On January 7, 2025, a pair of avid birders ventured into Irawan Eco Park, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, and were rewarded with a delightful afternoon of spotting rare and fascinating bird species. Led by Rene Reyes, the group braved the outdoors for two hours and 48 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 1.88 miles.

The birding trip yielded a total of nine species, with theSpotted Wood-Owl being the most elusive find. Though not visually spotted, the group was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this nocturnal owl's haunting calls during the golden hour of dusk. This was indeed the last bird of the day, leaving a lasting impression on the participants.

Other notable sightings included the Blue-eared Kingfisher, a female specimen, and the Stork-billed Kingfisher, observed from an observation blind and flying along the river. The group also encountered a lone Palawan Crow, Grey-throated Bulbul (identified as Palawan bulbul), Common Hill Myna, White-vented Shama, Palawan Flycatcher (spotted from a blind), and a trio of Lovely Sunbirds.

The participants' comments provided valuable insights into their observations, highlighting the importance of strategy and patient observation in spotting these elusive creatures. With the misty veil of dusk falling over the park, the group was treated to a truly immersive experience, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of the natural world.