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Birding on Sumba
Sumba is part of East Nusa Tenggara, famous for its megalithic traditions, one of which is Pasola. On this island, grassland and monsoon forest are still well preserved place for various animal species. Approximately ± 200 species of birds, ± 110 species of butterflies, ± 35 species of herpetofauna and ± 23 species of mammals. In particular, Sumba island has 36 endemic species and about 14 species of islands endemic.
For birdwatchers, Lewa, Yumbu-bridge and Manurara are mandatory locations to seek endemics. In August 2017 we found a new birding site in Sumba island. In the area of the only national park on the island, named Billa. This location is better than Lewa, especially for bird-photography. Almost all endemic species are within a very close distance and can be accessed by foot. Yet, by far the best location to see Sumba Buttonquail, is the grassland around Yumbu.
The following information on the birding site in Sumba:
Billa, Praingkareha Resort
It is part of Manupeu Tana Daru and Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park, located in the southern part of the island. Administratively entered into District Tabundung East Sumba, Nusa Tenggara province. To get to Billa from Waingapu is about 4-5 hours (110 Km).
Almost all endemic species can be found (except for Sumba Buttonquail) without moving from one site to another. Paradise for bird-photographers especially in August – October when the river dries up until the remaining small pools.
All passerine like Spectacled Monarch, Sumba Brown Flycatcher, Sumba Jungle Flycatcher, Sumba Flycatcher, Orange-backed Thrush, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Arafura Fantail, Oriental-dwarf Kingfisher, Paradise-flycatcher and Elegant Pitta Paradise will come for a drink, easy to taking a photo. On the edge of the river can be found Red-naped Fruitdove, Sumba Green Pigeon, Sumba Cicadabird.
There is a hill called Laibola, about 30 minutes from the camping area to its peak. The best location in the morning to see Billa landscape along with the rising of the Sun, the birds will start actively looking for perch such as dozens of Sumba Hornbill before the breeding period, Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Electus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Great-billed Parrot and Marigold Lorikeet.
At night, just go to the public toilet Greater Sumba boobok will sound and be easily observed along with a dozen Least Sumba Boobooks and Meesi Nightjar.
Lewa
A village located in the middle of the island, still has a nice monsoon forest to see the endemics, accessible by driving from Waingapu (City center) about 1 hour 30 minutes (55 Km).
The main location consists of several sections along the connecting roads of West and East Sumba, among others: a patch of degraded forest east of Lewa at KM51 on the road, c10km west of Lewa at KM68-72; c20km south of Lewa near the village of Watumbela; and about 30km west of Lewa at KM93-98.
The birds might be can see Sumba Green Pigeon, Elegant Pitta, Chestnut-backed Thrush, Mees’s Nightjar, Orange-crested Cockatoo, Sumba Hornbill, Pale-headed Munia, Five-coloured Munia, Barn Owl, Greater Sumba Boobook, Little Sumba Boobook, Sumba-jungle Flycatcher, Sumba Flycatcher, Sumba-brown Flycatcher.
Yumbu Grassland
This site was commonly visited for Sumba Buttonquail. An area of open savannah like grassland east of town (12km from the airport). Aim for a road bridge at Yumbu. Walked the grasslands south east of the bridge, and also briefly north of the bridge.
Access and Accommodation
The best way for you to get to all the locations in Sumba is by renting a car, because it makes it easier to reach each site. The trails can be a bit confusing so you may consider asking a local for assistance as a guide.
In Billa there are no hotels or homestays. Asking local people for stay at night or build a tent on a camping area (close with spring water and public toilet). Unlike Lewa and Yumbu, you can stay at night at Hotel in Waingapu and drive to the site in the early morning.
Woodpeckers Trip Report September 2017
During 6 days (06 – 11 September 2017) we had a trip looking for three species of woodpeckers around Malang, East Java with Gerard Gorman (authors of Woodpecker of the World the complete guide). This was our first specific trip focused on a separated population of Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Javan endemic Javan Flameback and Grey-and-Buff “Lilliput” Woodpecker.
On day one, we met at the Juanda International Airport (Surabaya, East Java) around 11.30 AM and headed to Wonorejo Wetland. After walking for 300 meters around the fish-pond we managed the first target, one group-family of Freckle-breasted Woodpeckers. We tried to observe the behavior.
At least we saw two families and managed to take photographs. After that, we changed direction to Malang for the hotel and managed for the rest of the targets.
In the next morning, we began observing at several sites of Tahura R. Soeryo for Javan Flameback. At 05.30 AM we tried to call the bird until one hour later we did not hear and see any responses. So we moved to the next site.
At Watu Ondo waterfall, we waited near a half dead tree. Unfortunately the birding was low, almost quiet. After lunch we moved to Cangar for the same target. The condition was the same as before until the next day. . We didn’t want to waste more time. We finished birding here and heading to Kondang Merak on that day.
Kondang Merak is located in southern Malang. Here is where the last of the natural lowland rain-forest of Malang still remains. In Kondang Merak, September 08, we will take a couple of nights at home-stay near the beach. Birding will start in the early morning around homestay. Grey-and-Buff Woodpecker and Javan Flameback are our main purposes here.
We must take a fast move, to play the bird calls was the best way to attract them to show up. Sadly we just saw a flash moment of the lilliput. This might be the birds on breeding periods so were not active with calls. We tried in other spots and gave the same poor result.
Until September 10 the birding was tough for us, in the afternoon we drove out to the border of the forest. We called Crimson-winged Woodpecker, and then Afwan saw a silhouette of a woodpecker on a dead palm tree. We were surprised that the woodpecker was a female Javan Flameback, and then the birds flew to another dead palm tree which had many holes.
At that moment we saw a female feeding the chick (Me and Afwan) and male perched on the top of the next dead palm tree. The female flew followed by male. We waited for four hours and they did not show up again. We went back to the home-stay and tried it the next morning.
At 05.00 AM we arrived at the same location as yesterday. While waiting, we played the call of Javan Flameback and Rufous Woodpecker. For a half hour the Javan Flameback finally showed up. A single Rufous Woodpecker came to the Ficus tree near us followed by two other ones.
We enjoyed the behavior, sometimes the birds reacted with the call by ‘drumming’. It’s quite difficult to get a photo because it was always hindered by the leaves. At 07.45 AM the birds flew one by one and left from our scope.
Although birding was low and tough, we finally managed to see four species of woodpeckers, three of which were targets. We drove for five hours to the hotel near Juanda international airport, the next day our Gerard will continue the search for woodpeckers in Sulawesi and Sumatra. Good Luck!
Participant: Waskito Kukuh Wibowo, Gerard Gorman & Afwan Fitria
Additional: On September 17, 2017 I and a few friends revisited Kondang Merak to document the Javan Flameback in the nest tree. Arriving at around 03:15 PM we direct/heading to the nest tree. A few minutes later, no bird activity was observed. I initiated to approach the nest tree to ensure the existence of the bird. We clearly saw the nest-hole of the Javan Flameback. Most likely the young bird has fledged out. Next we headed to the home-stay for staying at night. The next morning we tried to find Gray-and-Buff Woodpecker and Javan Flameback around the home-stay and Jungle Trek.
From 6:30 to 9:00 AM our first trail failed to get the woodpeckers around the home-stay, then we moved to the jungle track. We walked and stopped at some point to play the calls and listen to the respond from the woodpecker. Until we reached the end of the jungle track we heard it was pecking. Soon we scoped the sound source.
Finally we managed to see three Javan Flameback (two males and one female) in one tree. The adults were taking care of the juvenile with a pale red crown. The group was most likely a different family from the other one. We saw their nest in the dead palm trees with a female juvenile.
Systematic List:
1. Anas gibberifrons | Sunda Teal
2. Tachybaptus novaehollandiae | Australasian Grebe
3. Spilopelia chinensis | Spotted Dove
4. Geopelia striata | Zebra Dove
5. Treron griseicauda | Grey-cheeked Green-pigeon
6. Collocalia linchi | Cave Swiftlet
7. Centropus nigrorufus | Javan Coucal
8. Zanclostomus javanicus | Red-billed Malkoha
9. Bubulcus ibis | Cattle Egret
10. Ardea purpurea | Purple Heron
11. Egretta garzetta | Little Egret
12. Charadrius dubius | Little Ringed Plover
13. Charadrius javanicus | Javan Plover
14. Calidris ruficollis | Red-necked Stint
15. Actitis hypoleucos | Common Sandpiper
16. Tringa glareola | Wood Sandpiper
17. Sternula albifrons | Little Tern
18. Spilornis cheela | Crested Serpent-eagle
19. Nisaetus bartelsi | Javan Hawk-eagle
20. Merops philippinus | Blue-tailed Bee-eater
21. Alcedo coerulescens | Cerulean Kingfisher
22. Halcyon cyanoventris | Javan Kingfisher
23. Todiramphus chloris | Collared Kingfisher
24. Psilopogon australis | Yellow-eared Barbet
25. Psilopogon javensis | Black-banded Barbet 26. Psilopogon armillaris | Flame-fronted Barbet
27. Hemicircus concretus | Grey-and-Buff “Liliput” Woodpecker
28. Chrysocolaptes strictus | Javan Flameback
29. Micropternus brachyurus | Rufous Woodpecker
30. Dendrocopos analis | Freckle-breasted Woodpecker
31. Gerygone sulphurea | Golden-bellied Gerygone
32. Pteruthius flaviscapis | Pied Shrike-babbler
33. Pericrocotus miniatus | Sunda Minivet
34. Aegithina tiphia | Common Iora | Heard Only
35. Rhipidura javanica | Sunda Pied Fantail
36. Dicrurus leucophaeus | Ashy Drongo
37. Lanius schach | Long-tailed Shrike
38. Harpactes oreskios | Orange-breasted Trogon
39. Cisticola juncidis | Zitting Cisticola
40. Prinia inornata | Plain Prinia
41. Orthotomus sutorius | Common Tailorbird | Heard Only
42. Hirundo javanica | House Swallow
43. Ixos virescens | Javan Bulbu
44. Pycnonotus dispar | Ruby-throated Bulbul
45. Pycnonotus aurigaster | Sooty-headed Bulbul
46. Pycnonotus bimaculatus | Orange-spotted Bulbul
47. Pycnonotus goiavier | Yellow-vented Bulbul
48. Heleia javanica | Javan Grey-throated White-eye
49. Malacocincla sepiaria | Horsfield’s Babbler | Heard Only
50. Sitta azurea | Blue Nuthatch
51. Eumyias indigo | Indigo Flycatcher
52. Enicurus velatus | Sunda Forktail
53. Enicurus leschenaulti | White-crowned Forktail
54. Ficedula westermanni | Little Pied Flycatcher
55. Arachnothera affinis Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter | Heard Only
56. Lonchura leucogastroides | Javan Munia
57. Passer montanus | Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Mammals:
1. Trachypithecus auratus | Javan Leaf Monkey
2. Callosciurus notatus | Plantain squirrel
Reptiles:
1. Varanus salvator bivittatus | Asian Water Monitor
New Birding Site on Sumba Island DISCOVERED!
Only Sumba Buttonquail Turnix everetti and Mees’s Nightjar Caprimulgus meesi were not seen through our binoculars or lenses during the 9 days we were in Sumba. Sumba is an island in southern Indonesia, rich in various ikat weavings, vast grasslands, a strong ethnic culture and an endless list of interesting spectacles for tourists to enjoy. We came here looking for new birding spots to see the island’s endemic birds.
Depart from Juanda International Airport and transit briefly at Ngurah Rai International Airport and arrive at Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport, Waingapu, East Sumba Regency at 11:40 on 17 August. From 18 August to 22 August 2017 we attended the 2017 Birding and Photo Competition held by Manupeu Tana Daru & Laiwangi Wanggameti NP at Praingkareha resort in Billa Village, which was attended by about 55 participants from many regions in Indonesia. After the event was over, we stayed for the next 3 days and nights to watch and take documentation of the birds.
The day before the competition started, we went to Lambanapu village, 7 Km south of Waingapu for a short birding. We met with Pak Kornelis, a woven ikat craftsman who still practices in the traditional style using natural dyes. He kindly let us, with permission, go birding in his garden and rice fields, only 300 meters from his house.
His garden area contained many plants including Tamarind, Morinda, Kapok Randu, Indigo. We were accompanied by two teenagers, who acted as our guides. For nearly two years, the boys have been diligently documenting the local biodiversity including birds around the Village, so they are well aware of the birds that live there.
Around big Tamarind tree we observed Arafura Fantail, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Indonesian Honeyeater, Sumba Flowerpecker, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Ashy-bellied White-eye and our main target Asian “Nusa Tenggara” Paradise-flycatcher.
Around 15:00 we continued observations from the edge of the paddy fields that were filled with shrubs along the banks of the river. We saw Pale-headed Munia, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Scaly-breasted Munia, Pied Bush-chat, Paddyfield Pipit, Brahminy Kite and at the end of the session a few flocks of “Timor” Zebra Finch.
That night we stayed at Waingapu then on the following day along with the participants, we left for Billa using local public transport called OTO. OTO is a truck modified in such a way as to transport humans, agricultural produce and even livestock!. It was an epic form of public transportation!
The trip from Waingapu to Billa (110 km to the south) took 4 hours , including about 1.5 hours of fine asphalt road, and numerous stops along the famous Wairinding hill, and several other interesting locations to enjoy views of the picturesque Sumba landscape. The rest of the journey (2.5 hours) was along an ugly 1980s asphalt road that wasn’t in good condition at all, making the ride very bumpy and uncomfortable.
We finally arrived at Praingkareha resort, Billa Village at 15:00, and headed to a river that still runs as a small stream, with some puddles at the end of the dry season. Along the river various kinds of trees grow, the fallen leaves scattered on the rocky bottom, yet the water still flows over them.
During our stay (until 25 August 2017) the river was an ideal place to search for endemic and resident birds.
Birds that we met here such as:
Endemic Chestnut-backed Thrush , which can be found every day, sometimes perched on a branch above the river or looking for insects behind leaves and near puddles. Orange-footed Scrubfowl scavenged busily on the ground oblivious of us despite being in plain sight, from morning to afternoon. Mixed flocks of Spectacled Monarch, Arafura Fantail, Broad-billed Flycatcher often visit the river in the afternoon to bathe or drink. They all got very close to us , all the better to take photographs.
Sumba Brown Flycatcher, Sumba Flycatcher, Sumba Warbler (Jungle)-Flycatcher visited one by one, to perch on small branches and swoop down to catch their prey or simply wait silently on stones.
Sumba Flowerpecker were also seen eating tiny yellow fruits that grow on riverside plants. In the undergrowth, at least two individuals of Elegant Pitta were heard but trickier to catch a glimpse. Little Cuckoo-dove and Asian “Gray-capped” Emerald Dove would appear at the edges of the river to drink, and above female Pale-shouldered “Sumba” Cicadabird move from branch to branch.
We found a big dry tree that in the morning hosted many species such as Great-billed Parrot, Sumba Green-pigeon, Marigold Lorikeet, Green Imperial Pigeon, the endemic race of Yellow ‘Citron”-crested Cockatoo, Red-naped Fruit-dove and even Sumba Hornbill.
The smaller branches were observed being picked by Red-naped Fruit-dove for material to construct their nests.
We visited the Laibola hill on 20 August 2017 at around 06.00, from this location one we enjoyed a beautiful panorama of the landscape around Praingkareha resort. As the sun slowly rose the birds began actively seeking perches, and we managed to see several pairs of Electus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, dozens of Slender-billed Crow and around 40 Sumba Hornbills.
Below the hill there is a forest patch, great for seeing Cinnamon Banded Kingfisher especially in the morning before 09:00 this bird can be easily located from their chirping, and seen perched quite low. From this vantage point, it is easy to find Sumba Myzomela, Apricot-breasted Sunbird, Wallacean Drongo, Ashy-bellied White-eye, Yellow-spectacled White-eye, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Helmeted Friarbird, Rusty-breasted Whistler, Short-tailed Starling. Along the forest patch we heard Elegant Pitta calling one to the other.
During our last three days in Billa, especially in the evening, we focused on finding two endemic species of boobooks. We found one only 400 meters from the camping ground, using playback techniques to discover a pair of Greater Sumba Boobook.
On the final night after observing the Greater Sumba Boobook, we searched for Little Sumba “Least” Boobook. After walking about 3 Km from the camping ground we stopped in a vast grassland, started calling, and scoped around the area. At the far end of grassland in the middle of a tree trunk, we finally saw one individual. We tried to get as close as we could and managed to get a photograph.
The bird flew into the forest so we had to follow it in, looking for the elusive critter. Surprisingly, we soon heard at least fours individuals, managing to get clear and short views better than before. At 23:30 we finished owling, and set off back to the camp.
On the last day prior to Waingapu, we returned to the river. We waited on the other side of the almost dry pool, when at 08:00 an Elegant Pitta, which is usually only heard, came down from behind a bush.
The gorgeous bird started flipping leaf litter with its bill while hopping to the nearest pool. We did not stop pressing the camera shutter while sitting as still as we could behind some rocks. Finally, the bird perched on the highest rock, and in that moment we were amazed at the blend of colour all over its body.
Although we were only in Sumba for 9 days, and only visited two locations we successfully managed to spot 19 endemic species, and 43 resident species, missing only Sumba Buttonquail and Mees’s Nightjar. Although, according to the park ranger, these Lesser Sunda endemics are also present on Billa.
We were amazed by Billa, a place to see almost all endemic Sumba by just sitting waiting by the river, or simply walking around the camp area. We called it One Stop Birding Site, the best place to photograph almost all the endemics! Hopefully we will go to Sumba again to complete the endemic list, and explore more, anyone want to join? Feel free to contact us via e-mail for information about the site and organising a tour.
Sumba Birds List (18 – 25 August 2017)
- Orange-footed Scrubfowl | Megapodius reinwardt reinwardt
- Green Junglefowl | Gallus varius | Heard Only
- Eastern Spotted Dove | Spilopelia chinensis
- Little Cuckoo-dove | Macropygia ruficepsorientalis
- Barred Dove | Geopelia maugeus
- Asian “Grey-capped” Emerald Dove | Chalcophaps indicaindica
- Sumba Green-pigeon | Treron teysmannii
- Green Imperial-pigeon | Ducula aeneapolia
- Black-naped Fruit-dove | Ptilinopus melanospilus melanauchen
- Red-naped Fruit-dove | Ptilinopus dohertyi
- Savanna Nightjar | Caprimulgus affinis
- Glossy Swiftlet | Collocalia esculenta sumbawae
- Australian “Brush” Cuckoo | Cacomantis variolosus | Heard Only
- Common Barn-owl | Tyto alba sumbaensis | Heard Only
- Sumba Boobook | Ninox rudolfi
- Least Boobook | Ninox sumbaensis
- Oriental Honey-buzzard | Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis
- Brown Goshawk | Accipiter fasciatus tjendanea
- Brahminy Kite | Haliastur indus intermedius
- Spotted Kestrel | Falco moluccensis microbalia
- Sumba Hornbill | Rhyticeros everetti
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater | Merops philippinus
- Oriental Dwarf-kingfisher | Ceyx erithaca rufidorsa
- Common Kingfisher | Alcedo atthis floresiana
- Collared Kingfisher | Todiramphus chloris chloris
- Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher | Todiramphus australasia australasia
- Yellow “Orange/Citron”-crested Cockatoo | Cacatua [sulphurea] citrinocristata
- Marigold Lorikeet | Trichoglossus capistratusfortis
- Eclectus Parrot | Eclectus roratuscornelia
- Red-cheeked Parrot | Geoffroyus geoffroyi floresianus
- Great-billed Parrot | Tanygnathus megalorynchos sumbensis
- Elegant Pitta | Pitta elegans maria
- Indonesian Honeyeater | Lichmera limbata
- Helmeted Friarbird | Philemon buceroides neglectus
- Sumba Myzomela | Myzomela dammermani
- Rusty-breasted Whistler | Pachycephala fulvotincta fulviventris
- Pale-shouldered (Sumba) Cicadabird | Coracina dohertyi
- White-shouldered Triller | Lalage sueurii
- Arafura Fantail | Rhipidura dryas sumbensis
- Wallacean Drongo | Dicrurus densus sumbae
- Broad-billed Flycatcher | Myiagra ruficollis ruficollis
- Spectacled Monarch | Symposiachrus trivirgatus trivirgatus
- Slender-billed Crow | Corvus enca
- Large-billed Crow | Corvus macrorhynchos
- Olive-backed Tailorbird | Orthotomus sepium | Heard Only
- Yellow-spectacled White-eye | Heleia wallacei
- Ashy-bellied White-eye | Zosterops citrinella
- Short-tailed Starling | Aplonis minor
- Chestnut-backed Thrush | Geokichla dohertyi
- Sumba Brown Flycatcher | Muscicapa segregata
- Sumba Jungle-flycatcher | Cyornis stresemanni
- Sumba Flycatcher | Ficedula harterti
- Pied Bushchat | Saxicola caprata francki
- Thick-billed Flowerpecker | Dicaeum agile tinctum
- Sumba Flowerpecker | Dicaeum wilhelminae
- Apricot-breasted Sunbird | Cinnyris buettikoferi
- Scaly-breasted Munia | Lonchura punctulata sumbae
- Black-faced Munia | Lonchura molucca propinqua
- Pale-headed Munia | Lonchura pallida
- Timor Zebra Finch | Taeniopygia guttata
- Eurasian Tree Sparrow | Passer montanus
- Paddyfield Pipit | Anthus rufulus albidus
East Java Bird Photography Trip Report August 2017
We are so happy finishing our three days (30 July – 01 August 2017) bird photography trip in Tretes Nature Tourism Park , Raden Soerjo GP Forestry and Batu Apple Farm with a Chinese group that series of Bird Photography tour Surabaya-Makassar-West Papua.
In this delightful trip cooperated with Sulawesi Bird and Wildlife Photography Tour and Malang Birding Tour.
The main target birds are Javan Banded Pitta Pitta guajana and Javan Kingfisher Halcyon cyanoventris, also the other that we might find on the site.
Meeting point in the International Airport of Juanda, Surabaya on the afternoon 30 July then we drove to a hotel near Tretes Nature Tourism Park, Pasuruan for staying at night.
At 31 July morning we started looking for Javan Banded Pitta at it birdhide. We spent fullday birding there and got photo of birds such as Horsfield’s Babbler Malacocincla sepiarium, Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus and the first target male and female of Javan Banded Pitta.
In the afternoon we changed location into Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry at Malang, East Java. We were looking for Javan Hawk Eagle Nisaetus bartelsi and the other montane birds. After looking for 1,5 hours the Javan Hawk Eagle did not appear, but we successfully photographed Javan (Sunda / White rumped) Warbler Seicercus grammiceps. We met the birds when an adult was feeding the juvenile. We finished there at 05.00 PM then we moved to the Hotel at Batu city.
In the early morning (05.00 AM) on 01 August we must quickly reach the Javan Kingfisher site at Batu Apple farm. We saw about 6 birds around the site. The birds have just started their activity by singing from a perch. When the weather is clear they start flying around the site.
We waited until the birds perched near us. Definitely at 08.00 AM it perched in front of us for about 7 meters away. Then we shot it. Satisfied with Javan Kingfisher, then we must head to the airport.
On the way we stopped for a while at Raden Soerjo GP Forestry for 30 minutes. Directly we saw and shot two individuals, Indigo Flycatcher Eumyas indigo. The birds were foraging, after we got the photo of it, we continued to the airport and the bird photography trip in East Java ended.
Duet Song of Indigo Flycatchers
On January 28th- February 04th 2017 about one week I had birding in Raden Soeryo GP Forestry. There are a few birding sites in the area that I have visited such as the hot spring “Cangar”, Watu Ondo Bridge, Gajah Mungkur, and Sendi.
Many birds are interesting and beautiful that I can see on these premises, especially in the hot spring “Cangar” and Watu Ondo Bridge. Compared to other places I have visited before, the birds in Raden Soeryo GP Forestry are much more easily found and approachable.
While I was drinking and eating fried foods, the birds would come by themselves around the stall near the hot spring. Javan Flameback Chrysocolaptes strictus, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis, White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti, Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni, Indigo Flycatcher Eumyas indigo and other birds, often small insect foraging on trees near stall.
However, out of all of the birds, Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyas indigo indigo) is one bird that caught my attention. When I was eating “Sempol” (typical food of this place) on the edge of the road bridge Watu Ondo, four individuals of Indigo Flycatcher approached me.
Two birds were perched close together on Casuarina junghuhniana. The distance of approximately two meters away from where I was standing was very obvious and very beautiful. And the shiny metallic blue when exposed to sunlight.
The two birds were chirping softly, a very beautiful done repeatedly. When one individual chirps, other individuals will replay with a chirp while slightly bowed head. This behavior is observed for about five minutes, before the birds fly away.
The two birds are male and female which will perform the courtship display of its preliminary breeding cycle. It is based on breeding information of Indigo Flycatcher that are known in February-August and December.
Indigo Flycatcher found only in Montane and submontane primary and moss forests, from 900 m to 3000 m; generally less frequent above 2600 m. of Java island, Indonesia.Beautiful moment I have rarely encountered before. A perfect birding and delicious food!
Trip Report & Testimonial of Birding in Malang
A total of 5 species of birds in Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry successfully photographed by our guest named Muhid on 22 July 2017 in just about 1.5 hours. In one day we had to change location 3 times. The first is the apple plantation area in Batu. There we entered into birdhide starting at 05.30 am to photograph Javan Kingfisher Halcyon cyanoventris.
Our birdhide lies parallel to the tree with a distance of 8 meters, very enough for the 500mm lens to get full frame images. It did not take long for a Javan Kingfisher Halcyon cyanoventris to land at the top of an apple tree in front of us. Quickly our guests photographed the bird and got a picture of Javan Kingfisher’s front body. About 5 minutes later, the bird flies from the apple tree.
The morning weather conditions were less friendly, because the sun was covered by fog. So the birds, especially the Javan Kingfisher which became our target, were too lazy to perch and sunbathe. Until 07.30 am the target has not been seen again, we finally have to move to Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry. Arrive at the location at 08.00 am.
We went straight to Sunda Warbler’s Seicercus grammiceps nest in the feeding phase. We take a distance of about 8 meters, so as not to disturb the adult to feed the chicks who has not been out of the nest. A pair of adult birds are seen alternating in and out of the nest and catching insects near the nest to give to the chicks who are waiting for the food.
It did not take a long time to get a photo of this bird. When an adult bird carrying food is brought to the nest, it will surely be near the nest long enough while looking around. That moment is a good time to take pictures. Suddenly the flocks of Sunda Minivet Pericrocotus miniatus and Blue Nuthatch Sitta azurea perched on a tree near the entrance of the location. We guide guests to the place. Easily these two species can be recorded by our guests.
After the flock was gone, we proceeded to the parking lot. Immediately we met two young Indigo Flycatcher Eumyas indigo individuals. The bird perched on a bush about 30 cm above ground level.
The two young individuals moved from one branch to another branch near the parking lot. 10 minutes later we saw an adult individual perched on a pine tree on a twig as high as 6-7 meters from the ground. We enjoyed the behavior of all three Indigo Flycatchers up to Lesser Forktail Enicurus velatus coming near us. The endemic bird landed on the ground to look for the insects behind the leaf litter.
After getting some photo frames, the bird goes to the small river on the opposite side. A brief bird-photography trip at Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry finished.
Thousands of Eastern Cattle Egrets on Ketingan
Have you ever observed thousands of Eastern Cattle Egrets Bubulcus comorandus in a nest tree? If not, Ketingan can be the right choice of location. Located about 12 km to the Southwest from the center of Jogja. Administratively in the area of Tlogoadi village, Mlati sub-district, Sleman regency, special region of Yogyakarta. There you can witness the behavior of Eastern Cattle Egret in the nest trees in the garden of villagers.
Since the inauguration of the village monument by Sultan Hamengkubuwono X in 1997, thousands of birds have come and used the trees around Ketingan as a nesting place. Initially, the residents tried to expel the Eastern Cattle Egrets because they were worried about the decline of garden products, health problems caused by the amount of dirt around the gardens and houses. Since 2000, Ketingan was inaugurated as a tourist village by the Sultan.
Eventually, however, the villagers realized that they began to share space and stop the evictions and instead started building village regulations and put up signs of stop shooting and hunting birds, especially Eastern Cattle Egrets around the village. In Indonesia this species and its family became protected animals based on UU No. 5/1990 and PP No. 7/1999.
Eastern Cattle Egret or Cattle Egret have a size body about 50 cm. In the non-breeding period: white body plumage, except orange stroke on the forehead or lores of some birds. Yellow iris, yellow bill, and black legs.
During the breeding period: head, neck and breast coloured faded orange. Iris, legs and breast coloured bright red. Can be distinguished from other herons because the body is more robust, the neck is shorter, the head is more round, and the beak is shorter and thicker.
With thousands of Eastern Cattle Egret birds in Ketingan, people, especially domestic and foreign tourists, are interested in coming to observe their behavior in nest trees. In certain months such as in early September this bird will leave the nest, but will return during the breeding season, arriving around mid-October to nurture and go away when the chicks are grown.
Other Attraction on Ketingan
It is a blessing for residents by renting out rooms or home-stays for tourists. The average price of home-stays in Ketingan is Rp. 75.000, – per night (3X meals).
For birdwatchers or bird-photographers, it is very easy and close to observe it with up to 7000 individuals. Simply by going down the village alleys and looking for a fairly short nest tree about 6-8 meters you will get a good view or photo.
Beside that, tourists can follow and enjoy the traditional ceremonies. Try to live a few days before harvest time and participate in Wiwitan (thanksgiving before harvest time) or come before planting time and follow the tradition of Angler (salvation before rice planting). After the peak season of harvest time, the residents will be celebrating with Merti Bumi which is always held in September. At the event, various performances of art and culture such as wayang performances, carnival and kenduri as a form of gratitude to the Creator of the abundant produce can be witnessed.
How to get to Ketingan Village via public transport:
– From Adisucipto International Airport heading to Ketingan village: go exit to the Trans Jogja Bus Shelter, take a bus going to Jombor Bus Station. Then take a “Angkot” going to Mlati, get off at Pasar Cebongan and call for ojek to the location.
– From Giwangan Bus Station heading to Ketingan village: take a bus going to Tempel, get off at Jombor Bus Station. Then take a “Angkot ” going to Mlati get off at Pasar Cebongan and call for ojek to the location.
– From Jombor Bus Station heading to Ketingan village: take a “Angkot” going to Mlati, get off at Pasar Cebongan and call for ojek to the location. – From Lempuyangan heading to Ketingan village: go to Trans Jogja Bus Shelter and take a bus going to Jombor Bus Station. Then take a “Angkot” going to Mlati, get off at Pasar Cebongan and call for ojek to the location.
– From Tugu station heading to Ketingan village: go to Trans Jogja Bus Shelter and take a bus going to Jombor Bus Station. Then take a “Angkot” going to Mlati, get off at Pasar Cebongan and call for ojek to the location.If you go Ketingan using car or motorbike try to follow this point using google map.
Half Day Birding in Malang
One of the best locations for birding in Malang area, especially to see Javas montane endemic birds is at Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry. Read more about the location here. This location is also listed in The 100 Best Bird Watching Sites in Southeast Asia. In July this weather in Malang, Batu and surrounding areas is great for birding, mostly sunny from morning to afternoon. Only occasionally 1-2 times there is a small and short rain in a week. Similarly, on Monday, July 17, 2017 at one birding site Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry named Watu Ondo.
The sun was shining brightly when we were arrived around 08.00 AM. We were greeted by 2 Indigo Flycatchers families who were nurturing their already flying chick. The immature have chest and throat spots red-pink, brown-red slices, black beak and legs.
This is surprisingly make us happy after the #Savebirdnest project several months ago and still running. After a while there was a Javan Hawk-eagle soaring above the parking area, followed by a Crested Serpent-eagle whistle then appearing above us. The presence of the two species of eagle indicates our arrival at the site late to see various types of birds, because the birds must have gone to find food. Moving ahead of the regional ticket sales counter, there was the sound of many bird species. There’s a herd of Crescent-chested Babbler and Horsfield’s Babbler on the jungle floor, then on the canopy a family of Snowy-browed Flycatchers is watching the immature descend on the pavement of the highway. Immature spotted birds brown, sliced dark brown, black beak, legs gray to brown. In the upper canopy are two species of endemic birds, a pair of Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler and the Sunda Streaked Bulbul flocks that are eating the remains of fruits and insects in the leaf armpits. After the flocks of the birds disappear, return to the parking lot again. Suddenly a Lesser (Sunda) Forktail flies and lands on the ground. This bird is feeding behind the dried leaves that are around the parking lot. Not so difficult to observe and photograph this bird, just walk slowly and squat to the desired distance.
Lesser (Sunda) Forktail that is observed is male birds because it has a crown and nape of gray to black. Around the area there was Pygmy Wren-Babbler’s voice behind the thick grass. I waited a little longer but the bird did not come up with the form.
At 10:00 AM the area became deserted from the sound of birds, so we headed to the food stalls and waited for the birds to reappear. While waiting for me to try along the creek beside the stall, walk about 100 meters and then a Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker alighted on a small branch of a tree beside the river. When I take the camera that I leave at the food stall, the bird actually disappears. I went back to the food stall.
Until 11:00 AM the condition was still quiet, we were only entertained with a group of Ebony Leaf Monkey who eat young leaves in the trees around the stall. It’s easy to meet and observe Ebony Leaf Monkey around the Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry which is Vulnerable status according to IUCN Redlist and only exists in Indonesia.
We decided to go home when the fog began to rise and it would be difficult to photograph the birds in that situation. Back to the parking area we were greeted by a Flame-fronted Barbet who was eating. We try to get close and look at it. We are trying to take pictures but the light is not good and the fog is annoying to get good results. Finally we just took a record shot and went home.
The results are not so disappointing because we get 11 species of birds, and 5 species are endemic birds within a short time.
Infographic: #SaveBirdsNest Project Report
Java is famous for being “the most populous island in the world”. 160 million lives on 12,670,000 Ha of Java land, or 1,317 people per Km. 521,681 ha of area or land for wildlife. It is a very far-reaching comparison between the land inhabited by humans and other living things.
With the passage of time whether we (humans) can share space with the flora and fauna? Report to all donors and participants of the #SaveBirdsNest project that has been running and hopefully continues to spread throughout the country. Rp. 10.700.000 funds were collected through the making of “The Hornbills of Indonesia” poster which spent Rp. 5,067,500. Used Rp. 2,150,000 for a nest guarding operation in Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forest, involving 56 #GuardianBirdsNest of 10 Organizations. The remaining funds will be used to continue this activity.
4 point areas became the primary guard location of 28,712 ha total area of Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forest, 32 species of birds (from 127 species of birds in the area) recorded breed, there were 34 active nests with 21 nests successfully guarded with chick record succeeding out of the nest, 13 Nests fail to be saved because of the hunters.
“Animals, wild plants and all living things will soon be destroyed and extinct if we (humans) are ignorant and apathetic.Let up again to care and take action to harmonize the harmony of balance and survival on Earth that we live together.”
Thank you very much.
Infographic design by: Nurdin Setio Budi