On a sunny morning of August 24, 2025, Robert Cortes embarked on a birdwatching adventure in La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City, in the National Capital Region (Manila), Philippines. Armed with a keen eye for birds, Cortes spent four and a half hours traversing the park, collecting an impressive list of 30 bird species during his excursion.

The bird diversity in the park was evident as Cortes spotted a variety of bird species, ranging from pigeons and doves to kingfishers, egrets, herons, and woodpeckers. He came across five Rock Pigeons, a common urban bird, and two Zebra Doves, both often found in backyards and urban gardens. In contrast, the more exotic birds in the area included the Sunda Brush Cuckoo, a nocturnal bird with a distinctive call, and the Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, a small species that can be difficult to spot.

Some of the notable sightings included a Philippine Nightjar, which is known for its unique calls and nocturnal habits; a Brown-breasted Kingfisher, which is often seen near water bodies; and a Striated Heron, a common wetland bird. Cortes also observed several juvenile birds, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron and a few other species, highlighting the area's value for young bird conservation.

Throughout his excursion, Cortes recorded multiple instances of birds making different sounds, such as the Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker and the Coppersmith Barbet. This behavior underscores the rich acoustic ecosystem of the park and highlights the importance of listening to birds as an essential part of birding.

The data from this birdwatching expedition offers a snapshot of the fascinating bird biodiversity in La Mesa Eco Park. The encounter highlights the park's value as a vital habitat for birds, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect this unique ecological resource.