Birds Abound in Victoria Valley Subdivision
On January 8, 2025, nature enthusiast Jan Denn Arriba embarked on a 3-hour birding trip in the Victoria Valley Subdivision of Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines. The excursion revealed a diverse array of bird species, with a total of 14 species spotted during the trip.
Among the feathered friends spotted was the Philippine Coucal, a shy and elusive bird species native to the country. The Collared Kingfisher, a striking bird with its vibrant blue crown, was also seen, as well as the Golden-bellied Gerygone, a tiny songbird with a melodious call.
The Pied Triller and Black-naped Oriole were present in abundance, with the latter being a common sight in the area. Other notable sightings included the White-breasted Woodswallow, Philippine Pied-Fantail, and Black-naped Monarch, all of which are known for their striking plumage.
Shrikes and flycatchers made an appearance as well, with the Brown Shrike and Gray-streaked Flycatcher being spotted. The Elegant Tit, a rare and sought-after bird species, was seen during the trip, as was the Philippine Bulbul and the Yellow-vented Bulbul. The Lowland White-eye, a common bird species in the area, was also present in numbers.
Jan Denn Arriba, the sole observer of the trip, was thrilled to have seen such a variety of bird species in a short span of time. The trip was conducted under the protocol of traveling, covering an area of approximately 2.37 miles, and the birds were counted over a duration of 3 hours and 8 minutes.