds of Paradise call their female counterparts and compete one another to win the heart of the female birds for mating. They perform their best courtship dance to impress the female birds. Red Birds of Paradise look similar to Lesser Birds of Paradise but they have got red feather.

To watch Red Bird of Paradise, visitors need binoculars. I highly recommend the ones manufactured by Zeiss, Swarovski or Nikon. The size can be 10×42 mm or even the 12×50 mm. There are also binoculars that are made by Chinese companies and are offered in more affordable prices. I personally use a pair of Visionking 10×42 mm binoculars. They are not the best in the market but they are good enough for birding and wildlife watching. So, if you plan to enjoy birding, don't forget to bring good quality binoculars to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Also read:
Watching Red Bird of Paradise in Raja Ampat
Wildlife Tour in Raja Ampat

Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Hooded Butcherbird

I guided 3 visitors from Cina and Australia in Raja Ampat last week. We stayed in southern region of Waigeo island enjoying hiking, birding, swimming and snorkeling. During our jungle tour in the island, we were able to see Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Red Bird of Paradise, Eclectus Parrot, Great Cuckoo Dove, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Moustached Treeswift, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, and various species of birds. I brought my old camera Fujifilm HS50EXR. It was powerful enough to take pictures of birds even in distant trees. When we went hiking to the hill behind the homestay which we stayed, I was able to take pictures of the Red Bird of Paradise.

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)

It was a nice journey for my guests because they could complete their birding tour in a tropical island whose waters are clear and whose coral reef and beach are very beautiful. Besides hiking and birding, we also enjoyed swimming, and snorkeling to see beautiful tropical fish such as butterflyfish, striped surgeonfish, damselfish, parrotfish, moorish idol and even anemonefish. Coral reef in Raja Ampat is the richest in the world for marine bio-diversity.

the underwater picture of coral reef in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a favorite destination for marine tourism. Its coral reef environment has got the richest marine bio-diversity in the world. Its forest is also the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds, marsupials, reptiles, insects, and a lot of unique trees as well as beautiful flower plants.
As a tour guide, I run tours for visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling and birding in Raja Ampat islands. Most visitors extend their tour to mainland for watching King Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Golden Myna and a lot of other tropical birds that live in New Guinea.
The tour in Raja Ampat is relatively expensive. So, I highly suggest that visitors come in a group of 3 to 5 people to share the cost of transportation, accommodation. I also can run private tour for single traveler.
Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Birds of Paradise Watching Tour

King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius)

I have just completed a 2-week birding tour in West Papua province of Indonesia. The main target of this tour was birds of paradise. Three visitors from China, and Australia participated in this tour. We spent 6 days in higher and lower montane forests of Arfak range, 5 days in Klasow valley and 3 days in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat.

During the tour, we were able to watch:

• Western Parotia, 
• Magnificent Bird of Paradise, 
• Lesser Birds of Paradise, 
• Superb Bird of Paradise, 
• King Birds of Paradise, 
• Magnificent Riflebird, 
• Wilson's Bird of Paradise, and 
• Red Bird of Paradise. 
• We also heard the sounds of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise but were not able to see it.

Birding in the rainforest of West Papua was relatively difficult particularly for those who were not accustomed to hot and humid climate of the rainforest, the steep slopes, muddy path and numerous insects.
In higher montane forest of Arfak range, we stayed in a simple but comfortable guesthouse for 4 nights to watch Magnificent B.O.P., and Western Parotia. In lower montane forest of the range, we stayed for one night in tents that were built in the middle of the forest. We had to walk up steep slopes to reach our basecamp and did birding the next morning. The site where Lesser Birds of Paradise gathered and danced was approximately 20 minutes walk from our basecamp. After watching the Lesser BOP, we continued our tour to watch King Bird of Paradise that day. It was a nice experience because we could see both of them. Despite the hardships that we faced during the trip, we consider that it was a successfull journey.
In addition to birds of paradise, there were also other animals that we saw such as soa-soa monitor lizard, wallaby, northern cassowary, snake and colorful butterflies. Glowing mushrooms, wild flowers and unique plants attracted our attention too.
Raja Ampat
In the final leg of our birding tour, we stayed at wooden bungalows in Raja Ampat that were built on the water. We spent 3 days/ 2 nights there to watch Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. Raja Ampat is a tropical paradise for marine lovers. After hiking and birding in the jungle, we could jump into the sea and enjoyed swimming and snorkeling just in front of our guesthouse. A lot of tropical fish such as damselfish, anemonefish, striped surgeonfish, and butterflyfish thrive in the coral reef of the island.
To enhance the birding experience of the participants, I provide binoculars and spotting scope for them. They brought their own D-SLR cameras that were equipped with telephoto lenses.
There were a lot of other birds that we watched in the jungle such as Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Lowland Peltop, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, and Hooded Butcherbird, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and Golden Myna. Some were sitting on lower branches of trees whereas many on top of high trees.

We spent the last three days of our trip staying in wooden bungalows on the crystal clear water of Raja Ampat. It was an unforgetful experience because we could enjoy swimming and snorkeling over pristine coral reef of the archipelago.
If you are interested in taking a birding tour in West Papua, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text message to my whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

Palm Cockatoo from Tambrauw Mountains

This is the photograph of Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) that was made by a Belgian visitor in Tambrauw Mountains. The bird has got black feather with red cheek. In West Papua and other parts of eastern Indonesia, the bird is called Kakatua Raja (meaning King Cockatoo). The bird eats tropical fruits and is considered as an important seed disperser for New Guinea rainforest. If you are interested in watching Palm Cockatoo and other birds in Tambrauw Mountains, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Birding in Tambrauw Mountains

I had a birding trip to Tambrauw Mountains early this month. I spent 3 days visiting several forest areas of the region to meet villagers and explore the rainforest. During the trip, I saw interesting birds such as Lesser Birds of Paradise, Forest Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna, Papuan Blyth's Hornbill, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Brahminy Kite, and quite interestingly a Red-necked Phalarope/ Northern Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus).

Northern Phalarope in Tambrauw Mountains

 According to several reports on the internet this Northern Phalarope breeds in the Arctic. They migrate to the south during winter time. However, most of them spend their time on the ocean. Field guide book Birds of New Guinea (written by Bruce Beehler, and Thane K. Pratt) says that only two records from land, one carcass found on the glacier on Mount Jaya and one in a paddy field near Merauke. So, the sighting of Red-necked Phalarope in Tambrauw Mountains is a new information for anybody who observes migratory birds. I only saw one bird at the time. It was amazing to see such a small bird that took a very long journey from Arctic region to West Papua.

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in the rainforest of Tambrauw Mountains, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by sending text message to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Rainforest Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Tambrauw Mountains

Tambrauw is a mountain range that is located in the vogelkop region of West Papua. It is covered by tropical rainforest. I visited the mountain a few days ago to see the biodiversity of the forest environment. The tropical rainforest that covers the mountains and valleys of this regency is the natural habitat of a lot mammals, reptiles, marsupials, and insects. There are unique tropical trees, shrubs and lianas that visitors can see while walking through the dense forest of Tambrauw.
Birds such as Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes magnificus), Lesser Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), New Guinea Vulturine Parrot can be found in Tambrauw regency. Cuscus possum, deer, wild pigs, soa-soa monitor lizard, and a lot of species of insects also make the mountains as their natural habitat. While I was traveling in the mountains I saw plants such as sago, bamboo, a lot of kinds trees in the slopes and flat lands.
How to get there?
There are two entry points which visitors can choose to reach Tambrauw, i.e. Manokwari city and Sorong city. If you fly into Manokwari, you will be able to fly to Anjai and then by 4wd car to Tambrauw Mountains.
If you fly into Sorong city, I can organize your trip to Fef town by a chartered 4wd car.
Activities:
Hiking, camping, birdwatching/ wildlife watching

Nature lovers who are interested in seeing rainforest are highly recommended to go to Tambrauw Mountains. As a tourist guide, I organize rainforest tour for everybody who wants to explore the wealth of bio-diversity of Tambrauw. The duration of the tour is 5 to 7 days. 

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

Watching Red Bird of Paradise in Raja Ampat

Birding Trip to Raja Ampat
I visited Raja Ampat last week. I went there crossing thea sea from Sorong city to Waigeo island by fast passenger boat to do some birding and sightseeing trip in the southern region of Waigeo island particularly near Kabui bay. I was a n unforgetable journey because I was able to watch Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus), and a lot of other birds that live in lower montane forest of Waigeo island.
I stayed at a wooden house built on the water. The scenery of the surrounding waters was very beautiful.

Paradisaea rubra

Watching Red Bird of Paradise
To watch Red Bird of Paradise, I had to wake up early in the morning at 05.00. It was still dark. After drinking some water and wash my face, I and my friend walked up the slopes of Waigeo to reach the birding ground of the paradise birds. It took around 40 minutes to reach it. Arriving at that place, we climbed an observation platform whose height was approximately 5 meters above the ground.
Some male Red Bird of Paradise were already sitting on the branches of the tree. They were waiting for their female counterparts. It did not take long for us to watch their dance performance. After a 15 - 20 minute-waiting, we began to hear the sounds of their calls. These were followed by the courtship dance performance of two male birds of paradise. They did this to attract the attention of female bird of paradise for mating.

Shooting the Paradise Birds
I turned on my digital camera. It was a Fujifilm HS50EXR and then slowly moved to an open space on the platform where I could see the birds clearly. When I saw that one of the male birds was dancing with his whole body on the upside down pose, I quickly aimed my camera and shot him several times. It was a nice shot but the early morning light was not bright enough.
The pictures of the birds of paradise were good enough.
As a tour guide, I offer birding and snorkeling trip to Raja Ampat for anybody who wants to see tropical birds, coral reef and fish of this wonderful archipelago.

Kabui bay in Raja Ampat archipelago

I can guide solo traveling visitor and be a birding and snorkeling buddy. I can also organize a multiple day birding and snorkeling tour for a group of 2 to 8 visitors or even more who wants to watch birds in Arfak mountains, Sorong regency and Raja Ampat.
Swimming and Snorkeling
As the epicenter of marine biodiversity, the sea of Raja Ampat  is the natural habitat of thousands of species of marine animals including anemonefish, surgeonfish, lionfish, damselfish, grouper, manta, turtles, and a lot more.
Please, bring your own snorkeling gear such as mask, snorkel, fins. You can also bring an underwater camera if you want to enjoy snorkeling in the waters of Raja Ampat.
Booking
For more info on customized itinerary and cost, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or text message to my whatsapp number: +6281332245180

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur crested Cockatoo in lowland forest of Manokwari

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) lives in Australia, New Guina and a lot of small islands in the Pacific region. I often see the birds when I guide tourists on a hiking, camping and birding trip in lowland forest of Manokwari. They make nosy screeching sounds in the forest if they play together in a tree.
Cockatoes create nests by making holes in large trees high above the ground.
To watch these birds, we need to bring binoculars such as the 10x42 or 12x50 mm and if possible a good spotting scope.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo eats tropical fruits including papaya, banana, and other fruits in the jungle. They play great roles in spreading the seeds of fruits which they eat to all parts of the forest.
Birding and Wildlide Watching in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Sulphur crested cockatoo in Manokwari

I have organized a lot of birding tours for European, American and Australian visitors to the forest of Manokwari where visitors could watch various species of birds including Yellow Faced Myna, Golden Myna, Lowlsnd Peltop, and Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Eclectus parrot, Little-ringed Plover, and Little Egret, Brahminy Kite and Variable Goshawk, and Palm Cockatoo, Moustached Treeswift. There are other animals too such as beetles and butterflies, fruit bats, soa-soa lizard, snake, deer and forest pigs.
Camping

Camping in Manokwari Lowland Forest

A hiking, camping, birding and wildlife watching tour usually lasts for 3 to 5 days. Since there is no guesthouse in the forest, tourists will stay in tents by the river. As a tourist guide, I can provide tents, matrasses, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils so that visitors do not have to carry heavy things from their country.
However, I highly suggest that visitors bring flashlight/ torch, a good pair of binoculars and birding guide book Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler. Don't forget to put your electronics inside ziploc bags or plastic containers when you go with me to the river area.
If you are interested in taking a birding tour in lowland forest of Manokwari, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send whatsapp/ text message to: +6281332245180.

Birding and Wildlife Watching in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

I often receive request from tourists who are interested in birding in Manokwari. There are several places in the regency that are good for birdwatching and wildlife watching. I highly recommend 2 places, the Lowland Forest of Manokwari and the Lower Montane Forest of Arfak mountains.

Birding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot (Micropsitta keiensis)

There is a forest area in north-west region of Manokwari. Its name is Mesirrokow. It is a good site for visitors who want to watch such birds as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, (Cacatua galerita), Moluccan King Parrot,  Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Pequet (Vulturine) Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), Yellow Faced Myna, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Little-ringed Plover, Willie Wagtail, Large tail Nightjar, Brahminy Kite, Variable Goshawk, and a lot more.
The river is also the natural habitat of a lot of species of butterflies, beetles, lizards, cuscus possum, deer, wildpigs and wallaby. The Mesirrokow forest is devided by a large river that flows to north coast of Manokwari. Various kinds of flowers can be seen growing on both sides of the river.
Since the birding site is located in the middle of the jungle, there is no guesthouse or homestay that are available at the moment. Visitors who go there will have to stay in tents. As a tourist guide, I can provide tents for visitors who want to take birding tour in this lowland forest of Manokwari.

Arfak Mountains

Lesser Birds of Paradise

The slopes and ravines of Arfak mountains have been famous as birding and wildlife watching destination since long time ago. As a tour guide, I often organize hiking and birding tours to Mount Mabowi in Arfak mountains for people who are interested in watching cuscus possum, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Dwarf Cassowary, Papuan Frogmouth, and etc.
In addition to watching birds, visitors who go hiking in Mount Mabowi will be able to watch cuscus possum, soa-soa dragon lizard, birdwing butterflies, and fireflies. The rich ecosystem of tropical rainforest in the region is a nice site for those who want to experience hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in Arfak mountains.

Lowland Forest of Manokwari

What you need to bring
There are no guesthousee in the forest that I mention above. Tourists who want to take the tour will stay in tents that have been prepared by I and the local villagers for tourists. However, there are things which visitors need to bring:

• Water shoes and flip-flop
• Flashlight/ torch
• Binoculars
• Insect repellent lotion
• Sun-block lotion
• Field guide book "Birds of New Guinea" written by Thane K. Pratt, Bruce Beehler and etc.

Common Paradise Kingfisher

How to go there?

• You could fly from your country to Denpasar city in Bali island.
• I could meet you in Bali to do some birding in the forest of the island before continuing our flight to 
• Take a domestic flight to Manokwari city for birding and wildlife watching trip in lowland forest and Arfak mountains. 

For further info, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180

Birdwatching Tour in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Birding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Watching Tropical Birds of New Guinea
I have just returned from lowland forest in northwest region of Manokwari where I organized a 4-day/ 3-night birdwatching tour for a French tourist - Mr. Laurent Benier. We walked along the banks of a river to watch tropical birds such as Papuan Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), Black-capped Lory (Lorius lory), Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis), Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta), Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae). Little-ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius).
Camping at the Riverbank

Our Camping Tents in Manokwari Forest

The land along the river area is mostly flat so, it is very suitable for birdwatchers who want to enjoy easy birding walk, swimming, and camping. Lowland forest of Manokwari as tourist destination for birdwatching is relatively new compared to Arfak mountains. However, tourists who go there and spend a few days in the forest say that they enjoy the birding and camping activities very much.
Swimming and Sunbathing or Fishing
During the day, bird activity decreases. Visitors can enjoy swimming, and sunbathing or do some nature walk inside the jungle. There are also fish in the river. Local guides like to catch fish and fry them for lunch or dinner. They catch fish by using hook and line, by using spear or gun, or by spreading net.
The lowland forest of Manokwari is also the natural habitat of a lot of species of butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, grasshoppers/ katydids. So, it is a nice place for visitors who are interested in watching insect too.
Interested in Birding in Manokwari

Papuan Hornbill in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

If you are interested in birding and camping in lowland forest of Manokwari, you need to bring several things:

• Water shoes and flipflop - you do not need hiking boots. You need water-shoes or footwear that are resistant water.
• Mosquito/ insect repellent  and sunblock lotion
• Flashlight/ torch - we do birdwatching during the day and to certain extent at night. We do nigt walk to find cuscus possum, Papuan Frogmouth and Nightjar.
• Binoculars - having a good pair of binoculars will enhance your birding experience especially if you want to see the details of eyes, wings or colors of birds that sit on the branches of distant trees or that fly in the sky. You could also bring your spotting scope if you have it.
• Fieldguide book "Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler.
• Camera - I personally use Fujifilm Finepix HS50EXR. It has got telephoto lens. I highly recommend that visitors bring D-SLR camera with telephoto lens. If it is too expensive, a bridge camera such as Nikon Coolpix P900, Canon Powershot SX60 HS can be a good choice for taking pictures of birds.

Camping Gear

You do not have to bring tents, cooking and eating utensils. As a tour guide, I can provide them for you.

How to get there?

It is easy to go to Manokwari. First, you need to fly to Jakarta or other major cities in Indonesia. Second, find a domestic flight that will bring you to Manokwari city. I will be happy to meet you at the airport or hotel in town and organize your birdwatching trip to lowland forest of Manokwari.

Here is my (Charles Roring) email address: peace4wp@gmail.com and whatsapp: +6281332245180 if you are interested in visiting Manokwari and enjoy birding and camping with me.

Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

I have guided hundreds of tourists on various birding tours in tropical rainforest of West Papua. One of the main targets which they want to see is bird of paradise.
There are tens of species of paradise birds. The famous one is the Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor). These birds live in lowland to lower montane forest and are usually active in the mornings and in the afternoons. To watch them, visitors need to wear a good pair of binoculars such as the 10x42 mm.
If you haven't seen the birds in their natural habitat, here is a photo print link from my zazzle store which you could click to see. It will be a good decoration for your room.

Birds of Paradise Photo Print
by tropicalart

Lesser Birds of Paradise can be watched in Klasow valley of Sorong regency, in Arfak mountains of Manokwari and in Tambrauw mountains. However, it is not the only bird species that visitors can watch. There are a lot of other birds and wild animals which visitors can see in the forest.

Rainforest Tour Manokwari Lowland Forest

I have just opened a new rainforest tour destination in Manokwari this year. It is located in the north-west region of Manokwari. Its name is Mesirrokow river forest. The forest is the natural habitat of various species of birds such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Palm Cockatoo, Papuan Hornbill, Willie Wagtail, Little-ringed Plover, Variable Goshawk, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Lowland Peltop, and Brahminy Kite. There are also other animals such as soa-soa lizard, wild pigs, and deers.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, sunbathing and camping at the bank of the river. As a tour guide, I have organized several riverwalk and camping tours in the Mesirrokow forest for visitors who come from The United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and etc. 

They enjoyed their trips because they could swim in the river as much as they like and watch birds in the surrounding forest. 

This fores is suitable for nature lover who want to experience jungle tour in Manokwari. 

Camping and Birding

Most of the activities will be carried out along the Mesirrokow river-forest. Tents will be installed at the bank of the river. Because of the open space in the river is very wide, we could easily watch birds that fly or sit on the branches of the trees in both sides of the river. To enhance birding experience, a spotting scope with tripod and a good pair of binoculars will be provided.
Birds such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, and Papuan Hornbill can easily be seen in the mornings and in the afternoons. For watching Willie Wagtail, we need to walk along the river and have a look at fallen trees that are drifted during the floods and stuck in the middle of the river. The birds like to sit on the log or branches of he desd trees that extend over the river. Little-ringed Plover like to walk along the sandbank. A good pair of 10x42 mm binoculars is a perfect device for birding in this area.

Visitors are recommended to bring flashlight/ torch, insect repellent lotion and sunblock lotion, a good pair of binoculars, and clothings that are suitable for jungle tour and swimming. For camping in the jungle, we will provide tents as well as cooking and eating utensils. 

If you are interested, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or sent text/ whatsapp message to my cell phone +6281332245180