West Papua - A Birds-of-paradise Special

A journey to the remote island of West Papua to seek out the most appealing of bird families — the spectacular birds-of-paradise — is high on the wish-list of many naturalists. Encompassing the western half of the island of New Guinea, West Papua was officially claimed as Indonesian territory in 1961, having been a Dutch colony for several decades before. The island is still swathed in lush, tropical rainforest and is home to an extraordinary diversity of endemic birds, mammals, plants and other wildlife, with many species still yet to be described by science! Across the three key locations of this incredible adventure — Nimbokrang, the Arfak Mountains and Waigeo — we will have the opportunity to view such iconic species as Wilson's Bird-of-paradise, Red Bird-of-paradise, Western Parotia and, the smallest of all, the beautiful scarlet King Bird-of-paradise.

Our journey begins, however, with an overnight flight to Jakarta, where we will spend a relaxing two nights enjoying a short boat trip into Jakarta Bay and birdwatching around the quieter areas of the city in search of Christmas Frigatebird, Sunda Teal, Cave Swiftlet, Javan Plover (endemic to Indonesia), Milky Stork, Small Blue Kingfisher and White-headed Munia. We then fly on to West Papua itself and head into the Nimbokrang Mountains for a 5-night stay. Here we will have our best opportunities to encounter some of the lower altitude birds-of-paradise, including King Bird-of-paradise and Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise. Other species from this flamboyant family should include Pale-billed Sicklebill and Lesser Bird-of-paradise. Plenty of other species are likely to be seen too, such as the Papuan Eclectus, the huge Palm Cockatoo and the camouflaged Papuan Frogmouth, while we will no doubt be 'serenaded' by the repetitive single note call of the Trumpet Manucode which penetrates far and wide through the forest. Although these lowlands can be hot and stuffy, the rewards are great, and there will be no planned activities in the heat of the day to allow plenty of time for rest.

Our next stop for five nights — after stocking up on food supplies in Manokwari — will be the remote Siyubri Village, where our basic dwellings will soon be forgotten as we enjoy the sights and sounds of the Arfak Mountains' mouth-watering array of birds. As well as the possibility of watching the mesmerising dance of the Western Parotia, another eight species of birds-of-paradise can be found at this single location, as well as a wonderful supporting cast of other endemic landbirds. We will search for Black Sicklebill (almost certainly hearing its explosive machine-gun-like call before setting eyes on this magnificent bird) and visit the colour-coordinated bower of of the local Vogelkop Bowerbird, Visitors are often surprised by the contents of this intricate display bower, particularly being situated so close to a human settlement! On our nocturnal wanderings around our base, we might also find the Feline and Mountain Owlet-nightjars. With the conditions not being as humid at Siyubri as they were at Nimbokrang, we will have the opportunity to prolong our birding each day and spend more time in the field at these higher altitudes.

After a final morning of birdwatching around Siyubri Village, we will transfer back to Manokwari for a night to recharge our batteries before the final stage of the holiday — three nights on the world-famous island of Waigeo. Waigeo is the largest of the four main islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago, located between Halmahera and the north-west coast of New Guinea. Home of Wilson's Bird-of-paradise — one of the most beautiful and striking of the family — Waigeo will provide a relaxing ending to our time in West Papua. Observing the display arenas of both Wilson's Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise are likely to be a highlight of our entire holiday, particularly the former species as its fluorescent plumage lights up the darkest of forest understoreys. Waigeo also offers a variety of other birds such as the resplendent Western Crowned Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove and Red-cheeked Parrot. The snorkelling is spectacular and there will be plenty of time in the afternoons to swim in the crystal-clear waters that edge the island, while Lesser Frigatebirds glide overhead. 

Our tour ends with a journey back to Sorong by boat — a quiet crossing for seabirds, although cetaceans such as Pantropical Spotted Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale and Bryde's Whale are a possibility. From Sorong, we will board a flight to Jakarta to connect with our overnight service back to London.

Although birding on West Papua can be tough, with difficult terrain, hot and humid conditions, periods of eerie stillness and basic accommodation, the rewards are among the finest in the avian world!