Five Birding sites around Yogyakarta city, completed in Fullday Birding. Yogyakarta (or simply Jogja) is one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations, on account of its fascinating history and culture and world heritage status temples (including Prambanan and Borobodur). Besides, there is another attraction of the many attractions in the city. Birding or Bird Watching could be an attractive alternative if you have extra time between your holiday in Jogja.
There are some interesting birding sites where various birds exist around the urban area of the city. The distance of one birding site to the others are not too far away to reach. Car or personal vehicle will certainly be easier. You will get a high number of birds if you start in the morning and avoid the weekend. Some of the endemics are easy to see, like Java Sparrow. Some of the best birding-site are considered below:
1. KM 0 Located in the heart of Yogyakarta City. Close to several important buildings such as the palace of Yogyakarta, the Presidential Palace, Benteng Verdebrug, old buildings such as the Post Office Indonesia, National Bank Indonesia and Bank Indonesia. You should start birding between 5 am until 6 am. After hours it usually starts deserted.
Wait and see in front of the presidential building and observe some Beringin Ficus sp tree tops. You might see the Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Zebra Dove sunbathing. And usually the Javan Kingfisher perched on the roof of the Presidential Palace (Istana Negara). You can also meet the House Swift nests in the Post Office building which is located on the southern Presidential Palace. From September to March you can find a large number of Barn Swallow on Beringharjo market near Melia Purosani hotel.
2. Melia Purosani Hotel Melia Purosani not far from the KM 0. Approximately 600 m to the northeast (±10 minutes). If you want to look at the roosting site of Java Sparrow, the parking area of Melia Purosani hotel is the best site in Yogyakarta. Location on the west side of the hotel. Best time can start from 6.15 am or 4 pm. But, we suggest you start in the morning. It will be easier to see birds out and sunbathe on the roof or pine tree. In July to August the birds always recorded breeding in this area. There are many attractions that you can watch when you sign up for the breeding season. You can end the observations in this spot at 8.30 am, and continue to other sites.
3. Arboretum UGM Situated in the area of Gadjah Mada University (UGM). You can reach this site from Hotel Melia Purosani in about 25 minutes. Arboretum UGM is a botanical garden containing living collections of woody plants intended at least partly for scientific study. The birding area is between the north-side of the Faculty of Forestry and western-side of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Birds in the area such as Grey Heron and Black-crowned Night Heron. It is easy to see the birds perched in large trees, in September recording the birds building the nest. In this site there are many other birds that can be found. Another nearby site that you can visit is the Lembah UGM, if you want to see Blue-eared Kingfisher.
On this site we recommend you fill up the energy with some food. Cause, we can start moving to the next birding-site at 2.30 pm.
4. Jogja Adventure Zone
Approximately 9 Km or drive about 30 minutes from the Arboretum UGM. Generally in areas such as fish-pond, garden and fields. At the Fish-ponds you can find some water birds such as Yellow Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, White-browed Crake and White-breasted Waterhen. In the garden you can find Malaysian Pied Fantail, Javan Munia, Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker, Coppersmith Barbet, Zebra Dove, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Brown-throated Sunbird, Black-naped Oriole. And in the rice fields you might see Plain Prinia, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Lesser Coucal, Eastern Cattle Egret, Striated Grassbird, Collared Kingfisher. In September you might see the attraction of Baya Weaver building a nest. You can end birding on this site at 4.35 and move to the last birding-site.
5. Ambarukmo Plaza Ambarukmo Plaza approximately 4 KM or drive about 15 minutes from the JAZ. In front of the mall there are several trees that became roosting-tree for Javan Myna. You can meet other families from Sturnidae such as Asian Glossy Starling and Common Myna. In 2013 recorded two singles of Pied Myna, but after that never recording again until now. Last September you might be able to see a thousand flocks of Daurian Starling. At 6 pm the Starling flocks will reach the trees, crowds and noise but it will be your birding-dessert. Access and Accommodation: Recommended to you to rent a car or motorbike. Public transport may be wasting your time more. Or if you want to get another experience with the cost of rent is not too large, you can rent a taxi, motorcycle, bicycle, and guides are ready to guide you. For more info, contact us.