On January 7, 2025, David Morrison embarked on a birding adventure along the Ilog River West Bank Mudflats in Negros Occidental, Philippines. Despite challenging conditions with only 0.3 meters of exposed mudflats due to low tide, Morrison's patience was rewarded with an impressive listing of 26 bird species.

The mudflats played host to a diverse array of shorebirds, with Pacific Golden-Plover being the most abundant species with 15 individuals. Other notable shorebirds included Siberian Sand-Plover, Greater Sand-Plover, Whimbrel, Far Eastern Curlew, and Broad-billed Sandpiper.

Wading birds were also well-represented, with Kentish Plover, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, and Gray-tailed Tattler spotted along the mudflats. In addition to these, Morrison also recorded several species of herons, including Nankeen Night Heron, Little Egret, Javan Pond-Heron, Great Egret, Medium Egret, and Purple Heron.

A few bird species with more exotic profiles were also sighted, including the Tibetan Sand-Plover, Black-bellied Plover, and Red-necked Stint. A Golden-bellied Gerygone was heard only, but not seen.

In the skies above, Morrison spotted several species of terns, including Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, and Great Crested Tern. The Whiskered Tern was the most abundant species with 35 individuals.

Morrison's birding trip highlights the importance of the Ilog River West Bank Mudflats as a vital stopover point for migratory birds. The low tide conditions may have limited access, but the rewards for those willing to put in the effort were well worth it.