Lesser!? I don’t think so

What a misnomer if there ever was one. This morning we saw TWO Lesser Birds-of-Paradise, and let me say they should be called amazing, not lesser.

The day began at 5 a.m. with a drive out of the city of Sorong and into the forest. Once again, my mind was hearing something out of a TV special, saying what amazing birds can be seen "deep in the Indonesian forests." We had our same driver, guide, and local guide. We got to the forest about 6 a.m., hiked in, and found two more guides to help us out. One, of course, was hiking around this rugged terrain barefoot! I fell down once, but with no negative ramifications.

I don't know how these dudes are so good at spotting the birds! I mean, we can hear them calling, but it's a thick forest. Once again, we got so lucky to have two at once, staying long enough and perching in a fairly open spot for quite a show.

It really is something to be trudging through, and sometimes off trail, to get a good look. Local guides are very helpful in getting us on the birds, even with no ability to communicate in English. At one point I did say to Mike, "I'm tolerating a lot of sweat and body odor and bad breath for these birds. And people touching me." Because they often will just take your shoulders and point you in the right direction.

And we also saw the Yellow-billed Kingfisher, which I really wanted to see. Such a tiny little cutie of a kingfisher! His bill is so big in comparison to his body that he looks like he should topple over.

Overall, a feeling of gratitude again for me today! Hiking back out a few hours later, up and down inclines, with no major aches or pains, which is an improvement from just a few months back in Costa Rica and Guatemala when my hip was cranky.

Did some road birding, walking along the road we drove in on, after that, and then back to the hotel for resting. So glad we are in this modern and new Aston because a long shower and a hot cup of freshly brewed tea in the room were exactly what I needed to feel civilized again. Mike got fantastic photos, and they will be up shortly.

Male Lesser Bird-of-Paradise displaying his spectacular yellow and white ornamental plumes.

Another view of a male Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, showing his emerald-green throat and long ornamental feathers.

Yellow-billed Kingfisher, with its oversized yellow-orange bill.

Female Blyth's Hornbill, with her enormous bill and distinctive black head and neck.

Male Blyth's Hornbill. Unlike the female, the male has a golden-brown head and neck.

Male Red-flanked Lorikeet feeding among pink flowers.