A recent birding trip to Bataan in Central Luzon, Philippines, yielded an exciting haul of 17 species for the participants. The trip, conducted on January 6, 2025, was a three-hour and 20-minute adventure for Ashleigh and Cooper Tamayo, the two observers who braved the great outdoors.

The birders were rewarded with a diverse range of species, from the familiar Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) to the more exotic Whiskered Tern. The team spotted a total of four Rock Pigeons, with two Zebra Doves and one Gray-rumped Swiftlet also making an appearance. The skies were abuzz with the cries of Brahminy Kites, with eight birds counted during the trip.

Other highlights included a lone Blue-tailed Bee-eater, a Collared Kingfisher, and a Brown Shrike. The team also caught glimpses of ground-dwelling birds like the Striated Grassbird and the Philippine Jungle Crow.

In addition to these species, the birders spotted a number of birds associated with human habitation. These included Pacific Swallows, Barn Swallows, and Yellow-vented Bulbuls, which were seen in large numbers. The team also counted seven Eurasian Tree Sparrows, which are a common sight in urban areas.

Rounding out the list were the Philippine Magpie-Robin, Blue Rock-Thrush, and Garden Sunbird. The Garden Sunbird was seen in pairs, with two birds counted during the trip.

The birding trip to Bataan was a great success, with the participants taking in the sights and sounds of the natural world. Their efforts yielded a valuable snapshot of the area's avifauna, providing a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of bird life in Central Luzon.