I don’t think the Sulawesi Pitta and I will ever become close friends. Sorry to say that. Here is why.
Given that there are a few papers out on the economic benefits of birdwatching, I seriously consider writing a paper on the economic losses caused by the Sulawesi Pitta. It is a conservative estimate that I spent about 2 full days waiting for one before I finally saw it. Think of the economic losses – the money I could have earned during this time, or the money I paid to the bird guide and for accommodation! That makes the fact that in parts of Sulawesi, it is still hunted for bush meat much more bearable.
It sounded easy enough – one book covering the 125 best birding sites in Southeast Asia stated that it could be found at Tangkoko. And indeed, the local guide said that it had been common there until recently – he blamed the macaques that indeed are all too common at Tangkoko.
So, we went to Tomohon instead. And waited at a makeshift hide. Waited some more. Went to have lunch elsewhere. Came back to wait some more. Got bitten by mosquitos. Waited some more. Left at night.
Came back the next day. Waited some more. Heard the pitta calling and tried to find it – but maybe these birds use loudspeakers as much as the bird guides do – in any case, some sound but no pitta.
Two days later, went to another location where the pitta had just been seen the day before. We heard the pitta. Did not see it though. Good for a lister, useless for a photographer …
Gave up, before – three days later – we heard of another pitta, again near Tomohon – apparently, a local bush meat hunter had told our very local Tomohon guy about the bird.
And finally, there it was.
Still, true friends do not hide from each other, don’t they?
Worth the wait!
Bush meat! It’s hard to believe there is enough sustenance in such a beautiful little bird!