Thursday, July 20, 2017

Birding and Camping in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Birding in Manokwari forest
Hiking and Biding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari
I often receive requests from birdwatchers who are interested in birding in lowland forest of Manokwari. Most of the land in Manokwari regency consists of steep mountains and deep ravines. But there is some area that is covered by lowland forest. It is a perfect site for visitors who want to enjoy easy birding walk. Some female birdwatchers prefer walking along flat land to hiking up and down steep mountains. So, lowland forest is a good choice.
Lowland Birds
Birding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari
The lowland forest of Manokwari is a highly recommended site for those who want to see Papuan Blyth's hornbills, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Western Crowned Pigeon, Little-ringed Plover, Variable Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Large-tailed Nightjar, Moustached Treeswift, Rainbow Bee-eater, Yellow Faced Myna, Dollarbird, Black-capped Lory, Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Egret and a lot more.
Camping near a river
As of today, there are no guesthouses in the lowland forest of Manokwari. For visitors who want to enjoy birding in the area for several days, the only way to do that is by staying in tents.
We provide
 As a tourist guide, we provide tents, solar powered lights, basic cooking and eating utensils for birdwatchers or nature lovers who want to take birding tour with us.

Itinerary
Day 1 
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Transfer by car to lowland forest in the west of Manokwari.
Riverwalk to Campsite 1
Birding to see Dollarbird, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Papuan Hornbill and Little Egret, Large-tailed Nightjar, Glossy Swiftlet, Moustached Treeswift, and etc. Birding along the banks of the river very easy. There is a wide open space that allows birdwatchers to see birds on both sides of the river.
Day 2
Move to Campsite 2 that is located deeper into the jungle. Birding walk to find Palm Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Rainbow Bee-eater, Variable Goshawk, and a lot more.
Day 3
Willie Wagtail in Lowland Forest of Manokwari
We will dismantle our tents and walk slowly back to main road. Along the banks of the river, we may see Willie Wagtail, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Brahminy Kite, or perhaps if we are lucky enough, we may be able to see the Pesquet/ Vulturine Parrot that has become one of the most threatened species.
Arriving at the main road, we will return to the city again by car.

Other Activities
Eclectus Parrot
Besides doing riverwalk and birdwatching, visitors who go to lowland forest of Manokwari can enjoy swimming, fishing, taking pictures of various species of tropical flowers, and butterflies as well as other insects that make the forest as their natural habitat.

What to bring
Avid birdwatchers usually bring their own gear such as binoculars and spotting scope and field guide book BIRDS OF NEW GUINEA written by Thane K. Pratt, Bruce Beehler. Other items: flashlight/ torch, bathing suit for swimming in the river, fishing rod, hook and line if you are interested in catching fish, ziploc or plastic bags to protect electronic devices, sunblock for sunbathing, and insect repellent lotion.

Booking
For more info, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send whatsapp message to my cell phone: +6281332245180.

Merchandise

Please, support this blog by buying art drawings and illustrations of wild animals and plants in the form of prints on various products as follows:

Watercolour Sketch of Bird

Watercolour Sketch of Bird
Fruit Dove from Tropical Rainforest

Vector Art Drawing in Inkscape

Vector Art Drawing in Inkscape
Swimming with Whaleshark

Vector art illustration in Inkscape

Vector art illustration in Inkscape
Baby leatherback turtle was reaching for the sea

Drawing of Paradise Bird

Drawing of Paradise Bird
Lesser Birds of Paradise art print on classic T-shirt

Digital Drawing in Autodesk Sketchbook

Digital Drawing in Autodesk Sketchbook
A Couple of Red Bird of Paradise