On January 6, 2025, ornithologist Kevin Pearce embarked on a thrilling birding adventure at the Zamboanga College of Marine Science & Technology Fish Pond in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Over a three-hour period, Kevin spotted an impressive 29 bird species, showcasing the region's remarkable avifauna.

The observation began with the steady presence of Zebra Doves, while a Pink-necked Green-Pigeon and a group of swifts, later identified as an unidentified small swift, flitted about. The Eurasian Moorhen and Pied Stilt were also spotted, with the latter appearing in impressive numbers, with 26 individuals counted.

Waders made their presence known, with Common Sandpiper, Gray-tailed Tattler, and Pied Stilt all seen. Among the herons, the Black-crowned Night Heron stood out, with 44 birds observed collecting nesting materials, including both adults and immature individuals. Other notable heron sightings included the Nankeen Night Heron, Little Egret, Striated Heron, Eastern Cattle-Egret, Great Egret, and Purple Heron.

Raptors were represented by the Brahminy Kite, while the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Common Kingfisher, and Collared Kingfisher added a splash of color to the scene. The Golden-bellied Gerygone and Pied Triller sang sweet melodies, while the Philippine Pied-Fantail and Philippine Jungle Crow proved to be popular sightings.

Swarms of swallows, including the Pacific Swallow and Barn Swallow, were seen, as well as small groups of Yellow-vented Bulbul and Asian Glossy Starling. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow rounded out the list, with 50 individuals counted.

Kevin's observation notes highlighted the presence of multiple generations of some species, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron and Nankeen Night Heron, providing valuable insights into the birds' social behavior and breeding habits.

The Zamboanga College of Marine Science & Technology Fish Pond has once again demonstrated its importance as a vital habitat for an incredible array of bird species. This report is a testament to the region's rich avifaunal diversity and the importance of protecting these areas for future generations.