Papua Birdwatching

Overview

An estimated 80 species can be seen in a 5-day trip to Fak Fak Nature Reserve, Southwest Papua Province of Indonesia.

Bird target: Southern Cassowary, Papuan Pitta, Eastern Hooded Pitta, Magnificent Riflebird, Magnificent bird-of-paradise, Lesser bird-of-paradise, Radja Shelduck.

Other birds can be seen: Wompoo fruitdove, Pink spotted fruit dove, Superb fruit-dove, Beautiful fruit-dove, Orange-bellied fruit dove, Purple-tailed imperial pigeon, Papuan mountain pigeon, Zoes imperial pigeon, Pinons imperial pigeon, Palm cockatoo, Sulphur creasted cockatoo, Eclectus parrot, Red-flanked lorikeet, Black-capped lorry, Fairy lorikeet, Rainbow lorikeet, Red-checked parrot, Moluccan king parrot, Large fig parrot, Double-eyed fig parrot, Yellow-capped pygmy parot, Greater black coucal, Papuan hornbill, Chestnut breated cuckoo, Papuan dwarf koel, Papuan frogmouth, Marbled frogmouth, Yellow-legged brushturkey, Orange-footed scrubfowl, Pacific baza, Grey-headed goshawk, Vaiable goshawk, Long-tailed buzzard, Papua harpy eagle, Rufous-tailed bush hen, Black-billed cuckoo-dove, Sultan cuckoo-dove, Great cuckoo-dove, Cinnamon ground dove, Stephan emerald dove, New guinea bronzewing, Pheasant pigeon, Southern crowned pigeon, Moustached treeswift, Rufous-bellied kookaburra, Papuan dwarf kingfisher, Yellow-billed kingfisher, Hook-billed kingfisher, Blue-jewel babbler, Painted quail thrush, Rusty mouse warbler, Emperor fairywren, Ruby throated myzomela, Little shriketrush, Long-billed honeyeater, Helmeted friarbird, Streak-headed honeyeater, Tawny-breasted honeyeater, Mimic meliphaga, Puff-backed meliphaga, Large billed gerygone, Black berrypecker, Black sunbird, Spectacled longbill, Olive crowned flowerpecker, Lowland peltops, Black butcherbird, Hooded butcherbird, Black-browed triller, Golden cuckoo shrike, White-bellied cuckoo shrike, Stout billed cuckooshrike, Boyers cuckooshrike, Black cicadabird, Rusty pitohui, Northern variable pitohui, Papuan babler, Grey whistler, Spot-winged monarch, Hooded monarch, Frilled monarch, Golden monarch, Northern fantail, Sooty thicket fantail, Rufous backed fantail, Trumpet manucode, Glossy manucode, Grey crow, Black sided robin, Olive flycatcher, Banded yellow robin, Spangled drongo, White-eared catbird, Brown oriole, Golden myna, Yellow faced myna

Reptiles can be seen in the Fakfak Nature Reserve
Snakes: Tree boa (Candoia carinata), Ground boa (Candoia aspera), Green tree python (Morelia viridis), Sanca patola (Morelia amethistina), White-lipped python (leiopython albertisii), Papuan olive python (apodora papuana), Tropidonohis mairii, Tropidonophis doriae, Dendrelaphis calligastra, Stegonotus sp, Aspidomorphus lineaticollis, Aspidomorphus muelleri and Micropecis ikaheka.
Lizards: Hypsilurus dilophus, Hypsilurud aurensis, Gecko vittatus, Crytodactylus sp, Varanus jobiensis, Varanus prasinus, Varanus Salvadori, Tiliqua gigas and Brown sheen skink.
Mammals: Stipped possum, Sugar glider, Black-spotted cuscus – spilocuscus rufoniger, Common spotted cuscus (spilocuscus maculates), Phalengger orientalis, Bandicut, and Ground kangaroo.

Itinerary

Fakfak Barat Nature Reserve is a stunning gem nestled in the cool highlands of eastern Fakfak, just 8 kilometers from the bustling town center. This picturesque reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise, with its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems teeming with Papua's endemic bird species. A short, leisurely walk will lead you to various prime birding locations, where enthusiasts can capture breathtaking photographs of remarkable species. Among the avian wonders awaiting discovery are the striking Southern Cassowary, the dazzling Magnificent Riflebird, the exquisite Lesser Bird of Paradise, the splendid Magnificent Bird of Paradise, the elusive Papuan Pitta, and the captivating Eastern Hooded Pitta. With so much wildlife to observe and capture, Fakfak Barat Nature Reserve promises an unforgettable experience for bird photographers and nature lovers alike.

Day 1: Arrival in Fakfak via Wings Air

We will depart from Sorong to Fakfak onboard Wings Air. As you prepare for the flight, please note that there is a luggage fee, so it’s advisable to limit your bags to just a few essentials. After we arrive in Fakfak and check into our hotel, we will have some time to relax and freshen up. If the weather cooperates, we will embark on an exciting late afternoon excursion, hoping to capture photographs of the elusive Papuan Pitta and the impressive Southern Cassowary in their natural habitat.

Day 2: Nature Exploration in Fakfak

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off for the Cagar Alam Fakfak Barat Nature Reserve, renowned for its rich biodiversity. Our morning will focus on searching for and photographing the stunning Southern Magnificent Bird of Paradise, a highlight for any birdwatcher. We’ll spend ample time in the reserve, taking in the beauty of the lush environment and all its inhabitants. In the evening, we’ll reconvene for a delicious dinner before retiring for the night in our comfortable hotel.

Day 3: Birdwatching Adventures

An early morning start awaits us as we return to Cagar Alam Fakfak Barat Nature Reserve. Today’s objectives include capturing photographs of the Magnificent Riflebird, utilizing a specially designed hide for optimal viewing, alongside spotting the Eastern Hooded Pitta from another well-positioned hide. The early hours are perfect for birdwatching, as many species are most active at this time. After a fulfilling day filled with breathtaking sights, we'll enjoy dinner and unwind at our hotel.

Day 4: Display Lek of The Lesser Bird of Paradise

We’ll rise early once again for a chance to witness the display lek of the Lesser Bird of Paradise. This incredible natural event is a unique opportunity to see the male birds showcase their vibrant plumage and intricate courtship behaviors. We’ll spend the morning immersed in this mesmerizing spectacle, capturing the moments on camera. Later in the day, we’ll have plenty of time to relax at our hotel, reflecting on our adventures.

Day 5: Departure from Fakfak to Sorong

After enjoying our final breakfast in Fakfak, we will check out from the hotel. We will then make our way to the airport for our Wings Air flight back to Sorong. This marks the end of our memorable trip, filled with incredible wildlife encounters and the stunning landscapes of Fakfak. We hope to depart with lasting memories and spectacular photographs of the remarkable creatures we’ve encountered.