The birding here was not as I expected for many reasons. The lodge was somewhat overtaken by the judicial officers who were here to settle a land dispute between a natural gas company and local landholders. I don't know the details but am aware that land issues make up a substantial amount of court time. That is similar in Yap. No or few written documents for any transaction.
The birds were few in number and far away and the lodge did not have vehicles or manpower to go out to more remote sites to look. So I enjoyed the cultural aspects of the visit.
Here are a few pictures of the scenery, flowers, people, Ambua Lodge and even a bird or two.
Lady working in the gardens. She was lovely and they do a nice job of keeping the gardens beautiful.
No betelnut, please. Nice thing here - even though they chew, they do not spit on the streets or in public. A lesson that should be learned in Yap. Sorry Yap, but that is a nasty addiction - not polite and not healthy for others to be exposed.
Local workers.
Beautiful waterful within walking distance just off the lodge grounds. I did have an escort.
Stevan the cook and tour guide.
King of Saxony. Wait for pictures from Rondon Ridge where a nice photograph was taken. One site at a time!
Blue bird of paradise in fruit tree.
Blue bird of paradise.
Typical ceiling of a house/hut.
Ambua Lodge - beautiful view, lovely accomodations.
View from my room. Not too shabby.
Security guard - judge and a parliament member at the lodge. Everyone has a cell phone.
More security. Check out the shoes.
Headdress with bird of paradise feathers.
Huli wigmen.
Woman working in the garden.
Typical mask.
Here is a blue bird of paradise in the fruit tree. Morning light makes it a bit dark for photos, but he is in there!
Swallows on a tree limb. It is cold here at night for birds and people. There are electric blankets on the beds and yes I used it. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. All I have is a sweater, most people have winter coats, but I am New England tough!
He has a beautifull eye and I really enjoyed watching him eat his fruit breakfast.
Workers at Ambua Lodge.
There is a bird in there somewhere!
Met this man at the Tari airport. He was shot with an arrow during one clan war. He also shot some men from another clan. Local justice. Police do not need be involved.
Tari airport. Basic. People wait outside. Our names are on the manifold, so we don't need to check in. Man power moves the cart with luggage to the plane. Life indeed is simple here.
These two men were waiting at the airport.
Tari airport.
Moses from Ambua Lodge and the security detail - wearing flipflops and a rifle.
Wigmen deplaning from Port Morseby being photographed by tourists. The wigmen were very patient with all of the picture taking.
Finally, after some delay, we are ready tp depart. I am in the copilot seat. I had to climb up the outside of the plane and slip through the window. Short legs not an asset! But I made it.
View of the area around Tari from the window.
On our way to Karawari - accessible by air or boat. No roads.
