I honestly had no idea why they were there, but they were undeniably beautiful. The birds we casually call “peacocks” are actually Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), and seeing them up close made it easy to understand why they are so admired. Their feathers shimmered with deep greens and blues, catching the light in a way that almost looked unreal.
Category: Animal Kingdom
Birdwatching at the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park
Birdwatching at the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) with the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and WOMA was a rewarding experience. The wetlands provide an important habitat for many bird species despite being located within Metro Manila, and the mix of open mudflats, shallow water, and mangrove edges makes it a productive site for observing both resident and migratory birds.
Elefin Farm & Cafe
Elefin Farm & Café is not a traditional elephant sanctuary, and it does not present itself as one. Rather than housing rescued wild elephants, it functions as a Mahout village where elephants have been raised alongside their handlers for generations. This distinction is important in understanding the experience, as the elephants here are part of long-standing human–animal relationships shaped by daily care and routine rather than tourism-driven performances.
Pawikan Conservation Center
The Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan, stands on a stretch of coastline that has served as a natural nesting area for generations. It is not a large facility, but it plays an important role in keeping turtle eggs safe and in monitoring activity along the shore. Everything about the place feels practical and grounded, shaped by what is needed rather than what looks impressive.
Zoobic Safari
Spanning 25 hectares of tropical forest within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zoobic Safari offers far more than a conventional zoo or theme park, it delivers an immersive forest adventure where visitors come face-to-face with some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Because of the park’s wide and spread-out layout, going around Zoobic Safari requires the use of our own vehicle
Birdwatching at La Mesa Ecopark
During the guided birdwatching tour at La Mesa Ecopark, we spotted a White-throated Kingfisher, a Philippine Cuckoo-Dove , a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron, along with a Striated Heron, a shy White-browed Crake, a Grey Wagtail, a Common Sandpiper, and a Yellow-vented Bulbul. Along the trail, we also found a Brown Shrike and a well-camouflaged Philippine Nightjar. Moving to the forested area near the dam, we encountered White-breasted Woodswallows, a Yellow-naped Oriole, a Philippine Coucal, a Striated Grassbird, a Narcissus Flycatcher, and another Philippine Nightjar—making the morning an impressive showcase of La Mesa’s urban biodiversity.
Palawan Crocodile Farm
Visitors begin their tour at the hatchery, where baby crocodiles are raised before being transferred to larger enclosures. The highlight is meeting the two species cared for at the center: the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), a rare freshwater species found only in the country and now critically endangered, and the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the world’s largest reptile, thriving in coastal and brackish waters but often feared for its size and territorial behavior.
The Pursuit for the Proboscis Monkey
The proboscis monkey is native solely to the island of Borneo. These remarkable primates, characterized by their prominent pendulous noses and rounded bellies, are truly captivating as they move with grace through the trees lining the riverbanks. Despite being a bit distant, we were fortunate to observe several proboscis monkeys during our excursion.
Birdwatching at Tagalag Fishing Village
Located within Valenzuela City, the Tagalag Fishing Village, which was established on February 15, 2020, is a nature-centric destination conceived by the previous leadership of Mayor Rex Gatchalian. Featuring a fenced boardwalk spanning 1,300 meters, this fishing haven offers a range of aquatic and eco-focused activities, including my beloved hobby of birdwatching.
The Art of Birdwatching
Should I prefer to be referred to as a birder or a birdwatcher? Many enthusiasts who identify as birders set themselves apart from those known as birdwatchers, with the term “birder” being less familiar to the general public. At its core, the distinction is often seen as a matter of commitment or passion, although this interpretation can vary.
The Urban Birds of Quezon City
Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Quezon City, the largest city in the Philippines, is not only home to a vibrant urban landscape but also a surprising haven for diverse bird species. Here are the birds that I have encountered during my birdwatching in Quezon City.
Spotting The Great Spotted Woodpecker In Obihiro
The great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is a medium-sized woodpecker with pied black and white plumage with a red patch on its lower belly. Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head. So I was so happy when I finally got an upclose photo of the woodpecker days before I leave Japan for good.
Amoj In Wanderland 