A recent birding trip to the Candaba migratory hot zone in Pampanga, Philippines, yielded an impressive 28 species count, with a total of over 1,600 individual birds observed. Led by Irene Dy, the solo birder spent 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring a 1-kilometer area, making the most of the trip's duration.

Waterbirds dominated the list, with the Eurasian Coot taking the top spot with an astonishing 156 sightings. Other notable waterbirds included the Little Egret, Great Egret, and Medium Egret, with impressive counts of 650, 342, and 40, respectively. Waders, such as the Wood Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper, also made appearances, with 45 and 2 sightings, respectively.

The trip was not limited to waterbirds, however. The Whiskered Tern's massive flock of 650 individuals was a highlight, as was the Pacific Swallow's impressive count of 30. Passerines, such as the Eurasian Tree Sparrow and Paddyfield Pipit, also made the cut, with counts of 450 and 3, respectively.

Other highlights included the sight of rare species, such as the Garganey, Northern Shoveler, and Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler, which are not typically seen in the area. The trip also yielded sightings of charismatic species like the White-breasted Waterhen, Black-winged Stilt, and Gray Heron.

With a total of 12 species of waders, 7 species of herons and egrets, and 4 species of rails, this trip demonstrated the incredible diversity of birdlife in the Candaba migratory hot zone.