PH Bird News > Agusan del Sur

Conservation Efforts Shine in Bislig Lowlands as Rare Birds Spotted

Published: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 10:03:58 PM Philippine Standard Time

A recent birding trip to the Bislig lowlands in Agusan del Sur, Philippines, yielded a remarkable haul of rare and endemic species, thanks to the keen eyes of ornithologist Russel Orodio. On January 7, 2025, Orodio embarked on a 45-minute traveling survey along the PICOP Road 4, covering a distance of 0.15 kilometers.

The trip proved to be a goldmine for bird enthusiasts, with seven species of birds spotted in the area. Among the highlights was the Great Eared-Nightjar, a rare and elusive species that is a prized sight for many birdwatchers. The Philippine Frogmouth, another unusual sighting, was also spotted during the trip.

The true star of the show, however, was the trio of owl species that Orodio identified during the survey. The Giant Scops-Owl, Everett's Scops-Owl, and Mindanao Boobook are all considered rare or endangered, making the sighting all the more significant. In fact, the presence of these owls serves as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Bislig lowlands and the importance of conservation efforts in the area.

Rounding out the list of species spotted was the Rufous-lored Kingfisher, a colorful and attractive bird that is a familiar sight in the region. And in a surprising turn of events, the Western Hooded Pitta, a bird that is typically found in more remote areas, was also spotted during the survey.

The sighting of these rare and endangered species serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the Bislig lowlands and its rich biodiversity. Efforts to conserve this area and its inhabitants are essential to ensuring the long-term health of the region's ecosystems and the many species that call it home.

This report was generated by an AI language model using data sourced from eBird, an online database of bird distribution and abundance. Read more.