LATEST IMAGES WEST PAPUA3

LATEST IMAGES - WEST PAPUA3

The Arfak Mountains on the Bird's Head part of West Papua were very productive for Birds of Paradise but very hard work. We stayed in a small house in Maibri village which had no water, toilet or cooking facilities. Our guide cooked on a camping stove and it was a walk to the outside tap and toilet, a true experience. The villagers were very much into preserving the habitat and Birds of Paradise which was great to see. They had built tracks to the birds' display areas and hides. It was a long walk to many of the hides along steep and slippery tracks and we were certainly glad when we arrived! It was usually dark when we were put into the hides and it was always a surprise when we saw what was before us when dawn arrived. The longest walk was to see the Western Parotia on its display court and once in the hide the light barely improved much above extremely dark but to see this crow sized bird perform its intricate dancing display was a real privilege and one of our best birding highlights.