A recent birding trip to Lake Danao Camotes in the Philippines yielded an impressive haul of 17 bird species, led by birder Andrew Wolfe. The 1-hour, 3-minute excursion covered a distance of approximately 0.88 miles, with a focus on the trail east of the park entrance.

The trip got off to a flying start with sightings of Tufted Duck (5 individuals), a rare migrant that continues to draw attention from bird enthusiasts. The Red Junglefowl, native to the Philippines, was also spotted, foraging in a small patch of secondary forest about 500m from human habitation.

The observations list is a veritable smorgasbord of bird life, featuring a mix of common and uncommon species. Zebra Dove, Philippine Coucal, and Plaintive Cuckoo were among the highlights, along with several species of birds known for their striking appearances, such as the Whiskered Tern, Yellow Bittern, and Little Egret.

Other notable sightings included Golden-bellied Gerygone, Pied Triller, and Philippine Pied-Fantail, all of which contributed to the diversity of the trip's species count. Waders and waterbirds made a strong showing, with Striated Heron, Striated Grassbird, and Arctic Warbler all making an appearance.

Asian Glossy Starling stole the show with a flock of five birds, while the iridescent plumage of the Garden Sunbird, seen in a group of three, left a lasting impression.

While precise details about the trip's participants are not readily available, it's clear that Andrew Wolfe's keen eyes and quick observations skills made for a successful outing.