On January 7, 2025, a birding enthusiast, Justine Albao, embarked on a thrilling adventure in Bongsalay Natural Park, Ticao Island, Masbate, Philippines. The one-hour excursion covered a distance of 0.3 km, yielding a impressive list of 11 species.

The highlight of the trip was the abundance of waders, with a flock of 20 Gray-tailed Tattlers wading along the shores. The group also spotted two Kentish Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola squatarola) and an unidentified plover species, while a pair of Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos) made a cameo appearance.

The trip was also a treat for raptor enthusiasts, with a lone Striated Heron (Butorides striata) and a majestic Great Egret (Ardea alba) soaring overhead. Meanwhile, a flurry of Kingfishers, including six Collared Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis), flitted about, adding splashes of color to the proceedings.

Songbirds stole the show, however, with a chorus of Golden-bellied Gerygone (Gerygone sulphurea) heard trilling in the distance, and a lone Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) making a brief appearance.

The excursion also yielded a total of 12 birds, including an Eastern Cattle-Egret (Bubulcus coromandus), a pair of Garden Sunbirds (Nectariniaasiatica), and a Philippine Magpie-Robin (Cinclosoma deuterón).