On a recent birding trip to La Mesa Eco Park in the National Capital Region (Manila) of the Philippines, a team of enthusiastic birders led by participants Fazlin and Rehaan ventured out to spot as many species as possible. Their 3-hour exploration covered an impressive distance of 5 kilometers, yielding a total of 18 different bird species.

Among the fascinating birds spotted during the excursion were the Red Junglefowl, a type of domesticated pheasant, with a notable count of five, likely due to their adaptation to human presence in the urban landscape. The Rock Pigeon, a non-native bird found worldwide, also made an appearance, with a count of five. The Spotted Dove and Black-naped Oriole were both seen in larger groups, suggesting a potential food source or roosting site in the area.

In contrast, some species were encountered individually or in pairs, such as the Collared Kingfisher, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, and Gray-rumped Swiftlet. The Ashy Thrush, a migratory bird from the old world, was spotted, alongside the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, which showed a remarkable count of ten. Other notable sightings included the Eurasian Tree Sparrow's fellow sparrow counterpart, the Yellow-vented Bulbul, and the Garden Sunbird.

Interestingly, the audio record of the Philippine Coucal captured during the excursion was also noted, although unfortunately, the bird itself was not visually confirmed.

The discoveries at La Mesa Eco Park demonstrate the variety of birdlife thriving in an urban environment, with species such as the Rock Pigeon and Eurasian Tree Sparrow, suggesting these areas may be both an oasis and potential indicator of biodiversity within the NCR.

The combination of dedicated birders and an abundance of species at La Mesa Eco Park highlights the importance of these urban areas, not just for recreation, but also as corridors for wildlife amidst human-set habitats surrounding them.