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.