Thursday, March 31, 2016

Birding in Klasow valley of Sorong regency

I have just completed a 3-day/ 2-night birding and wildlife watching tour in the jungle of Klasow valley with 2 British tourists. As biologists, they showed great interest in the ecosystem of tropical rainforest. They had spent several days diving in Raja Ampat islands before continuing their trip with me to the rainforest of Sorong regency.
Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon)
During the birdwatching trip, we were able to see a lot of birds including Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus perlatus), Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), Large Fig-Parrot (Psittaculirostris desmarestii), Red-cheeked Parrot, Black Lory, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Lesser Black Coucal (Centropus bernsteini), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud), Yellow-billed Kingfisher (Hacyon torotoro).
Two Birdwatchers from the United Kingdom
My British guests, Niall and Rachel were very fit and were able to explore the forest during the day, night and early morning time. It was not only birds that attract their attention but also trees, insects, vines, reptiles and anything that could be seen in the forest.
When taking a night walk, we were able to see several wallabies that were feeding on green leaves. We also saw glowing mushroom and venomous ground spider. I had a great time with them discussing a lot of issues related to the preservation of rainforest and empowerment of local people through ecotourism.
In the last day of the trip, they looked so happy because they were able to see both male and female Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus rotatus) on the way back to the main road before leaving the forest.
Eclectus Parrot in tropical jungle of Sorong regency - West Papua
As a matter of fact it was not the last bird that we saw. When our car was speeding up a steep mountain on the way back to Sorong city, we spotted a Lesser Black Coucal (Centropus bernsteini). This black bird with his long tail was walking on the ground, perhaps, trying to cross the road. Suddenly he saw our car was approaching in fast speed, in less than a few seconds he moved back into the bush.
If you are interested in taking a birdwatching trip with me in the jungle of West Papua province of Indonesia, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com

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