On January 7th, 2025, David Morrison embarked on an evening walk through Lag-asan in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, accompanied by his dogs. The group's 35-minute, 1.84-kilometer journey rewarded them with sightings of 11 bird species.

The walk began with a sighting of 12 Red Collared-Doves (Spilopelia senegalensis collaris), a common sight in urban areas. The group also spotted a single Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata), a striking bird with its black and white stripes.

In the midst of their walk, Morrison noted a swiftlet, which he was unable to identify (Apus spp.). Later, they encountered a Barred Rail (Gallirallus philippensis), a rare sighting, and a group of nine Eastern Cattle-Egrets (Bubulcus coromandus), known for their distinctive white and yellow plumage.

Morrison also spotted a lone Philippine Pied-Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) and three Striated Grassbirds (Megalurus palustris), their subtle patterns blending seamlessly into the surroundings.

The group's attention was drawn to the skies as a flock of 20 Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) flew overhead, their iridescent feathers glinting in the fading light. The walk also yielded sightings of 5 Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus xanthorrhoeus), 2 Garden Sunbirds (Aethopyga sipara), 20 Chestnut Munias (Lonchura atricapilla), and 40 Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus).

The walk's bright conditions and leisurely pace allowed Morrison to appreciate the diverse range of birds that inhabits the Lag-asan area. The evening's outing was a testament to the importance of urban areas as habitats for birds, and the value of taking the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.