The long drive from Quezon to Camarines Sur and onward to Albay, and then back again, became unexpectedly memorable not just for the landscapes but for the steady rhythm of bird sightings that unfolded along the way. We found ourselves stopping every time we saw birds perched on trees or lined along electric wires, turning what could have been a continuous trip into a series of brief pauses shaped by observation.
Tag: Birds
Birdwatching at the Cabusao Wetlands
The visit to the Cabusao Wetlands in Camarines Sur took place at a time when most migratory birds had already left, so the number of species and individuals was limited. The area remained open and quiet, with shallow water, mudflats, and patches of vegetation typical of coastal wetlands. Despite the fewer sightings, the birds that were present allowed for clearer observation.
Blue-tailed Bee-eaters in Alcala
Good Friday this year was spent moving from one church to another for Visita Iglesia across Cagayan. In between stops, we passed through a farm in Alcala where a pair of Blue-tailed Bee-eaters (Merops philippinus) caught my attention. It turned out to be a lifer, which made the stop more memorable than expected.
Second Time Birdwatching at Tagalag
One of the first notable sightings was the Pink-necked Green Pigeon, perched discreetly among dense foliage. Its green plumage blended almost perfectly with the leaves, but careful observation revealed the subtle pinkish tone on the neck and pale bluish hues on the wings.
Indian Peafowls and Guinea Fowls
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Search for Shima-Enaga
Listed as one of the cutest animals in Hokkaido, I was in pursuit of shima-enaga or the Hokkaido long-tailed tits. However, in the three weeks that I have been looking for this elusive bird, I have encountered 3 other species of birds.