The vast forest cover, the natural conservation, and the untouched areas of some parts of western Papua are the natural home of birds of paradise. However, among those big areas of forest cover, you can get the best Birdwatching experience in Tambrauw island, West Papua. What does the island offer for birdwatchers? Read the following detail for more info.
A Complete Birdwatching For Tourist
Tambrauw is one of the perfect locations for birdwatching. Not only the lush and thick forest cover, but it is also a home of more than 30 species of Cendrawasih. All thanks to the conserved and the local’s effort to take care of the forest. Not only Cendrawasih, but it also has hundreds of amazing birds found living in the area.
Not only about birdwatching, but the lush forest is also a nice sight to see. It highlights the beautiful rainforest in the region as beautiful as the marine situation. Tambrauw forest is one of its unique points that set the place apart from other locations. That is why it has a high potential as a popular ecotourism and birdwatching area.
Conservation Make The Island An Ideal Habitat To Endemic Faunas
One thing that is vital for the area is conservation and development. Locals have been giving ranges of help in taking care of the west Papua forest. It is said that the local tribe has considered it as a customary forest. Thus, it helps keep away vandalism, destruction, or some vitiation in the forest area that potentially harm the Cenderawasih natural habitat.
Tips On Birdwatching
1. Wake Up Early Morning
When you are looking for perfect birdwatching, make sure you wake up early in the morning. Birds of the paradise of Cendrawasih tend to be more active during morning and dawn. Chirping voices and some unique interactions with others will also fill the day. However, it can be hard to see them directly. Sometimes, you need to spend a long time or simply focus on luck.
That is why it is recommended to go early in the morning. Most likely the beautiful bird will be active to start their day at 06.00 to 09.00. It was the time people can hear and see the bird starting their activities. After that, Cendrawasih will likely fly away to find food and hide on top of the trees. So, you need to stay in the morning or during dusk to see them.
2. Prepare Your Physic And Patient
West Papua Birdwatching demands patience and good physical condition. You cannot expect a caged and situated bird as a zoo. In this kind of activity, you will go down to nature and go deep into the natural forest cover. The road is bumpy, the area is full of roots and mushy. Be careful since there are tons of dangers inside the forest.
Locals guide can help you reach the best observation site. You have to hike, go down the hill, or witness bugs and plants. Moreover, it is the work of patients. You need to wait until the Cenderawasih comes out. While some chances are based on luck, your hard work will be paid for by the sight of a beautiful bird of paradise.
3. Wear Darker Clothing
Local guides and people will advise people to wear darker clothes. Darker clothes help hide in the dark and thick natural west Papua forest. It will be less noticeable by the bird. Thus, create the perfect situation where birdwatchers can come close or witness Cendrawasih without scaring them away.
4. Don’t Use Perfume
Similar to the bright or vibrant colored shirt, perfume can also lead the shy bird away. Underline that the bird is pretty sensitive for their sight and smell. When the bird can sense the perfume, most likely it won’t come out. It is not only about perfume, even the fragrance soap can also ruin the birdwatching activity.
5. Mind Your Voice
As shy as the bird could be, a small sound can scare them away. Your cloth, smell, and sound are something you should be aware of. Again, this beautiful bird is very sensitive with its hearing. It can also hear voices from hundreds of meters away. Thus, you better mind your voice, be quiet and let the bird come close to you.
6. Hiding
The tick west Papua forest is a perfect hiding place for the bird, and you. During the birdwatching activity, people can do anything from using a ghillie suit, a small hut, or behind a tree. A good piece of advice from the locals is to stay quiet and hide behind that jungle area, so the Cendrawasih will not notice your presence.
Surprisingly enough, birdwatching in a remote and quiet forest has become one of the famous attractions during a pandemic. People in general love to visit the western part of Papua for its beautiful marine scenery. But, people can also be engulfed in the serene and natural forest to witness the beauty of the bird of paradise through birdwatching. That is why this attraction is worth trying.
