An Isabelline Bushhen was encountered while we were driving back to Manado. After we backed up, it sauntered into full view, seemingly oblivious to the passing traffic. After several poor views of this species we were overjoyed.

We arrived back at our accommodation at dusk, but no rest for the diehards - straight out to the mangroves for an excellent view of Sulawesi Nightjar. Great to hear the call too, nothing like the similar looking Large-tailed Nightjar.

We went out by boat to Mantehage Island the following morning. Still looking for life birds, which were becoming harder to get, we extracted a few on the island, starting with the beautiful Pied Imperial Pigeon in the village. A walk, guided by the village Headman, in the coconut plantations (with patches of regrowth) gave us, surprisingly, a pair of Dusky Lories. How did this West Papuan species come to be on Mantehagi Island? The Headman had no knowledge of anyone on the island keeping the species as a pet nor had he seen one before -a mystery. Another three Great-billed Kingfishers were seen in the mangroves on Mantehagi to finish a great morning. To prove that our tours are not just for hard core birders we went snorkeling after lunch.

TANGKOKO NATIONAL PARK

Travelling back to Tangkoko NP that evening, our progress was haltered by a huge, dark female Sulawesi Masked Owl sitting in the middle of the road. What a mean looking bird - so much darker than the illustration in Coates and Bishop.

Our second foray into Tangkoko NP produced many great birds but not the one or two we had hoped. Excellent views of both Hornbills, another Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon, a juvenile Philippine Scrubfowl, Stephan's and Emerald Ground-Doves. And finally everyone had good looks at the spectacular Ruddy Kingfisher - and that night, another Sulawesi Nightjar.

On our way out of Tangkoko NP we all had great views of Barred Buttonquails in roadside scrub, and more Barred Rails, bathing in roadside pools.

An excellent country. I recommend it.

Australian Ornithological Services Pty Ltd

Sulawesi 25 April - 13 May 2000

Report by Philip Maher
mahert@patash.com.au

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