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Magnificent Bird of Paradise

Back view of male

Front view of male

 I was blessed with long views of this Magnificent Bird of Paradise at Arkfak, West Papua. A short walk downhill from our Homestay there was a hide one could sit in. The bird came at 6 am to clean up the display site. It was dark and very difficult to get good shots and I was forced to use very high ISO.
Nevertheless the whole encounter and to be able to sit with the bird for so long was just amazing.The bird had what looked like a pocket on its bag. A few times it would unfold to display a round fan like collar. Under the pocket was some deep moron colored feathers with white stripes as well.
The bird appeared quite different in different light with the tail streamers looking bluish in better light.

Female



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