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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Wilson's and Red Birds of Paradise in Waigeo

I have just completed a trip to Raja Ampat island with 4 European tourists. We went hiking in the forest to see Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Dyphyllodes respublica).
To watch the paradise birds, we had to wake up at 04.30 and went hiking for around one hour to the dancing site of the birds. Male birds began to call their female birds when the sun rose in the east. We watched them from 06.00 to around 09.00. After that we returned to the guesthouse where we stayed. The bungalows were constructed on the water allowing us to see fish that were swimming over coral reef.
Red Bird of Paradise
During the 3 days/ 2 nights trip, we were able to watch them and other tropical birds such as Spice Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Torresian Crow, Olive-backed Sunbird, Eclectus Parrot, Pacific Swallow, Helmetted Friarbird, Brahminy Kite, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Lesser Frigatebird, White-bellied Sea Eagle and etc.
Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus respublica)
Wilson's Bird of Paradise
In addition to birds, we also explore karst islets in Kabui bay using a long wooden boat. There is a viewpoint among the karst which tourists can visit to see the beautiful scenery of Waigeo, Gam and its karst formations.
The coral reef of Raja Ampat is very beautiful. It is the habitat of hundreds of species of fish, and other marine animals. I enjoyed snorkeling and recreational freediving there. Because I brought Nikon W300, I was able to take some pictures of the coral reef.
The guesthouse where we stayed was located at the beach - above the water. It was a nice site to watch dolphins. This beautiful fish often pass by the guesthouse in a group of two to ten dolphins. 
coral reef in south waigeo island
Coral Reef in southern part of Waigeo island
Wawiyai viewpoint in Kabui bay
Raja Ampat karst islets
Birdwatching near Sorong
Two of the tour participants from Australia had one extra day in Sorong. I guided them to a forest near the city to lowland birds such as Spangled Drongo, Yellow-faced Myna, Blyth's Hornbill, Dollarbird, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Rainbow Bee-eater, and a lot more.
If you are interested in taking a tour in Raja Ampat that combines sightseeing, hiking, birdwatching, snorkeling and karst climbing, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by text to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

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