Every Birders Dream ; Papua New Guinea

The itinerary, in summary, was this:

Papua New Guinea Itinerary: 18 Days of Exploration and Birding (July 20 – August 6)

Arrival Days:

• • July 20: Main arrival day for seven participants.
    
    • • Accommodation: Raintree Lodge, Port Moresby.
    • • Activities: Bonus birding at Varirata National Park (afternoon).

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

1. 1. July 21: Full day birding at Varirata National Park.
      
      • • Activities: Early breakfast, birding on various trails, checklist review.

1. 1. July 22 – 23: Birding in the Greater Port Moresby Area.
      
      • • Activities: Exploring diverse habitats, birding along specific roads and trails.

1. 1. July 24 – 25: Travel to and birding in the Tari Valley.
      
      • • Accommodation: Local lodge.
      • • Activities: Birding in high-altitude forests, searching for unique species.

          

1. 1. July 26 – 27: Birding in the Ambua Lodge area.
      
      • • Activities: Exploring trails, checklist reviews, and evening discussions.

1. 1. July 28 – 29: Birding in the Mount Hagen area.
      
      • • Accommodation: Local lodge.
      • • Activities: Birding in montane forests, searching for endemic species.

1. 1. July 30 – 31: Travel to and birding in the Kumul Lodge area.
      
      • • Activities: Birding in high-altitude regions, checklist reviews.

        • 

          

1. 1. August 1 – 2: Birding in the Rondon Ridge area.
      
      • • Accommodation: Local lodge.
      • • Activities: Exploring trails, birding in diverse habitats.

1. 1. August 3 – 4: Travel to and birding in the Kiunga area.
      
      • • Activities: Birding along rivers and lowland forests, checklist reviews.

          

          

          

          

          

          

          

1. 1. August 5: Return to Port Moresby.
      
      • • Activities: Final birding session, group discussions, and checklist reviews.

1. 1. August 6: Departure day.
      
      • • Activities: Transfer to the airport for flights home. But we had a morning at Vairata. And witnessed the Ragging Bird-of-Paradise Lek

General Notes:

• • Guides: Local guide Max Pakao and tour leader Leio De Souza.

• • Meals: Supper included on July 20; other meals available at lodges.

• • Laundry: Facilities available at Raintree Lodge.

• • Currency Exchange: Recommended upon arrival in Port Moresby.

This itinerary offers a rich birding experience across various regions of Papua New Guinea, with expert guidance and diverse habitats to explore.

The key targets for me were Birds-of-Paradise. While most of the party seemed content to simply see the birds, and quickly move on, I wanted to take photographs so that I could review and relive the experience again and again. As a bonus, there were many Parrot species and some rare examples of forest birds. The highlight of the trip for me was the Flame Bowerbird, a species I did not expect to see.

1. The Birds-of-Paradise were simply stunning in their appearance and antics.Examples here are the King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise, the King Bird-of-Paradise and the Stephanie’s Astrapia