Hello,
I'm planning to go to West Papua for some diving and birding next year, unfortunately to my surprise there is not much information available. Isn't this area very famous for its birds of paradise? I did get quite alot of information from Cloudbirders but these are all trip reports. These reports don't really mention which sites are best, and there seems to be quite a lot of places to choose from?
Species like the Arfak Astrapia, Flame Bowerbird, Superb BOP and Magnificent Riflebird are on the top of my list, the birds of paradice entice me most.
I would love to do a tour but the costs are all astronomical - I can't afford those at this stage. I'm used to a bit of backpacking so I'll probably manage on my own, although I'm still looking for companion(s) but that's another subject.
Main areas of interest based on my research:
- Waigeo (Red and Wilson BOP, also good place for diving)
- Arfak mountains
Some other areas I'm less sure about:
- Nimbokrang (many mosquitos but interesting BOP species?)
- Wamena / Lake Habema area (seems very remote, probably too hard, but seems to have nice (BoP) species
- Biak/Numfor/Yapen Island (many endemic species, but even less info available)
Anyone here to help me out? Which sites are most worth it? Thanks in advance!
I'm planning to go to West Papua for some diving and birding next year, unfortunately to my surprise there is not much information available. Isn't this area very famous for its birds of paradise? I did get quite alot of information from Cloudbirders but these are all trip reports. These reports don't really mention which sites are best, and there seems to be quite a lot of places to choose from?
Species like the Arfak Astrapia, Flame Bowerbird, Superb BOP and Magnificent Riflebird are on the top of my list, the birds of paradice entice me most.
I would love to do a tour but the costs are all astronomical - I can't afford those at this stage. I'm used to a bit of backpacking so I'll probably manage on my own, although I'm still looking for companion(s) but that's another subject.
Main areas of interest based on my research:
- Waigeo (Red and Wilson BOP, also good place for diving)
- Arfak mountains
Some other areas I'm less sure about:
- Nimbokrang (many mosquitos but interesting BOP species?)
- Wamena / Lake Habema area (seems very remote, probably too hard, but seems to have nice (BoP) species
- Biak/Numfor/Yapen Island (many endemic species, but even less info available)
Anyone here to help me out? Which sites are most worth it? Thanks in advance!