Birding Mount Merapi – Yogyakarta Indonesia

Hi Folks, I know it’s not Aus but as many of us head north for various reasons and do a bit of birding on the way, I thought I’d post this.

This am I went up Mount Merapi near Yogyakata in Central Java with a local birder, Satriya. I discovered that Central Java has a thriving birding community with some 20 birding clubs! I now understand that there are many great birding spots around if you can find the right person to ask… I also discovered that although the 2010 volcano eruption did a great deal of damage, much of the bird life has returned! I did a 4 hour hike up from the entrance to the National Park to some caves built by the Japanese in WW2 and return. We saw 24 species all up including the eye-gouging Sunda Minirvet, and recently split Javan Whistling-Thrush. Indigo and Blue-and-White Flyctacher were also amazing as was White-flanked Sunbird. I would have loved more time but I had to fly to Bali. The region boasts over 220 spices with around 115 on Merapi. Satriya’s best Merapi day out was 42.

Also if you are interested, I am compiling a list of local borders in Indonesia, who are willing to take foreigners around at a reasonable cost. Email me if you would like to be kept up to date.

Yours Steve Potter ===============================

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