For the more intrepid birders two sites to visit in Papua New Guinea. Keke
Lodge in the Adelbert Mountains north of Madang. It is 100 km on sealed
roads and then about two hours in four wheel drive. Run by Moyang and his
wife Ruth it provides a unique place to base yourself to explore hill
forests up to 1000 metres asl. Fire-maned Bowerbird visits on most days and
was seen on both of our visits. Other good species included Magnificent Bird
of Paradise, display lek of Lesser Bird of Paradise, Vulturine Parrot and
much more. Contact the Madang tourist bureau for details.
In Kiunga to really explore some jungle visit Ekare Lodge run by Sam
Kepkinai (PO Box 273 Kiunga, Western Province). Birds in the area include
Flightless Rail, Little Paradise Kingfisher, Southern Crowned Pigeon, King
Bird of Paradise. It is a two hour boat trip up the Elevala River in primary
lowland rainforest which is not hunted.
Other good birds seen on recent trip include Wallace's Fairywren, Painted
Quail-thrush, Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher, Dwarf Koel at Varirata
National Park.
Long-billed Cuckoo, Flame Bowerbird, Hook-billed Kingfisher, New Guinea
Bronzewing, Large Fig-parrot at Kiunga. A real birding highlight was when a
Palm Cockatoo knocked a male Twelve wired Bird of Paradise of his display
trunk and then proceeded to go crazy itself.
Tari was as usual phenomenal. Skulkers seen included Chestnut Forest-rail,
Papuan Logrunner, Lesser Melampitta, Spotted Jewel-babbler and Lesser
Ground-Robin. Less frequently seen species encountered included Garnet
Robin, Wattled Ploughbill, Salvadori's Teal and Spotted Berrypecker. Male
Blue Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Lawe's
Parotia
are always incredible and in some instances very tame. In the heard only
category New Guinea Harpy Eagle, Feline Owlet-nightjar and Shovel-billed
Kingfisher will have to wait for next time.
Madang was a very pleasant relaxed town. Good birds seen in the vicinity
included Edward's Fig-Parrot, Grand Mannikin, Jobi Manucode, Tawny
Straightbill, Great Black Coucal. Off shore a small uninhabited island
produced New Guinea Scrubfowl, Beach Kingfisher, Island Monarch and a few
surprises.
If anyone is going feel free to give me an email.
Dion
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