On January 10, 2025, Jose Gan embarked on a 10-minute birding trip at Birding 2024 in Laguna, Philippines. The fruits of his labor were a delightful surprise – a kingfisher bonanza! During his brief excursion, Jose spotted an astonishing 2 Common Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis atthis) in the area.

The Common Kingfisher is a stunning species, known for its bright blue back and white belly. These birds are a delight to watch, with their swift dives into the water to catch fish and other aquatic prey. Jose's encounter with these birds highlights the importance of preserving their habitats, ensuring the continued thrival of this species.

The trip, while brief, was a thrilling experience for Jose, allowing him to connect with nature and observe the beauty of the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect our planet's incredible biodiversity.

This encounter may have been a short one, but it's a wonderful reminder of the wonders that can be found in our own backyard with a little bit of curiosity and a passion for nature.