Birding Bonanza at Jariel's Peak
A group of avid birders spent four and a half hours traversing the scenic terrain of Jariel's Peak in Quezon, Philippines, tallying an impressive 18 species during their excursion. Led by representatives from Birding Ecotours, the group of nine enthusiasts traversed 11.03 miles of diverse habitats, yielding a rich variety of birdlife.
Among the many highlights was the sighting of the Asian Emerald Dove, a common but striking species in the Philippines. The White-eared Brown-Dove, a subspecies endemic to the country, was also spotted, demonstrating the area's importance for biodiversity.
Raptors were scarce, but the group did encounter a lone Blue-headed Fantail, a colorful member of the drongo family. The Philippine Trogon, a larger, more vibrant bird, also made an appearance, as did the Philippine Jung Crow, whose distinctive calls echoed through the forest.
Other notable sightings included the Elegant Tit, Yellow-vented Bulbul, and Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler, while the Arctic Warbler marked one of the more unusual species identified. The group also heard the melodious calls of the White-browed Shama, whose song is often described as a musical phrase, as well as detected the subtle presence of the Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker.
In addition to these avian delights, the group encountered 11 species of bird-callers, including the Bicolored Flowerpecker, whose distinctive "chirping" was a highlight of the trip.