Travel to the open nature is always full of surprises. There's just experiences to be learned. No matter how bitter or sweet, it will imprint on the chest. Especially when enjoyed with family. A very dear sweet memory thrown away.
Try and look at the Howard family Utomo. This harmonious family seemed to enjoy any "surprises" in the Forest Preserve Birdwatching at Mount Salak. Families and young tourism event is an outing agenda Bird Friends of Indonesia (SBI). A group of bird watchers in the shade of BirdLife Indonesia.
In the event that Howard did not think the family could come to be witnesses. Through the help of binoculars, their eyes fell on a rare sight. Meet Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi) in the open.
"Yes definitely proud of dong. We as a family can be involved directly see Javan hawk-eagle. Moreover, it reportedly includes bird species are endangered, "said Howard Utomo, the head of the family. Indeed this is the first time with the Howard family contiguity Javan hawk-eagle in its original nature. Typically, they see these birds of prey through reading materials and television.
Burst of excitement met Javan hawk-eagle is not so family-owned Howard alone but spread to all participants of this unique tour. They shout for joy got a rare treat it. "A surprise to be thankful for," they said. As a result the spirit increasingly encouraged to observe other wildlife species.
It all happened thanks to the foresight of some of the participants. When resting in the parking lot owned geothermal projects of Unocal Geothermal Indonesia, Ltd. (Ugi) their eyes caught two black shadows. Floating in space utilizing hot air. After investigation, it turns out it is really two birds Javan hawk-eagle.
In addition to observing Javan hawk-eagle, binoculars they caught the figure of CICA-scab Java (Megalurus palustris), laying stone Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) and eagle-snake Bido (Spilornis cheela). The birds fly across wiri wira-green carpet of tea plantations in the border gate this Ugi.
Stay Alert
Tour this time not only bear fruit sweet memories, but it is unique. Why not, we must remain vigilant against the threat of H2S gas attack while peeking at Awibengkok these animals. The gas smell was very stimulating the kind of dangerous. When inhaled, it can be fatal in an instant. Naturally, this geothermal project can not be removed from this gas.
"When the yield is below 10 ppm (parts per million), gas is still smelled like rotten eggs smell. But above that figure, he no longer smelled. Because I had managed to damage the nervous system of smell, "said Dede Rhamdani, Superviser Support Facility, while welcoming the arrival of Ugi entourage.
But Dede ensure the safety of each participant. Because they will always be accompanied by field staff Ugi. And is also equipped with a sophisticated gas detector. These detectors will sound automatically when the content of H2S in the ambient air exceeded 10 ppm.
But he obviously dangerous, but the region is very interesting Awibengkok explored. Biodiversity is quite high. Also rich in wildlife listed as citizens of the "original" protected forest. According to BirdLife Indonesia, Awibengkok inhabited by about 127 species of birds. Seven of them endemic, range of Javan hawk-eagle earlier.
Types of Animals
When the observations made in several areas, successfully encountered Srigunting gray (Dicrurus leucophaeus), opior Java (Lophozosterops javanicus), junk mountain (Pericrocotus miniatus), stone kite, swallow palm (Cypsiurus balasiensis), bird chili Java (Dicaeum trochileum), mountain bird chili (Dicaeum sanguinolentum), cucak swamp (Pynonotus zeylanicus), poksai horse (Garrulax rufifrons), Wren munguk {Sitta Azurea), quail barking Java (Arborophila javanica), mountain finches (Pynonotus bimaculatus) and many more.
The location is most convenient to make observations about the area is well Awibengkok 12. Here, there is an open gap that is comfortable to enjoy the landscape in the field of forest canopy. Sometimes several types can also be seen. So also in Awibengkok 13. The location of the well is higher than the asphalt road. Pak Awang, who accompany field staff had said, "If the weather is good again, we can see the Harbour Queen. Even get to see the coastline. "
Tomie Dono of BirdLife Indonesia recalled, he saw the king prawns around Awibengkok 5 some time ago. Around the area, said Tomie, there is a river frequented king prawns. Usually this bird was seen foraging. To reach the river, we had to walk slightly upward. Simply steep cliffs that must be overcome. "This area is rarely passed people. Besides the well was no longer in operation, here is quite spooky location, "said Pak Awang who has worked nineteen years on this project. There are statues (sculpture) sacred by the locals. Problem truth, try it for yourself.
Leopard
Awibengkok region still had quite a lot of leopard (Phantera pardus). Exact population is difficult to obtain. There has been no research for it. But according to the story Pak Awang, Ugi workers often meet this tiger. There are passing in the night, the streets around the area well. Even one of his staff had time to capture the leopard that was lying on top of the steam pipe.
Take a walk in the area of operation of the project office is also delicious. Near the dining room (dining room) you can peek behavior Javan (Presbitys Comata). In the morning, Javan hanging tree branches while snacking young shoots of ferns or other young leaves. "That's why this is called Javan Grizzled leaf monkey. Out to eat more fruit than the young leaves, seeds or flowers, "said Yok Yok Hadiprakarsa from Indonesia Club Green on the sidelines of the observations.
Javan live in primary and secondary forests are scattered in West Java. Especially in some national parks, nature reserves and protected forests. Javan adult body from head to punggungg black colored gray. Tail length of about 56-72 cm.
Other primates can be seen is Java langurs (Trachypithecus auratus), and Java gibbon (Hylobates moloch). Java gibbons including endemic primates of Java. "Gibbons can also take a look at Mount Gede, Ujung Kulon, Hazy, Leuweung Sancang and Mount Simpang," said Yok Yok. To distinguish from the Javan gibbon, he said, how easy. Look carefully, gibbons have no tail. And the whole face black.
By nightfall, some participants try his luck. They are eager to peek behind the leopard behavior dimness of the night. That night the weather was supportive. There was no sign of rain. Meet the star-studded sky. Based on information, they walked to the well Awibengkok 8. In the vicinity of these wells leopard make a nest.
In between trips, raccoons are often seen passing in the street. Run around while looking for food. There is also a bobcat. But it would be lucky if you can see the leopard family. Ugi security patrol team a few times ran into this family. To peek at these big mammals are needed patience. Plus a helping hand of the goddess Fortuna. So many are praying. Of course if successful, sweet memories of Awibengkok more felt complete. Good luck.