On January 30, 2025, Ian McCutcheon embarked on a birding expedition to Astoria Palawan in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. Over the course of 2 hours and 24 minutes, he covered a distance of 5.246 kilometers, logging an impressive 18 species of birds.

The foray began with a sighting of the Zebra Dove, a resident bird species in the area. However, it was the waders that stole the show, with McCutcheon spotting several species of plovers and sandpipers. Notable among these were the Siberian Sand-Plover, with 15 individuals recorded, and the Little Egret, a majestic white wader characteristic of coastal wetlands.

The shore visited by McCutcheon also played host to various migrants, including the Black-bellied Plover, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Gray-tailed Tattler, and Ruddy Turnstone. McCutcheon also observed a single Whimbrel, which is a migratory bird known to inhabit coastal areas during its wintering grounds.

Birds of prey seen on the trip included the Lesser Frigatebird, which was observed soaring overhead. Other notable bird sightings include the Pacific Reef-Heron, Collared Kingfisher, and Common Iora, which are frequently spotted in the region.

In addition to these species, Ian McCutcheon managed to record several bird species that are endemic to the area, including the Rufous-tailed Tailorbird and the Palawan Sunbird, a colorful songbird unique to the island of Palawan.

Throughout the excursion, it is clear that the area surrounding Astoria Palawan is a vital habitat for a diverse array of bird species, ranging from residents to endemic migrants. This birding trip serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these habitats for future generations.