PH Bird News > Negros Occidental

Winter Birding Delight in Lag-asan: A Treasure Trove of Species

Published: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 6:01:19 PM Philippine Standard Time

On a crisp January afternoon, David Morrison embarked on an evening walk in Lag-asan, Bago City, with his canine companions. The overcast sky provided an ideal setting for spotting a diverse range of bird species. Over the course of 33 minutes and a 1.78 km journey, David recorded an impressive 9 species across the area.

The first notable sighting was the unidentified pigeon/dove, with two individuals spotted dotting the landscape. Soon after, the Eastern Cattle-Egret made an appearance, with an impressive eight birds congregating in the area. This striking white egret, easily recognizable by its black neck and legs, is a common sight in the Philippines.

The excitement continued with the sighting of the Philippine Pied-Fantail, a stunning species known for its striking facial markings and beautiful song. One individual was spotted in the vicinity, adding to the overall diversity of the walk.

Raptors, waders, and songbirds alike made an appearance. The Brown Shrike, with its distinctive brown plumage, was spotted on three occasions, while the Striated Grassbird, a songbird, flew in briefly, making its presence known with a single sighting. The Barn Swallow, with its sleek, glossy feathers, was a dominant presence, with 15 individuals counted throughout the walk.

Other notable mentions include the Yellow-vented Bulbul, a common sight in backyards across the Philippines, and the Garden Sunbird, known for its bright orange plumage and striking appearance. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow, a common urban dweller, made an appearance with an impressive 20 individuals counted. Finally, the Paddyfield Pipit, a small, brownish-gray bird, added its unique song to the walk's soundtrack, making for a memorable final sighting.

David's evening walk in Lag-asan provided a thrilling birding experience, with a diverse range of species on show. Whether you're a seasoned birder or an absolute beginner, the natural beauty of the Philippines has something to offer everyone.

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