sulawesi scops owl Tangkoko NR 20/07/2023 Wallacea is the name for the biogeographic zone between Wallace’s and Lydekker’s Lines, which trace the Sunda and Sahul tectonic plates of the earth’s crust, respectively. Wallace’s Line marks the eastern boundary of the Oriental fauna region, in which can be found typically Southeast Asian bird groups and other animals, such as elephants, cats, and monkeys. Running between Bali and Lombok, and Borneo and Sulawesi, the line was named after the intrepid British naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, who helped Charles Darwin to formulate the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. In a similar way, Lydekker’s Line marks the western boundary of the Australo-Papuan faunal region, where approximately half of the world’s birds (passerines) originated, and half of the mammal fauna comprises marsupials, such as the wallabies and possums. Wallacea is therefore, at least partly, a transition zone between these two ...
My recent 10-day birding tour of Indonesia with BirdTour Manado was an exceptional experience, showcasing the rich avian diversity of Halmahera and North Sulawesi. From the initial 14-hour ferry crossing from Manado to Ternate (a surprisingly good opportunity for observing seabirds, cetaceans, and flying fish) to the final sighting of the elusive Sulawesi Pitta, the trip was meticulously planned and expertly executed.
ReplyDeleteOno’s dedication to providing a memorable experience was evident from the outset. In Ternate, after a quick lunch, we took a speedboat to Sidangoli, where we opted for a simple homestay closer to the birding sites (15 minutes away) rather than a more conventional but distant (1.5 hours away in Sofifi) option. This choice proved beneficial, allowing us to maximize our birding time. While there was some visible pollution in the area, the crystal-clear waters teemed with colourful reef fish. The meals at the homestay, while simple and with limited variety, were adequate. One of the highlights was a relaxed final birding session by the shore, enjoying coconuts with a stunning view of Ternate's volcanic backdrop.
The next leg of our journey took us to Aketajawe. The accommodation here was similarly basic, but this allowed us to focus on the next day's highlight: a trek into pristine rainforest in search of the Standardwing. Ono’s foresight in providing rubber boots was invaluable as we navigated several knee-deep streams. This trek was a true highlight of the entire trip.
Our subsequent stay in Subaim offered more comfortable accommodation. Despite erratic weather affecting bird activity, our guide, working seamlessly with the local guide, ensured our safety and maximized our birding opportunities. Food in Subaim was consistent with what we had experienced elsewhere in Halmahera.
Our return to Ternate, via Sofifi by speedboat, included visits to key sites for the Moluccan Dwarf Kingfisher and the Ternate subspecies of the North Moluccan Pitta. We also explored the island, culminating in a stay at a villa on the volcano's slopes, strategically chosen for viewing the Blue-eyed Couscous, which we successfully spotted.
The final portion of our tour took us to Manado, where we pursued the elusive Sulawesi Pitta, having missed it earlier in June. After an initial unsuccessful attempt, we enjoyed a comfortable stay in a luxurious accommodation. A morning trip to Gunung Mahawu proved fruitful, with a sighting of not one, but two Sulawesi Pittas. This successful conclusion was a testament to Ono’s persistence and knowledge of the area.
Throughout the entire tour, Ono was exceptionally helpful, consistently going above and beyond to meet our needs. His collaboration with local guides provided us with an incredibly insightful and enriching experience on Halmahera, a relatively less travelled island. We were a family of three and we thoroughly enjoyed our time and are extremely grateful for the experience. I highly recommend Ono to any birder seeking a well-organized and rewarding birding adventure in this part of Indonesia.