A morning birding trip to the University of the Philippines Diliman in Manila yielded an impressive variety of species on August 25. Led by observer Mic Lim, the team set up a stationary observation spot and spent an hour monitoring the local avifauna.

In the urban setting of UP Diliman, 14 species of birds were spotted, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of urban wildlife. These include common urban dwellers such as the Rock Pigeon, found in abundance with four individuals spotted, and the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, which is also widely distributed in the area.

The trip also highlighted some of the region's unique bird species, including the Golden-bellied Gerygone, which is endemic to the Philippines. This species of gerygone was seen only once during the trip, along with the Collared Kingfisher and the Long-tailed Shrike, both of which are known for their beautiful plumage and striking calls.

In addition, the team recorded a number of waterbird species in the area, with the Eastern Cattle-Egret being a notable sighting, with seven individuals spotted. The trip also featured a large flock of the Yellow-vented Bulbul, one of the most common birds in the urban landscape of the Philippines, with 10 individuals recorded.

The observation trip serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting urban wildlife habitats. Despite the challenges posed by human development, birds continue to thrive in the urban jungle, providing essential ecological services and contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.