I spent 13 days in Sulawesi in August 2011. Visited regular sites: Gunung Ambang, Tambun, Dumoga Bone National Park, Tangkoko and Lore Lindu from Palu.
1st stop on the way to Gunung Ambang was some rice paddies. A major excitement was a male Blue-breasted Quail that was seen from close range.
It rained off and on at Ambang and the 1st night of owling came to a quick end. The trail was incredibly muddy and slippery and not much fun.
The next morning I made it up the trail again in the dark in search of owls and Scaly-breasted Kingfisher. No owls would show and the Kingfisher turned out to be darn elusive. Only brief flight views was obtained though it kept calling at close range.
At the top it took some effort but eventually a Matinan Flycatcher was found singing and gave great views. A flock of Malias was another highlite up here. Such great noisy birds moving about in flocks reminiscent of Laughingthrushes.
In the evening it was time for owling again and this time the weather was accommodating and good views were given by Cinnabar Boobok, the target species.
At Tumbon no Maleo showed on the 1st afternoon. The next morning 3 birds were seen roosting in trees.
Tarout was good with the expected targets seen: Sulawesi Pygmy Hornbill, Pied Cuckoo Shrike, Yellow-breasted Racquet-tails, Blue-rumped Parrots, Sulawesi Scops Owl and Speckled Boobok.
Tangkoko gave good views of Red-backed Thrush, Lilac, Green-backed, Black-billed Kingfishers but no views of Sulawesi Dwarf. Ochre-bellied Booboks were tame like never before. Red-bellied Pitta showed as well.
Tangkoko is increasingly expensive and Mama Roos place is now run by one of her sons. Mama Roos passed away mid 2011. The place is not up to standard and services leaves a lot to be desired.
Lore Lindu was a 1st for me. Long drive from Palu and 2 flights from Manado to get there.
A stop near Palu gave cracking views of roosting Savanna Nightjars. Loads of Lemon-bellied White-eyes and Red-backed Buttonquail.
Birding at Lore Lindu is in a rather small area where the target birds slowly yield themselves.
Good ones were Sulawesi Thrush, Blue-fronted FC, Piping Crow, Great Shortwing, Maroon-backed Whistler, Malias and a single Geomalia at the top of the mountain that require a hard long walk.
Sendy's resort has a new building and is comfortable. No need for air-con here as temperatures are always pleasent on these higher grounds. Food is good and beer available.
Many of these birds have not been photographed much and so I am posting
several low grade images for record purposes.
This was not a photographic trip per se as I always was last in the line.
Shots were with Canon 30D, 400mm F5.6, handheld and mostly without flash.