Apui, Indonesia (Center on Interactive Map)

Mountain

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Trips

Indonesia

8/26/2024: We had a bit of trouble trying to arrange a trip to the top of Alor. We were talking to one guide, but he got very needy calling multiple times all hours of the night. He also did not seem to understand what we were trying to do. He started sending me insults on Whatsapp.

Instead we got another guy. He had never guided birders before, but he was determined to try. So, we drove up to the top of the mountain where he talked to some villagers and got us overnight camping in the forest (at their garden). This was down a very steep hill, and once we were down there, it was clear that there would not be a lot of birds.

All was not lost, however, as I walked back up the giant hill to get a better view of the tree tops.

I learned that during the dry season, they put sedatives (from the pharmacy) into a small watering hole. Pigeons come in to drink the water, but then they become lethargic from the drugs at which point they are hunted.



8/27/2024: We woke up early to leave the camp in the middle of the forest. I was having a tough time convincing the guide that the bird I was looking for (Myzomela) could best be seen from the overlook on the road.

Next thing you know we were wasting a bunch of time in a local market.

After a bit, we drove down to a house that was supposed to have birds. The first bird we saw was the wings from a boobook that was presumably shot. I opted out of visiting this farm and walked around a bit on the road.

Later, we drove all around on crappy roads to visit some steam vents. The idea was to cook eggs and casava in the steam, which of course, did not work.

We stopped into a shop selling some knick knacks. More wildlife offense as they were selling a bunch of sea turtle shells in that shop. I mentioned how we would not be buying anything from a shop that is exploiting wildlife. This started another conversation where the guide mentioned that everyone was going to the east side of the island to hunt whimbrels and curlews.

Finally, we ended up over near the airport where I walked around on the beach.

Previous Visit (Pulau Nuhakepa: 8/26/2024)
Next Visit (Mali Airport: 8/27/2024)

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Lifelists

Asia
World