On August 24, 2025, Ronet Santos embarked on a morning birding trip at San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. The 47-minute count covered a distance of 0.21 miles. The observations made on this trip showcase the rich avifauna of the region.

Among the 25 species observed, waterbirds dominated the count. Ronet spotted 2 Wandering Whistling-Ducks, flying in a southwest direction, and a small group of White-browed Crake, a rare sighting in the area. A mixed flock of waders included 9 Black-winged Stilts, 20 Wood Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Sandpiper, and a few other species like Common Greenshank and Common Redshank.

Heron sightings were also plentiful, with 5 Black-crowned Night Herons, 20 Little Egrets, 3 Striated Herons, and a few more scattered throughout the area. Ronet also caught a glimpse of a Purple Heron, which is a common sight in the region. A pair of Cinnamon Bitterns and Yellow Bitterns added to the list, showing a good variety of heron species in the area.

The list also included several other bird species, such as Rock Pigeons, Zebra Doves, Little Ringed Plovers, Siberian Sand-Plovers, Whiskered Terns, and Chestnut Munias, showcasing a mix of resident and migrant species in the area. A lone Eurasian Tree Sparrow and an Asian Glossy Starling were spotted, highlighting the interesting mix of species observed during this trip.

This morning count at San Jose serves as a testament to the rich birdlife of Occidental Mindoro. Ronet Santos's observations provide valuable insights into the region's avifauna and highlight the area's potential for birdwatching and conservation efforts.