5. Sumatran Ground Cuckoo.

After the inevitable breakfast of hard boiled eggs and toast and jam (this hotel had a toaster) and fresh fruit we set off in the mini van to Danau Kaco where we transferred to the pickup for the short drive to the beginning of the trail whilst it was still dark.

At this point there was a bit of confusion. The previous night we'd been told we would be going to hide 1 where, apparently, someone from the 'Explore Kerinci' ground team had seen the cuckoo the previous day, but to our surprise Bobbi led us to hide 2. There were a few mumblings but a general acceptance that Bobbi knew what he was doing. 

Settled in the hide we waited and waited. A Sumatran Ground Cuckoo was heard calling distantly and then it went quiet. Suddenly a movement caught our eye and the bird appeared on a fallen log. Cue a collective exhalation of breath! 

What a stunning looking bird. Its beautifully camouflaged iridescent green plumage contrasting with the blue and pink bare skin around the eye. A friend of mine commented she was insanely jealous of the eye makeup when I sent her the photos! 

Just listen to that call:

It was an unbelievable experience and we watched enthralled for a bout an hour before the bird melted back into the jungle. 

Carrying on up the trail we heard but couldn't see the endemic Sumatran Bulbul but added species such as Dark Hawk Cuckoo and Orange-backed Woodpecker to the trip list as well as close views of Sunda Forktail.

A great day and it was a more relaxed team that headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner before an early start in the morning to try for Marbled Wren Babbler and Graceful Pitta on the infamous Tapan Road. 

Dark Hawk Cuckoo