For a birder and marine biologist, the Raja Ampat region of Indonesia is pretty close to paradise. Raja is famous for its marine diversity, with incredible numbers of fish and corals. Snorkeling and diving here is fabulous, with currents bringing in clear water and feeding clouds of fish. Not so many people know about the amazing bird life as well, highlighted by two spectacular birds-of-paradise. Today, we enjoyed both the undersea and the bird life, and I couldn’t be happier.
Long before sunrise, many of us set off to the display sites of two different species of birds-of-paradise. Birds-of-paradise are famous for varied and incredible lek breading sights. The male red bird-of-paradise is a flamboyant bird that likes perching on an exposed branch and showing off in the rising sunlight to any nearby females. While the ladies were not around today, some of us were amazed by a male’s ornate plumes and two long tail feathers. The Wilson’s bird-of-paradise is a bit more neurotic. The male constructs a display dance floor, and makes sure to keep it clean. Removing most all leaves and vegetation, he likes an open arena to strut his stuff. At this lek many of us saw a young male who seemed to be learning the ropes, but looked good doing it.
After lunch, the postcard perfect island of Arborek was our destination. Here, children from the small village greeted us with huge smiles. A jetty juts out into the water and is surrounded by clouds of fish. Underneath the pier, vibrant soft corals feed in the current as masses of fish circle. We snorkeled and dove all around the area, enjoying the drop off and the shallows. This village does not harvest the giant clams, and it really shows as in only two or three feet of water there are dozens of massive clams. With vivid colors, they really are impressive in the sunshine and shallows, especially with the diverse rainbow of fish swimming amongst them.
Above and below, Raja Ampat is filled with gems.
