On August 26th, bird enthusiasts Peter Widmann and an observer spent 5 minutes in the ricefields of Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm in Palawan, Philippines, documenting a diverse range of bird species.

Over the course of their short expedition, the pair recorded a total of 17 species of birds, including several wading birds that seem to be thriving in the area. Wood Sandpipers (count: 7), Common Sandpipers (count: 2), and Red-necked Stints (count: 3) were among the 17 species observed.

Two birds of prey were spotted - a Gray Heron and a Collared Kingfisher were seen patrolling the skies. The Gray Heron was identified as being in adult plumage, distinguishing itself from its younger counterparts.

Waterbirds dominated the scene, with 31 birds belonging to the egret family seen on the ricefields that day. The species count includes the Little Egret, Eastern Cattle-Egret, and Great Egret.

Other notable sightings include the Barn Swallow with its count of 9 and the Eurasian Tree Sparrow with a count of 6.

Their observations provide valuable insights into the local bird population in Palawan and are a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Philippines.