Our extension to the Huon Peninsula takes in some of the remotest birding available, in an already distant part of the world. Due to its geographical location, there is little in the way of amenities or comfort on this tour. However, this is more than made up for by resplendent, cool montane forests that host some rarely seen, endemic Bird-of-paradise that include Huon Astrapia, Wahne's Parotia and the regal Emperor Bird-of-paradise. Throw in the attractive and localised Spangled Honeyeater, Macgregors Bowerbird (soon to be split as Huon Bowerbird), Cinnamon-browed Melidectes, Mottled Berryhunter or Whistler (now in its own monotypic family, endemic to New Guinea), Pesquet's (Vulturine) Parrot, Tit and Fan-tailed Berrypecker (two different families endemic to New Guinea!), gaudy Papuan Lorikeet, Papuan Sitella, Blue-capped Ifrit (endemic to New Guinea) and Superb Bird-of-paradise, and this short extension is sure to satisfy listers of both rare and remote species and families alike.
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Top Birds Emperor Bird-of-paradise, Huon Astrapia, Wahne's Parotia, Spangled Honeyeater, Macgregors Bowerbird (soon to be elevated to Huon Bowerbird), Pesquet's Parrot, Papuan & Orange-billed Lorikeet, Dusky Lory, Red-breasted & Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Tit, Streaked, Mid-mountain and Fan-tailed Berrypecker, Sclater’s, Brown-backed and Regent Whistler, Canary & Lemon-bellied Flyrobin, Mountain & Hook-billed Kingfisher, Blue-capped Ifrit, Great Cuckoo-Dove, Ornate Fruit Dove, Rufescent Imperial Pigeon, Papuan Sitella, Red-collared & Mountain Red-headed Myzomela, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Black Monarch, Black-breasted Boatbill, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Rufous-backed Honeyeater, Buff-faced Scrubwren, Brown-breasted Gerygone, Mottled Berryhunter (or Whistler, now in its own monotypic family), Great Woodswallow, Brown Falcon, Black-mantled Goshawk, Papuan Eagle, Blue-grey Robin, Spotted Jewel-babbler, White-shouldered and Orange-crowned Fairywren, Cinnamon-browed Melidectes, Growling Riflebird, Superb Bird-of paradise.
Habitats Covered primarily high montane forest
Expected Climate hot and humid in the lowlands, with expectant rain showers. Cool to cold in the mornings and evenings at higher altitude
Max Group Size 8 with 1 Rockjumper Leader & 1 local leader
Tour Pace & Walking Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.
Accommodation very basic at Wasu, good in Lae
Ease of Birding moderate, can be challenging at times
Number of Species Expected +-75
Photographic Opportunities good
We thought the birding went very well. Both Dusan and Stephan were great guides - very knowledgeable, very dedicated, quite determined to get everyone onto pretty much everything, and they combined very well. And, they both tried very hard to help all the participants who needed it, whether it was locating a bird, getting up a steep section or getting in or out of the boats. They did an admirable job.
I thought Lev Frid did a great job in managing the tour.
[This was] my third trip with Adam Walleyn and I will definitely go with him again. He is constantly looking and working to find the birds---during lunch breaks, after the day ends, on the bus. He never stops and it pays off. He works hard to get everyone on the birds and remembers special needs that various members of the group have. He took a lunch break one day to spend time with me looking for one bird that I had repeatedly missed. We didn’t find it, but the effort was very much appreciated and noticed. He gave me some pointers and I did find the bird later on during another break.
Stephan is an incredibly great guide and New Guinea is a wonderful birding destination.
Adam Walleyn is an amazing birder, I'm quite experienced but I literally have no idea how he knows, hears and can engage with so much of the wildlife and particularly birds around, that was all great.