Lore Lindu is a rich
forest that offers a range of elevations, and therefore, species. Some of our
birding will center around Lake Tambing, where mobile flocks of fantastic
Fiery-browed Mynas come down to rest in the trees regularly; feeding flocks
move through the canopy holding Pygmy and Cerulean Cuckooshrikes, Piping Crows
may come to call from dead snags around the edge of the lake in the early
mornings; Rusty-flanked Fantail, Sulawesi Leaf-Warbler, and the very odd Malia;
while the understory is home to two of the most difficult birds in the area,
the shy Great
Shortwing, and the reclusive Maroon-backed Whistler. Other possibilities in this area include flocks Yellow and green Lorikeets,Superb Fruit-Dove, and the noisy flocks
of Finch-billed Mynas. On at least one of the days, we will make the climb up
the infamous Anaso Track, which allows access to higher altitudes, and the
possibility of Sulawesi’s sole endemic bird family, Hylocitrea; the rare and
strange Geomalia (recently found to be an odd zoothera thrush); along with
Red-eared Fruit-Dove, Maroon-backed Whistler, White-eared Myza, and
Streak-headed Dark-eye. These ascents will also give us a chance at the rare
Sombre Pigeon, and will bring us to the favored area of the robust
Purple-bearded Bee-eater, one of Sulawesi’s flagship species. There is also
often the chance to find Diabolical (Satanic) Nightjars roosting during the day
at regular stakeouts along there. On at least one of the mornings we will
venture out super early to try for other endemic nightbirds, with Sulawesi
Masked-Owl, Speckled Boobook occurring, along with the Cinnabar Boobook, which
was only recently discovered in the park. This will also enable us to visit an
area at dawn when shy forest birds such as Sulawesi Thrush and Blue-fronted
Flycatcher may be easier to find. Some time will also be spent around the
Sedoa Valley, which offers the best raptor watching opportunities in the park,
with Sulawesi Serpent-Eagle, Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, and Black and Rufous-bellied
Eagles all occurring. After Lore Lindu, we shall drive back to Palu for the
night, stopping en-route to bird a scrubby riverside in Oloboju area , which is
good for White-shouldered Triller, day roosting Savanna Nightjars, and
Pale-headed Munia; and also holds the rare Red-backed Buttonquail.
