WEST PAPUA TOUR REPORT 2018

This epic trip started on the islands of Biak and Numfor with all the target birds seen including Biak Scrubfowl, Biak Scops-Owl, Biak Paradise-Kingfisher, Geelvink Pygmy-Parrot and the stunning Numfor Paradise-Kingfisher. Moving on to the Snow Mountains, daily birding from a very pleasant Hotel instead of camping (which used to be compulsory due to access) made birding this area much more comfortable. The group enjoyed great views of the giant MacGregor’s Honeyeater, Snow Mountain Quail, Painted Tiger Parrot, Greater Ground Robin, Lesser Melampitta, Superb Bird-of-Paradise, Splendid Astrapia, New Guinea Woodcock and Archbold’s Nightjar to name but a few. In Nimbokrang stunning views were obtained of Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Pale-billed Sicklebill and Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, whilst other highlights included Magnificent Riflebird, King Bird-of-Paradise, Jobi Manucode and Papuan Nightjar. On to the Arfak Mountains where the conditions where tough but the rewards were very high. Here the group had encounters with Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, the rare and elusive Long-tailed Paradigalla, Western Parotia, Arfak Astrapia, Black Sicklebill, the incredible Vokelkop Bowerbird attending to its bower, Modest Tiger Parrot, Lesser Ground Robin, Mottled Berryhunter, Mountain Owlet-Nightjar, White-striped Forest Rail, Spotted Jewel-Babbler and lots more. The last destination was the island of Waigeo, which did not disappoint. The accommodation, set on a coral reef, is stunning and from this base a short drive took the group to some pristine lowland forest where mind-blowing views of Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise, Western Crowned Pigeon and Red Bird-of-Paradise were obtained.