Category: Trip Report

We were so happy after a successful trip with clients from the US. During April 4 – 7th 2018 between their honeymoon in Indonesia, together we were birding in Bali and East Java. The tours were fantastic with a total of 118 species, also main target Bali Myna and Javan-hawk Eagle success to be recorded. 90% of the birds we found were new for Casey and Versha.

The tours started in Bali where we visited main birding locations such as around Bedugul Botanical Gardens and Bali Barat National Park. Then the following day we visited great forests around mount Ijen and savanna like grassland in Baluran NP and Alas Purwo NP. Casey and Versha were amazed with the habitat in each birding location and they enjoyed the pace of the tours.

Here the itinerary of the tours:

Day 1 – April 4th 2018 Meet up at hotel in Benoa, Bali at 5.00 am then drive to Bedugul Botanic Garden in search of montane birds. Arrived here at 7.00 am, then we birding until 11.00 am. Lunch at a small restaurant near the locations, 00.30 pm continue birding around lake Beratan and Buyan. Suddenly the rain fell so we decided to change the birding area in Bali Barat NP for the main target, Bali Myna/Starling.

We were so lucky, when we arrived the rain stopped and the wild (no rings on its legs) Bali Myna perched on the rooftop near the parking area. We spent just 30 minutes then looking at other birds in another part of Bali Barat NP while we drove to the port of Gilimanuk.

Before dawn we took a ferry and crossed the Bali strait. Then drive to the Grand Harvest Resort near Mount Ijen. We stayed overnight here before boarding Mount Ijen the next day.

Day 2 – April 5th 2018

Check out from the hotel then drive for 30 minutes to the forest around mount Ijen. When we arrived, we quickly looked for the most targeted birds in Ijen, Grey-breasted Partridge. Sadly, we only heard after hanging up for half an hour. Continue looking at other montane birds. Lunch in Paltuding (entrance ticket to hike mount Ijen), where plenty of small restaurants are available. After that at 00.30 pm drive down while stopping by in search of endemics and others.

At 02.00 pm we finished birding in mount Ijen, then we drove to the small marshes near Baluran NP. Our target is Asian Golden Weaver, successfully added to our list. After dinner we stayed in Watu Dodol for the next two nights.

Day 3 – April 6th 2018

After breakfast we went to Baluran NP, while driving-in the park we stopped in an evergreen area. Then we continue looking for other lowland birds in the mangrove area until 11.00 am. Lunch at a small canteen near the Bama beach, after that Versha wanted to enjoy the sea while we rested for a while. In the afternoon, drive-out then stop in Bekol savannah-like grassland to enjoy the sunset.

Day 4 – April 7th 2018 We had a long drive on the last day. In the morning at 6.30 am we arrived in Alas Purwo NP at the south-eastern part of the island. First location was Sadengan grassland. We enjoyed our morning coffee while Banteng was grazing in front of us. We were birding in Alas Purwo until 9.00 am the drive out to a restaurant at Banyuwangi before we took ferries to cross Bali strait again.

111 species is ‘lifer’ or new for Casey, all kingfishers on this trip become Versha’s favorites, also the Long-tailed Macaque and Javn-leaf Monkey / Javan Langur. Here the highlight birds and the systematic list:

Highlights of the trip:

1. Bali Myna (Starling) Leucopsar rothschildi

Found in Teluk Trima, Bali Barat NP. 1 wild bird and about 10 individuals with rings on its legs.

2. Javan Hawk-eagle Nisaetus bartelsi

Single adult bird was soaring in the forest around Mount Ijen.

3. Grey-and-Buff (Red-crested) Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus

Pairs with immature male were foraging in the forest around mount Ijen.

4. Javan Kingfisher Halcyon cyanoventris

Single individuals perched on cable when we drive down from mount Ijen and one other in small marshes near Baluran NP

5. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus

5 individuals were seen in the morning near Sadengan grassland, Alas Purwo NP.

Gallery:

Systematic List:

6. Javan Pond-Heron Ardeola speciosa | Buyan Lake, Bali
7. Wooly-Necked Stork Ciconia episcopus | Paddy-field near mount Ijen, East Java
8. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus | Alas Purwo NP
9. White-Bellied Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster | Bali Barat NP
10. Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela | Bali Barat NP
11. Black-Thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius |Baluran NP
12. Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator | Baluran NP
13. Green Peafowl Pavo muticus | Baluran NP
14. Green Junglefowl Gallus varius | Baluran NP
15. White-Breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus | Small marshes near Baluran NP
16. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus | Bali Barat NP
17. Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura | Small marshes near Baluran NP
18. Black-Naped Tern Sterna sumatrana | Baluran NP
19. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii | Baluran NP
20. Pink-Necked Green-Pigeon Treron vernans | Bali Barat NP
21. Orange-Breasted Green-Pigeon Treron bicinctus | Baluran NP
22. Pink-Headed Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus porphyreus | Mt. Ijen
23. Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea | Baluran NP
24. Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall | Bali Botanical Gardens
25. Ruddy Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia emiliana | Bali Botanical Gardens
26. Zebra Dove Geopelia striata | Bali Barat NP
27. Island Collared-Dove Streptopelia bitorquata | Bali Botanical Gardens
28. Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis | Baluran NP
29. (Grey-capped) Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica | Baluran NP
30. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus | Small marshes near Baluran NP
31. Sunda Coucal Centropus nigrorufus | Alas Purwo NP
32. Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis | Bali Barat NP
33. Cave Swiftlet Collocalia linchi | Bedugul Botanical Gardens
34. Grey-Rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis | Bali Barat NP
35. Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo coerulescens | Bali Barat NP
36. Oriental Dwarf-kingfisher Ceyx erithaca | Baluran NP
37. Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus | Bali Barat NP
38. Collared KingfisherTodiramphus chloris | Baluran NP
39. Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater Merops leschenaulti | Bali Barat NP
40. Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater Merops philippinus | East Java
41. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris | Baluran NP
42. Yellow-Eared Barbet Psilopogon australis | Alas Purwo NP
43. Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus | Bali Barat NP
44. Freckle-Breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis | Baluran NP
45. Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker Picoides moluccensis | Baluran NP
46. Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus | Alas Purwo NP
47. Crimson-Winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus | Baluran NP
48. Black-Winged Flycatcher-Shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus | Mt. Ijen
49. Sunda Cuckooshrike Coracina larvata | Mt. Ijen
50. Pied Triller Lalage nigra | Baluran NP
51. White-Shouldered Triller Lalage sueurii | Bali Botanical Gardens
52. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus | Mt. Ijen
53. Sunda Minivet Pericrocotus miniatus | Mt. Ijen
54. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia | Baluran Np
55. Sooty-Headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster | Bedugul Botanical Gardens
56. Olive-Winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus | Baluran NP
57. Yellow-Vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier | Baluran NP
58. Ruby-Throated Bulbul Pycnonotus dispar | Alas Purwo NP
59. Orange-Spotted Bulbul Pycnonotus bimaculatus | Mt. Ijen
60. Sunda (Javan) Bulbul Ixos virescens | Mt. Ijen
61. Lesser Racket-Tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer | Bali Botanical Gardens
62. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus | Bali Botanical Gardens
63. Black-Naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis | Bali Botanical Gardens
64. Blue Nuthatch Sitta azurea | Mt. Ijen
65. Crescent-Chested Babbler Cyanoderma melanothorax | Bali Botanical Gardens
66. Grey-Cheeked Tit-Babbler Mixornis flavicollis | Alas Purwo NP
67. Javan Whistling-Thrush Myophonus glaucinus | Bali Botanical Gardens
68. Golden-Bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea | Bali Barat NP
69. (Javan) Sunda Warbler Phylloscopus grammiceps | Bali Botanical Gardens
70. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis | Bali Botanical Gardens
71. Mountain Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus | Bali Botanical Gardens
72. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis | Small marshes near Baluran NP
73. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris | Bali Botanical Gardens
74. Sunda Bush-Warbler Cettia vulcania | Mt. Ijen
75. Russet (Javan)Bush-Warbler Locustella montis | Mt. Ijen
76. Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps | Baluran NP
77. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata | Small marshes near Baluran NP
78. Fulvous-Chested Jungle-Flycatcher Cyornis olivaceus | Bali Botanical Gardens
79. Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus | Mt. Ijen
80. Indigo Flycatcher Eumyas indigo | Mt. Ijen
81. Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina | Mt. Ijen
82. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermani | Bali Botanical Gardens
83. Grey-Headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis | Bali Botanical Gardens
84. Mangrove Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra | Baluran NP
85. Hill-blue Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas | Baluran NP
86. Sunda Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica | Bali Barat NP
87. White-Bellied Fantail Rhipidura euryura | Mt. Ijen
88. Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala cinerea | Baluran NP
89. White-Breasted Wood-Swallow Artamus leucorynchus | Bali Barat NP
90. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava | Bali Botanical Gardens
91. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus | Baluran NP
92. Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis | Bali Botanical Gardens
93. Short-Tailed Starling Aplonis minor | Bali Botanical Gardens
94. Black-Winged (Grey-backed) Myna Acridotheres melanopterus tricolor | Baluran NP
95. Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus | Alas Purwo NP
96. Olive-Backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis | Bali Barat NP
97. Indonesian Honeyeater Lichmera limbata | Buyan Lake, Bali
98. Scarlet-Headed Flowerpecker Dicaeum trochileum | Baluran NP
99. Blood-Breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum sanguinolentum | Bali Botanical Gardens
100. Mountain White-Eye Zosterops montanus | Bali Botanical Gardens
101. Javan Grey-Throated White-Eye Heleia javanica | Bali Botanical Gardens
102. Java Sparrow Lonchura oryzivora | Baluran NP
103. Javan Munia Lonchura leucogastroides | Small marshes near Baluran NP
104. Scaly-Breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata | Mt. Ijen
105. White-Headed Munia Lonchura maja | Small marshes near Baluran NP
106. Asian Golden Weaver Ploceus hypoxanthus | Small marshes near Baluran NP
107. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica | Alas Purwo NP
108. Black-Crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax | Small marshes near Baluran NP
109. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos | Buyan Lake, Bali
110. Gull-Billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica | Baluran NP
111. Lesser Crested-Tern Thalasseus bengalensis | Baluran NP
112. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis | Baluran NP
113. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica | Baluran NP
114. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus | Baluran NP
115. Great Tit Parus Major | Baluran NP
116. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus | Buyan Lake, Bali
117. Long-Tailed Shrike Lanius schach | Buyan Lake, Bali
118. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus | Buyan Lake, Bali

Other Taxa:

1. Long-talied Macque
2. Javan-leaf Monkey / Javan Langur
3. Banteng
4. Timor Deer
5. Water Buffalo

On March 16 – 20th 2018 we managed to arrange bird photography trips for our clients from Hong Kong. This custom-tailor trip only has a few targets, Banded Kingfisher and Javan Banded Pitta. Visited five birding locations around Malang, East Java. We Met up in the afternoon in Juanda international airport, Surabaya on March 16th (Day 1) then we drove to a Hotel in Malang, while having dinner on the way.

Start birding on day two, at 5.00 am we drive to a coffee plantation in Jabung village, Malang to take shots of Javan Banded Pitta. Sadly, we failed because three different nests were empty. Maybe, taken by predators or the chicks already fledged.

Then we changed direction to Piket Nol, Lumajang in search of the main target, Banded Kingfisher. We hang out near it’s nest from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm. Lucky to see and get the pictures of the female, but we missed the male until afternoon. So, we drove to Hotel Cakra, Malang and tried another chance the next morning.

Start driving at 5.00 am (March 18th) and reach the same location as yesterday at 7.00 am. We waited in a camouflage tent until 10.00 am with no presence of male birds. Then our friends in different spots called us via handy-talky that they saw the male.

Quickly we packed our gear and moved. For 45 minutes we enjoyed and shot many pictures of colorful male birds. Also present the Javan Broadbill that managed to save on our camera’s card.

At 12.30 pm we drove to Pasirian, Lumajang while having lunch in a small cafeteria on the way. at 2.00 pm we arrived, built the tent next to small fish-ponds waiting for Cerulean Kingfisher. How lucky we are, one family of 2 adults and 1 immature managed to get the pictures. We enjoyed moving from the area in the afternoon.

We had a long drive on day four (March 19th), six hours driving from Pasirian, Lumajang (our clients want to take Cerulean Kingfisher in early daylight) to Apple Farm in Batu city. When we arrived, the weather was a little rainy. Worried the Javan Kingfisher would not show, but we tried first.

Just waited for 10 minutes, the birds were coming. Perched on a small branch, we had a super close and clear view!

On the last day, we have two hours to get another chance to shoot Javan Banded Pitta in Prigen, Pasuruan before we leave the area. At 9.00 am we finished the tour then dropped off our clients at the airport in frustration of the Pitta!

Reports from Gizan Hila on his latest birding trip in Sumbawa island.

Two days birding was done on February 28th 2018 and March 1st 2018 at two locations in Sumbawa island, West Nusa Tenggara part of Lesser Sunda archipelago. This trip was more like fun birding. We enjoyed the landscape while the birds showed up to complete the panorama.

• Day One – Feb 28th 2018

We visited Nisa Wawi beach at Nanga Nur peninsula, administered in Sangia village, Sape sub-district, Bima regency. To reach this small island we had to drive for 40 minutes from Bima city (boat trip for 20 minutes from Sape harbor).

Only tamarinds which is a big tree on this island, in addition reeds, Lote trees and shrubs that grow around beaches and limestone peninsulas. Finish enjoyed the “beach watching” then we start birding on 8.00 pm, focused for owling until 10.00 pm.

• Day Two – Mar 1st 2018

Drive west for 30 minutes from Sape harbor to reach a river which is surrounded by dense vegetation in Diwu Konca (an hour from Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport) . Administered in Sari village Sape sub-district, Bima regency.

We also visited other habitats such as terraced rice fields and bamboo clusters for afternoon birding starting from 3.00 pm until 6.00 pm.

17 participants were joining this party. Managed to see 20 bird species. Here with the highlights such as:

– Mollucan Scops Owl, 5 individuals seen at Nisa Wawi

– 30 individuals White-shouldered Triller at Nisa Wawi – Golden-rumped Flowerpecker, 10 individuals seen at Diwu Konca – Two pairs of Rusty-breasted Whistler at Diwu Konca – A single Grey-capped Emerald Dove at Diwu Konca

Other notable birds included:

Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-naped Monarch, Zitting Cisticola, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Cave Swiftlet, Lemon-bellied White-eye, Yellow-ringed White-eye, Olive-backed Sunbird, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Collared Kingfisher, Lesser Coucal, Spotted Dove, Red Junglefowl, Long-tailed Shrike.

Gallery:

Managed to arrange two days birding tours for Sarah Hammarlund from the United States of America during her trips in Yogyakarta (or simply Jogja). This birding tour was run by our local partner birdtour operator, named Loontour Jogja and led by Imam Taufiqqurrahman. Indonesia, especially Jogja, is new for our clients, so almost all the birds she has seen become her lifers. The fruitful trip listed 50 bird species!

On the first day February 26th 2018, we visited Gunung Merapi National Park. While waiting for the gate to open, scanning birds around Plunyon, Kaliurang until 8.00 am. Then move to Plawangan hill via Telogo Nirmolo. At 12.00 am I managed to see 22 bird species. Next, drive for 45 minutes to Jogja city at Melia Purosani hotel in search of Java Sparrow.

Scanning around pines tree at west part of the hotel, quickly pairs of the birds catch by our scopes as close the day.

The trip continued on March 2nd 2018, the first stop was Jatimulyo village as part of Menoreh Mountains (an hour drive west of Jogja city). Searching lowland birds around this agroforest ecosystem. At noon we drive for an hour to Trisik beach and Kali Progo estuary for shorebirds. Visited three habitats such as paddy field, beach and estuary.

Fun! 30 birds on the second day. She was very excited with things beyond, such as the village situation, knowing the plantations that become popular products: coffee, chocolate, sugar palm. Even requested to see the ‘shy princess’ plant 😀

Finished the trip at afternoon with some highlights:

– 2 individuals of White-flanked Sunbird at Telogo Nirmolo, Gunung Merapi NP as her favorite

– Javan Whistling Thrush at Telogo Nirmolo, Gunung Merapi NP

– Small flock of Javan Fulvetta at Telogo Nirmolo, Gunung Merapi NP

– 5 individuals of Pink-headed Fruitdove at Telogo Nirmolo, Gunung Merapi NP

– 5 individuals of Java Sparrow at Melia Purosani hotel

– Ruby-throated Bulbul at Jatimulyo village

– Streaky-breasted (Javan) Spiderhunter at Jatimulyo village

– 4 individuals of Cerulean Kingfisher at Kali Progo esturary

– Javan Plover at Kali Progo estuary

Other notable birds included:

Slender-billed Crow, Javan Myna, Asian Glossy Starling, Striated Grassbird, Red-breasted Parakeet, Long-tailed Shrike, Ashy Drongo, Oriental White-eye, Ashy Tailorbird, Chestnut-backed Scimitar-babbler, Sunda Bulbul, Barred Cuckoo-dove, Spotted Dove, Crested Honey Buzzard, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Black-capped Babbler, Crested Goshawk, Cave Swiftlet, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Common Iora, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Hordfield’s Babbler, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Brown-throated Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Javan Munia, Peregrine Falcon, Little Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Yellow Bittern, Barred Buttonquail, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Sandpiper, Greater Crested Tern, Barn Swallow, Zitting Cisticola, Plain Prinia, Olive-backed Sunbird.

For 3 days we visited the most popular Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java which is famous for its panoramic epic Mount Bromo, Tenggerese peoples and the highest peak of Java island, Semeru mountain. In contrast to other visitors who usually visit the breathtaking mount Bromo or climb Semeru mountain, we visited four birding spots around that area. This National Park still has a large rainforest that is still good and protected, and would be good habitat conditions for wildlife, especially birds.

On 17 January morning we headed to Piket Nol, Lumajang, East Java. The cliff area that became the crossroad of Malang-Lumajang highway still has good forest. We start from the searching of a bridge then walk westwards. In the morning the condition of passing vehicles is quite rare, so we just enjoy bird watching. Highlight birds that we managed to see for this spots are (Javan) Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Banded Kingfisher, (Javan) Banded Broadbill, Yellow-throated Hanging-parrot, Yellow-eared Barbet and Grey-cheeked tit-babbler.

Then at noon we drove to the south coast of Lumajang, at Selok Anyar village where habitat in this area is a rice field along the edge of the coastline with some angles there are fish ponds owned by the residents. Also there are some rice fields that become pastures where the buffalo graze.

We arrived here at 1.00 pm at a fishpond, immediately greeted by the Small-blue Kingfisher flying past us toward the other ponds. Then we walked along the rice fields, pastures and ponds to the rows of Australian pine tree beachside. As a result we noted many birds and the highlights were Javan Kingfisher, Small-blue or Cerulean Kingfisher, Javan Plover, Red Avadavat, Javan Munia.

On the second day we can only do a short birding until 10.30 pm in Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP because the rain does not stop until night. But in the lowland forest with a semi-natural lake, we managed to note endemic birds such as Javan Kingfisher, Sunda Cuckoo, Javan-banded Pitta, Sunda Forktail, and Javan Sunbird.

Similarly on the last day we were less fortunate. Arriving at the fourth birding spot, Coban Trisula departs from Ranu Darungan 1.5 hours through the rainforest in the area of Senduro and Tengger villages in Ranu Pani village and arrives at the location around 10:00 am. Not long after the rain was down until the afternoon. The rain stopped briefly, and there were some active birds like Pink-headed Fruitdove and White-browed Shrike-Babbler as well as the end of birding trips at Bromo Tengger Semeru NP.

HIGHLIGHTS:

(Javan) Buff-rumped Woodpecker: 2 individuals seen at Piket Nol, Lumajang, East Java.

Banded Kingfisher: a female perched for 30 minutes at Piket Nol, Lumajang, East Java.

(Javan) Banded Broadbill: 2 adults with 1 immature, looking for it’s meals at Piket Nol, Lumajang, East Java.

Yellow-throated Hanging-parrot: 2-3 birds were foraging at Piket Nol, Lumajang and 1 flight at Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Yellow-eared Barbet: party of 22 birds at fruiting ficus sp tree in Piket Nol, Lumajang, East Java.

Sunda Coucal: 2 birds seen at sugarcane fields in south-coast of Lumajang, East Java.

Grey-cheeked Tit-babbler: a small flock about 6 birds at Piket Nol, Lumajang, East Java.

Crescent-chested Babbler: 6 birds foraging at bushes in Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Javan Plover: a small flock of 6 birds foraging at paddy field in south-coast of Lumajang, East Java.

Javan Kingfisher: 3 individuals at paddy field south-coast of Lumajang and 1 bird at Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Small-blue or Cerulean Kingfisher: 2 birds perched at a fishpond in the south-coast of Lumajang, East Java.

Blue-eared Kingfisher: a pair of male and female around lake of Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Javan-banded Pitta: 4 individuals calling each other at Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Javan Sunbird: A pair of male and female in Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Sunda Forktail: single bird at the lake of Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Sunda Cuckoo: 2 birds singing in the canopy of a big tree in Ranu Darungan, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Pink-headed Fruitdove: 1 adult and 1 immature foraging at Coban Trisula, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

White-browed Shrike-Babbler: 1 male and 2 female catch moths at Coban Trisula, Bromo Tengger Semeru NP, East Java.

Red Avadat: 30 individuals looking for food on the ground of a paddy field in the south-coast of Lumajang, East Java.

Javan Munia: total 67 birds foraging paddy seed at paddy field in south-coast of Lumajang, East Java.

Other notable birds included:

Crested-serpent Eagle, Black-thighed Falconet, White-breasted Waterhen, Greater Coucal, Lesser Coucal, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Lesser Shortwing, Horsfield’s Babbler, Ashy Drongo, Red-billed Malkoha, Plaintive Cuckoo, Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo, Collared Kingfisher, Black-banded Barbet, Grey-and-buff Woodpecker, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Pied Triller, Scarlet Minivet, Large Woodshrike, Black-headed Bulbul, Sooty-vented Bulbul, Cream-vented Bulbul, Ashy Tailorbird, Wood Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Purple Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Common Buttonquail, Barred Buttonquail, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Sandpiper, Swinhoe’s Snipe, Pin-tailed Snipe, Greater Crested Tern, Spotted Dove, Savanna Nightjar, Cave Swiftlet, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, Pacific Swallow, Western Yellow Wagtail, Paddyfield Pipit, Zitting Cisticola, Plain Prinia, Common Tailorbird, Scaly-breasted Munia.

PHOTOGRAPHED BIRDS:

A sunny day when we were birding in Tahura R. Soeryo, Malang, East Java on 21 October 2017 with a family group from Jakarta. I Departed from Batu city around 08.30 am and arrived at the first location around Cangar hot spring 09.30 am.

We started walking around the cafeteria, we were greeted by Gray Wagtail flying down a small river in front of the canteen. Then scoped at the branches of the trees around. For 10 minutes only Sooty-headed Bulbul appeared.

Moved around the public toilet immediately greeted a Javan Kingfisher perched on the tree behind the toilet. We approached and looked for a clear view to enjoy its colorful feathers. These Java-Bali endemics are usually not easy to observe, it would fly away when seen by people approached.

Then the mix-flocks come with a noisy tweet at the top of the trees near the hot spring garden. The observed species such as Black-winged Flycatchershrike, Sunda Minivet, Sunda Cuckooshrike, Ashy Drongo, Blue Nuthatch and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch.

Next, we went into a jogging trek that led to the Japanese cave. Quite quiet along this path, just heard Rusty-breasted Cuckoo singing and a fast view of Oriental Cuckoo. Likewise when we arrived in front of the Japanese cave, hardly any birds appeared.

Wait a while and at least see the female White-flanked Sunbird and Javan Whistling Thrush which was the island’s endemic. Around 11.30 am I moved to the second spot, Watu Ondo ‘s parking area and park.

Upon arrival, an Indigo Flycatcher welcomed us. Indigo subspecies became full species spread only in montane and submontane primary and moss forests of Java. He perched on the bushes and occasionally grabbed the flying insects around it.

The raptor migration had begun, marked by the presence of Crested Honey Buzzard soaring high enough above us, then flew away from view.

We then walked in the opposite direction and found some Flame-fronted Barbet foraged at Ficus sp trees. This bird was very tame and did not care about us observing it close enough, about 10 meters.

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Suddenly in the same tree from behind the leaves came a Pink-headed Fruit-dove to the center of a twig near the main stem. The red color in the head to his chest very firmly indicates that this was a male bird.

Same with the previous species, he did not feel disturbed by our presence. For approximately 45 minutes, we enjoyed this beautiful bird. Sometimes he ate the fruit of Ficus sp and then moved to perched and returned to eat the fruit. This live in the mountain forests of Sumatra and Java, became tour closing. Although it was only one day, at least we were lucky to see many species that were quite elusive and of course beautiful.

Systematic List:

1. Sooty-headed Bulbul | Pycnonotus aurigaster

2. Grey Wagtail | Motacilla cinerea

3. Lesser Forktail | Enicurus velatus | Heard Only

4. Javan Kingfisher | Halcyon cyanoventris

5. Black-winged Flycatchershrike | Hemipus hirundinaceus

6. Sunda Cuckooshrike | Coracina larvata

7. Sunda Minivet | Pericrocotus miniatus

8. Blue Nuthatch | Sitta azurea

9. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch | Sitta frontalis

10. Little Pied Flycatcher | Ficedula westermanni

11. Indigo Flycatcher | Eumyias indigo

12. Javan Hawk-Eagle | Nisaetus bartelsi

13. Oriental Cuckoo | Cuculus saturates

14. Rusty-breasted Cuckoo | Cacomantis sepulcralis

15. Ashy Drongo | Dicrurus leucophaeus

16. Sunda Whistling-thrush | Myophonus glaucinus

17. White-flanked Sunbird | Aethopyga eximia

18. Sunda Bush-warbler | Cettia vulcania | Heard Only

19. Lesser Shortwing | Brachypteryx leucophrys | Heard Only

20. White-browed Shrike-Babbler | Pteruthius flaviscapis

21. Crested Honey Buzzard | Pernis ptilorhynchus

22. Flame-fronted Barbet | Megalaima armillaris

23. Pink-headed Friut-dove | Ptilinopus porphyreus

Mammals:

1. Trachypithecus auratus | Javan Leaf Monkey

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

I had the opportunity to visit Raden Soerjo Greater Park Forestry, Malang. The area is a mountainous forest on the slopes of Arjuno-Welirang-Anjasmoro mountains. This place is one of the best locations to birding/bird watching and bird photography typical Javan mountain birds I have ever visited. There are two birding sites I’ve visited, Watu Ondo waterfall and hot spring baths Cangar. Visiting this place always makes eyes amazed with the beauty of the landscape and the colorful birds hopping among the leaves.

This second chance to visit the area, I was accompanied by a courtier of Birdpacker, Waskito Kukuh Wibowo, Nurdin Setio Budi, Swiss Winnasis, Ahmad Yanuar, Arif Budiawan and M. Hilmi. Thanks are the highest and lift the cap for those who have guided observation wholeheartedly. For nearly a week of observation, 31 species can be observed very well. Of the 31 species observed, I’ll tell you the highlights from day to day.

Day 1, Monday, December 19, 2016

I arrived at the Watu Ondo waterfall at noon, too bad. Fortunately, my observations at the very special place. Though it was daylight, there were still a lot of birds that could be enjoyed. Flame-fronted Barbet is one bird that is very easily found and photographed on the first day. A kind tree from the family piperacea that was bearing fruit became its favorite food and we can find these birds easily very closely. This bird is one of the endemic birds of Java with the dominant color green, very pretty.

Flocks of Sunda Minivet break my focus while observing and photographing barbets. Dominant orange contrasting strongly with green leaves around, makes it such a beautiful flower that broke-fracturing. This bird is endemic to the highlands of Sumatra and Java, very easy to seen in this place.

Later I was invited to the site, not far from the parking lot Watu Ondo waterfall and its location is easy to reach. After waiting a while, finally a Javan Hawk-eagle appeared and perched on a tall tree. I tried to take pictures with a 400mm lens, but it was still very far to reach.

Not long from the first encounter with the Javan Hawk-eagle, it persistently reappeared. This time perched lower than before. Even had flown right over our heads. Even had flown right over our heads. Finally I succeeded in photographing Javan Hawk-eagles from a short distance. Yeay!

On the first day I was also guided to observe the Mountain Leaftoiler’s nest. The Nests laid on top of the plant that are not too high. Several times the birds were seen carrying food into the nest. Most likely the eggs had already hatched a few days ago and now in parenting by both parents. I succeed in shots when the birds return to the nest.

Day 2, Tuesday, December 20, 2016

I was very lucky because the next night I stayed in the area, so I could birdwatch and photograph birds earlier than before. Luckily the weather was quite bright despite the night it rained. Some birds appear gathered in the courtyard of the pavilion which is filled with grass. Interestingly, among the flocks, there are several Common Myna. Its population in several places in Indonesia is the result of the introduction, mainly from domestic birds loose. Distribution of Common Myna is actually in Afghanistan to Western China, Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula.

After breakfast, I continue the observations in the park around the hot spring Cangar. Several kinds of small to medium sized birds such as the Little-pied Flycatcher, Indigo Flycatcher, Blue Nuthatch, Ruddy Cuckoo-dove can be easily found here. Even photographing Ashy Drongo that can be found in the tree behind the public toilet of this hot spring. Similarly, along the small stream close to the hot spring, it could meet with Grey Wagtail and Lesser (Sunda) Forktail.

From the park area I continue observations to the jogging track. Footpath through the woods located behind the hot spring Cangar. The sounds of Lesser Shortwing very loud along the way. However, to observe and photograph it took extra patiences. Besides small size, agile movements, and the color of the body is brown perfect for camouflage in the thick bush.

There are also birds that hide in the bush, but more easily observed and photographed on this path, b. Small-sized brown with white eyebrows can be found easily along the jogging track. The bushes along the track have become a favorite location for hunting small insects or spiders.

Day 3, Wednesday, December 21, 2016

I was accompanied by Waskito and Nurdin to birding in Watu Ondo waterfall. The three main targets are the Pink-headed Fruitdove, Lesser (Sunda) Forktail, and Lesser Shortwing. For the first target, I headed to a large tree that bears fruit.  Waskito and Nurdin said that the tree is visited by a Pink-headed Fruitdove every day. A Pair of Pink-headed Fruitdoves foraging on that tree which the fruits are drying up. Endemic birds to Sumatra and Java, seen very pretty with a head purple and green dominate the body. Flame-fronted Barbet also foraging at the same tree. Combo!

The second target is easier than before. The location right behind the canteen, a small river crossing on the edge of the canteen is a good habitat for Lesser (Sunda) Forktail. We can wait for the birds to arrive while enjoying coffee or tea in the canteen. Camouflage tent did not need to be photographed. We can use the canteen kitchen as a safe place to observing or photograph the birds.

As we were chatting and drinking tea in the canteen, a Pied-Shrike Babbler perched on one of the trees near the canteen. This bird was seen eating a caterpillar. Likewise at the same time, the group of small birds such as Javan Grey-throated White-eye, Blue Nuthatch, Sunda Bulbul, and Sunda Minivet arrive. I get confused about which one should be photographed first.

Although I already saw Lesser Shortwing on the second day, to photograph these birds needs extra effort, patience and being smart. Waskito and Nurdin guide me to photograph Lesser Shortwing in the nest. Incidentally they’ve been monitoring the nest for a few days. I was lucky to have been guided  by them. However, I am only able to photograph these birds while in the nest. I succeeded in getting a few frames before the birds left the nest for food. I was also able to photograph Sunda Warbler.

Day 4, Thursday, December 22, 2016

There are two kinds of birds being targeted on the fourth day, Orange-spotted and Sunda Bulbuls. Although both are easy to find, for 4 days of observation I have not gotten a chance to photograph it from an ideal distance. To fulfill this desire we return to Watu Ondo waterfall.

Shortly after enjoying a coffee in the cafeteria, I heard the sound of Orange-spotted Bulbul and moved to the trees near the parking area, where the birds were singing. Several Orange-spotted-Bulbuls were eating the fruits from that Piperacea’s tree. Finally, I managed to get several frames of these endemic birds.

Next we move towards the bridge Watu Ondo, not far from the waterfall to photograph the Sunda Bulbul. Soon, targets were found. Several Sunda Bulbuls were eating the fruit that was right near the bridge. They were not sensitive to the presence of us who were close enough around less than 10 m from where the bird was eating. Just like the previous target, I succeed to get a photo of Sunda Bulbul.

Malang Bird List (19 – 22 December 2016)

• Javan Hawk Eagle| Nisaetus bartelsi 
• Black Eagle | Ictinaetus malayensis 
• Japanese Sparrowhawk | Accipiter gularis 
• Ruddy Cuckoo-Dove | Macropygia emiliana 
• Little cuckoo-dove | Macropygia ruficeps 
• Pink-Headed Fruit Dove | Ptilinopus porphyreus 
• Spotted Dove | Streptopelia chinensis 
• Mountain Tailorbird | Orthotomus cuculatus 
• Ashy Tailorbird | Orthotomus ruficeps 
• Sooty-headed Bulbul | Pycnonotus aurigaster 
• Orange-spotted bulbul | Pycnonotus bimaculatus 
• Sunda Bulbul | Iole virescens 
• Javan Bush Warbler | Locustella montis 
• Sunda Bush-warbler | Cettia vulcania 
• Lesser shortwing | Brachypteryx leucophrys 
• Pied Shrike-babbler | Pteruthius flaviscapis 
• Trilling Shrike-Babbler | Pteruthius aenobarbus 
• Long-tailed Shrike | Lanius schach 
• Common Myna | Acridotheres tristis 
• Indigo Flycatcher | Eumyias indigo 
• Little Pied Flycatcher | Ficedula westermanni 
• Snowy-browed Flycatcher | Ficedula hyperythra 
• Grey Wagtail | Motacilla cinerea 
• Lesser (Sunda) Forktail | Enicurus velatus 
• Sunda Minivet | Pericrocotus miniatus 
• Blue Nuthatch | Sitta azurea 
• Flame-fronted Barbet | Meglaima armillaris 
• Ashy Drongo | Dicrurus leucophaeus 
• Sunda Warbler | Seicercus grammiceps 
• Javan Grey-throated White-eye | Lophozosterops javanicus 
• Cave Swiftlet | Collocalia linchi

Our adventurous birding this time (25 October – 02 November 2016) is more like a country road, across the “African van Java” of Baluran then Waterbirds-paradise of Serangan (Bali) to the Home for Trio endemics Lesser Sunda (Rinjani Scops Owl, Elegant Pitta & Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher) at Kerandangan Nature Recreation Park, Lombok.

With six people in the car we drove starting at night from Malang. During on the car we spent the time to sleep, save our energy. Our first destination was Kerandangan NRP, but we firstly stayed for take a rest at Baluran NP in day-one morning. While sun rising we heard several Large-tailed Nightjars behind the trees at north direction to Bekol savannah. Then Javan Kingfisher sing at perch on top canopy, while the pairs of Scarlet-headed Flowerpeckers flew from one branch to other. Slowly the first sun for Java is getting warm and high. After a welcome rest in Baluran, we continued to drive to Gilimanuk and directly we got a ferry across Bali. We still able to seen Striated Swallow and Pacific Swift fly around the harbor. Below the bridge which connected ferry with port are the nest for that birds. While the ferry start to across Bali strait, we move to the roof looking for migratory raptor. But we are not lucky because may the birds has move into Bali last week. Luckily we still able to see Greater Crested Tern and Little Tern, fly across the strait and occasionally flopped to the sea.

Continue reading “Birding in Baluran, Serangan and Kerandangan”