A recent birding trip along the Marcos Highway in the Quezon province of the Philippines offered a glimpse into the wintering grounds of various bird species. Conducted by seasoned birders Jason Lewis and Robert Hutchinson, the 14-minute observation yielded an impressive array of birds.

The key sightings included the fast-flying Gray-rumped Swiftlet, a small, insectivorous bird that was observed in numbers, with eight individuals noted by the participants. Five Elegant Tits, social birds often found in groups, were also spotted. Less common in the region, the Arctic Warbler, a migratory songbird, was seen, albeit infrequently. A single Flaming Sunbird, a species typically found in urban areas, was among the notable sightings.

While these observations provide a starting point for deeper exploration of the region's avifauna, they suggest that the Marcos Highway corridor is an important stopover site for a variety of bird species. The finding is of particular interest as it highlights the importance of maintaining habitats supporting migratory and resident birds alike. As conservation efforts continue, the observations from this birding trip contribute to a greater understanding of the region's wildlife.