04 Oct 2019

Bird of Paradise Showmanship on Waigeo Island

This morning was one of the earliest starts of our 'Indonesian Explorer' voyage with those keen to see the region's famed Birds of Paradise enjoying breakfast at the eye-watering time of 0330. This was clearly an experience for the dedicated ... but then most of our expeditioners are very dedicated and were there and raring to go by the time Zodiacs started heading ashore at 0430.

A Zodiac and car ride later we were in the thick of the forest on Waigeo Island in the still, early morning darkness and ready to start walking, by torchlight, to the hides. Our pre dawn walk accompanied by the soundtrack of the waking forest with frogs, insects to the very first bird calls joining the morning chorus adding to the excitement.

We arrived at the beautifully constructed viewing hides where, hidden from view, we hoped to witness one of nature's greatest shows just before the first fingers of sunlight would penetrated the leafy forest and settled in. As if on cue, Red Bird-of-paradise started arriving at the lek with the first glints of sunlight until there was a raucous display of at least 15 males bouncing about and fanning their wings and tails for maximum effect while adopting the jauntiest dance moves in a bid to woo the visiting females.

Not far away, we also visited the perfectly presented display arena of a male Wilson's Bird-of-paradise. There wasn't a leaf out of place that could distract attention from his glorious plumage with all agreeing the encounters were well worth the early wake up call.

Having witnessed the incredible showmanship of the male birds a relaxing, early afternoon snorkel and swim later in the afternoon were called for where impressive coral and a pristine white sand beach rounded out a perfect day's expeditioning.

Image: Red Bird-of-paradise (c) D.Brown, Heritage Expeditions