tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82637954528316562422024-03-19T15:25:39.968+08:00 breathing spacetrinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-61195244112137571642018-09-16T18:33:00.004+08:002018-09-16T20:07:51.318+08:00Birthday Bathing Bulbuls<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few weekends ago I celebrated my nth year in this world with lunch with my family at home. Our dining room faces the backyard and we noticed a commotion in the backyard bird bath. The heat and humidity was almost unbearable and several bulbuls were lining up to take a quick dip!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpphswWi37uFqPKAe_0nZ1EMN7BfRUZI3PvIJgMbA5oH47k0GdyNcfjTa_KsZW-MiQyIyNvvJNhcu90qqfM7xsB9wDtqvl3vVboZ-qt-P9BrvbBFFEk1_0c4-FU-oK7fUunTndrf6Qro/s1600/IMG_9945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpphswWi37uFqPKAe_0nZ1EMN7BfRUZI3PvIJgMbA5oH47k0GdyNcfjTa_KsZW-MiQyIyNvvJNhcu90qqfM7xsB9wDtqvl3vVboZ-qt-P9BrvbBFFEk1_0c4-FU-oK7fUunTndrf6Qro/s640/IMG_9945.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course they were their usually orderly selves and lined up to take turns at the bird bath. Even if the bath was quite spacious for a bulbul, they only went in one at a time!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BC5aSLVWg_MGSIoviKgKdJ_ZZO985_sT0gjUAvMkANLZmyhFy4UuiENyveVW47wzWrLGOiQ4OP-QH-3XQhBWap4b5eeL8FnvqDuKNySz5AqycG2JGLKctGKJTSThzxd2PYF9Fvs4GUI/s1600/IMG_9906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BC5aSLVWg_MGSIoviKgKdJ_ZZO985_sT0gjUAvMkANLZmyhFy4UuiENyveVW47wzWrLGOiQ4OP-QH-3XQhBWap4b5eeL8FnvqDuKNySz5AqycG2JGLKctGKJTSThzxd2PYF9Fvs4GUI/s640/IMG_9906.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As soon as one bird stepped up to the rim of the bath, another quickly stepped into the water and splashed around.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8BpcUMq8GywFbm1pbjiJzzk-NCgsBdLp0wHfn9QLTs9jJj4FdVdgMtOyA2ZZcttI0Dt9GkuQtBeBa5CflAUMEPXeM41Oo4kSEuc4PhBKMZhleRp78BgtMpt-tzn19X7cOkADM0zJNg/s1600/IMG_9928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8BpcUMq8GywFbm1pbjiJzzk-NCgsBdLp0wHfn9QLTs9jJj4FdVdgMtOyA2ZZcttI0Dt9GkuQtBeBa5CflAUMEPXeM41Oo4kSEuc4PhBKMZhleRp78BgtMpt-tzn19X7cOkADM0zJNg/s640/IMG_9928.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the rim they would fly up to perch on the nearby branches to continue flapping and shaking dry. All around the other bulbuls would patiently wait their turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At most there were maybe 16 bulbuls lined up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The most we could get in one frame was 10 bulbuls though. Can you count them in the photo below?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfw0bz5XGACmrprKJ6dXezhPa91K693TD52INkAGEjqCabnPTWuYMeX0efnvRgU8gdB_8PLIIHQoHaRlmY684YOaq7pAuN8r2_kCgfDGIYGuzY_GQsDWXOyDyDjT_LX6OYBTs2vzv4AU/s1600/IMG_9921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfw0bz5XGACmrprKJ6dXezhPa91K693TD52INkAGEjqCabnPTWuYMeX0efnvRgU8gdB_8PLIIHQoHaRlmY684YOaq7pAuN8r2_kCgfDGIYGuzY_GQsDWXOyDyDjT_LX6OYBTs2vzv4AU/s640/IMG_9921.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several years after having installed the first of many bird baths in the yard, I still get a thrill when I see a bird splashing in the water. Always glad to provide some refreshment to my feathered neighbors. And I was happy they dropped by during my birthday lunch as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-20153333326217557662018-09-15T12:20:00.001+08:002018-09-16T20:08:33.006+08:00Crafts for the conservation (and more)!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On my last post, I wrote about <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2018/09/a-bulbul-nest-at-our-window.html" target="_blank">the Ashy-fronted Bulbul outside</a> Mel's and my shared bedroom window. So why were we in Puerto Princesa in March?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, Mel was invited by the Katala Foundation to share her craft with some of their local partners in conservation. Mel designs and sews beautiful mini felt charms of Philippine endemic wildlife, among them the Philippine cockatoo (katala) and the Palawan hornbill (talusi). I was happy to tag along and volunteered to be her assistant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our first day, we worked with some of the women from Brgy. Luzviminda of Puerto Princesa and from the town of Narra. Narra is the site for one of the most <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/06/hope-and-katala.html" target="_blank">successful conservation programs</a> of the Katala Foundation so far, and the skills training could provide an additional source of income plus an avenue for educational campaigns.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i1e0tT1fak_u41UsF4shyphenhyphen36C6BgKzTJgsP2BlYmVVb_6b_Hbr4l7nOlGQGYxkwUSonb6Geh7a7kcgllhTPp1ENIuK1G-EF_AtdjCSUbc9IKoEN0SETRPV1UDYahSbY84FmeQ_8Fh6jI/s1600/1521960231167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i1e0tT1fak_u41UsF4shyphenhyphen36C6BgKzTJgsP2BlYmVVb_6b_Hbr4l7nOlGQGYxkwUSonb6Geh7a7kcgllhTPp1ENIuK1G-EF_AtdjCSUbc9IKoEN0SETRPV1UDYahSbY84FmeQ_8Fh6jI/s400/1521960231167.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was great working with the women the whole day. In the beginning they had a lot to say about the tiny patterns and how cutting the felt almost left them cross-eyed. But as the day wore on, they became obsessed in their hand work and engrossed in their sewing. There was even a bit of competition on who could sew the best looking and the most number of charms for the day!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSFLgCTPtMeFei4cZOMns87xxz_7UWtDo2-07N6llufuao2x1MTyYRNCeVRM22huZSwRvljYD0DKgtwllx9yb4Gji4ELN659_U4PVWaYhNBG8OPqkYCvt_d_xs24FxJ9AYXIsR06C4dQ/s1600/Women+at+Work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="900" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSFLgCTPtMeFei4cZOMns87xxz_7UWtDo2-07N6llufuao2x1MTyYRNCeVRM22huZSwRvljYD0DKgtwllx9yb4Gji4ELN659_U4PVWaYhNBG8OPqkYCvt_d_xs24FxJ9AYXIsR06C4dQ/s640/Women+at+Work.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was good to be in the company of women with a good sense of humor and who worked well with their hands. At the end of the day-long training, everyone was proud of their work and excited to go full force in producing the charms.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5pWTRxdlSrTQMukyvQ75oT7sNCgd_pK-swGNq4EI2YzrwQRVGNA135wb1vxjkcSIKl_osNDPh1VKnjqb-bRoMdmtRxWTg9NETDXUnfEOMLBputUGunGX4IOp6B5zXm1kNoHZsJaDHw0/s1600/1521971098027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5pWTRxdlSrTQMukyvQ75oT7sNCgd_pK-swGNq4EI2YzrwQRVGNA135wb1vxjkcSIKl_osNDPh1VKnjqb-bRoMdmtRxWTg9NETDXUnfEOMLBputUGunGX4IOp6B5zXm1kNoHZsJaDHw0/s400/1521971098027.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the succeeding two days, we moved to Iwahig and worked with the medium-security inmates of the Penal Farm. Although the group was very different from the women we had worked with the previous day, there was a similar level of skill, enthusiasm and competitiveness! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUHyzU5agXLtToJskWA521Curd537wZGALLL8hy5jkzMy5HUwbllIOKemZXO849dPwSZZE6Hjpg9ypKg8jDjloUlMlKkHoNmvvMyJqtzslYKCf1q21mhxpITen4YN3ooEjuNWcuIKrWo/s1600/DSC05127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="900" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUHyzU5agXLtToJskWA521Curd537wZGALLL8hy5jkzMy5HUwbllIOKemZXO849dPwSZZE6Hjpg9ypKg8jDjloUlMlKkHoNmvvMyJqtzslYKCf1q21mhxpITen4YN3ooEjuNWcuIKrWo/s400/DSC05127.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone was hunched over their classroom desks, hands busy, caught up in their work. Everyone also was in good humor, stories of all sorts were exchanged while working. Despite having been deprived of liberty, the men were very open in sharing their stories of their lives and giving commentaries on a wide variety of topics. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwdGwPZ4hvkXSF6U1z7bUeAsuxAcyHUvT56eAvAd-jzEFd-6nx5pOiVkHqQIYyONu9BhvZq3ANsBuDKNxfdB3d3E8RFTOmHGIhNl91pbgfOZ_twIACs9eHzQZgE7xqVpxBQ8Gxrz30DE/s1600/Men+at+Work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="900" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwdGwPZ4hvkXSF6U1z7bUeAsuxAcyHUvT56eAvAd-jzEFd-6nx5pOiVkHqQIYyONu9BhvZq3ANsBuDKNxfdB3d3E8RFTOmHGIhNl91pbgfOZ_twIACs9eHzQZgE7xqVpxBQ8Gxrz30DE/s640/Men+at+Work.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upon learning that Mel had yet to see a Philippine Cockatoo in the wild, the inmates began to offer all sorts of suggestions on how she could accomplish getting it on her life list. The Penal Farm after all was one of the sites where the Katala population was re-establishing itself. Almost everyone (not only the inmates, but the guards as well!) had a recommendation: from a specific tree to a specific time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thankfully, one of the local expert guides, Mang Arding, who worked at the penal farm and with the Katala Foundation, kept an eye out for any katala while we were there. Upon spotting a lone cockatoo feeding at the manggahan area, he quickly fetched Melanie and me and drove us to the site!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(We were not allowed our cameras and optics in the facility, so all we had as evidence is the story and a few blurry digiscoped photos using Kuya Arding's binoculars!).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8MjamfplExfh1XymYi7kcR3bLhM63RrWyKde8HVWxGXTpjuCWErEMsAUt2xfm3hPq5s6V-0M-1Zj4CP-vcYKlt5XJSGurXywKVdoyThob8oq2nN5Zfs-SVOMgvK3I-n4BcAp-Xg9Amw/s1600/1522121662838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8MjamfplExfh1XymYi7kcR3bLhM63RrWyKde8HVWxGXTpjuCWErEMsAUt2xfm3hPq5s6V-0M-1Zj4CP-vcYKlt5XJSGurXywKVdoyThob8oq2nN5Zfs-SVOMgvK3I-n4BcAp-Xg9Amw/s640/1522121662838.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While not officially a birding trip, we (myself, the Katala staff, the prisoners, the guards, Mang Arding and Mel of course!) were all happy to that Mel got her katala lifer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is always great when different lives intersect and align towards a common goal. Cheers and hugs to Mel for being so generous with her time and talents. It was truly an enriching and unforgettable experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Read more about this skills training program by clicking this link: <a href="https://bit.ly/2MrKWrf" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2MrKWrf</a></span><br />
<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-23694985423450365592018-09-08T15:08:00.002+08:002018-09-08T15:08:57.433+08:00A bulbul nest at our window<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love visiting our friends Peter and Indira who live up the hill! They have a beautiful home surrounded by greenery and wildlife.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On my last visit last March with Melanie, we were greeted every morning by an inquisitive Ashy-fronted Bulbul at our window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our second morning, we figured out why...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbHdybsMm5C32xKXrKRrBYp5VmfBuew230b6nZmTp6Ftkn_FlD50QIdrQ_SGUy_LjPQFFjOOCeFNYMFLJ08dLHHSt-iG1Ctv5su6vOl913qzYUkxQEemnODzTCeJE_G9LNwrcnhMNTwg/s1600/IMG_5454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbHdybsMm5C32xKXrKRrBYp5VmfBuew230b6nZmTp6Ftkn_FlD50QIdrQ_SGUy_LjPQFFjOOCeFNYMFLJ08dLHHSt-iG1Ctv5su6vOl913qzYUkxQEemnODzTCeJE_G9LNwrcnhMNTwg/s400/IMG_5454.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a nest with 2 baby bulbuls in it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The photo above was taken while Melanie and I were standing on our bed, window open and curtains drawn, both of us playing contortionist, trying to find a good angle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we went outside to view the nest from there, we found the parent pair busy taking turns feeding the young ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How great is it to have a pair of busy bulbul parents attending to their young in a nest outside your bedroom window?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-29967171393651111562018-09-06T18:21:00.002+08:002018-09-06T20:02:55.507+08:00Mekeni, mamilang tamung ayup!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">("Come, let's count birds!" in Pampangue<span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">ñ</span>o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Migratory birds are currently on the move for Autumn migration, and I look back to last February where we joined the indefatigable Arne J to check out the environs of Manila Bay to survey the waterbird population. Our group was composed of myself, Adri, Tinggay, Angelo and Arne. We were ready to count birds!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Manila Bay is a significant feeding and staging area for migratory waterbirds, and needless to say, the changes around its shores in the name of development and progress may be to the detriment of our feathered world travelling friends. It is important that regular surveys are performed, especially during peak migration to keep records which may be useful for future decisions. Arne has extensive experience with the Manila Bay area and has worked with Wetlands International, providing valuable data. Of course we were thrilled at the chance to join him on a survey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our initial plan was to explore a few mudflats along the coastlines accessible by boat at the northern part of Manila Bay where the Pampanga River meets the sea. A few Kentish Plovers were scuttling on the beach, while Whiskered Terns flew above us. There were also large numbers of black-headed gulls were flying overhead towards the sea, so we were excited to get going. We also got a single Caspian Tern flying overhead! It was a lifer for me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because of the low tide, we had a difficult time getting to the <i>bangka</i>, having to balance and strategically step through the thick mud. We finally got to the <i>bangka</i>, but then, we couldn't move! We were stuck in the mud! The water was too low and we were grounded! Our <i>bangka</i> got stuck in the mud and we weren't getting anywhere. It looked as if our initial plans could not push through. So we got out again and walked back through the mud back to the beach. After washing off the mud from our legs, it was decided that we just explore the banks of the Pampanga River.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We started off walking along the road on the west bank of the Pampanga river. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wow! There were a lot of Black-headed Gulls. A LOT! They looked like little white islands from the distance, sparkling in the hot sun. But a look through the scope revealed them to be flocks of gulls and terns! Most of them were preening, but some seemed to be resting or asleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There a several waders as well: egrets, sandpipers, stints, plovers, greenshanks - mixed in with the large flocks. We also spotted several more Caspian Terns mixed in with the flock, their larger size orange bills making them easy to spot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We spent the entire morning counting on the west bank of the river, breaking for lunch at midday. Tinggay provided us with a wonderful meal, which we enjoyed by the roadside under the shade of a tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We got back on the highway and crossed a bridge over the river and then proceeded to find our way to the opposite side of the river.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This time, in the afternoon, it was mostly resting Whiskered Terns which we counted!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The heat was stifling under that hot sun, and the east river bank provided even less shade than the sparsely tree- and bamboo-lined west bank. We took refuge in the shade of the tall grass when we could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were also several Black-winged Stilts feeding in the shallow waters, accompanied by a few Common Greenshanks. Always elegant, whether standing on the impossibly long pink legs, or flying above the water, Black-winged Stilts are among my favorite waders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every now and then Adri would spot a large flock of incoming waders: sometimes terms, sometimes plovers or sandpipers. They were flying so high up in the air!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most of the east bank nearest to the sea was occupied with large fishponds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Their fences provided perches for many of the terns. This guard dog didn't mind the birds but it sure made quite a racket barking at us walking on the dirt path several meters away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arne and Angelo made it all the way to the shores of Manila Bay, I think! We ran into them already walking back and so we made a u-turn as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickCn1ohAsdqXnW2bzHounkcZ5nvikBQZ1n_Rd9UnXuj8ec8rqXWlI5m48hnTILmzqpxIdmqn4JdPkVpY-PiFVAWSA4Csssye-iooX-9Q8QvmGmv9HAwmHxqX9P0vYA096qFw9x5jFeXQ/s1600/P_20180204_164609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickCn1ohAsdqXnW2bzHounkcZ5nvikBQZ1n_Rd9UnXuj8ec8rqXWlI5m48hnTILmzqpxIdmqn4JdPkVpY-PiFVAWSA4Csssye-iooX-9Q8QvmGmv9HAwmHxqX9P0vYA096qFw9x5jFeXQ/s400/P_20180204_164609.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was getting late in the afternoon and the shadows getting longer. The earth was cooling down a bit and the scenery was very tranquil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We thought we were already done with our counts, but wait! There was more! We spotted a few more waders at the beginning of the asphalted road on our way back. There was even a Peregrine Falcon patrolling the fields at sunset, perched on a low dike!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqex2wab12B5PmP1VG1CRWOOfh32Qj5Qj-iG12gfmt-Iqj-7k3vh9_v6n6-BAkrpMQG_DnZEd5Ua2g7sHFAwclZTQA0gYYf3XdAiibDVLh9LqsXCL5D0nvedfLk5Tu3OIZm6zi7U48XnQ/s1600/P_20180204_173211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqex2wab12B5PmP1VG1CRWOOfh32Qj5Qj-iG12gfmt-Iqj-7k3vh9_v6n6-BAkrpMQG_DnZEd5Ua2g7sHFAwclZTQA0gYYf3XdAiibDVLh9LqsXCL5D0nvedfLk5Tu3OIZm6zi7U48XnQ/s400/P_20180204_173211.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the end we came up with a count of more than 30,000 waders and wetland-associated birds! Spending an entire day counting on the survey was exhausting and so I appreciated Arne's enthusiasm and professionalism even more after the experience. At the end of the day as we drove off with the sun setting behind us we were in the good company of passionate birders, the total numbers were amazing and it was all well worth the back breaking and eye-crossing job of counting waders for almost 12 hours.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs67n63r4yKM5fz9wZ6kiFMM7kyxG2fv90o-5vbCDhLdaOMHgU_KjbufX-OOWrCMdu4Y0qio9JK2Ta2mSEvtclnP1rEGp7bMHLgTnYsxx9Dt0WGhjCVkjn_sUoIMuPYCJkTLBqJFTJgsE/s1600/P_20180204_084140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs67n63r4yKM5fz9wZ6kiFMM7kyxG2fv90o-5vbCDhLdaOMHgU_KjbufX-OOWrCMdu4Y0qio9JK2Ta2mSEvtclnP1rEGp7bMHLgTnYsxx9Dt0WGhjCVkjn_sUoIMuPYCJkTLBqJFTJgsE/s400/P_20180204_084140.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;">In the morning after our retreat from the original plan!</span></span></td></tr>
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-3628898922045498182018-08-25T20:10:00.003+08:002018-08-25T22:49:12.081+08:00Birding Bandilaan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Predictably, our tricycle driver <i>Manong </i>Glen seemed quite surprised that we didn't want to go the usual tourist route.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cambugahay Falls? The old, enchanted balete tree? The springs? Cantabon Cave? The Lazi convent and Church? Salagdoong Beach? He offered all of them in succession.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We said no to all of the above! We loved our memories of Siquijor from more than a decade past, and we were happy to keep them as they were. Our top priority was the Bandilaan National Park, we were there to see the endemic Siquijor subspecies of the Streak-breasted Bulbul!</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Manong </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Glen was familiar of course with the bulbul, locally called <i>tagmaya. </i>He agreed that it would be easiest to see in the forest. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a scratch of his head, he offered to pick us up at 6am the next day. From his own lips came the suggestion that it would be good to start early. Perfect! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We made a compromise with </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Manong </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Glen though, in case we didn't spot it at Bandilaan, we would gladly go to Salagdoong (the forest not the beach!) where we knew it was also easily sighted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Right on the dot, he was outside our resort. We sped off in a comfortable modernized <i>tuk-tuk</i> (better than a tricycle for the uphill drive he said!). But first, a quick stop at a neighborhood <i>panaderia </i>for some hot<i> pan de sal</i> and an irresistible loaf of cinnamon rolls!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the way up the mountain, we could already hear some bulbuls calling. We drove thru good roads, passing several houses with signs offering <i>hilot</i> (traditional massage) services.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived near a tourist spot where an uphill path to the view point split from the road, <i>Manong </i>Glen parked the <i>tuk-tuk</i> and pointed up the overgrown, dark and wet (looked slippery too!) path. The open road actually looked more promising and so we told him we would just walk along it. We ate a <i>pan de sal </i>each, offered the rest to our driver, and went on our way. Our driver told us he would park a few meters back at a flatter area and would wait for us there.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqtufeooF_jg_OtIj7xa3L0zBB_q4ftcDCOUUTxxoswDQXJuAfnIwtTl23KpruVd8rPGZS_oybJBPEdu1MlKw2diDhyphenhyphen_KXt48421h__fpks8v3lmHEDUJLNTENj9fXQ7fwXMBI959Bj8/s1600/P_20180805_101614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqtufeooF_jg_OtIj7xa3L0zBB_q4ftcDCOUUTxxoswDQXJuAfnIwtTl23KpruVd8rPGZS_oybJBPEdu1MlKw2diDhyphenhyphen_KXt48421h__fpks8v3lmHEDUJLNTENj9fXQ7fwXMBI959Bj8/s400/P_20180805_101614.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Bandilaan National Park on the slopes of Mt. Malabahoc</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The forest looked much thicker than we remembered, certainly a good sign. Although it could have just been greener because it was the rainy season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Very quickly, we spotted the noisy bulbuls moving around the canopy. Wonderful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Getting photos though was another matter. It was still a grey morning, and the little morning light available was filtered by the forest. On top of that, a beautiful light mist surrounded us! The air was fresh and cool, the forest alive with sound... but still, photography would surely be a challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hooded Pittas were singing loudly, the wet ground and leaf litter was perfect for their foraging. Every now and then when we turned a bend we would flush one from the road.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKobGRgT6Pl58OfhTN1Ru-L5i1FC-INXnFilAPvc5jUpm5xVVZJ1IuCJwe9Q8kgNuB-oNY2xRZxEbHUqz08K5kVjfeDrmpSLhh-VSzFRdDUEe6ALlFi78YcF3wWWZ7SbPYRNXlQGC22e0/s1600/AMC_5083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKobGRgT6Pl58OfhTN1Ru-L5i1FC-INXnFilAPvc5jUpm5xVVZJ1IuCJwe9Q8kgNuB-oNY2xRZxEbHUqz08K5kVjfeDrmpSLhh-VSzFRdDUEe6ALlFi78YcF3wWWZ7SbPYRNXlQGC22e0/s400/AMC_5083.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From above,the large hibiscus-like flowers from the native Vidal's Lanutan<i> </i>trees were dropping to the ground. They would land with a soft <i>plunk</i> (one time hitting my head!) and covered the road in an almost festive feel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Streak-breasted Bulbuls (if split in the future, this endemic subspecies <i>siquijorensis</i> may be known as the Siquijor Bulbul) were very active! It turns out that many were still feeding their young, who followed them around begging noisily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One such parent-offspring pair were feeding at what seemed like a rattan vine, moving actively about the abundant fruit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuAs7VMDvgpgBkwdPt3I3QOKkTK1z6gzVipd8t1FGc2GMnigWyEJcHK3j0_wpSm1xPXv4u6lYzjh5ilo-HpCnopsDG5wRNN9DAaVKYkEDsCKnNWqM3QpMa3sP2FLsIA_Zz-EP5IkzJAg/s1600/IMG_9031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuAs7VMDvgpgBkwdPt3I3QOKkTK1z6gzVipd8t1FGc2GMnigWyEJcHK3j0_wpSm1xPXv4u6lYzjh5ilo-HpCnopsDG5wRNN9DAaVKYkEDsCKnNWqM3QpMa3sP2FLsIA_Zz-EP5IkzJAg/s400/IMG_9031.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0b1pvx-Tfqrc7kYtrMB7RbdQvWvCuhR_QnH4pWdP7XiYJnNDwXlPW6boN8prEnXy-r1rP3mqKFMekjFuRNgL8Jp0nPH4FC7m7eB-0N6Rg9GnzSzHp33ET26xYIDS6u4KaT-u47_cSk0/s1600/IMG_9036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0b1pvx-Tfqrc7kYtrMB7RbdQvWvCuhR_QnH4pWdP7XiYJnNDwXlPW6boN8prEnXy-r1rP3mqKFMekjFuRNgL8Jp0nPH4FC7m7eB-0N6Rg9GnzSzHp33ET26xYIDS6u4KaT-u47_cSk0/s400/IMG_9036.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many of the bulbuls were also in moult. Not a very handsome bird to begin with (in my opinion, that is!), they looked all the more awkward with missing feathers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpGSf8IadaEoNxPw3k9tFEO_-rPSm6pqjhWxmZadKDyqVraHQVovo4CrMy3bkod9x5X_He12tbBXxve_tkF-lae2QwVA4rdDavbT8fBHUbOoORm944B7hWtZWpqcqF9XEdP9Xcd8XxRA/s1600/IMG_9084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpGSf8IadaEoNxPw3k9tFEO_-rPSm6pqjhWxmZadKDyqVraHQVovo4CrMy3bkod9x5X_He12tbBXxve_tkF-lae2QwVA4rdDavbT8fBHUbOoORm944B7hWtZWpqcqF9XEdP9Xcd8XxRA/s400/IMG_9084.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The bulbuls were not the only ones busy with their young. We encountered several Mangrove Blue Flycatcher families as well. They sang melodiously throughout the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The damp forest was also excellent for fungi spotting. Tiny and huge, dull and colorful - all sorts grew on the branches and ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course there were also my favorite epiphytes in abundance - ant plants (<i>Myrmecodia</i>)! They grew thickly on the trees, together with moss, ferns, orchids and others. Their bulbous caudices hanging on to their hosts' branches while their green leaves sprouted at the opposite end of the plant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Begonias grew in great bunches on the ground, their bright orange flowers adding bursts of color on the ground. There were several other flowering plants also, attracting all sorts of insects.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OH5h-j07rUjMRCEh4uEb1FsUpRmbEYAUjaZLWkqHyeGvgDQ1Pzq8VelrYiA_WzTbF_bG_QbCxbx0ILfYUcY87oqNzgGHEyXtV_nxzq1xbkB7e_eT5dr93rOU8nHOmBptkVS3pnEwFK8/s1600/IMG_9300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OH5h-j07rUjMRCEh4uEb1FsUpRmbEYAUjaZLWkqHyeGvgDQ1Pzq8VelrYiA_WzTbF_bG_QbCxbx0ILfYUcY87oqNzgGHEyXtV_nxzq1xbkB7e_eT5dr93rOU8nHOmBptkVS3pnEwFK8/s400/IMG_9300.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was too early and too cold though for butterflies, we spotted this Red Helen <i>Menalaides helenus hystaspes,</i> immobile, busy sunning itself on a leaf.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDCpCG3bR7ZqmGEA8R7Qnsnvm6GJ2JGi6Zed6KbMzwHxm6nfndnehK5pWqAVpnvhTKfCkvDKlBpNQK0jpA7LCAuUz8Rc31EFfvGK2O0VfzLRcqnKk7IrYWgyitsuNTKxPBepzH6NzZcw/s1600/IMG_9151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDCpCG3bR7ZqmGEA8R7Qnsnvm6GJ2JGi6Zed6KbMzwHxm6nfndnehK5pWqAVpnvhTKfCkvDKlBpNQK0jpA7LCAuUz8Rc31EFfvGK2O0VfzLRcqnKk7IrYWgyitsuNTKxPBepzH6NzZcw/s400/IMG_9151.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sunbirds preferred the trees though, this female Purple-throated Sunbird was preoccupied with sipping nectar from the flowers of a bangkal tree.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FAyVag-UF7M7T2W0cU3RmgrMSEFkRa3e-HZewWuHBOKdqcuhcli6FzgI9QX_Jh9XcbzuaI6culojynovLRWPcMbTOe5hrfS1QR6WPv3VW_Axdybyu7trBcgpEXiioLqRpBSdubDHxlw/s1600/IMG_9264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FAyVag-UF7M7T2W0cU3RmgrMSEFkRa3e-HZewWuHBOKdqcuhcli6FzgI9QX_Jh9XcbzuaI6culojynovLRWPcMbTOe5hrfS1QR6WPv3VW_Axdybyu7trBcgpEXiioLqRpBSdubDHxlw/s400/IMG_9264.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A pair of White-bellied Munias were busy picking up long leaves to weave into their nest which they were building just off the side of the road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xFZFY7mhJsTHZ5O80CBxgspSlf-0_GXF_KBkwr6fAoIZrHlliWRdH2XvjbeDzvYaLzBiKmC_x06NM6ZeZ6hkibtXyY7zPg4cEllEoFZC0QsAdvPbD7uwW97v1CeWpRZCuKjpIPQZIOk/s1600/IMG_9166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xFZFY7mhJsTHZ5O80CBxgspSlf-0_GXF_KBkwr6fAoIZrHlliWRdH2XvjbeDzvYaLzBiKmC_x06NM6ZeZ6hkibtXyY7zPg4cEllEoFZC0QsAdvPbD7uwW97v1CeWpRZCuKjpIPQZIOk/s400/IMG_9166.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A lot of other small birds were also very active. I was a bit confused by this one, which turned out to be an island endemic subspecies <i>siquijorensis </i>of Yellow-bellied Whistler. It looked just a bit smaller compared to the ones I've seen in Luzon and Mindanao.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f6kcdycdl6e6DgRWbwRRHUwU1JWNOnFzL8csdSs2MBZi0VNvqRXquqx49cO313y9xkKDSxg5H8CTqSXfHGTsEaZsk19nzG9hWK4DYMt0KBr60IG5IzmBMt0bRzSrL5XolLHZxY0pdIg/s1600/IMG_9136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f6kcdycdl6e6DgRWbwRRHUwU1JWNOnFzL8csdSs2MBZi0VNvqRXquqx49cO313y9xkKDSxg5H8CTqSXfHGTsEaZsk19nzG9hWK4DYMt0KBr60IG5IzmBMt0bRzSrL5XolLHZxY0pdIg/s400/IMG_9136.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Orange-bellied Flowerpeckers and Black-naped Monarchs also joined small mixed-species flocks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuDDZDjp-gq2bkUSBhRxDOCFj8QygSylY1EDPvH4QBjiww9u4GYnLGsAbqybzX6cC08B2_BgEt_Dgq8AMsecvhCpwoG0qllgUZyfDWU_NsTSz9-f5TlYAORP6et7HHHmvM_mzNJOXbDw/s1600/AMC_5307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuDDZDjp-gq2bkUSBhRxDOCFj8QygSylY1EDPvH4QBjiww9u4GYnLGsAbqybzX6cC08B2_BgEt_Dgq8AMsecvhCpwoG0qllgUZyfDWU_NsTSz9-f5TlYAORP6et7HHHmvM_mzNJOXbDw/s400/AMC_5307.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NTLzO0PzFZjgisDB7TPy4b-RSbS_qmgS8RLsPgbQPlJ7DwjuG78gyejK5m68BXUOFdx-gYbisK6T-FVBj0gzydHX-zBUllxrnGkWHXAMCj1B3LCryZff2ifkd7Vyy5qYmLvRUE51u8I/s1600/IMG_9214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NTLzO0PzFZjgisDB7TPy4b-RSbS_qmgS8RLsPgbQPlJ7DwjuG78gyejK5m68BXUOFdx-gYbisK6T-FVBj0gzydHX-zBUllxrnGkWHXAMCj1B3LCryZff2ifkd7Vyy5qYmLvRUE51u8I/s400/IMG_9214.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the morning wore on, the sun began shining more brightly, dissipating most of the mist. We came across a pair of very friendly Black-chinned Fruit Doves, one of whom posed for our cameras for several minutes. It was unusual behavior for them not to be afraid, since they are often the targets of hunters.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRWpXr-xSR3QLKoDybYxDrvXYbektBmGgUSvkmNoekAYaTQPU2OYHNnf_JC5OOFtBFtsguZrWQqXVzH3ZAbhsiNoGwHG_OadrF79DUgJjbaCyOXJo4Nn4ykU720ptyWKDhmsNxgo95c8/s1600/IMG_9173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRWpXr-xSR3QLKoDybYxDrvXYbektBmGgUSvkmNoekAYaTQPU2OYHNnf_JC5OOFtBFtsguZrWQqXVzH3ZAbhsiNoGwHG_OadrF79DUgJjbaCyOXJo4Nn4ykU720ptyWKDhmsNxgo95c8/s400/IMG_9173.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As birders know, a kilometer length of road can stretch on forever when you are looking out for birds and other creatures. We finally reached another sign (newer and better maintained and beside a picnic area, this was probably a more popular entry point), and so we decided to turn back.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOadCN30y67TWylpIaujK05YEdt1n4DqfN_bp7YxPXWCMeyn5y98yb4TZMC6dmGhIvRGP598N1Ts4GBVfLlfdHyM026pUarrm9rH0dmbdO8Es_yLilZcwrBFbcTTYblk6gXGyRzemcAfI/s1600/P_20180805_084118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOadCN30y67TWylpIaujK05YEdt1n4DqfN_bp7YxPXWCMeyn5y98yb4TZMC6dmGhIvRGP598N1Ts4GBVfLlfdHyM026pUarrm9rH0dmbdO8Es_yLilZcwrBFbcTTYblk6gXGyRzemcAfI/s400/P_20180805_084118.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By the time we got back to our <i>tuk-tuk</i>, 3 hours had elapsed. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Manong </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Glen</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, not familiar with birders' lack of time perception, was relieved to see us. I guess he did not expect to wait so long, and he was actually thinking we might be lost! After all, who would spend so much time looking at birds?!?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We showed him photos of the bulbul, and he could not believe it when we said that it was only found in Siquijor island. "<i>Nakapagtataka</i>!" (loosely, "magical" or "amazing") he kept on saying over and over again in wonder. (Of course he was also in maybe equal disbelief that we came just to see the bird.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlxjYlW9omvvrWZwFScit3cQ9sJfISmehSAbxZl5U9mB78uzikM7Ukksv-sl7FRuzEsYR_WszP2oQJSvZaSk1L3cVk3HJp38hkowisBj5dQJ6O6UmLW_TocrFWe5Qs6kTauz6IL37ZBs/s1600/IMG_9116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlxjYlW9omvvrWZwFScit3cQ9sJfISmehSAbxZl5U9mB78uzikM7Ukksv-sl7FRuzEsYR_WszP2oQJSvZaSk1L3cVk3HJp38hkowisBj5dQJ6O6UmLW_TocrFWe5Qs6kTauz6IL37ZBs/s640/IMG_9116.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Streak-breasted Bulbul, <i>Hypsipetes siquijorensis, </i>endemic to the Philippines and only found on Siquijor, Cebu, Romblon and Tablas islands.</span> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With our target accomplished, we quickly downed the cinnamon rolls (all the <i>pan de sal</i> seemed to had been demolished by our driver in his anxiousness over our return) - and decided to call it a day for birding... back to the resort and the beach!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1LBAupiUW0ZQpLo1xGx0Ij4KMcL9YtVYiBVegsd2pqGV9AeVOkRLWLIkSe_Tb_B33JW8-_i9yfKTmdFWSpQRHQ5VhTLZQnhGA9MXaRX4rlewvou5FHvml-aR2d7NtAPeU4EMzvcazeA/s1600/IMG-571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1LBAupiUW0ZQpLo1xGx0Ij4KMcL9YtVYiBVegsd2pqGV9AeVOkRLWLIkSe_Tb_B33JW8-_i9yfKTmdFWSpQRHQ5VhTLZQnhGA9MXaRX4rlewvou5FHvml-aR2d7NtAPeU4EMzvcazeA/s400/IMG-571.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Mission accomplished, back to the beach in our little red <i>tuk-tuk</i>!</span></td></tr>
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<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-13064283449991077012018-08-24T19:53:00.000+08:002018-08-25T20:42:10.738+08:00Beach resort birding<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A hop away from Dumaguete is one of my favorite islands, Siquijor. I'd been to Siquijor twice before. The first time was in 2004 as a regular sun-worshiping tourist and then again in 2007 as a birder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How could we resist? Our <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2018/08/after-100-years.html" target="_blank">pitta twitch</a> was quite successful and we could do a bit of target birding (we didn't have any long lenses during our first Siquijor birding sortie) before heading back to Manila. And ... BEACH!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were able to book the last garden room at the Coral Cay Resort (<a href="http://www.coralcayresort.com/">www.coralcayresort.com</a>) in San Juan and early the next morning we went straight to the pier to purchase our fast craft tickets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And failed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The combination of a low pressure area and the habagat was stirring up some angry waves and all small sea craft were grounded by the coast guard! Thankfully the larger RORO (ROll-on-/ROll-off) craft were still allowed to travel! With the limited transport, there were predictably long lines (mostly toursits!) to get RORO tickets, but our lucky streak continued and we got the last two passenger slots for the RORO!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a (slightly) choppy 2 hour slow boat ride, we finally landed at the striking white sand beach pier at San Juan! More than 10 years since my last visit, I could already see the changes to this (once?) mystical island - the pier had been much improved with a modern terminal for waiting passengers! The white sand beach though was beautiful as ever, even under the grey skies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had reserved the next morning for birding to chase our targets, but all other times, we just spent lazing about the resort: swimming in the pool, walking on the beach, eating, snoozing, catching up on some reading or just (as what vacation is best for) staring at the deep blue!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kkpZphCZQLbP7D8teYtBWY9jR2k6afySQGBXjKGntvfxQ21ACTLP9S3Z_wevCVEQo8qyE-Y7iV5wL2ON4Z6BkBDtmAshS2QvVZei7EqF8yiNc3FPoF4zIIUT2xjWHY73fB4pvoTvyCY/s1600/P_20180806_092400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kkpZphCZQLbP7D8teYtBWY9jR2k6afySQGBXjKGntvfxQ21ACTLP9S3Z_wevCVEQo8qyE-Y7iV5wL2ON4Z6BkBDtmAshS2QvVZei7EqF8yiNc3FPoF4zIIUT2xjWHY73fB4pvoTvyCY/s400/P_20180806_092400.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The view from our little veranda.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While mornings were sunny, by mid-afternoon the skies turned grey and the wind picked up. It was fun strolling on the beach with the wind whipping about sand, dried seagrass leaves and other bits of beach litter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walking on the beach, we were bound to pick up a pack of cool beach dogs who always seem to welcome a tummy scratch and pat on the head.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrUmascGtr9MYWPYpHsHqhwH1qs6xbWboJ5EiV5ucu74cOBWnnQItDxvBIM-Mvi4RcIb206f4qBX4fx0gd2rHCx4hPWNi08YYpq_mt-IgJBC1s4cYOCMR5UcVdeM2TftXzGp9pSQuJWI/s1600/P_20180805_163326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrUmascGtr9MYWPYpHsHqhwH1qs6xbWboJ5EiV5ucu74cOBWnnQItDxvBIM-Mvi4RcIb206f4qBX4fx0gd2rHCx4hPWNi08YYpq_mt-IgJBC1s4cYOCMR5UcVdeM2TftXzGp9pSQuJWI/s400/P_20180805_163326.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Back at our cabana, we would of course be distracted by the birds flitting about the garden. Our room faced some colorful San Francisco ornamental plants and a spreading pomelo tree which was a favorite hang out of a pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walking about the sand were Zebra Doves which stopped every now and then to do a low courtship bow and dance, complete with soft growls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTscFAhyphenhyphenIbaB9xZc9VLNAkRsh7b7Ocjpnaxo1LWVJkPd7rsLxuBFTfkLzstY3u0DUDeIZ_pqog-wUoy1OFyCQYw5pKROKHJDRGGArcndkUiQUzb9TprZDH8i1mjzw7aPX3uKILhChEUTM/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTscFAhyphenhyphenIbaB9xZc9VLNAkRsh7b7Ocjpnaxo1LWVJkPd7rsLxuBFTfkLzstY3u0DUDeIZ_pqog-wUoy1OFyCQYw5pKROKHJDRGGArcndkUiQUzb9TprZDH8i1mjzw7aPX3uKILhChEUTM/s400/IMG_9364.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Philippine Magpie-Robin would call from a flowering caballero shrub where it hid from the guests walking on the paths.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93e_3kaJRmm_4_EUkCRKR61Z4K-ckjq9ohIuVPGgV6y2h5asosg2NhA56q_MB-JZFTyAUmAbqwRnL1-u5M0Bf5Xn5X7aFvECqWTs2cVa7XRf96oXbjTK-SPPHCdX_xiYc53H88uAlEaA/s1600/IMG_9467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93e_3kaJRmm_4_EUkCRKR61Z4K-ckjq9ohIuVPGgV6y2h5asosg2NhA56q_MB-JZFTyAUmAbqwRnL1-u5M0Bf5Xn5X7aFvECqWTs2cVa7XRf96oXbjTK-SPPHCdX_xiYc53H88uAlEaA/s400/IMG_9467.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every now and then a Philippine Pied Fantail would fly in, snapping its wings and tail loudly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DYJK7EY8jj3n7xeunygh7nCYekN_x6YWP8ZWQIL3EGP1OKx4kcYhSJfJ0R-7BtTB_0THlGsb1KIsDJQtgx6kUsmLzj6leHC4skpKAty3ooAQLDov-db_ND4RXub-tSET4hXl5whve1M/s1600/IMG_9456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DYJK7EY8jj3n7xeunygh7nCYekN_x6YWP8ZWQIL3EGP1OKx4kcYhSJfJ0R-7BtTB_0THlGsb1KIsDJQtgx6kUsmLzj6leHC4skpKAty3ooAQLDov-db_ND4RXub-tSET4hXl5whve1M/s400/IMG_9456.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A nearby palm tree held a large number of noisy Asian Glossy Starlings nesting. These two were gorging on some ripe papaya fruit behind our cottage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutQuVZnjca9Khv_EwBikFQXX93v6ui_SzIVrOkT_KfhxSm5qPQYf5MHOHMAC_oHUemBYn8AczDPz5CaLbWP5-K_qCampG1O-khyphenhyphennzYMWmtAPRB6xNFy5vaioplh4k2cxLToD5Qam0qC4/s1600/IMG_9483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutQuVZnjca9Khv_EwBikFQXX93v6ui_SzIVrOkT_KfhxSm5qPQYf5MHOHMAC_oHUemBYn8AczDPz5CaLbWP5-K_qCampG1O-khyphenhyphennzYMWmtAPRB6xNFy5vaioplh4k2cxLToD5Qam0qC4/s400/IMG_9483.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A cute pair of Chestnut Munias were busy building a nest in a dracaena plant beside the neighboring cottage. They would rest a bit on the pomelo tree between carrying long blades of dried grass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So even at the beach, birds beckon. Sun, sand, sea, beach and birds... aaaah, the life!</span><br />
<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-38407810231945642892018-08-21T18:25:00.002+08:002018-08-21T18:40:00.296+08:00After 100+ years<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(No, I'm not referring to how long I've been away from this blog!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was our furthest twitch ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When news of a migrant last recorded to have been seen in the country in 1907 in Basilan (and only one previous record before that in Palawan in 1898, both records according to the Kennedy field guide), Adri and I began to consider flying all the way to Negros island to see this jewel of the forest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was still on a break from school and we had planned on a road trip. Instead, we found ourselves booking an early morning flight to Dumaguete, one of our favorite provinces. We touched down at 630am and headed straight for Valencia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tatay Eti (Rene Vendiola) was there to meet us at his beloved Liptong Woodland. He had actually first observed the bird in March. Thinking it was the the usual Hooded Pitta in an unusual immature plumage, he kept an eye on it. He was surprised that after several months, its plumage still had not changed! He took a photo of it and shared it on Facebook where it resulted in a rare bird alert. The news of course spread like wildfire among birders!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were not the only hopeful visitors that morning. Our friends from Cebu, Clemn and Mares, arrived a few minutes after us and we exchanged warm hugs and greetings! Who would have thought that we would meet in Negros because of this hot bird of the moment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I first spotted it foraging here just by the house,"said Tatay Eti. "Now it's moved across the road on that incline," he motioned with his arms where the bird was photographed a few days before. He quickly accompanied us up a short path uphill and pointed to the base of a mango tree which was overgrown with low brambles, grass and fresh shoots of <i>pungapong </i>(Amorphophallus). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course not two minutes after we arrive (in fact I think it was maybe less than one!), I spot some movement on the ground. It was, predictably, none other than our target bird! It hopped quickly behind the roots of the mango tree. Wow, the speed of the spotting certainly made up for the length of the trip to get here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clemn, Mares, Adri and myself positioned ourselves strategically and waited for a better view. All our optics were ready. We were not disappointed. With patience, our views of the pitta got better and better.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Our first quick glimpse: the pitta hopping in the grass.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRNGHsulHtyPvuavnY_ez00T0sBmU7QSJ9GY2qvQea4KcpuvCKF8XPGeZSac83kYm8xm5Oc9nwiDFgh2ZR-SIc1zmT540YG_B9kukJJxre598lLG5sCUm0tv4QWqwXeFytFK6Vlf2oDU/s400/IMG_8742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Blue-winged Pitta: <br />a rare migrant last recorded to have been seen in the country in 1907!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRNGHsulHtyPvuavnY_ez00T0sBmU7QSJ9GY2qvQea4KcpuvCKF8XPGeZSac83kYm8xm5Oc9nwiDFgh2ZR-SIc1zmT540YG_B9kukJJxre598lLG5sCUm0tv4QWqwXeFytFK6Vlf2oDU/s1600/IMG_8742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It turns out this particular pitta, the Blue-winged Pitta, is not very shy. It went about its business a few meters from our feet, casting a wary glance at us every now and then. Amazingly, despite its colorful plumage, once it sits very still, it can actually disappear into the background!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZrlMnyXxV3U53fFyGjvccB-sjwulXLAhkJ8H7eBqhrGv7-t4rbOiica7jm3aDd8ilrPWyf54D51G3vXMMnhtbFezaA-BvXuX66MGTwwpKUJjyloqC2W-QlfKEXBxUZX1H0GXCItxQ5k/s400/P_20180802_075957.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The patience of birders and bird photographers: <br />quietly waiting can have outstanding rewards.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZrlMnyXxV3U53fFyGjvccB-sjwulXLAhkJ8H7eBqhrGv7-t4rbOiica7jm3aDd8ilrPWyf54D51G3vXMMnhtbFezaA-BvXuX66MGTwwpKUJjyloqC2W-QlfKEXBxUZX1H0GXCItxQ5k/s1600/P_20180802_075957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even when a noisy group of school children on a field trip came to visit Tatay Eti, the pitta still continued to forage actively. Even in a sudden short downpour which had us running to the shade of our vehicles, it continued to hop around the leaf litter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_QacmPI1WJsktbbznXjoLFqubopbje5IX3v49L5-0KLrojuuzQ3le-3Sfad7XSkhhQPgA_8fzoF_09RVjZ861UaVRns76O9Ub4soEZg95ccEOyI3ZmLePENZKdNdBOSmCLUVFBI2gr8/s400/P_20180802_104742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">School kids on an educational field trip to the Liptong Woodland seeking shelter from the rain.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_QacmPI1WJsktbbznXjoLFqubopbje5IX3v49L5-0KLrojuuzQ3le-3Sfad7XSkhhQPgA_8fzoF_09RVjZ861UaVRns76O9Ub4soEZg95ccEOyI3ZmLePENZKdNdBOSmCLUVFBI2gr8/s1600/P_20180802_104742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though the rain put an abrupt end to the school children's field trip, we stayed a bit longer. And we were rewarded with a wonderful close encounter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Probably attracted to the earth made soft by the rains and the easy access to earthworms, the pitta got very comfortable and began to forage just a few meters from where we were standing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzSYGrdpj3TXTLgo3Bovlk0kNALTY-F8mGvYgvLLmLh6ZPWRCHjP-cw7fS7eCED963NPEzmS_YjAsZE0csG1FtuPc-DRTsX9aqloyqAbo3r79_CdfVjuoikswjit1AUuAgf32r8NP52Y/s1600/IMG_8884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzSYGrdpj3TXTLgo3Bovlk0kNALTY-F8mGvYgvLLmLh6ZPWRCHjP-cw7fS7eCED963NPEzmS_YjAsZE0csG1FtuPc-DRTsX9aqloyqAbo3r79_CdfVjuoikswjit1AUuAgf32r8NP52Y/s400/IMG_8884.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The pitta foraging in the leaf litter... showing of its beautiful plumage.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_akNSzgh15R1s70WFxUpVTfTA2pcjf94qRT02HQlOFoWBX1VD3H2vWzdYd34x7CEPE0bH9iQKS4QAh3DCVdPrOFO3FkS71de2jdf4CcmXiuKD300W4J2UeeX_ni1wMhahWAPlMpLLNyY/s1600/IMG_8914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">It could not resist scratching the muddy path for some earthworms.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIhcbGCkS6cseB6MZY-rEqBMRG56WJTL2r9HukeiHWxlMI96ByrYPeQB1quCvIgjYG3KCiHP3DWavU04vNUaPdCnkrtk_cGDn_NUJT7t_Y0ID1AMBfcokTkGhQGRdtd0XrhaFjJ2PSrs/s1600/IMG_8988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And you know a bird is comfortable when it starts fluffing out its feathers and preening in front of you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGGTLHf1ZpZwNbUNypuLnLYpcaza6P0p0jtZsmBVsea3CKpZV_Uo_xGHpWlEpsMq6cks-vFzmkoIQq3N0B6gZ-FeInVHMZCjCnlvgAxTYzIMRIJx7RR3_pdOIXm5JJfcEcZ82R4N7byM/s1600/IMG_8933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGGTLHf1ZpZwNbUNypuLnLYpcaza6P0p0jtZsmBVsea3CKpZV_Uo_xGHpWlEpsMq6cks-vFzmkoIQq3N0B6gZ-FeInVHMZCjCnlvgAxTYzIMRIJx7RR3_pdOIXm5JJfcEcZ82R4N7byM/s400/IMG_8933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE7b1_DcRlDln2V5zgiLOfWVhSaYEZhkne0MShg6dyGoLhaFYmoM_iWC_rAN_3ClyFRgpYJnx1kXj3dom-piFlIp4ETMWBDJylHsLWr0Nd_2_SjuSs3w6GjY1qndpHAvA4WkjaKx3oR4/s400/IMG_8943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> That is one fluffy bird!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE7b1_DcRlDln2V5zgiLOfWVhSaYEZhkne0MShg6dyGoLhaFYmoM_iWC_rAN_3ClyFRgpYJnx1kXj3dom-piFlIp4ETMWBDJylHsLWr0Nd_2_SjuSs3w6GjY1qndpHAvA4WkjaKx3oR4/s1600/IMG_8943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is certainly a great country record. Although the Blue-winged Pitta is common in Thailand, this would be just the third country record for the Philippines. Had this Pitta lost its way during migration? Adri and I were discussing how it looked like a young bird, with still the tiniest bit of yellow on the gape. How fortuitous that it found it's way to Liptong Woodland and the observant eyes of Tatay Eti. The Liptong Woodland is no stranger to birders, who visit it in hopes of seeing the very cute Negros Scops Owl, so Tatay Eti is no stranger to birders. Tatay Eti is one person who can truly say that he has planted a forest, having nurtured and reforested the Liptong Woodland with native trees. He continuous to plant trees and share his knowledge in forest restoration with young children, college students, and various interested individuals from all over the Visayas who visit him to learn. He is truly an environmental hero.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtFL2LjkN3rIO-E04pWZzmdD-G0_4K5DlgdhTTM60VNYJpRTs2smlRjUTIP5nEfps05IVBYaNqAC44NJDgn42k7gQSLx47yYtePAid8isBSTP7QmgSr-oTQlvFX8ooTeDBUk9SQ6CFVE/s400/IMG_9004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> A pair of draco lizards chasing each other on a coconut tree.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtFL2LjkN3rIO-E04pWZzmdD-G0_4K5DlgdhTTM60VNYJpRTs2smlRjUTIP5nEfps05IVBYaNqAC44NJDgn42k7gQSLx47yYtePAid8isBSTP7QmgSr-oTQlvFX8ooTeDBUk9SQ6CFVE/s1600/IMG_9004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRDKFCznuz5df60P0h6MIZeB8OH4OQdKnWjc8SUQ5km6we-r9hMyWFww3pyEJaYWWmooaqLwD-865fcj7B9v95AyDMVrIbIGNoDdkJYoSdCTGfzlht7wAWVOgxrxjkKVkYO7B4eSS0BA/s400/IMG_9013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Lots of butterflies too at Liptong Woodland. Here is a resting Wallacean (<i>Zethera musides </i>Semper 1878), posing for a photograph.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRDKFCznuz5df60P0h6MIZeB8OH4OQdKnWjc8SUQ5km6we-r9hMyWFww3pyEJaYWWmooaqLwD-865fcj7B9v95AyDMVrIbIGNoDdkJYoSdCTGfzlht7wAWVOgxrxjkKVkYO7B4eSS0BA/s1600/IMG_9013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks Tatay Eti, for many things! But that day we thanked him especially for sharing this wonderful bird sighting, the first after 111 years!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-wKYmvekap-k0padhojmadA-XFc7Idbr3lFf8cjf4bWctpmTDUmcGCs5xOXKnmvgpLMmNEPE0BgksqTge_eNY7AnZNHy1eP8uv4KkWha8lR-N1QGcjr5NLnrYGf94PsXQ1qIwRV5mr0/s400/IMG-397.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">All smiles and thumbs up for a great twitch! Mares, Clemn, Jac (from the Negros Oriental tourism office), Tatay Eti, Adri and myself,</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-wKYmvekap-k0padhojmadA-XFc7Idbr3lFf8cjf4bWctpmTDUmcGCs5xOXKnmvgpLMmNEPE0BgksqTge_eNY7AnZNHy1eP8uv4KkWha8lR-N1QGcjr5NLnrYGf94PsXQ1qIwRV5mr0/s1600/IMG-397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Post-script:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rare bird alert actually made it to the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer a week after our visit. A great article by fellow birder Mads Bajarias with great photos by another fellow birder Forest Jarvis! It's always a thrill when natural history and conservation stories make the front page. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Read the article here: <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1019373/rare-bird-sighted-after-111-years">http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1019373/rare-bird-sighted-after-111-years</a></span><br />
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-10112360067609558992018-07-31T13:48:00.000+08:002018-07-31T13:48:52.878+08:00Coming out of hibernation<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where've I been? Old places and new places.</span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eGJY-ExXPOQqq1KZtnRWr6kgjUsCMFjCorsoNez9mWVK8a-GIUQ9LCYVMHYI4d-urPgFK4Leu_WV7YYTywoCTLrzI1M1OMibo7KUTDHXo1YSQ9whrawobutDIXiBisQRBf6v5eja_f8/s1600/IMG_4014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eGJY-ExXPOQqq1KZtnRWr6kgjUsCMFjCorsoNez9mWVK8a-GIUQ9LCYVMHYI4d-urPgFK4Leu_WV7YYTywoCTLrzI1M1OMibo7KUTDHXo1YSQ9whrawobutDIXiBisQRBf6v5eja_f8/s640/IMG_4014.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I think it's time to come out of my blogging hibernation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've got quite a lot to catch up on! Almost a year's worth of adventures! Let's see if I can get you (and myself!) up to speed.</span></div>
trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-43397952859479667202017-11-02T20:59:00.001+08:002017-11-11T20:06:21.660+08:00A starling for an eagle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We went up Sibulan (I wasn't originally planning to do so!) with some of the delegates of the 10th ARRCN Symposium on the off chance to see an eagle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We didn't see one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But guess what I finally got a satisfying view of?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A migrant which can pass through the country in the hundreds. I've missed the murmurations up north.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've dipped on close views in familiar birding sites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've had a view through a scope of a pair perched on a tree high up a mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just a few weeks ago, I saw three of them flying across a field in the campus where I work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here, in a mountain I didn't plan to be...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Six Chestnut-cheeked Starlings perched among the African Tulip blooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At last I can count you as a lifer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Michael C. pointed out this tree to me. Philippine Oak! I had no idea we had could have acorns here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the ditance the peak of Mt. Apos peeked above the forest canopy through a veil of clouds.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEKKEf0R2QJrQseSbHL0Rdd707VFVqu5dqAAfmzGTH13T198zfx3Mtv6CYBoTXdDTjdRlkXjt36VD0-o9-N2ddHSFMxcpcOpZmxFM91KyZ2qM79NHBVMgsh8NraGMFNMolFcI1jrxOQs/s1600/MtApo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEKKEf0R2QJrQseSbHL0Rdd707VFVqu5dqAAfmzGTH13T198zfx3Mtv6CYBoTXdDTjdRlkXjt36VD0-o9-N2ddHSFMxcpcOpZmxFM91KyZ2qM79NHBVMgsh8NraGMFNMolFcI1jrxOQs/s400/MtApo.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No eagle today for us though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who would've thought I would consider a starling a reasonable trade?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-38884095832200123122017-10-28T13:35:00.002+08:002017-11-11T21:56:42.024+08:00Where hornbills fly: The Royal Belum International Hornbill Expedition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This post is a copy of an article I wrote for the WBCP monthly newsletter e-bon, I've added a few more photos (!!!) here. The original write-up may be found at </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><a href="http://ebonph.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/where-hornbills-fly-the-royal-belum-international-hornbill-expedition/">http://ebonph.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/where-hornbills-fly-the-royal-belum-international-hornbill-expedition/</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where hornbills fly: The Royal Belum International Hornbill Expedition</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with Photos from Michael Lu, Wichyanan Limparungpatthanakij, Andrew Sebastian, Adri and Trinket C0nstantino</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were off to the "Hornbill Capital of the World"!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Royal Belum State Park in Perak, Malaysia is known to be the world's oldest rainforest, estimated to be over 130 million years old, according to Andrew Sebastian, long-time friend of the WBCP and co-founder of the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY). Andrew was expedition leader to the 2017 Royal Belum International Hornbill Expedition (2017 RBIHE) which was held last August 25-28, 2017. It was exciting to be part of an international team out to survey and document possibly all 10 species of Malaysian hornbills which could all be found at the Royal Belum!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the welcome dinner, we were happy to be reunited with familiar faces and to meet new ones. Team Philippines was represented by Adri and myself, Ixi and Mikeli Mapua and of course, fearless leader Mike Lu. There were representatives from Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, India, Taiwan, China, the United States and of course the local guys from Malaysia. Everyone was tired from their respective flights, but the welcome speech by Andrew more than excited everyone for what was to come the following days.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The 2017 RBIHE at the Empress Hotel in Sepang. We were delighted to see familiar faces in the group. Photo by Wichyanan Limparungpatthanak</span>ij</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We started our journey to Perak early the next day, but the long-distance and the traffic (it was a long weekend holiday in Malaysia) had us arriving after lunch already! We were assigned to two huge houseboats which would be our moveable base for the weekend. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The very steep path down to the house boat at the jetty!</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the Jeff Awam Jetty, it was a good two hour slow boat ride across Temengor Lake to the heart of Royal Belum.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Houseboat number 2 enjoying a late lunch together. Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Our tasty and spicy lunch! Photo by Trinket Constantino</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Houseboat number 1 on the way to base camp! Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA0r4skLROWYdRS0quqXrHTKG3AmaAN4e9Dwxka54G99I_s6hHDZUB2IXinFknjPxcffacKTuFYlSZr3yLLd0pTwtswNrYqT7HNgTV_5AS5rG7HQeAJwVPpftVaCLzfaEl3SxsDe4O-c/s1600/04+Houseboat+number+2_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA0r4skLROWYdRS0quqXrHTKG3AmaAN4e9Dwxka54G99I_s6hHDZUB2IXinFknjPxcffacKTuFYlSZr3yLLd0pTwtswNrYqT7HNgTV_5AS5rG7HQeAJwVPpftVaCLzfaEl3SxsDe4O-c/s320/04+Houseboat+number+2_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Houseboat number 2: our houseboats had to tow all our speedboats as well! <br />Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Royal Belum is a series of rivers and waterways dotted with forested islands. The original forest had been flooded after a dam had been built upstream. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The Royal Belum map on the house boat.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The eerie sight of dead tree trunks sticking out of shallow waters was a reminder of the past landscape. The park was way up to the north of Malaysia, where it shared a border with Thailand. Our houseboats chugged along slowly, allowing us to appreciate the misty forest around us and even spot our first few hornbills: Oriental Pied Hornbills and Black Hornbills. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghToaQ3hJ-FpXxSE0-Xgwqoh7LPF7KMF1z5j1Gqawbs5D8Y_jWCfgJvrAhS4JumFafB3BrOmO3HO7742ev35ZQ6VjEUyfROMNIJc0r6GZzjPHQlknodQAI6fNh_kA0UZtcTDn7Q3FCiVs/s1600/06+Oriental+Pied_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghToaQ3hJ-FpXxSE0-Xgwqoh7LPF7KMF1z5j1Gqawbs5D8Y_jWCfgJvrAhS4JumFafB3BrOmO3HO7742ev35ZQ6VjEUyfROMNIJc0r6GZzjPHQlknodQAI6fNh_kA0UZtcTDn7Q3FCiVs/s400/06+Oriental+Pied_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Our first hornbill sightings were Oriental Pied Hornbills. <br />Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rain fell hard halfway to the Kenarong base camp we would dock at (it turned out to ba a very rainy weekend). When the sun came out, several speedboats were also prepared: it was time for our first survey! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiJEgtOpE1oX4K9UqsMxp32tpO7N-stzoSsBUxgUA6hBrIDHPOs7pXS2G7-NhYMngTruXFcTfW8Y31hBwCtgJNX1ERF-JywN96yTEO9vNL8mt4qD1Fmog_JMACMHGK3V6e9i5J_KlbJg/s1600/05+After+the+rain_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiJEgtOpE1oX4K9UqsMxp32tpO7N-stzoSsBUxgUA6hBrIDHPOs7pXS2G7-NhYMngTruXFcTfW8Y31hBwCtgJNX1ERF-JywN96yTEO9vNL8mt4qD1Fmog_JMACMHGK3V6e9i5J_KlbJg/s320/05+After+the+rain_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Afternoon rains would turn out to be a regular event the entire weekend. <br />Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a quick briefing by Andrew, teams were assigned a guide and a boatman and handed a laminated guide to the 10 hornbills of Malaysia. Team Philippines was lead by a familiar face: Jay (Wichyanan Limparungpatthanakij) of Thailand! All 3 Thai participants supplemented the Malaysian guides as they were the most familiar with the birds common to the region. We were all happy to have Jay on our team.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Z_qHOgPwp3OKI_avXHCcfhU1WQuyvVyJaGuQM5whTveHMqlb_x47IQymXZhOjsg-4KPbzwTsJZD4vHp2GPKvh7y-NFo0fcFmspGNUoQbO6B5aDQxtH8IHoRN6xDIAcvzQhSIVojBOk/s1600/07+Team+Philippines_WL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Z_qHOgPwp3OKI_avXHCcfhU1WQuyvVyJaGuQM5whTveHMqlb_x47IQymXZhOjsg-4KPbzwTsJZD4vHp2GPKvh7y-NFo0fcFmspGNUoQbO6B5aDQxtH8IHoRN6xDIAcvzQhSIVojBOk/s320/07+Team+Philippines_WL.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Selfie time: Team Philippines led by Jay! <br />Photo by Wichyanan Limparungpatthanakij</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all boarded the speedboats while the houseboats continued on their way to the base camp. Germaine's Swiftlets were flying high, as if to warn us that there was more rain to come! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHBHcTmQSt5Ln1JNpij35VL2-UAOnAfLAphaQR1kEs6E1h8LnnB2U37YH70o_e6aJV2fpjkcg1buQTP9r-evsn1N4RcZ_d5fqjgv61bXMBgWal00g8eTp9Yex9ddATd-76eTkd-stTCE/s1600/08+on+the+speedboat+survey_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHBHcTmQSt5Ln1JNpij35VL2-UAOnAfLAphaQR1kEs6E1h8LnnB2U37YH70o_e6aJV2fpjkcg1buQTP9r-evsn1N4RcZ_d5fqjgv61bXMBgWal00g8eTp9Yex9ddATd-76eTkd-stTCE/s320/08+on+the+speedboat+survey_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Speedboats were the main means of the survey. Each team was assigned a speedboat, a guide and a boatman. Photo by Mike Lu.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As our speedboat lept over the still waters, we were quick to spot more Oriental Pied and Black Hornbills. A pleasant surprise was a number of raptor species. That afternoon we saw several White-bellied Sea Eagles and Lesser Fish Eagles. Against the gloomy sky was silhouetted a perched hawk eagle, expertly identified by Jay as Wallace's Hawk Eagle. What started out as a quick shower was quickly progressing into a heavier rain, and so the speedboats began to make their way back. Too bad because we had just encountered a huge tree with several Large Green Pigeons perched on its branches like Christmas ornaments!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGNJHXJ1OO4vpAsn4XR6iYP3lZY4qLgiNIM7aRVQmWxti9c9bW-DsrIqm2MnayPIIqDn1U5dQbOlIqG1KQMg9yHq7DaLsE4MfJlV3yNfv3cxbKyN8iCgIjm2XdxuH9vMsU7yNL8b2tCU/s1600/09+Wallaces+Hawk+Eagle_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGNJHXJ1OO4vpAsn4XR6iYP3lZY4qLgiNIM7aRVQmWxti9c9bW-DsrIqm2MnayPIIqDn1U5dQbOlIqG1KQMg9yHq7DaLsE4MfJlV3yNfv3cxbKyN8iCgIjm2XdxuH9vMsU7yNL8b2tCU/s400/09+Wallaces+Hawk+Eagle_AC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A Wallace's Hawk Eagle silhouetted against the sky. Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_4oN959FXDDywKrND0qfEGL6X6yNLJ6htWnA06Yo2V34aVZmbNi1XGeDVbXZ0wm3raAIgo43JvUCz0j5Bn6HDVYIS8SVwdpXYAIsxpxaRwcHzSr971Ce4WF-0X2wsq-0rMQvCWFb1YY/s1600/11+Tree+with+pigeons_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_4oN959FXDDywKrND0qfEGL6X6yNLJ6htWnA06Yo2V34aVZmbNi1XGeDVbXZ0wm3raAIgo43JvUCz0j5Bn6HDVYIS8SVwdpXYAIsxpxaRwcHzSr971Ce4WF-0X2wsq-0rMQvCWFb1YY/s400/11+Tree+with+pigeons_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Just before it rained we spotted this tree with more than 20 Large Green Pigeons. <br />Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course the rains let up again when we arrived at base camp. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Scenes around the base camp where we docked our house boats (photo by Trinket Constantino)</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There we had a better view of the Large Green Pigeons perched on a huge strangler fig tree at camp. We watched the swiftlets glide gracefully across the sunset sky, joined by Grey-rumped Treeswifts and Silver-rumped Needletails. A couple of Fiery Minivets were also chasing each other above us, while the loud call of a Great Slaty Woodpecker boomed from an island across the water. It later flew to where we were, only to be spotted in the darkening forest by the most patient of us birders.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC3Iifwm9K-pUZw6fDBMYqeXLQ6NWEThAfpekuzf4HTnrHzFOHRc9aRYPPLU5bS5MNy2gfWtYwcxpYnycijmPPyEQ-SAMyQdRq1U0rCVAqO-lVnBwzjD1F8fvF6IQlqTEsb_VVe3_Lwo/s1600/10+Large+Green+pigeons_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC3Iifwm9K-pUZw6fDBMYqeXLQ6NWEThAfpekuzf4HTnrHzFOHRc9aRYPPLU5bS5MNy2gfWtYwcxpYnycijmPPyEQ-SAMyQdRq1U0rCVAqO-lVnBwzjD1F8fvF6IQlqTEsb_VVe3_Lwo/s400/10+Large+Green+pigeons_AC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Much closer views of the Large Green Pigeons at camp. Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNfXPG547XNiZHglGtTnuS4LPxGNlypUN3HpFNao1Q8oYHJOwJXVe2zBg04av2giOphPp3eb9QtfDPi0Ktm94ahWgpOAmLfeW2-nkcBfdjPLRO4iC3tgcTspS5nON3M2mVd_7YVhO4kk/s1600/12+Sunset+day+01_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNfXPG547XNiZHglGtTnuS4LPxGNlypUN3HpFNao1Q8oYHJOwJXVe2zBg04av2giOphPp3eb9QtfDPi0Ktm94ahWgpOAmLfeW2-nkcBfdjPLRO4iC3tgcTspS5nON3M2mVd_7YVhO4kk/s320/12+Sunset+day+01_AC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The sun sets on day 1 at Royal Belum. Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the evening after dinner, there was a short program by Perak State Park Corporation. Souvenirs were handed out to all the participants who were now mingling with both old and new found friends. Sunday would be a full day for us, with two boat surveys, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The houseboats docked at base camp at night. Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0K9bWtLh1ihM7ygjCTiCtadtzSC5G5UfDSjurV4OxW8dkTlUDdEzdvxqS8aeHHsNwElzq5kfOmVt12fwdM7kp_Qr1JBZXzwkHhAFhLyLWrXvxX7gSMzGnbzWq9aBsSWPD5OqpM2y1EaM/s1600/14+dinner+at+houseboat+1_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0K9bWtLh1ihM7ygjCTiCtadtzSC5G5UfDSjurV4OxW8dkTlUDdEzdvxqS8aeHHsNwElzq5kfOmVt12fwdM7kp_Qr1JBZXzwkHhAFhLyLWrXvxX7gSMzGnbzWq9aBsSWPD5OqpM2y1EaM/s320/14+dinner+at+houseboat+1_ML.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">How we ate: this is buffet dinner on the houseboats. Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXdkT5zNjl3MyhB5hvrjiwAH-aC5wcMtO-Rv3kLbQ2e6GQfkTVW2IxbQp7s3Ir-Cm1qXq_delsKtivfMXeuv-Nf3K0Fu4nTG6kWkJlOIBxO4iPadg_XTxljdy1MDw9b-ii8RKNHfU-8o/s1600/15+After+dinner+program_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXdkT5zNjl3MyhB5hvrjiwAH-aC5wcMtO-Rv3kLbQ2e6GQfkTVW2IxbQp7s3Ir-Cm1qXq_delsKtivfMXeuv-Nf3K0Fu4nTG6kWkJlOIBxO4iPadg_XTxljdy1MDw9b-ii8RKNHfU-8o/s320/15+After+dinner+program_ML.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">An evening program which included giving all the participants souvenirs and tokens. Photo c/o Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Early the next morning (it was actually 7:00 am but still a bit dark out), it was a quick breakfast and a quiet flurry as everyone got assigned to their speedboats. It was looking to be an exciting morning!</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NmYiBdMSZKBE3j2aAeWjzFGbDsdg0qw1DnE6p7M7g9zzg2kxLZNhvLxZtiUpKDcyWd4BQMoqjxtKz4srHncAA-1ykxi60iJNzBR8ZnPAq3znuc58Tjwf1kxH6kefDMF56QicwWFhaG0/s1600/16+AM+leader+briefing_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NmYiBdMSZKBE3j2aAeWjzFGbDsdg0qw1DnE6p7M7g9zzg2kxLZNhvLxZtiUpKDcyWd4BQMoqjxtKz4srHncAA-1ykxi60iJNzBR8ZnPAq3znuc58Tjwf1kxH6kefDMF56QicwWFhaG0/s320/16+AM+leader+briefing_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Andrew gathers all the team leaders for a short briefing and to assign routes. <br />Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAZHaorRpkLgTzpk6y_RuBcpGgDDjdEtK4G1SEqStd7ixjEcXwE_QaowHzGBLOLzntvO5bih_XuapzYJAHknZynmVAgm3lP8ZF6tGE4BF3RX9d389uirVPDmK9Dl7tYYMMf6N3bJtxjs/s1600/17+Rush+at+the+docks_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAZHaorRpkLgTzpk6y_RuBcpGgDDjdEtK4G1SEqStd7ixjEcXwE_QaowHzGBLOLzntvO5bih_XuapzYJAHknZynmVAgm3lP8ZF6tGE4BF3RX9d389uirVPDmK9Dl7tYYMMf6N3bJtxjs/s320/17+Rush+at+the+docks_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The morning rush to get on the boats and start the survey! Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The forest around us had an ethereal look. The morning mist was rising from the trees and the silence of dawn seemed to muffle the sounds of the speedboats. Barely had we started when we spotted in the distance a flock of hornbills flying in the mist: Plain-pouched Hornbills!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pdhU5cKaPpz0AYULb8JIWhspg9H9sAYpifQPUh0ZzCh_k2j9hVYpK8DuB_9KA5sAu0ND8B9V1FYnYSd3YQmeujjGDQ0c9b-2GeaP88yRra7eWkAieXfRBHqdYfkFJD5aYj5ro2bNph8/s1600/18+Plain+pouched_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pdhU5cKaPpz0AYULb8JIWhspg9H9sAYpifQPUh0ZzCh_k2j9hVYpK8DuB_9KA5sAu0ND8B9V1FYnYSd3YQmeujjGDQ0c9b-2GeaP88yRra7eWkAieXfRBHqdYfkFJD5aYj5ro2bNph8/s400/18+Plain+pouched_AC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A beautiful sight: Plain-pouched Hornbills in flight in the early morning mist. <br />Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Plain-pouched Hornbills were one of the main targets in the expedition. Classified as vulnerable under the IUCN, they range from Myanmar, Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia with Royal Belum as one of best places to spot them. The timing of the expedition coincides with the known migratory movements of this hornbill, and the high counts of Plain-pouched at Royal Belum during this time of the year contributes to Royal Belum's declaration as IBA.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF90EISwuKcIRI32KVd5RjfXke-9BQrn4dKFd9TGqfHpZ_BBe4CV_mBD5_fI9JiJwSCAZltSPbPFp2BN5d_7zKq48kV-Os4ptEsUDxqhWZIJu9RTdl_fIsP_-rhWviuOfPE44W5M3grk/s1600/19+Pair+of+PPH_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF90EISwuKcIRI32KVd5RjfXke-9BQrn4dKFd9TGqfHpZ_BBe4CV_mBD5_fI9JiJwSCAZltSPbPFp2BN5d_7zKq48kV-Os4ptEsUDxqhWZIJu9RTdl_fIsP_-rhWviuOfPE44W5M3grk/s400/19+Pair+of+PPH_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ4i_qMOLaRUDiEWPhduH6SBVsh5pCDM7vH9bKdEH5X8ZsoUGmTJQ2az7KZbUhqau5mpsve2qA9z88YhXreFgugMlepZHQ9hpm2T3GFSq0vUCr-RfWxBdxuGVDZ5xaJS4vxbkVLxmNLk/s1600/IMG_3468.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ4i_qMOLaRUDiEWPhduH6SBVsh5pCDM7vH9bKdEH5X8ZsoUGmTJQ2az7KZbUhqau5mpsve2qA9z88YhXreFgugMlepZHQ9hpm2T3GFSq0vUCr-RfWxBdxuGVDZ5xaJS4vxbkVLxmNLk/s400/IMG_3468.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A pair of Plain-pouched Hornbills - the male has a yellow pouch and the female a blue pouch. Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYYDx0VR_40DyYn0avwDnH_E0EulPLt1QsB8I9xLCP9nalIFrK_NxxQJoLV0vygdLLIE8OHXx1dqIrw6QA6y8nUrjKCu_pjhqJogBw2DQiF0wnAPcAL99KdsQISfvgGkFVWIXp6iXVRw/s1600/20+PH+in+V_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYYDx0VR_40DyYn0avwDnH_E0EulPLt1QsB8I9xLCP9nalIFrK_NxxQJoLV0vygdLLIE8OHXx1dqIrw6QA6y8nUrjKCu_pjhqJogBw2DQiF0wnAPcAL99KdsQISfvgGkFVWIXp6iXVRw/s400/20+PH+in+V_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcmzu4kNJ-cNras4hWx6Q1dxeZ0OdVIXcGlhyphenhyphenmFEFoB04VWX_CrBCfFk3ssk7VDKXIjaWI0hR2oML5aBuD4LaHbhPZ3o4JI3pSzCrz6xat7KbdkrUFUR11r8_RPUTtg9jd11bKj1va-k/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcmzu4kNJ-cNras4hWx6Q1dxeZ0OdVIXcGlhyphenhyphenmFEFoB04VWX_CrBCfFk3ssk7VDKXIjaWI0hR2oML5aBuD4LaHbhPZ3o4JI3pSzCrz6xat7KbdkrUFUR11r8_RPUTtg9jd11bKj1va-k/s400/IMG_3554.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthZ-6V29OUtPV797MEQxpuVYcf5SMhsHxrPuxAB_zkGQ7WzX6GhhjenHCA8E2XvbgemZDvUqSSfWAG5Xq43uJ6-E6m676mBy11BNQ5tCuKK71Uo_Ig8oHKesWbDoMyh43upVgU8aoaoY/s1600/IMG_3555.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthZ-6V29OUtPV797MEQxpuVYcf5SMhsHxrPuxAB_zkGQ7WzX6GhhjenHCA8E2XvbgemZDvUqSSfWAG5Xq43uJ6-E6m676mBy11BNQ5tCuKK71Uo_Ig8oHKesWbDoMyh43upVgU8aoaoY/s400/IMG_3555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Plain pouched Hornbills flying over our boat in a V-formation, always led by a male. Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After the first flock of Plain-pouched hornbills, everyone in our group, including our very game boatman Aziz, began pointing out flocks. It is hard to imagine that these birds are difficult to spot elsewhere. Jay was as professional as one can get for leader: he would quickly identify how many males and females there were and indicate the direction of flight for our survey records. With Aziz's help, we also noted down our location.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3BsASF5QZAHi801YMJm14UiyoEoQLWnLUxJ48sG2m6fMg7BdPc3CGomsGAbaKiZMV0YZtlViaDRhIfjR8myB9IbPfQKz8dcLFicA-ATY-eWxrYecxi4WsLjkbqlBbxOKYJyQTDOcnbg/s1600/21+Spotting+HBs_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3BsASF5QZAHi801YMJm14UiyoEoQLWnLUxJ48sG2m6fMg7BdPc3CGomsGAbaKiZMV0YZtlViaDRhIfjR8myB9IbPfQKz8dcLFicA-ATY-eWxrYecxi4WsLjkbqlBbxOKYJyQTDOcnbg/s320/21+Spotting+HBs_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Team Philippines led by Jay hard at work! Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We ooh-ed and aaah-ed (and counted!) as every Plain-pouched hornbill flock passed, whether nearby or in the distance. We even had a small group perched on some trees!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUx9_Np49Cf3yQShby2DDyCgucP5I48XTA1LxuR5Y6zFx-S8qoS0lIoEIRDFpAcf1lRsYes89uwifRucs_Y5t1FTTKGMdOS-H3Gi3lYObX5S1A_XayAv3Byi2YXP5vIQI_eNc1r8udyY/s1600/22+More+PPH_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="960" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUx9_Np49Cf3yQShby2DDyCgucP5I48XTA1LxuR5Y6zFx-S8qoS0lIoEIRDFpAcf1lRsYes89uwifRucs_Y5t1FTTKGMdOS-H3Gi3lYObX5S1A_XayAv3Byi2YXP5vIQI_eNc1r8udyY/s400/22+More+PPH_ML.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">"Barely had our team members finished counting the hornbills when team leader Wichyanan Limparungpatthanakij would respond with the species name and count for both male and female !!!" - Mike, Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgcRO0zaOE_nnJTUWh4zbk0sA1kFG5TfnPRTTovK6k0kMiXyfAwYre6rhQfYj9NsGuVFy81mEwp7uobq51-1CT2lMss_-YgiljEeID-ld9jK-rRJZdACXxpjVmpk4IOUP8YQVhWMdP38/s1600/23+perched+PPH_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgcRO0zaOE_nnJTUWh4zbk0sA1kFG5TfnPRTTovK6k0kMiXyfAwYre6rhQfYj9NsGuVFy81mEwp7uobq51-1CT2lMss_-YgiljEeID-ld9jK-rRJZdACXxpjVmpk4IOUP8YQVhWMdP38/s400/23+perched+PPH_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Some perched Plain-pouched Hornbills in the distance. Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And of course, we spotted more of the Pied Oriental and Black Hornbills we had been seeing the day before.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5kOaAj9_6Dn-h8xPKOLpTlA7cMnG22wV-M6QNmyjdwITUTSWk5SYkwzVNy4n1VHKEjIAoOH9AWd3Ovm6l0Yxt9r4Sw98JQI_A2q6lsFABJWDffsvwjZZ0A1vRN8lP-rCDsfcJSe7904/s1600/24+male+Black+HB_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="960" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5kOaAj9_6Dn-h8xPKOLpTlA7cMnG22wV-M6QNmyjdwITUTSWk5SYkwzVNy4n1VHKEjIAoOH9AWd3Ovm6l0Yxt9r4Sw98JQI_A2q6lsFABJWDffsvwjZZ0A1vRN8lP-rCDsfcJSe7904/s400/24+male+Black+HB_ML.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy_p7wmvs1m33NSf1LXNzo2xS3evZUpzaKR_qe0faV7HcbyrnJabQ4Etwk_QlX2VCMb58USIyqNCSfW-MJUR9eKXqfi_kfhV7lCFV3_3VLjVFZYhyphenhyphenz7Kk4YlBO8A5sliLqWDrYg_bwrg/s1600/25+female+Black+HB_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy_p7wmvs1m33NSf1LXNzo2xS3evZUpzaKR_qe0faV7HcbyrnJabQ4Etwk_QlX2VCMb58USIyqNCSfW-MJUR9eKXqfi_kfhV7lCFV3_3VLjVFZYhyphenhyphenz7Kk4YlBO8A5sliLqWDrYg_bwrg/s400/25+female+Black+HB_AC.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Black Hornbills preening: <br />a male (top, photo by Mike Lu) and a female (bottom, photo by Adri Constantino)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had many other exciting finds as well: a trio of White-bellied Sea Eagles in a dog fight over territory surely caught our attention. More Large-green Pigons, plus some Mountain Imperial Pigeons and belatedly identified Little Green Pigeons were perched on bare branches. A tiny Black-thighed Falconet looked diminutive beside the hornbills.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GXPTxKGDcPgDs8t-Tyj0KcDgP8WR1jIsK3I7dagb9sfSi_wWq0IfIKU0fDZpq0w0p9JlRnqdz6uvweSKQ5oeA8rnQXtfN0JWETxBHmn5Q3lCShNddv_Y4zCsdJLzhrXjHT5PWMqwGgI/s1600/26+White+bellied+Sea+Eagles_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GXPTxKGDcPgDs8t-Tyj0KcDgP8WR1jIsK3I7dagb9sfSi_wWq0IfIKU0fDZpq0w0p9JlRnqdz6uvweSKQ5oeA8rnQXtfN0JWETxBHmn5Q3lCShNddv_Y4zCsdJLzhrXjHT5PWMqwGgI/s400/26+White+bellied+Sea+Eagles_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A trio of White-bellied Sea Eagles in aerial battle. Photo by Trinket Const</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">antino</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soon, the sun rose higher and higher. Aziz pulled up to a sloping muddy bank for a toilet break. Wow, birding from a speedboat half the morning can give one quite a kink in the neck (not to mention sore backsides!). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjAYhEFn3jWeFO3SvUSnnhD_9pjQs6RuMRxSUIYOykHYRrjLAEts3krkCqW0X4AtvkbBhzzwGdiZRMUg40YhVy1zxoP2tf-xJZWg3bF1GuzM2sZFxV7YvXnmZL1RirSPjeHVYLCCF3LE/s1600/27+MIkeli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjAYhEFn3jWeFO3SvUSnnhD_9pjQs6RuMRxSUIYOykHYRrjLAEts3krkCqW0X4AtvkbBhzzwGdiZRMUg40YhVy1zxoP2tf-xJZWg3bF1GuzM2sZFxV7YvXnmZL1RirSPjeHVYLCCF3LE/s320/27+MIkeli.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Mikeli stretches out (while still spotting hornbills!) on the speedboat <br />while the boys take a pee break and stretch their legs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Elephant tracks and poop studded the muddy bank! The elephant tracks were just circular depressions, like someone had poked the mud with an upright pole! There was dried up poop, all grassy and falling apart, and also fresh poop, just a few days old. While we didn't spot any elephants on the trip, it was as close as we got to a wild elephant encounter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDmtlDZ8JhIOV6QzjKJ1MNP5AHjuEw_QGjJMFvI4zuUQo4VCgkl_HW8-9GVBttyqNaj5jJY_OY7TEHOz2bzbqXkwaSmlPIKoTOxBw1xlSCJVNitHs96bNmdiFUWjy9vT2w70eWn3qNsc/s1600/29+Elephant+droppings_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDmtlDZ8JhIOV6QzjKJ1MNP5AHjuEw_QGjJMFvI4zuUQo4VCgkl_HW8-9GVBttyqNaj5jJY_OY7TEHOz2bzbqXkwaSmlPIKoTOxBw1xlSCJVNitHs96bNmdiFUWjy9vT2w70eWn3qNsc/s320/29+Elephant+droppings_AC.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Adri's sandal inside an elephant footprint and fresh elephant droppings on the bank.</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The other speed boats converged also just as we were leaving the spot. Our team decided to just go on with the survey, missing a chance for a group photo. But it turned out that it was more than a fair exchange for one of the highlights of our entire trip!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYJ7p1BAX_5-Z7KhAnVs6u-PwJ646ucBZp7UntTfXBtnWrQB0z4aGjS-14SaADKzgzRdcQAQ7iLu8RMmpI6qWFgrb6uwaDLEcQvCF5cF1ig6WvtrmZR17PFVjJaZD85jmWj8gYp3QRq4/s1600/30+Group+photo+minus+our+team_AS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYJ7p1BAX_5-Z7KhAnVs6u-PwJ646ucBZp7UntTfXBtnWrQB0z4aGjS-14SaADKzgzRdcQAQ7iLu8RMmpI6qWFgrb6uwaDLEcQvCF5cF1ig6WvtrmZR17PFVjJaZD85jmWj8gYp3QRq4/s400/30+Group+photo+minus+our+team_AS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Everyone else pulled up on the banks just as we were leaving. <br />We missed the chance to be part of this group photo! Photo by Andrew Sebastian</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our way back, we saw several raptor species. We jokingly said that Royal Belum could be Raptor Capital as well! Sightings of Lesser Fish Eagles, Crested Honeybuzzards, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle and even a distant Bat Hawk more than satisfied the raptor watcher in each of us.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq-WFGoKmegRn5hMskj80noZUuO3y9Sesjeihyphenhypheno_7VfjZOogbHhvJlijuysB-xE7ouWthyphenhyphenI3wuiHXNiUGnoM17oOlLFY9ZT_LkHsa2H4XZ21jBQ1K8VkioW57gA3dCzh6ofxwkDOtk6A/s1600/33+Crested+HB_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="960" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq-WFGoKmegRn5hMskj80noZUuO3y9Sesjeihyphenhypheno_7VfjZOogbHhvJlijuysB-xE7ouWthyphenhyphenI3wuiHXNiUGnoM17oOlLFY9ZT_LkHsa2H4XZ21jBQ1K8VkioW57gA3dCzh6ofxwkDOtk6A/s400/33+Crested+HB_ML.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Raptors galore at Royal Belum! A Rufous-bellied Eagle (Photo by Adri Constantino), a Lesser Fish Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagle (photos by Trinket Constantino) and a several Oriental (crested) Honeybuzzards - in flight (photo by Trinket Constantino) and </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">perched (Photo by Mike Lu) were only a few of several raptors we spotted.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In fact, the highlight I had mentioned earlier occurred while we were stalking a Changeable Hawk Eagle perched near the banks. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrLeGRsQBp0R4asbkYWMEyYo_Zh2WMHoqugzOdviFNtW-R7EI_J2IMTIXQmQnKrI2x1TzhhA65sTrXLBUYIXAGEYlsTnkxMhTKOwgQRcTJar97pL-BfjRzqsLh1HhdiuA4xr76TF-Kko/s1600/34+Changeable+HE_TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrLeGRsQBp0R4asbkYWMEyYo_Zh2WMHoqugzOdviFNtW-R7EI_J2IMTIXQmQnKrI2x1TzhhA65sTrXLBUYIXAGEYlsTnkxMhTKOwgQRcTJar97pL-BfjRzqsLh1HhdiuA4xr76TF-Kko/s400/34+Changeable+HE_TC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A Changeable Hawk Eagle flying along the banks merited a closer view. Little did we know that our time taking photos of it would lead us to the find of the trip! <br />Photo by Trinket Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were all concentrating on taking a photo of the regal bird when Aziz and Jay suddenly spotted a hornbill flying from behind the trees. It was a lone Helmeted Hornbill! We had spectacular views of its bizzare head and casque and of its long tail.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The critically endangered Helmeted Hornbill made a surprise appearance! <br />Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Helmeted Hornbill is critically endanged due to hunting. The very reason for its name and almost prehistoric appearance - its ivory-like casque, is the reason for its decline in the wild. It was also the logo for the 2017 Royal Belum International Hornbill Expedition.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICrbbYw5YOg19OKaMgyxlbTVsljuYM4FRUx8qGmKQt9nMDOQFKEi_hMrwck6jyFlqH7fdmACRXs-xa_N7nlRAR1n6Hf5MKJz3tRivAJN9ocTJo_XyxDhaIVaUUQ7BD9lLsZOS0xerITg/s1600/36+RBIHE+logo_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICrbbYw5YOg19OKaMgyxlbTVsljuYM4FRUx8qGmKQt9nMDOQFKEi_hMrwck6jyFlqH7fdmACRXs-xa_N7nlRAR1n6Hf5MKJz3tRivAJN9ocTJo_XyxDhaIVaUUQ7BD9lLsZOS0xerITg/s320/36+RBIHE+logo_AC.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The Helmeted Hornbill is the expedition's logo!</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So it turns out that we were the only group to spot this species during the expedition, and modesty aside, we were very happy (and a bit smug) about our sighting!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the lunch break, everyone went their own way. Some took a rest from the humid heat. Some reviewed the photos from the morning. Some sat down to good conversation. Some continued to bird around the camp area. Some photographers looked for subjects. There was a Forest Wagtail hanging around and there were also some Stripe-throated Bulbuls to add to the list.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">At camp: a pair of Forest Wagtails (photo by Trinket Constantino) and </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">some Stripe-throated Bulbuls (photo by Adri Constantino)</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mike and Adri and I explored around the base camp, but I refused to go into the trail after spotting a nice juicy leech at the trail entry! When Victor Yu (of Taiwan) came out with Choy Wai Mun (of Malaysia) came out of the same trail later, Victor shook off more than 10 leeches attached to various body parts. In our shorts and sandals (speedboat attire), I was happy to have stayed out in the gazeebo just talking with the other participants!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Our fearless expedition leader Andrew :-) </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a tree in the distance (we joked that it could've been in Thailand), eagle-eyed Andrew spotted a pair of Siamang playing in the trees. The Siamang is the largest gibbon to be found in the area.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Can you spot the Siamang?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the afternoon, we all set off again. Ixi had passed on the afternoon survey because she was not feeling well, a decision she would also not regret later.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The afternoon survey started out at 4:00 in the afternoon and a nice light lit up the river forests. Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As usual our most "common" sighting would be flocks of Plain-pouched Hornbills. Halfway through the survey, as we were watching a Western Osprey fish over the waters, the skies darkened and angry looking clouds began rolling in.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Osprey with his catch! (photo by Trinket Constantino)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mike asked that we raise the speedboat roof just in case. It began to drizzle and we decided to head back. But wait, there was a flock of Oriental Pied Hornbills playing nearby! Despite the darkening skies we spent a few minutes watching the hornbills... and then it began to pour.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And it was REALLY POURING. The visibility was pretty bad, it's amazing Aziz found his way to another camp nearby where we could take shelter (even if we were already soaking wet to the bone, especially poor Jay who was up front and center of the speedboat!). It turned out that most everyone had gathered at the same camp to escape the sudden squall. We all laughed as we wrung out our wet clothes and checked our equipment. And as gently as it began, the rain eased up and stopped completely. We all headed back to our boats and sped through the waterways, enthralled by the beauty around us. The golden rays of the afternoon sun seemed to make the water droplets on the trees sparkle, and an enchanting mist shrouded the low forests.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsxnH8kjOUUegSEmCNq6mgc5gSIJ-2bsgj8gIWKmQ8GcVrAhRazQsW4joyQu9D5Eox9p86J-y5hQMtz4Y5eh8U97frHe8S399ReWqh5P5LosKaTyKppQnqOxD0BJ5Rs4ZIPBkVKE7ZJc/s1600/38+after+the+rain+mist_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="960" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsxnH8kjOUUegSEmCNq6mgc5gSIJ-2bsgj8gIWKmQ8GcVrAhRazQsW4joyQu9D5Eox9p86J-y5hQMtz4Y5eh8U97frHe8S399ReWqh5P5LosKaTyKppQnqOxD0BJ5Rs4ZIPBkVKE7ZJc/s320/38+after+the+rain+mist_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The mystical feel of the forest after the afternoon downpour. Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we got back, it was a quick rush by everyone to get to the showers! After dinner, there was a short closing ceremony and sharing about our amazing Royal Belum experience. Guides, photographers, birders all gave their input. While our group saw 4 hornbill species, the some of the other groups had also seen Rhinoceros Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill, for a total of 6 hornbills species spotted. And then it was time for bed for everyone after a full and excitiing day in the Hornbill Capital of the World.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1yg_GNa-17nBE4gnA3aaYSojN_EBI1hHVmKIopV2mtUNRpxswhMrxYrI0gyn52QGTd64bBpcOmWSs4XrJWgEMbEp8dLfclwb9zXCPZCs-vUWvkWoJgUuDiNQBEblKANIJsRjdYmdbbI/s1600/39+the+evening+program_ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1yg_GNa-17nBE4gnA3aaYSojN_EBI1hHVmKIopV2mtUNRpxswhMrxYrI0gyn52QGTd64bBpcOmWSs4XrJWgEMbEp8dLfclwb9zXCPZCs-vUWvkWoJgUuDiNQBEblKANIJsRjdYmdbbI/s320/39+the+evening+program_ML.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">On our last evening we had a good exchange of experiences, ideas and suggestions. <br />Photo by Mike Lu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next day, those of us not joining the post expedition tour to Fraser's Hill were sent on our way back to the jetty on speedboats (a much shorter half hour's ride back). Adri and I were assigned to a speedboat with the Thai and Singapore Teams while Mike was on a separate speedboat. On our way back, we passed a Peregrine Falcon perched on a dead tree trunk in the water. Not being able to resist, we asked if it was possible to turn back the boat for better views. It turns out that the Peregrine Falcon was feasting on what looked to be a Large Green Pigeon (as identified by Jay)! Out came the packed cameras (at least the ones with shorter lenses) followed by a bit of jostling to get good views!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10EGnChUdGR8sTixeXsVbxvEdp8sV7VU-E-LdDqFQ9zk6q1NqmsrBQV1IkgGtP0E_XcDhaOxlOonwjWYVmoRtDOqThMXjrCeIIGaMhfuiY4uZgyGaeHVmTtlWR3jqBYeH12QUhJsU5-U/s1600/40+Peregine+eating_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10EGnChUdGR8sTixeXsVbxvEdp8sV7VU-E-LdDqFQ9zk6q1NqmsrBQV1IkgGtP0E_XcDhaOxlOonwjWYVmoRtDOqThMXjrCeIIGaMhfuiY4uZgyGaeHVmTtlWR3jqBYeH12QUhJsU5-U/s400/40+Peregine+eating_AC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A Peregrine Falcon feasting on a Large Green Pigeon merited a slight delay in the boat ride back to the jetty! Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Out come the packed cameras!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But that wasn't the end of it. A Grey-headed Fish Eagle way up close also merited the same request to turn back. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0V4W80MN6NVwSnNlxiofN6MduP-dJLPThyphenhyphen95svwTUB_NVPd20zaUDaxBp3u5BpZC9cbb11wNNs1cbWSNnjDzvImFPTOrSw7tKS7tkym_pMA6JtO7oN4BHHDp9iAerIJ41Ru76tdgAto/s1600/42+Grey+headed+Fish+Eagle_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0V4W80MN6NVwSnNlxiofN6MduP-dJLPThyphenhyphen95svwTUB_NVPd20zaUDaxBp3u5BpZC9cbb11wNNs1cbWSNnjDzvImFPTOrSw7tKS7tkym_pMA6JtO7oN4BHHDp9iAerIJ41Ru76tdgAto/s400/42+Grey+headed+Fish+Eagle_AC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A Grey-headed Fish Eagle entices the group to delay the trip back for just a little more! Photo by Adri Constantino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It seemed that no one wanted to end our expedition, not us and not the birds of Royal Belum. It was an experience to build memories, not only of great birds and birding, but of the friendships made and strengthened. It was a great farewell to the paradise of the Royal Belum State Park. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> The Royal Belum International Hornbill Expedition 2017: thanks for the great memories!</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>---- </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The Royal Belum International Hornbill Expedition was co-organised by Malaysia’s leading ecotourism NGO, ECOMY and the Perak State Park Corporation. The event was supported by the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA), Tourism Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism & Culture Malaysia. An especially warm thanks to Expedition Leader extraordinaire Andrew Sebastian.</i></span><br />
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-57319195756238194762017-09-30T18:09:00.001+08:002017-10-01T10:47:38.068+08:00South Cot and Gen San birding<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adri and I still had the full weekend ahead of us after Friday's <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-cageless-wonders-of-baras-bird.html" target="_blank">Tacurong Bird Festival and our day birding at the Baras Bird Sanctuary</a>. SOX is a great place for some quick target birding, and Felix already had it all planned out for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Saturday morning, we got up early to go birding at Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato. It was a long drive across dirt roads criss crossing hectares of pineapple farms and avocado orchards just to get to the foot of the mountain. I certainly can't imagine walking all that way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We picked up our guides along the way and the view of Mt. Matutum was quite ominous. It was a grey morning and the mountain was shrouded in cloud! Not looking very good!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Not the best of weather to go up a mountain and bird!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We left the vehicle at a school house at the edge of the residences, and walked through vegetable farms so commonly seen at the edges of protected areas. We soon heard the familiar twittering of white eyes. After a brief discussion on their identity (Everett's or Mountain?) and good looks at their underparts, we decided they were Everett's White eyes.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A pair of Everett's White-eyes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We did spot Mountain White eyes later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We flushed several White-eared Brown Doves (Short-billed Brown Dove) along the path. Small mixed flocks were flying around the still wet leaves, we saw Brown Tit Babblers, Little Pied, Turquoise and Citrine Canary Flycatchers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the distance, flocks of Short-tailed Glossy Starling flew across the valley. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Closer to us, a pair of Scarlet Minivets were moving around.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">One of a pair of Scarlet Minivets - a bird I've only ever seen on Mindanao</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was only a short walk to a few stands of exotic African Tulip Trees where we waited for our main target. We settled down and had a quick breakfast on our feet (ground was wet!) while waiting.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Signage to remind visitors of the Protected Landscape.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Flowerpeckers zipped back and forth above us: Olive-capped, Bicolored, Red-keeled, Buzzing and Orange-bellied. White-eyes also joined in an occasional frenzy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We watched the bright orange African tulip blooms carefully. Colasisis came and go nibbling at the blooms. I distracted myself with looking at the red flowers of thick boughs of mistletoe growing on the tops of trees. A fallen branch gave me a close up view of the bright red flower clumps.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Mistletoe in bloom high up in the trees and a closer view <br />from a broken branch I found on the ground.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Orchids also adorned the moist tree branches which were also covered with thick lichen and moss.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Orchids up in the trees.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was looking at a distance at a Colasisi on the orange flowers when it jumped out of my view to be replaced with... Apo Sunbird! This tiny bird was our target! It's not yet split as a separate species, but many birders are looking forward to when it will be recognized as T'boli Sunbird.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a brief view. Both Adri and I would see it a few more times, but unfortunately for us, no photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Felix was exploring further up the trail and came back to say that we might want to try another Matutum specialty: Mindanao Miniature Tit Babbler. A heavy mist was coming in and precipitation was starting to form, but hey why not? He led us to a huge (gigantic!) tree where the birds were usually seen.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The misty forest and the huge tree where we were supposed to spot the <br />Miniature Tit Babblers - maybe next time!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erm. The weather was too much and soon dampened our optimism. It was just too misty and dark! Soon we made our way back, still happy with our Apo Sunbird (T'boli soon!) despite the disappointment of the miniature tit babbler dip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rain fell for the rest of the day, making us call off any birding plans... so we comforted ourselves with: food of course! A popular halo halo snack store on the highway provided a sugar high and dinner in GenSan wouldn't be complete without a seafood dinner cooked fresh from the day's catch.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Yummy food!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next morning we drove past Mt. Matutum towards Lake Sebu and it famous waterfalls. It was a pleasant drive and we passed the town of Surallah with a cheerful rotunda. The rotunda depicts the T'boli, the Muslims and the Christians in a musical parade around various agricultural produce.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Tukiba Surallah: Discover Surallah (Hiligaynon)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We proceeded to one of Lake Sebu's waterfalls - a regular birding site for Felix. From the main road, we took a small path that led downhill to a view of the waterfall. Our first bird was a quiet Philippine Cuckoo Dove, with its tail feathers quite worn. We saw quite a number of them that morning.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEjoWBemUVTShYlw3gsq3VJMulwru0EyHr5ngGk0FD7M1gFxBRddG2tMYOkBlUohqggvec7gGJPTr0eYcvNqFB40h5ESDMd68n4whwGOvLPMTdXYu8hDWlxizjK7PnmOScr3154YyGO4/s1600/_MG_5851_1450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEjoWBemUVTShYlw3gsq3VJMulwru0EyHr5ngGk0FD7M1gFxBRddG2tMYOkBlUohqggvec7gGJPTr0eYcvNqFB40h5ESDMd68n4whwGOvLPMTdXYu8hDWlxizjK7PnmOScr3154YyGO4/s400/_MG_5851_1450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Philippine Cuckoo Doves</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were also several White-eared (Short-billed) Brown Doves. We got both distant and close-up views. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFO8wr1VX8R0vSV_xdSTvzDEpKWgY3SGHGp-MnDp1iBiXpgTKA2L_Bs8vZxQuRQiKf939lfzLxCdXrrNjIXiPUOZptGnKYLdRh-fU1JvC9nav6pNqpcq64L6k8d3hqp4rVyxP3JuXyWg/s1600/_MG_5832_1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFO8wr1VX8R0vSV_xdSTvzDEpKWgY3SGHGp-MnDp1iBiXpgTKA2L_Bs8vZxQuRQiKf939lfzLxCdXrrNjIXiPUOZptGnKYLdRh-fU1JvC9nav6pNqpcq64L6k8d3hqp4rVyxP3JuXyWg/s400/_MG_5832_1440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievk1zbEWK4ujnA8rhM53Q5kX4OEQeAqWB_TqiZfM3FJO7baLPARV_PGR6EHF3fl-vVG3yrEQonm9vpP28R_ZDFTM-fZSOHBbltUfrloBn5JEBdmb0HmtF4JwqjAzYxJx3NrERs277-w8/s1600/_MG_5901_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievk1zbEWK4ujnA8rhM53Q5kX4OEQeAqWB_TqiZfM3FJO7baLPARV_PGR6EHF3fl-vVG3yrEQonm9vpP28R_ZDFTM-fZSOHBbltUfrloBn5JEBdmb0HmtF4JwqjAzYxJx3NrERs277-w8/s400/_MG_5901_1499.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">White-eared (Short-billed) Brown Doves</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Philippine Bulbuls were making their usual racket while chasing each other through the canopy. But they were definitely outnumbered by the Yellow-vented Bulbuls that seemed to be perched everywhere!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf57BWlb2v-7b_LNYAJ3xIFLMJNyWKTnEZYheOSGhoXJ4EYMhAMFPebL87Ztiv_TmjD5Nm-AR4yZcjMKxkZNKBCVbLtAMWxbbatD6M8jNlT03pILjzsg9yDXXp3IIE9cKsHBeLPy6ONM/s1600/_MG_5865_1464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf57BWlb2v-7b_LNYAJ3xIFLMJNyWKTnEZYheOSGhoXJ4EYMhAMFPebL87Ztiv_TmjD5Nm-AR4yZcjMKxkZNKBCVbLtAMWxbbatD6M8jNlT03pILjzsg9yDXXp3IIE9cKsHBeLPy6ONM/s400/_MG_5865_1464.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Yellow-vented Bulbuls busy preening</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We passed a flowering papaya, where a Rufous-fronted Tailorbird was hopping around. And of course I got the most comical photo of it:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtBYzZAJQBcUAh1gBOmZ984q56QmXKF7lOBPkPL1PyRVcVNmE5jyXV4VRhKS2_CTJfFFBTX2XaUjUlMnT0b6Nj0y7MdrGWtaZ-YtxUlUOdcyYfcF1MrK2rCAxscXCyXX6MjiQJ1xyVSk/s1600/_MG_5876_1474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtBYzZAJQBcUAh1gBOmZ984q56QmXKF7lOBPkPL1PyRVcVNmE5jyXV4VRhKS2_CTJfFFBTX2XaUjUlMnT0b6Nj0y7MdrGWtaZ-YtxUlUOdcyYfcF1MrK2rCAxscXCyXX6MjiQJ1xyVSk/s400/_MG_5876_1474.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Photo fail! Rufous-fronted Tailorbird with the rufous front hidden!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A pair of Purple-throated Sunbirds also showed up. They were the subspecies <i>juliae</i>, quite distinct in their coloration from the other Purple-throated sunbirds elswhere in the Philippines. Of course while the drab female posed gamely, the more colorful male did not seem to want to!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ByfaumOPAijHaIWZ0jquwaX8TY_Q5JSRtcVG0dOl8ksW-eFNs3g17vodwlI05tr3oqVgPLAuIyFHCokwk_Frwca4HPTCbBA6JIg5srZuXKK0CuDOx3Kkid38AOsz5HsoqPynba601Pw/s1600/_MG_5895_1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ByfaumOPAijHaIWZ0jquwaX8TY_Q5JSRtcVG0dOl8ksW-eFNs3g17vodwlI05tr3oqVgPLAuIyFHCokwk_Frwca4HPTCbBA6JIg5srZuXKK0CuDOx3Kkid38AOsz5HsoqPynba601Pw/s400/_MG_5895_1493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTtjp9jBwpOSsH5lp7lwKrrf_l-yXukfGxKzNKPogvhT-Z0OVrNL_PRwKnp0gIey2geo984JFF3iIVyH5uO19xhLQ6IJ94Tq5_pbV5LqBH6gXDIYdB5XJ6ZzrbWT864-cWdd8xQJ50u0/s1600/_MG_6175_2191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTtjp9jBwpOSsH5lp7lwKrrf_l-yXukfGxKzNKPogvhT-Z0OVrNL_PRwKnp0gIey2geo984JFF3iIVyH5uO19xhLQ6IJ94Tq5_pbV5LqBH6gXDIYdB5XJ6ZzrbWT864-cWdd8xQJ50u0/s400/_MG_6175_2191.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A pair of Purple-throated Sunbirds, with the male not wanting to show his purple throat! Another photo fail!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had several other views and heard other birds: Guaiaberos, Common Emerald Dove, Plaintive Cuckoo, Blue-throated Bee-eaters, Collared and White-throated Kingfishers, Large-billed Crows, Black-naped Monarchs, Coletos, and Yellow-bellied Whistlers. We spotted migrants too: a Grey-streaked Flycatcher and a noisy Brown Shrike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few creepy crawlies were also out on display!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pd43gGNvH-uq9KXYZ1_8HWwjJtF23Sq5IftmeY74jNeG77eopxDOgzW5vV7cy4TsybFLFUYBHUxQtZx05_EHRPC91_juMPTkZOwyzj3RDvsXvLXZtmdnHRKMcKMLQbiE1xoYfFQN1E0/s1600/IMG_7941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pd43gGNvH-uq9KXYZ1_8HWwjJtF23Sq5IftmeY74jNeG77eopxDOgzW5vV7cy4TsybFLFUYBHUxQtZx05_EHRPC91_juMPTkZOwyzj3RDvsXvLXZtmdnHRKMcKMLQbiE1xoYfFQN1E0/s400/IMG_7941.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I caught these two bugs in the middle of some action!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we got down to the falls, it was an impressive sight. The heavy rains must have amplified the cataract's flow, white gushing water poured out into the brown river below. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYU3vOZJ5lU8Agd7KyGerdSHKVGgCjw1yTDLx_cXGxKIHpmva15MEyIdYSh-xsDNoUBolNQ-k-uu9U7i3hTrK-xm4s4HH7JFxPEt954QvYvK_q2LlUkKgSHy3oDfViCj1bViyxMgG0uI/s1600/IMG_7947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="900" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYU3vOZJ5lU8Agd7KyGerdSHKVGgCjw1yTDLx_cXGxKIHpmva15MEyIdYSh-xsDNoUBolNQ-k-uu9U7i3hTrK-xm4s4HH7JFxPEt954QvYvK_q2LlUkKgSHy3oDfViCj1bViyxMgG0uI/s400/IMG_7947.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The waterfalls of Lake Sebu are a big tourist attraction!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was turning out to be a sunny morning, and the hot air and wet ground was attracting a few butterflies to a marigold plot.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Butterflies on a sunny Sunday morning!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6kHfgsVw4SDakb7u10OeYQ8cQLlP2wJdCUDzaOSo0lOlV0t9lwZIWykKqMTt-YvPALYnujl8SZDB_kfDW_bqmCy0fEvduX3SqvN2XyDXjPDf2rr6ysE0wE8NB4YPvbwj2TswXqT2yHk/s1600/_MG_5998_1596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6kHfgsVw4SDakb7u10OeYQ8cQLlP2wJdCUDzaOSo0lOlV0t9lwZIWykKqMTt-YvPALYnujl8SZDB_kfDW_bqmCy0fEvduX3SqvN2XyDXjPDf2rr6ysE0wE8NB4YPvbwj2TswXqT2yHk/s320/_MG_5998_1596.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Damselflies and dragonflies too!</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While I was passing time taking photos of butterflies and dragonflies, a young boy out with his family on a swimming picnic approached me and began to ask several questions. Despite the language barrier, I tried my best to explain what I was looking at and doing, showing him photos from my camera and the field guide. He got very excited, even pulling his un-interested younger sister to show her the photos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Later, as Adri, Felix, Roland and I settled at a nearby picnic hut, the little boy left his picnicking family to join us, He excitedly pointed out the birds flying around and checked them out through our binoculars, scope and book. He was very keen, insisting he was seeing a yellow bird on some <i>hagimit </i>fruit hanging quite a distance across from us. He patiently leafed through the book and was contemplating the Elegant Tit. Every now and then he would glance at the <i>hagimit </i>and point "there it goes again!".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eventually we all saw what he was pointing at. A tiny Orange-bellied Flowerpecker!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjvIwHVq2lTXjXL9LZRP6OLsTmemNFkzzzZxql1rcDfuAO_5NGawZwsqSd21BlNiLNToPwCp769o10_nNyXCbtbsDTtIZmP_0EOp6ImJpXdleAcpUjR04hq-clPPT3yDdla1XOYQ-qBY/s1600/_MG_6137_2153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjvIwHVq2lTXjXL9LZRP6OLsTmemNFkzzzZxql1rcDfuAO_5NGawZwsqSd21BlNiLNToPwCp769o10_nNyXCbtbsDTtIZmP_0EOp6ImJpXdleAcpUjR04hq-clPPT3yDdla1XOYQ-qBY/s400/_MG_6137_2153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Our young companions sharp eyes kept on seeing this Orange-bellied Flowerpecker. <br />It took us oldies quite a while before we spotted it on its nth visit to the fruiting <i>hagimit</i>.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many other birds were interested in the <i>hagimit </i>including brown doves, Coletos, a Wattled Bulbul and Hair-crested Drongos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduT2Bu7mBJiZGpMBj3hUexRNFCfuOjM1vmJ4_xY3OyjvUNtsXl-TCazaKKobtl9mKBFol42JwFDC4Hh4YNAalRMVZljFkV4BuOSldVT91tEN_bwg0Henb2bunbcii2I4LHSdY-IVorNU/s1600/_MG_6135_2152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduT2Bu7mBJiZGpMBj3hUexRNFCfuOjM1vmJ4_xY3OyjvUNtsXl-TCazaKKobtl9mKBFol42JwFDC4Hh4YNAalRMVZljFkV4BuOSldVT91tEN_bwg0Henb2bunbcii2I4LHSdY-IVorNU/s400/_MG_6135_2152.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A handsome Wattled Bulbul</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYxuRLUzXmcxY4R4iUJub_WyN29yavw9S8QVk17QeNmGdL_pZ1zl7siW7FGntUQbu7GXdRAr4_38jdHyxVqwgrdQHjsjSLz2_I4Fh_bR0QwQb5EijpNuPlHZYXstuEkF8_bZbSx86iLM/s1600/_MG_6093_2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYxuRLUzXmcxY4R4iUJub_WyN29yavw9S8QVk17QeNmGdL_pZ1zl7siW7FGntUQbu7GXdRAr4_38jdHyxVqwgrdQHjsjSLz2_I4Fh_bR0QwQb5EijpNuPlHZYXstuEkF8_bZbSx86iLM/s400/_MG_6093_2109.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Noisy Hair-crested Drongos</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also saw a pair of Black-faced Coucals and a pair of Philippine Coucals skulking around the vegetation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUyuq-cjePSZ4TucWnV3AMjmqyTbKhDNbj2wS-iVpsZ4461NZGHPeRT1iRW8MCNAyQ1m6WDh5Oa5XSJ7VjskwEuEA-8HQNplljIBiwyUfDTvTkefLxEjJQSaye40w8FsXLi0Sf7OJmhc/s1600/_MG_6045_2061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUyuq-cjePSZ4TucWnV3AMjmqyTbKhDNbj2wS-iVpsZ4461NZGHPeRT1iRW8MCNAyQ1m6WDh5Oa5XSJ7VjskwEuEA-8HQNplljIBiwyUfDTvTkefLxEjJQSaye40w8FsXLi0Sf7OJmhc/s400/_MG_6045_2061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Black-faced Coucal</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYOyKow_T7lpTrd8QksisOm9R6Ga52rrv27m4Gq6EPMtJXx3ecmoux27m4TxgMBPDIbCuRzAdP6fzWw3bGRRvGeamCYTT0Am6GhKLfM65UaQ3IizEpLmrf7uK1Z7ifFc2KKuY3MjThQk/s1600/_MG_6069_2086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYOyKow_T7lpTrd8QksisOm9R6Ga52rrv27m4Gq6EPMtJXx3ecmoux27m4TxgMBPDIbCuRzAdP6fzWw3bGRRvGeamCYTT0Am6GhKLfM65UaQ3IizEpLmrf7uK1Z7ifFc2KKuY3MjThQk/s400/_MG_6069_2086.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Philippine Coucal</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A quiet Mindanao Hornbill played hide-and-seek with us up a nearby tree.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp8GwnjZcnxrlRVcQWcquyZI3iSybD6Fdo7Xi6GGATjqBcNYf_w18JlJaOfV0zF9E8VHShwx5hXfD7SkJBmpEhVEiHLBs_iWMQjvj9iivTcCYyLyCcDyJXKO-oaF2PotWpwxNIHZGvs8/s1600/_MG_6067_2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp8GwnjZcnxrlRVcQWcquyZI3iSybD6Fdo7Xi6GGATjqBcNYf_w18JlJaOfV0zF9E8VHShwx5hXfD7SkJBmpEhVEiHLBs_iWMQjvj9iivTcCYyLyCcDyJXKO-oaF2PotWpwxNIHZGvs8/s400/_MG_6067_2083.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A hiding Mindanao Hornbill</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We heard the sharp call of a Silvery Kingfisher as it made its way up and down a nearby stream. Each bird we saw and heard brought a new excitement to our young companion! His enthusiasm was infectious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZWuIAg9_10ZGf4PQZL_Mg0BW3UEfzp3Wu2iNEWRcPSP-050TBq2_N5IL6VKR6e_wbD5TqqGPhRgmsy71FupjZxFxcp1Yccaka1w9bS9sr911Wxa2UQRckqgmEisqLCrpGu9drnVbiHM/s1600/IMG_5973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZWuIAg9_10ZGf4PQZL_Mg0BW3UEfzp3Wu2iNEWRcPSP-050TBq2_N5IL6VKR6e_wbD5TqqGPhRgmsy71FupjZxFxcp1Yccaka1w9bS9sr911Wxa2UQRckqgmEisqLCrpGu9drnVbiHM/s400/IMG_5973.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Our enthusiastic birder for the morning!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soon it was time for us to go, as we had an afternoon flight back to Manila to catch. We stopped by a restaurant with a view of Lake Sebu on a sunny Sunday for lunch. On the lakeside we saw Yellow Bitterns, Javan Pond Herons, Little Egrets and White-browed Crakes walking along the fish pens. Barn Swallows and Glossy Swiftlets were gliding across us, and in the gardens below Chestnut Munias were busy building nests. The SOX birding weekend had turned out to be more eventful than I had expected!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXKnHX7IVeMcu1peQ-sv5QOniFV4az6FG4mNj80xrCU2dZAJ99czilhwDV_hChUEwlt-GC4o7uPqjGniubVY8uz3KxahD109yJQccNRE4NIjVTCX5H4TEszVqGLaPmcKn-DCj-3crVkI/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXKnHX7IVeMcu1peQ-sv5QOniFV4az6FG4mNj80xrCU2dZAJ99czilhwDV_hChUEwlt-GC4o7uPqjGniubVY8uz3KxahD109yJQccNRE4NIjVTCX5H4TEszVqGLaPmcKn-DCj-3crVkI/s400/IMG_7956.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETADBlhIH_2MuJDGINqZHc5Tdc2-sYK_0WgSjYlq5QJS4aqs4gdTCGs4Jl8iSSdmOvhqOmU7cW563iCyn7o5OIOoZ-l-TBFcC0HvNJwpYluwQ5uLqKN-wo0cfDd84nLjFHS37mBganA0/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETADBlhIH_2MuJDGINqZHc5Tdc2-sYK_0WgSjYlq5QJS4aqs4gdTCGs4Jl8iSSdmOvhqOmU7cW563iCyn7o5OIOoZ-l-TBFcC0HvNJwpYluwQ5uLqKN-wo0cfDd84nLjFHS37mBganA0/s400/IMG_7958.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Sunny views of Lake Sebu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But that isn't the end of our SOX adventure. Felix had one more ace up his sleeve for us. On our way to the airport after picking up our things at the hotel, Felix asked if we wanted to check to see if the Spotted Kestrel was around. This is a new addition to the Philippine Bird List, in fact, a pair had been spotted and documented last year nesting - so it was definitely a resident. We made a quick detour to the rocky face of a hill on the outskirts of Gen San. The bird had not been spotted recent to our visit but it was close enough to warrant a check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we got down from the car, we surveyed the holes which dotted the bare rock face. And there it was! Sitting very still in one of the shallow caverns was a Spotted Kestrel! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ltW9M3yQ4mkydyd26e9_vMXYYJAaHjOodxudbVM6GKSysZHMf1ublOm3d8w_K4-bcCzFPFTI1fD0Ioy_2YpaoiRBkgS-IAdSWf-Uj-udX5FZ_Om2sXMtvBwhcRF232KvpE5-dQ0A2RQ/s1600/IMG_7977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="900" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ltW9M3yQ4mkydyd26e9_vMXYYJAaHjOodxudbVM6GKSysZHMf1ublOm3d8w_K4-bcCzFPFTI1fD0Ioy_2YpaoiRBkgS-IAdSWf-Uj-udX5FZ_Om2sXMtvBwhcRF232KvpE5-dQ0A2RQ/s400/IMG_7977.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Adri and Felix scanning the rock face.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbl5-mgwzyEmjiAP-HwKOPFNbgRXQD9Dzy6Vl20FpmGzj_D6156OgQ2zS5-gnWAe0IBZDdK686EDdlk2D5mL_lmrxeduCezrdD9V50uGzol05EHD0VpiBGSSl3GRXIDrPWyYejcY9i-k/s1600/_MG_6196_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbl5-mgwzyEmjiAP-HwKOPFNbgRXQD9Dzy6Vl20FpmGzj_D6156OgQ2zS5-gnWAe0IBZDdK686EDdlk2D5mL_lmrxeduCezrdD9V50uGzol05EHD0VpiBGSSl3GRXIDrPWyYejcY9i-k/s400/_MG_6196_2213.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Can you spot it?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqeHpZaTM77L04vaHa9l1DxGiZlrfKKMknE898SSVBrUPOjbnhoQeZPmmn62lZsHhXcMLC1ol1EH_GbvlueX2kHY-n9qwDuPuNmEysqj3ruFPVFRFUNPHTWJI5YdmtAmRnS8fSo3X1Jo/s1600/_MG_6262_2278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqeHpZaTM77L04vaHa9l1DxGiZlrfKKMknE898SSVBrUPOjbnhoQeZPmmn62lZsHhXcMLC1ol1EH_GbvlueX2kHY-n9qwDuPuNmEysqj3ruFPVFRFUNPHTWJI5YdmtAmRnS8fSo3X1Jo/s400/_MG_6262_2278.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A Spotted Kestrel: one of the latest Philippine records!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was later identified through our photos as a young, subadult individual. Was it one of the offspring from the last breeding season? We did a little dance of joy by the side of the road. A last minute lifer from our weekend SOX adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-89389296089254412802017-09-02T11:15:00.000+08:002017-09-02T11:38:06.460+08:00The cageless wonders of the Baras Bird Sanctuary<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was my first time ever to anywhere in Region XII, that Mindanao region with a tongue twister for a name: SOCCSKSARGEN (for <b>So</b>uth Cotabato, <b>C</b>otabato City, North <b>C</b>otabato, <b>S</b>ultan <b>K</b>udarat, <b>Sar</b>anggani and <b>Gen</b>eral Santos City). Glad to have the 3rd Tacurong Bird Festival fall on days with no classes, I was excited to join Adri on his trip. I was also excited to touch base with Felix, who had been based in Gen San for the past several months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As soon as we touched down in Gen San early Friday morning, we were immediately whisked off by Felix's right-hand man Ronald to the opening ceremonies for the bird festival - a conservation forum held at the City of Tacurong in neighboring Sultan Kudarat, a couple of hours away. I wrote about the conservation forum for the WBCP monthly newsletter <a href="https://ebonph.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/a-forum-on-and-a-celebration-of-wildlife-conservation-at-tacurong/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a productive morning at the forum, we proceeded to the Baras Bird Sanctuary. Formerly a peppercorn farm owned privately by the family of Rey Oliver Malana, the sanctuary came to be when a few egrets began regularly roosting in the area. The roosting population grew larger and larger, and eventually the farm became a regular breeding site for thousands of egrets and herons. It was then converted to a sanctuary for the birds who found it a welcome and safe home. The sanctuary became a top tourist destination for Sultan Kudarat and the Tacurong Bird Festival was started in 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we got to the sanctuary, a large banner for the bird festival welcomed us. Booths and buntings and a trade fair in full swing greeted us. Music was playing (of course, what's a Philippine fiesta without the loud music?!?) and different activities were ongoing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRgYCUPw5gSYNroaOgeOPG7YkWpwZ92K80h53e7yPf3OdDTZz5ST9tMbJEliZTATjGht8Uav08P-gqnOerh1hm7w0U2zfvFdwRswxEMapN8jg-rlGIDSAAtrtaa6KCyoGl_sWHw-mjWg/s1600/IMG_7902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRgYCUPw5gSYNroaOgeOPG7YkWpwZ92K80h53e7yPf3OdDTZz5ST9tMbJEliZTATjGht8Uav08P-gqnOerh1hm7w0U2zfvFdwRswxEMapN8jg-rlGIDSAAtrtaa6KCyoGl_sWHw-mjWg/s400/IMG_7902.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We started with a brief stop at the information center, where there was a map of the property and also a photographic list of birds which could be found in the sanctuary. Adri exchanged pleasantries with the owner and the guides he had met on a previous training workshop. Everyone was in a good mood.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86yK1R85VaVuxOB0paO4kW1tZgMD7-ulBRqjurPQxktSmD4LblOSriJ5_Y2BPZDn9sdCVtLkO4ngrPyt13glPwr9x7L5XD6nIKlBI3lumUkaAMv1voLVyqm6BwSgiZtlJa2wV-bCKNrI/s1600/IMG_7870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86yK1R85VaVuxOB0paO4kW1tZgMD7-ulBRqjurPQxktSmD4LblOSriJ5_Y2BPZDn9sdCVtLkO4ngrPyt13glPwr9x7L5XD6nIKlBI3lumUkaAMv1voLVyqm6BwSgiZtlJa2wV-bCKNrI/s400/IMG_7870.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was excited to get started on the path and look at the birds, already I could see (and smell!) the fringes of the roosting and nesting area. Felix and I had to wait a while as Adri was ambush-interviewed for the local news.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wide-brimmed <i>kudong </i>(native woven hats after which Tacurong City was named) were piled at the start of the path, an invitation to everyone to please wear the head gear or risk (high risk!) getting splattered with bird droppings in your hair and shoulders! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIISXgmD_bn_6WBB-p0rAT_uS3UrJdfbCJWb31_yZjPkS2DviAL1-RRFTmKTM0nD25TaVun7hdOUwRaswPSztDEd1syV5uFzw8u4YL-cENZy4KXvy5TyWVX6DtjhUwisiEBgvGpoR5fM/s1600/IMG_7869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIISXgmD_bn_6WBB-p0rAT_uS3UrJdfbCJWb31_yZjPkS2DviAL1-RRFTmKTM0nD25TaVun7hdOUwRaswPSztDEd1syV5uFzw8u4YL-cENZy4KXvy5TyWVX6DtjhUwisiEBgvGpoR5fM/s400/IMG_7869.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was also very informative signage about how not to disturb or touch the birds and about the regular health surveillance at the sanctuary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The herons and egrets seemed to be everywhere! Flying above, walking around in the trees and on the ground, sitting on nests, feeding, being fed, preening - it was an overwhelming display of roosting and nesting behaviour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were several Black-crowned night herons, looking handsome in their breeding plumage, with scarlet red eyes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoCkXJgfGvwU5_EdtrW5apkTPIZ1NclfdxDVAYF-IrhUe0bjnktCFV1MoKq-aguDrC-tGR22XjWrCgMZ-FOEyusn3GBs60EY_LdsBBjjEGLnHRoYSkrPFKH-muoPtoREkyq9QGN98AuY/s1600/_MG_5389_1674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoCkXJgfGvwU5_EdtrW5apkTPIZ1NclfdxDVAYF-IrhUe0bjnktCFV1MoKq-aguDrC-tGR22XjWrCgMZ-FOEyusn3GBs60EY_LdsBBjjEGLnHRoYSkrPFKH-muoPtoREkyq9QGN98AuY/s400/_MG_5389_1674.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were several immature herons walking around too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFofk61jooNdFXVCygcHS9xbpoodTieJfyZwbc9UaIZ9vz3D5z4ktULx7rxQcvcwgYzVcM24W1UFFmHEphFZP89CqQ1E71NbKorbEYt_ph0TxODIFNa8WnpjlQfJQbvzCPkwa_S-hMEU/s1600/_MG_5701_1986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFofk61jooNdFXVCygcHS9xbpoodTieJfyZwbc9UaIZ9vz3D5z4ktULx7rxQcvcwgYzVcM24W1UFFmHEphFZP89CqQ1E71NbKorbEYt_ph0TxODIFNa8WnpjlQfJQbvzCPkwa_S-hMEU/s400/_MG_5701_1986.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Little Egrets were also plentiful, again with billowy breeding plumes running down their necks and backs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngVNUcwU-RTVZNbuDMJN_ZngwR2hxnFRPmJBZ4VN4PuSoMKD4oh1KqUO5-6Ebixh-fRh1m6PtlMCyCj62rxiGpWy7AOb-B2lXTBQu-awdHCNbN89SrJrRPB_j_n-_MZHmOuOOIGO5TOE/s1600/_MG_5527_1812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngVNUcwU-RTVZNbuDMJN_ZngwR2hxnFRPmJBZ4VN4PuSoMKD4oh1KqUO5-6Ebixh-fRh1m6PtlMCyCj62rxiGpWy7AOb-B2lXTBQu-awdHCNbN89SrJrRPB_j_n-_MZHmOuOOIGO5TOE/s400/_MG_5527_1812.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The most in number were Cattle Egrets, with their distinct orange heads and breasts, a contrast to the all-white non-breeding plumage they take on the rest of the year.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjffohS-73CwcEKYz6Uq20f4dBFkerjMAqsqJ-m1j2hPwV0qnXUUXYUeb9Tv2swc4X7i8-1T-iR-5w4p9aRYaaCUlZnP4fo1LImgY1iCNp54E95U2bzI2ceAF47CIAGvguWODqNUZRbM/s1600/_MG_5721_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjffohS-73CwcEKYz6Uq20f4dBFkerjMAqsqJ-m1j2hPwV0qnXUUXYUeb9Tv2swc4X7i8-1T-iR-5w4p9aRYaaCUlZnP4fo1LImgY1iCNp54E95U2bzI2ceAF47CIAGvguWODqNUZRbM/s400/_MG_5721_2006.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Dl4PwiouYLt-tzMOTz7U4vTX7awuBqEEn4tCFX1l-HGWzCpkkNDzRPOhoRaPiI3mQKgF9vW8bmkQ52jA0TlOfaU3AldOS6XeJbHvzv7L7JGClNgosz-GsDmNbrgfqogY_EhI3-1nGoY/s1600/_MG_5750_2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Dl4PwiouYLt-tzMOTz7U4vTX7awuBqEEn4tCFX1l-HGWzCpkkNDzRPOhoRaPiI3mQKgF9vW8bmkQ52jA0TlOfaU3AldOS6XeJbHvzv7L7JGClNgosz-GsDmNbrgfqogY_EhI3-1nGoY/s400/_MG_5750_2035.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Felix even spotted an Intermediate Egret at the nest with a very young nestling. It was the first photographic evidence for breeding of this species in the Philippines!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1nTlUYLe-SNjp0k4tgGi-5jlNn9-5lynrri9bMnAICxGSFMXpXr0Zf7drb4_w8bRhSttXH9sG_3s1rfUdhPLCIdF-Uf-r_GicdRK7Z1q5sMSceCgjsBj1J9JPe-eCfPJvzSKQyYKzeg/s1600/_MG_5602_1887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1nTlUYLe-SNjp0k4tgGi-5jlNn9-5lynrri9bMnAICxGSFMXpXr0Zf7drb4_w8bRhSttXH9sG_3s1rfUdhPLCIdF-Uf-r_GicdRK7Z1q5sMSceCgjsBj1J9JPe-eCfPJvzSKQyYKzeg/s400/_MG_5602_1887.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sadly, the 2 species I was looking most forward to seeing: breeding Great Egrets and the Glossy Ibis, were no where to be seen. (I guess this warrants a return trip!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But there was a lot to see and observe, so the entire walk through the sanctuary was engrossing to a birder like me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The density of the nests was amazing. it seemed that every available branch was occupied by a careful pile of sticks and twigs (looking very flimsy to me). Look left, right and up... nests were everywhere.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7Tr-_B6OqdXefkv0mM-xoR5_ixg-jUY4UpyZqC8R15jeUDjNbx86pOXN5YoJmsa5dKJ0Si8BZomBYLNlJoMeoMwygDt9b9KagwOAVV5Egw3JXFDvoyDE-oZZ0dYLajf3ft_fWVl2LIk/s1600/IMG_7888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7Tr-_B6OqdXefkv0mM-xoR5_ixg-jUY4UpyZqC8R15jeUDjNbx86pOXN5YoJmsa5dKJ0Si8BZomBYLNlJoMeoMwygDt9b9KagwOAVV5Egw3JXFDvoyDE-oZZ0dYLajf3ft_fWVl2LIk/s400/IMG_7888.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The ground was littered with broken eggshell, and I'm sure I spotted a few intact eggs as well, probably jostled out of the nest accidentally, or even on purpose.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseZhT-cdwBkWTGc4loOzPq7sIWMuSveg2psEapqQT9LL7VsMmo6IhDPQZ3cg-ULxbVfMPa2PqqMI8IhdqCxqCPyEqmJWBr8T6ajHffc63ttiBS27YZXLDq7GniAKboSLrMXjArLr709M/s1600/IMG_7885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseZhT-cdwBkWTGc4loOzPq7sIWMuSveg2psEapqQT9LL7VsMmo6IhDPQZ3cg-ULxbVfMPa2PqqMI8IhdqCxqCPyEqmJWBr8T6ajHffc63ttiBS27YZXLDq7GniAKboSLrMXjArLr709M/s400/IMG_7885.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I even saw this dead frog. Probably food brought back to the nest but dropped in the feeding frenzy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7uSFW0g2WfUjMxIf0mKt1LjA26NFbyWx9ebdYZzF8w4Lgp2ar0RQDrWO7qcSRQ-wxyM9MxxQS1a9d9Agu-kH_o3-eYLwVbFEuYSghMI40AR3ehZVukctz0wI8xo9goZktl9hv8V7DQw/s1600/IMG_7887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7uSFW0g2WfUjMxIf0mKt1LjA26NFbyWx9ebdYZzF8w4Lgp2ar0RQDrWO7qcSRQ-wxyM9MxxQS1a9d9Agu-kH_o3-eYLwVbFEuYSghMI40AR3ehZVukctz0wI8xo9goZktl9hv8V7DQw/s400/IMG_7887.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Competition here must be fierce. The frantic scrambling at the nest inevitably leads to some young birds falling out. Several times we saw young birds walking on the ground, like this young cattle egret.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqF2ecWcS9qeANmoND2a1zJaA_LggsxoK4FifCeP_BD9pP9-KwcmpZSVVcU5TLFNPo_lMf55UJpP36t5rZ0D31Vw_8XyQRMakEMkhl63oDLCmiwT59HCjwXjhHzyd0SsbvTrTlpFKyos/s1600/_MG_5640_1925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqF2ecWcS9qeANmoND2a1zJaA_LggsxoK4FifCeP_BD9pP9-KwcmpZSVVcU5TLFNPo_lMf55UJpP36t5rZ0D31Vw_8XyQRMakEMkhl63oDLCmiwT59HCjwXjhHzyd0SsbvTrTlpFKyos/s400/_MG_5640_1925.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They can come quite close to the human visitors, here's Mindanao-based WBCP-er Forest taking a photo of the young bird that fell right on the path.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBatqHw7pG_LGIMnyZ9zOQ5r8MNEpI2TPvsS_96wLkg2jvW-mC4DKfCbhb-LS77xWPAZCMZ8Ykp7APyfwHUpbISVTSFSsGY3rLboNBJ_v3bPbgRlljhQ_WlK5Lz72NIEjpKH8cye4Lws/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBatqHw7pG_LGIMnyZ9zOQ5r8MNEpI2TPvsS_96wLkg2jvW-mC4DKfCbhb-LS77xWPAZCMZ8Ykp7APyfwHUpbISVTSFSsGY3rLboNBJ_v3bPbgRlljhQ_WlK5Lz72NIEjpKH8cye4Lws/s400/IMG_7891.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is actually a wire fence around the main roosting and nesting area (you can see Felix in the photo above right beside it). The fence is to keep humans out rather than the birds in. The sanctuary is also bordered by a river, and unfortunately, some people still come in at night to poach eggs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The young Little Egret wandered around, blocked by the fence, it turned the opposite way towards the bank of the river lined with bamboo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMWWfQNLdiNQQ3NcKTbNThKBLfrJf1PWbwZr6IrWWnXIIf951bf7BZlY3V_PQhXDsUhsNn7xuH4oaTFedErTIz4FJM6m5AxooHtVyb6UdeFycW_xLWZsYf-ta38yHrD3IWS2BKOUdNUA/s1600/_MG_5641_1926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMWWfQNLdiNQQ3NcKTbNThKBLfrJf1PWbwZr6IrWWnXIIf951bf7BZlY3V_PQhXDsUhsNn7xuH4oaTFedErTIz4FJM6m5AxooHtVyb6UdeFycW_xLWZsYf-ta38yHrD3IWS2BKOUdNUA/s400/_MG_5641_1926.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufDC6SkfAlYsRJszhZMyH5ZNkoJokTtd0LMeaZdm3ND13PADC-iZGrHKW6rTYIqQ-TIOlxJQvU7CFoINBK_BvlzBNDqVkTbBvXg8QxNb4A_2nmFjJtoPc0bbn9uL3pkWa15m8r7Mqv7g/s1600/IMG_7897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufDC6SkfAlYsRJszhZMyH5ZNkoJokTtd0LMeaZdm3ND13PADC-iZGrHKW6rTYIqQ-TIOlxJQvU7CFoINBK_BvlzBNDqVkTbBvXg8QxNb4A_2nmFjJtoPc0bbn9uL3pkWa15m8r7Mqv7g/s400/IMG_7897.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The chances it would survive would probably be very low. Though the signs of new life on nests were everywhere, a careful look around also showed a few young victims of the balance between life and death.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi27B3KlekN5dXFj2fJwAe_9Zii42FTVIaOjkCC029lQdXiiJlFb_46sScaMfzo2Y-ECvMLlW63GQyOY2O_T2-xDqgf4zvcYxe_WB7bG1LpySy1B9SbTVf1vtxJ80W8fOXeypt60qjrYE/s1600/IMG_7898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi27B3KlekN5dXFj2fJwAe_9Zii42FTVIaOjkCC029lQdXiiJlFb_46sScaMfzo2Y-ECvMLlW63GQyOY2O_T2-xDqgf4zvcYxe_WB7bG1LpySy1B9SbTVf1vtxJ80W8fOXeypt60qjrYE/s400/IMG_7898.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4AF-i4p4o5cOFy72kz6Lkcqm2mcoShdQzZLhujVV2Nf9xVsbYefuhh4TAkeNQ99y0JfIpnON_J8o-0NtAkUceZXYJyx7QWhd5gJp28gxkMYasAVrQQL0fS6ElIvnvj9i2WrBVnNIGdI/s1600/_MG_5646_1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4AF-i4p4o5cOFy72kz6Lkcqm2mcoShdQzZLhujVV2Nf9xVsbYefuhh4TAkeNQ99y0JfIpnON_J8o-0NtAkUceZXYJyx7QWhd5gJp28gxkMYasAVrQQL0fS6ElIvnvj9i2WrBVnNIGdI/s400/_MG_5646_1931.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">WBCP-er and wildlife biologist Lala E. had a student with her who was studying the stomach contents of these unfortunate casualties, to determine prey and prey density. I imagine the biomass required to support these thousands of young birds must be astounding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Benches were placed every few meters on the trail (sit at your own risk!), and I often stopped to enjoy the view of a contemplative young bird bathed in sunlight...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E0kUmTqKN54_UEcZ03hCEV0Ge17n7n5o6_evn7xe3vqsJqPiCKEtSWv6SWrUMx4yfpKpaQVxr_a7fkQM07jyHnRRplXfwqO5IvrkCKciNScblrVfzCmkatLx4AAdm3X5wwxc7fep93Y/s1600/_MG_5635_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E0kUmTqKN54_UEcZ03hCEV0Ge17n7n5o6_evn7xe3vqsJqPiCKEtSWv6SWrUMx4yfpKpaQVxr_a7fkQM07jyHnRRplXfwqO5IvrkCKciNScblrVfzCmkatLx4AAdm3X5wwxc7fep93Y/s400/_MG_5635_1920.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">... or the almost comical actions of adults as they groomed, scratching left and right...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOWcofdkDeyQMEeMpLYngBKipcWnHRbZC-V17obPyNjdTNSMKdwiFOuuIQwCtWvM4tNxpv_nx8cohfyEe8G4chZ9dQg2N53mvVDPcrN98pYAIq2ek9lbsdBhYDTEQh2T5Desn1DvUxBE/s1600/_MG_5617_1902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOWcofdkDeyQMEeMpLYngBKipcWnHRbZC-V17obPyNjdTNSMKdwiFOuuIQwCtWvM4tNxpv_nx8cohfyEe8G4chZ9dQg2N53mvVDPcrN98pYAIq2ek9lbsdBhYDTEQh2T5Desn1DvUxBE/s400/_MG_5617_1902.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">... and the frenzied madness of feeding when a parent arrives at a nest with food!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu7JB7mCPmVyAxjxog4TrCMVSN5V6qItTuFTr7xoPzieavPoJOkKhUnXvrhTlf7kKMdLLsn4Y-yE5OtoVY5xw3PVQLD-JyCOQymXaPhnXyCOLGeAOSMoQpznW69KBVz_ErvdWTUOdXuc/s1600/_MG_5738_2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu7JB7mCPmVyAxjxog4TrCMVSN5V6qItTuFTr7xoPzieavPoJOkKhUnXvrhTlf7kKMdLLsn4Y-yE5OtoVY5xw3PVQLD-JyCOQymXaPhnXyCOLGeAOSMoQpznW69KBVz_ErvdWTUOdXuc/s400/_MG_5738_2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course there were other smaller birds at the sanctuary. We spotted the ubiquitous Eurasian Tree Sparrows and Yellow-vented Bulbuls had Philippine Pied Fantails, Asian Glossy Starlings, Zebra Doves and Collared Kingfishers. A Philippine Magpie Robin sang melodiously, partially hidden in the bamboo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZnCuVkpBg3dYcmMMjCYKcyg_IKtWG8oojQRo7tVXTmTEIEMDB-AF8ktB60hozWe3rnKjlXDZyZgkdStrKVCi8WJRGpQNsY_obsSUJltx6UGJu7-fAWSN-ieFv8vhxMudi57jSZXMNyc/s1600/_MG_5696_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZnCuVkpBg3dYcmMMjCYKcyg_IKtWG8oojQRo7tVXTmTEIEMDB-AF8ktB60hozWe3rnKjlXDZyZgkdStrKVCi8WJRGpQNsY_obsSUJltx6UGJu7-fAWSN-ieFv8vhxMudi57jSZXMNyc/s400/_MG_5696_1981.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brahminy Kites flew overhead and in the surrounding rice paddies we also spotted Javan Pond Herons and Rufous night herons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were several visitors to the sanctuary that day, probably because of the festival. Emelie Jamorabon, municipal tourism officer, mentioned that the sanctuary was one of the top local destinations for tourists. I hope that the opportunity and the potential of the sanctuary for connecting the general public with nature and for education is maximised. At least, I'd like to think that these "common" birds, placed in great density and an intimate setting, at an interesting point of their life cycle, can be engaging even to the generally nature-averse person.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUOgkUxPanWbOqiyz9Ov9nPO-IlCYkqvoRs9BdZeWceM7KkFdv_fpI2WDoHkCFxFUKswo8oXjxZcxSSJ-bSzyowFTDviH9tH7MnsB4porNA0Zhj2VftMzCDZTuXJd6kKNzptIf5cMd9Q/s1600/IMG_7900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUOgkUxPanWbOqiyz9Ov9nPO-IlCYkqvoRs9BdZeWceM7KkFdv_fpI2WDoHkCFxFUKswo8oXjxZcxSSJ-bSzyowFTDviH9tH7MnsB4porNA0Zhj2VftMzCDZTuXJd6kKNzptIf5cMd9Q/s400/IMG_7900.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The organizers set up a tall crane at the edge of the roosting and nesting site for a (literal) birds' eye view. With the sun set as a back drop to the flocks coming in to roost, the view was worth the "oohs" and "aaahs".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC04FDUBQdRze5wB5zTcUwh4DhO7-EloCT4LGMPdqqOtpCt8l5wWwed-7ET1jYmvG0rMWFJ2Z7jdWCE0ejMRdd_fXcCZoXJDCHz0zha5vU5rTKFi9nooJyfnuuLyB0Pd0iXK31qbnNeE/s1600/IMG_7909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC04FDUBQdRze5wB5zTcUwh4DhO7-EloCT4LGMPdqqOtpCt8l5wWwed-7ET1jYmvG0rMWFJ2Z7jdWCE0ejMRdd_fXcCZoXJDCHz0zha5vU5rTKFi9nooJyfnuuLyB0Pd0iXK31qbnNeE/s400/IMG_7909.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My favorite birds for that afternoon were the Cattle Egrets. A familiar bird on any pastoral landscape - perched on carabaos and following farmers in the rice fields; at the sanctuary they seemed to take on an almost regal bearing in their breeding ensemble .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snow-white plumage highlighted in orange, piercing eyes, beaks and facial skin now almost magenta, feathery plumes running down their bodies. Sometimes, you just have to take a second glance at a fortuitous time and see that the common can be uncommonly beautiful.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The 3rd Tacurong Bird Festival was held last May 12-13, 2017. Learn more about the Baras Bird Sanctuary by visiting their f<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baras-Bird-Sanctuary-Tacurong-City-Sultan-Kudarat/145559428939092" target="_blank">acebook page</a>. Thanks to the organizers of the festival and the owners and staff of the Baras Bird Sanctuary!</span></i><br />
<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-11830591420871883232017-08-22T20:37:00.002+08:002017-08-22T20:37:30.605+08:00Subic in the A's: August<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Rainy day birding in August...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is always a good idea to start a long weekend with a quick birding day trip and Subic was calling again. The last time we had been <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/08/subic-in-as-april.html" target="_blank">was in hot, hot April</a> and it was now humid, humid August!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The morning was overcast with the cloudy white skies giving off quite a glare. Large-billed Crows cawed at almost every corner, echoing the somber weather. It was the woodpeckers which were again among the first to greet us, a White-bellied Woodpecker calling and drumming up a huge tree several meters from the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sooty Woodpeckers were also very active, allowing good views but not good photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In truth, any bird perched against the white sky was no good for photography even as they tolerated our presence. This included this Green Racket-tail, who took his time calling loudly to his mates, preening every feather in his body and even just staring off into the forest. (The photo was digiscoped with my ipad as i gave up trying to take a good photo with my camera)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After just a few minutes of walking, our shirts already clung to our backs and I could feel sweat dripping down my nape, my chest, my forehead... even if the rain only threatened to fall, we were soaked in our own juices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We did run into several pairs of Luzon Hornbills as we drove or walked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They were all paired up, male and female together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Insect-wise - there were quite a few young grasshoppers hopping about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This shield bug was protecting its eggs, which it laid in a pretty conspicuous leaf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were a few butterflies around, mostly skippers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most other butterflies had their wings quite tattered and worn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although a few, like this tiger, looked quite fresh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While it was much birdier that it was in April, the birds still only allowed us brief views. Groups of Luzon Flamebacks, Bar-bellied Cuckoo Shrikes, Guaiaberos, Coletos and Philippine Bulbuls were very active. Figs and other fruiting trees seemed to have a lot to offer in terms of food (including insects attracted to the fruit also).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We passed by the now abandoned Bee-eater nests, the holes barely visible through the overgrown grass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">White-browed Shamas </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sang melodiously </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and Trilling Tailorbirds called loudly from the dark vegetation. Green Imperial Pigeons growled softly from the canopy above and a lone Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove hooted from somewhere behind the thick greenery of the trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a quick lunch, we did another drive through, stopping briefly at a clump of eucalyptus trees where the bulbuls and the Coletos seemed to be having feeding frenzy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Coleto song tinkled musically around us, such a dainty sound for a strange looking bird (I still think of it as "spam"-bird!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Skulking in the leaves was a handsome Red-crested Malkoha. Its dark body and red features made it easy to pinpoint in the silver green of the eucalyptus leaves. Even its green beak seemed to stand out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9hR3nLauYwtavkWL4bPovfnjcPJS-TNX2KSDZhdDju_OtD7S8IEXgxI_YqFcT9sKPAczJkKa-dwdyp3HtOOLW7QNVc8eHiGqXGfW2n6fYaLsosG5ftFA8wKd8L5GVZRt_LLxSJPg338/s1600/IMG_3081.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9hR3nLauYwtavkWL4bPovfnjcPJS-TNX2KSDZhdDju_OtD7S8IEXgxI_YqFcT9sKPAczJkKa-dwdyp3HtOOLW7QNVc8eHiGqXGfW2n6fYaLsosG5ftFA8wKd8L5GVZRt_LLxSJPg338/s400/IMG_3081.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A dark shadow turned out to be a White-eared Brown Dove. It turned out that there were at least four of them with the Coletos and Bulbuls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8ubfTPGmQd6O-lYUO3KV31pY-wTCQshdonUq4R3dC7HNzCHeZtKlNQI2gT6s8ZgknDCbNfBNrs9aDLA-aCHujlL0KotY-Ny8_URl4kvm6AYZfVKatt7mxnGRn9J3YmAvvIbuyzVjMWg/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8ubfTPGmQd6O-lYUO3KV31pY-wTCQshdonUq4R3dC7HNzCHeZtKlNQI2gT6s8ZgknDCbNfBNrs9aDLA-aCHujlL0KotY-Ny8_URl4kvm6AYZfVKatt7mxnGRn9J3YmAvvIbuyzVjMWg/s400/IMG_3103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The honking of Luzon Hornbills gave them away. A male perched in full view, scratching and calling a bit before it joined the others behind the trees.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN_6mbkT0vouO9_wcX6m9DbRsU9xk3avPcQHWkJvXcoPkZir-eE7cFVucOsEla6eTl-jPo6XMxLpQRZcr2dAT_7Ip-hdKToBPEOQdyHv5ef5fLH2TQX_PwREKmkmFEupAZrMf7nTI0Kk/s1600/IMG_3139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN_6mbkT0vouO9_wcX6m9DbRsU9xk3avPcQHWkJvXcoPkZir-eE7cFVucOsEla6eTl-jPo6XMxLpQRZcr2dAT_7Ip-hdKToBPEOQdyHv5ef5fLH2TQX_PwREKmkmFEupAZrMf7nTI0Kk/s400/IMG_3139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just as it turned to fly away, rain drops began to fall. As with our last visit, we decided to call it a day. The overcast skies and the thick humid air were whispering to us: it was time to go home. We'd save afternoon birding and owling for another day in Subic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-63252561729981115362017-08-22T19:24:00.001+08:002017-08-22T20:38:26.215+08:00Subic in the A's: April<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Subic has always been one of our favorite places for birding. A couple of hours drive from our home (and not having to travel all the way across Metro Manila since we already live in the northern end: no getting caught in EDSA traffic!), it's always a good place for the night-before decision to go birding the next day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We haven't been going as often though, and the past two visits were way back in April, and this last weekend, in August. Both were very short half day visits, just to get the birding itch scratched.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Summer heat in April...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were greeted by a pair of Whiskered Tree Swifts perched on branches just above where we parked our car. It was cool to watch them fly off from their perches and do their little calisthenic stretch of wings when they landed back on the same branch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30yI20Jm_lnpwTD6k67gc9r7VQdFgp8Hhgqmz0ClLp41SjDomlet1Qjwq_M7M-CgtHGXdhHcDhE6SSFF_BpaywtVmVSklNiPwsb5FmT0mKYUbBB5p9h-O2Jq7j4GT2LzRvLb7YK7aNuE/s1600/_MG_4953_0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30yI20Jm_lnpwTD6k67gc9r7VQdFgp8Hhgqmz0ClLp41SjDomlet1Qjwq_M7M-CgtHGXdhHcDhE6SSFF_BpaywtVmVSklNiPwsb5FmT0mKYUbBB5p9h-O2Jq7j4GT2LzRvLb7YK7aNuE/s400/_MG_4953_0663.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bar-bellied and Blackish Cuckoo-Shrikes chased each other around us, calling noisily to each other. In the distance, some Philippine Green Pigeons were resting up in the trees.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNj-0kgijtwl68f2PL6j1zSF_dYx6mhuMnaQKOlkNiFGt4MSXBlTkSm4pERf9IQ2Owckwnxfx-wB6A9fb2F-vhhAI0Lbf3dPhM9sq_P3z50eFiXfYbELdaDOBSN8QOVzG3KL6gCKITr4/s1600/_MG_4972_0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNj-0kgijtwl68f2PL6j1zSF_dYx6mhuMnaQKOlkNiFGt4MSXBlTkSm4pERf9IQ2Owckwnxfx-wB6A9fb2F-vhhAI0Lbf3dPhM9sq_P3z50eFiXfYbELdaDOBSN8QOVzG3KL6gCKITr4/s400/_MG_4972_0683.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Luzon Flamebacks circled around us, and left as quickly as they came. But a pair of Sooty Woodpeckers arrived and drummed loudly on a tree trunk. They kept out of sight though, ducking on the hidden side of the trunk when they saw us, peeking around the girth of the tree to check if we were still there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a HOT summer morning, with the sky a blinding blue and hardly a cloud in the sky. We drove around, glimpsing the usual suspects as we did: green parrots calling loudly as the flew over head (Blue-naped, Green Racket-tails, Guiaberos and Colasisis); pigeons flushed from their perches (Green Imperial Pigeons, White-eared Brown Doves, Philippine Cuckoo Doves and Common Emerald Doves); coucals, cuckoos and malkohas moving quietly (well, except for a riotous troupe of Rufous Coucals) in the tangles. Many of our views were brief, but the heat of the morning had made us impatient as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were happily surprised to come across a Spotted Wood Kingfisher as we rounded a corner. It had given off its distinctive barking call and we (Adri, of course) finally spotted it (a female) sitting still deep in the undergrowth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was strangely silent, even the soaring Brahminy Kites and Philippine Serpent Eagles hardly making a sound. The stillness was broken by the loud, ever-cheerful singing of an Elegant Tit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbs-X-h5U-4k5cgelwBquXvste1_HS-DONRvA4OPDIVBTLq3q83wUSCZOMaxggSns4USiMsYYKeqcj7f0Ur11QWH6dr1C2tGtU9UjNkJ3_44d-3RUKGlcIex2GwbrOuM1CWYbSq1Jqms/s1600/_MG_4999_0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbs-X-h5U-4k5cgelwBquXvste1_HS-DONRvA4OPDIVBTLq3q83wUSCZOMaxggSns4USiMsYYKeqcj7f0Ur11QWH6dr1C2tGtU9UjNkJ3_44d-3RUKGlcIex2GwbrOuM1CWYbSq1Jqms/s400/_MG_4999_0706.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When it finally flew off, only the loud, monotonous sound of cicadas surrounded us and birding became a sluggish affair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And to confirm the lack of birds, the butterflies began to catch my attention.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mycalesis (bush browns) flashed their owl eyes at me as the fluttered at my feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I couldn't resist eye contact with a friendly Hypolimnas (eggfly).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitheYyOZvGbjFImD3nONt8v02u1YVhyphenhyphenfth7ftAYgCiGQtR8859E7P-EaBQj3JxztXCXBt7R3fIkVPVCc8gWJZoSdkwpHMFB70pVoclRRKD4vb4priBZ6yoowU5DOtkPmgJ85xToBc69Sk/s1600/_MG_5040_0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitheYyOZvGbjFImD3nONt8v02u1YVhyphenhyphenfth7ftAYgCiGQtR8859E7P-EaBQj3JxztXCXBt7R3fIkVPVCc8gWJZoSdkwpHMFB70pVoclRRKD4vb4priBZ6yoowU5DOtkPmgJ85xToBc69Sk/s400/_MG_5040_0742.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Leeas were starting to bloom, attracting insects to their ruby red inflorescence. Yellow pierids were drinking greedily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And of course there was no shortage of my favorites: the gossamer winged Lycaenids.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03cTxeyf1jLq1Jfl8Mt2JxHl8-sko57VZvH4Xy51GhaQdyLmRd3m_H7taQWp_zVym4QKRyH14ICfWWnU73Tw-6UeuwYoKMafLk2iL3AhJr6LKGFs7nb6k8_am9M2yV4RoVqCaO_sGKps/s1600/_MG_5042_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03cTxeyf1jLq1Jfl8Mt2JxHl8-sko57VZvH4Xy51GhaQdyLmRd3m_H7taQWp_zVym4QKRyH14ICfWWnU73Tw-6UeuwYoKMafLk2iL3AhJr6LKGFs7nb6k8_am9M2yV4RoVqCaO_sGKps/s400/_MG_5042_0744.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The other lycaenid regular, Cheritra (hairstreak) was also about, but as usual, perched on some leaves (I've never seen it feeding at the leea blooms).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslH-zGeZGrdkyJWMm9j6W3lbeQuqAw1OIziAynBMMUwRBcZ5v2egjw1jpuJ7UyeWMfkN2WtR053Jlt2z8QLzCywhHfgFCyR7_x8CLTRzJkDYNeAngB1jVrUytb1mSmw80uc5PisxyB3Y/s1600/_MG_5191_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslH-zGeZGrdkyJWMm9j6W3lbeQuqAw1OIziAynBMMUwRBcZ5v2egjw1jpuJ7UyeWMfkN2WtR053Jlt2z8QLzCywhHfgFCyR7_x8CLTRzJkDYNeAngB1jVrUytb1mSmw80uc5PisxyB3Y/s400/_MG_5191_0882.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I spotted something new too, one I've never photographed, and this was later identified at the Philippine Lepidoptera facebook page as <i>Hypolycaena thecloides philippina</i> Staudinger 1889. Happy to have had my photo included in the <a href="http://philippinelepidopt.wixsite.com/butterflies/lycaenidae--gossamer-winged-?lightbox=dataItem-j25cx77p" target="_blank">PhiLep website galleries</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCCoyhVbY6ZvFByeort79ttjwJ_u7XKe29zcrrDCJGJyrjmuGAAsWrr8RCiAiTiwsNY0hZUmsrv2l467zGK2uORs4t5FfpHbOWPIutmhFTWrIxmYhus7eXUg6aRGbsZIbs5JafS6VHOg/s1600/_MG_5120_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCCoyhVbY6ZvFByeort79ttjwJ_u7XKe29zcrrDCJGJyrjmuGAAsWrr8RCiAiTiwsNY0hZUmsrv2l467zGK2uORs4t5FfpHbOWPIutmhFTWrIxmYhus7eXUg6aRGbsZIbs5JafS6VHOg/s400/_MG_5120_0818.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noon was approaching and we had a quick lunch near the Blue-throated Bee-eater nesting colony. After lunch we parked under the shade of the rain tree across the bee-eaters and enjoyed watching them as they caught insects on the fly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sC1nHXSZk-qPqWXoHlnmrjnUEi2SMlco4frf1wpZYNwRPm4rO4R5E3BwKgwqa3QTbYqXT35fBSbuwfp6I24VkckVXMfgpr63kg68SYyPYHzyIMPA15HyiHa6we_WfKWx4CRVf35A6N4/s1600/_MG_5232_0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sC1nHXSZk-qPqWXoHlnmrjnUEi2SMlco4frf1wpZYNwRPm4rO4R5E3BwKgwqa3QTbYqXT35fBSbuwfp6I24VkckVXMfgpr63kg68SYyPYHzyIMPA15HyiHa6we_WfKWx4CRVf35A6N4/s400/_MG_5232_0920.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The nests could not be located at a more picturesque site dressed in the colors of summer to match the bee-eater plumage. The bougainvilleas exploded in bright magenta in front of the nests and above them a banaba tree was heavy with purple bloom</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most of the catch went to the hungry nestlings in their burrows. Neighboring birds guarded their nest holes fiercely, and while the holes look all the same to me, I guess the birds knew which was theirs as easily as I knew my own house from my neighbor's.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdkDz0ROWcUsIEgAN0R9xW_Jb32j2RihknbeEMfX17xl2M94Jxn1LobVmdMAddPn8l74z6w_4exehPYVcShBPAcsqWTzepZZ_Z1MjRXH3zR16sdwrY_1NSdthxYd47GFEq8e3zFAxLJY/s1600/_MG_5312_1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdkDz0ROWcUsIEgAN0R9xW_Jb32j2RihknbeEMfX17xl2M94Jxn1LobVmdMAddPn8l74z6w_4exehPYVcShBPAcsqWTzepZZ_Z1MjRXH3zR16sdwrY_1NSdthxYd47GFEq8e3zFAxLJY/s400/_MG_5312_1001.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I got obsessed with trying to get a shot of the parents leaving and entering the nests but these mid-air flight photos are all I got:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojo1JC2DRbhyVMzHWHb_Y0GetfinGaPIzFpDn3_D-XTuQh6R6ZrnjdClIl6GFtjIJKRvAM7cirqllUjoVKtFuuRT7-p2XFXBOJBeDmWPET6-hCK1cHEwpQ8CDOfZLBGEt8kDAXE-tkS8/s1600/_MG_5290_0979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojo1JC2DRbhyVMzHWHb_Y0GetfinGaPIzFpDn3_D-XTuQh6R6ZrnjdClIl6GFtjIJKRvAM7cirqllUjoVKtFuuRT7-p2XFXBOJBeDmWPET6-hCK1cHEwpQ8CDOfZLBGEt8kDAXE-tkS8/s400/_MG_5290_0979.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After hanging our for an hour, we decided to head back home. The heat was making us sleepy and lazy - just as summer's day should.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Up next... Subic in August</i></span><br />
<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-65320660045361475282017-08-05T11:10:00.003+08:002017-08-05T11:18:23.643+08:00Birding by the road: Buenavista-Tagabinet-Cabayugan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spectacular scenery and great birds: it's easy birding by the highway in Puerto Princesa, so we stuck to our tried-and-tested, except this time we did a reversal of the usual routine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I had mentioned <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/08/chasing-plovers-in-ulugan-bay.html" target="_blank">previously</a>, instead of being based on scenic Sabang beach, we tried out a resort on Ulugan Bay. Starting out birding in Buenavista and driving towards Sabang, we passed through the barangays of Tagabinet and Cabayugan.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsqSJcwvbmzljVS0DEJu6UDanGOaU7H8MmZn9uHvLpLuYOlNlZDEsIE8RrvhL-izXtDnFKGzYNP0hFt60Fk7zv19Yk6h3Ukgh3sOdGOb9qd4Mk8iipY8SepaGJw79Ok4yYwKr0Fd4aFs/s1600/IMG_7756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsqSJcwvbmzljVS0DEJu6UDanGOaU7H8MmZn9uHvLpLuYOlNlZDEsIE8RrvhL-izXtDnFKGzYNP0hFt60Fk7zv19Yk6h3Ukgh3sOdGOb9qd4Mk8iipY8SepaGJw79Ok4yYwKr0Fd4aFs/s400/IMG_7756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Early in the morning we stopped at the view point for the majestic karst limestone cliffs of Elephant Cave. The newly harvested rice fields were dotted with Cattle Egrets checking in between the freshly reaped stalks of <i>palay.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Against the blue skies, a flock of Hill Mynas flew, with one landing on a bare branch singing loudly to greet the morning.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXCXNE9L4vEtE0HyEtXC8RSouoh5AUwY5ls41H8pkcjwUr-yq52w1rZshekdn653F1-Eji9TRO9BmlphtVv-WLpHqQZaSxexGEnFXYLt2y180L1gdkXoEPC0m42475wNyuVmJk6lOYaQ/s1600/_MG_1735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXCXNE9L4vEtE0HyEtXC8RSouoh5AUwY5ls41H8pkcjwUr-yq52w1rZshekdn653F1-Eji9TRO9BmlphtVv-WLpHqQZaSxexGEnFXYLt2y180L1gdkXoEPC0m42475wNyuVmJk6lOYaQ/s400/_MG_1735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We scoped the cliffs in the distance and found a pair of Palawan Hornbills inspecting a small cavity. We wondered if they would use the cliff as an option for nest holes rather than trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A huge Greater Coucal caught our attention, skulking quietly in the vines and vegetation. Every now and then it would come out into the open, wings open and stretched out in a sun salutation. (It was my first time to see a Greater Coucal in the Philippines so sort of a lifer!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the sun climbed the skies, raptors began soaring above. I got a lifer in dark-phase Changeable Hawk Eagle crossing overhead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Crested Honey Buzzard also gave a good showing in flight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Crested Serpent Eagles called out to each other as they circled and rose higher and higher until they were dots in the distance. (I wonder if I can actually differentiate them from the endemic Philippine Serpent Eagle found everywhere else in the Philippines?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the best finds along the highway was a fruiting macaranga tree. Bulbuls and flycatchers were busy all day at the tree, either gorging on the fruit or attracted to the insects buzzing around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The tree was not wanting for Palawan Bulbuls and blue-eyed Black-headed Bulbuls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiAR5ChfbBy3g3wCQbSIZXiog3XXIcX2rsJpwuIV_p1IbqhVS2Dk90q7uUIuOaEb64OIkrnFjPCDpfDFUUWCXh17_PmIqS3otNBuwcWPW77xWv9y2MIH6JjgyqdZl5nWkBzuDt8IhNrw/s1600/_MG_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiAR5ChfbBy3g3wCQbSIZXiog3XXIcX2rsJpwuIV_p1IbqhVS2Dk90q7uUIuOaEb64OIkrnFjPCDpfDFUUWCXh17_PmIqS3otNBuwcWPW77xWv9y2MIH6JjgyqdZl5nWkBzuDt8IhNrw/s400/_MG_1964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nearby, a Rufous-tailed Tailorbird sang loudly as it crept about the tangles. A pair of Palawan Blue Flycatchers kept crossing the road to the tree and back, probably busy feeding some young on a nest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every now and then a wave of smaller birds would pass through. Violet Cuckoos are always a welcome sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fiery Minivets would accompany them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxAz3V5ve6UFNwxGxY4aWO893sI_0wfqLaYVgrCKIWt111AmaU-eBzhVDOx2bcK7tCyqC9IQDZwR3sYIvPLPaYD4prAVQCzI7TE2-WNLfS7xinXeJltDuLkiN9kqBiOXpIN9y40Mo8Es/s1600/_MG_1865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxAz3V5ve6UFNwxGxY4aWO893sI_0wfqLaYVgrCKIWt111AmaU-eBzhVDOx2bcK7tCyqC9IQDZwR3sYIvPLPaYD4prAVQCzI7TE2-WNLfS7xinXeJltDuLkiN9kqBiOXpIN9y40Mo8Es/s400/_MG_1865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had second thoughts in the identification of a small brown flycatcher we initially dismissed as a Grey-streaked Flycatcher. On afterthought, was it an Asian Brown Flycatcher? And what did it turn out to be? A female Blue and White Flycatcher!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56APd4GUlcSg3FXmE9oCIyQnBL95bXRccLPvniWA4SpPWpnBaDAykoHfAF-Ls8RUHNgY9h3Flkw4c2qqk2wKtPiz60spbh5dCfuLPX7dQOfoYCQsb5scsjkWj6R71ov82KAU_1C4pHNI/s1600/_MG_1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56APd4GUlcSg3FXmE9oCIyQnBL95bXRccLPvniWA4SpPWpnBaDAykoHfAF-Ls8RUHNgY9h3Flkw4c2qqk2wKtPiz60spbh5dCfuLPX7dQOfoYCQsb5scsjkWj6R71ov82KAU_1C4pHNI/s400/_MG_1852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(On a side note, we spotted the two other species of flycatcher as well!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were distracted by family groups of noisy Blue-naped Parrots or elegant Palawan Hornbills passing through.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG15NMTshc9lqobDOlCvOYj0hvVp0xy62lH0Hr23z_PZjFQW66C5cGHt5eM7ghWsXnZwAwyLFxdJiTaguz2u3jh56gtSHz0a540A0fn1M-zLYrWLyjRs6ULLNEdgQ3EshrpSGiTXWcCGc/s1600/_MG_1892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG15NMTshc9lqobDOlCvOYj0hvVp0xy62lH0Hr23z_PZjFQW66C5cGHt5eM7ghWsXnZwAwyLFxdJiTaguz2u3jh56gtSHz0a540A0fn1M-zLYrWLyjRs6ULLNEdgQ3EshrpSGiTXWcCGc/s400/_MG_1892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A family of Lovely Sunbirds brought our attention back nearer to the ground. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Green-lizard with its extra long tail briefly distracted us from bird activity.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV77f6N83J5jJyE5ZE4AsQWRN-pfuEseQsXiQpiVIy63WyQxdVKWJIaTq-rg7opO3T74vgo1zskcfdG24y7awAldncWcZSqaM7CHV4EZBGdaSEJpTRJxvQR2cApe0ikEgWdBRB232Qq8/s1600/P1080243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV77f6N83J5jJyE5ZE4AsQWRN-pfuEseQsXiQpiVIy63WyQxdVKWJIaTq-rg7opO3T74vgo1zskcfdG24y7awAldncWcZSqaM7CHV4EZBGdaSEJpTRJxvQR2cApe0ikEgWdBRB232Qq8/s400/P1080243.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several other birds came by the fruiting macaranga, including a cheerful White-vented Shama and several Hair-crested Drongos. A very quiet Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo also showed up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And a small flock of Yellow-throated Leafbirds also came in, blending in excellently with the vibrant green foliage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My favorite birds at that site was a parent-and-young endemic Sulphur-bellied Bulbul. The parent kept returning to where the young bird was perched to feed it. The young bird bravely explored the canopy but also settled down to preen and rest for several minutes at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's always great to watch this behaviour in birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having rented a car, it was easy for us to move onward or back to other sites along the highway. It's the second time we have tried this, and it seems to be a very efficient way to get around to bird, especially with the much improved roads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had better views of the Palawan Blue Flycatcher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I caught glimpse of a small shrew/mouse crossing the highway, and a good view of a Palawan Stink Badger on a dark trail. But as usual, the easiest mammal to glimpse were the Tree Squirrels running up and down tree trunks and branches, jumping from tree to tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several <i>Barringtonia </i>trees were also in bloom, their dripping inflorescence with smooth and shiny red buds. They only seem to open their blooms in the evening though, and by morning their flowers had fallen to the ground.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIc5025dMyKdesgH68vaStP49J7QikIKmKA5sl5xqpSP270q0IdqUZOzfzccAFhxDMa3iDqZgR238bn0q6zE1yjtnXo00EHuZ6Nr1jEHSYb4RE4fOCzSCgI438837bsN6NpuFk158ZSY/s1600/Baringtonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIc5025dMyKdesgH68vaStP49J7QikIKmKA5sl5xqpSP270q0IdqUZOzfzccAFhxDMa3iDqZgR238bn0q6zE1yjtnXo00EHuZ6Nr1jEHSYb4RE4fOCzSCgI438837bsN6NpuFk158ZSY/s400/Baringtonia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were some birds we never got good enough views for good photos, even if we saw them several times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ashy-headed Babblers were very babbler-y... sticking to the dark bushes and long grass. Can you spot the babbler in the photo? It was taken from across the highway!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also came across several pairs of Spot-throated Flamebacks, who were also nicely silhouetted against the tree trunks against the light.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOKdBXLcglPyI9BizYU_lKLKH-8CC82MTnptoIgGa-BlRAjlzm1oz2x9M2szkkVr1bdMvSTpcJbtnD_WZUyF4bGTzI-BYpMTOYNLkNIjMWPEBOIaYExxKJJRvhZgbE4fQZd_0ylm2jhs/s1600/_MG_2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOKdBXLcglPyI9BizYU_lKLKH-8CC82MTnptoIgGa-BlRAjlzm1oz2x9M2szkkVr1bdMvSTpcJbtnD_WZUyF4bGTzI-BYpMTOYNLkNIjMWPEBOIaYExxKJJRvhZgbE4fQZd_0ylm2jhs/s400/_MG_2040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> At sunset, we drove up to moonlight hill. It looked like we had just missed the Philippine Cockatoos (again!), because though we heard them as we were climbing the steps, they were nowhere to be seen when we got to the viewpoint!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sunset view over Ulugan Bay was beautiful. It is one of my favorite sunsets ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the dwindling light, we could hear the loud calls of Great Slaty Woodpeckers echoing across the valley. Imagine our surprise when they came up right above us!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSC0A1nyT-OOKKm4szzXujy0EYTJev9HFXrJsXQcGT_f8ni-_t3uNQW04_JLNgaoOUTeqm5M_nL-Uz0EuanBbZmgt-CDOkTSTUJy_-VBcTiaej_4nZ0FE9oeVqNIsVNxlBl0t_Bbu3co/s1600/_MG_2061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSC0A1nyT-OOKKm4szzXujy0EYTJev9HFXrJsXQcGT_f8ni-_t3uNQW04_JLNgaoOUTeqm5M_nL-Uz0EuanBbZmgt-CDOkTSTUJy_-VBcTiaej_4nZ0FE9oeVqNIsVNxlBl0t_Bbu3co/s400/_MG_2061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I always think these huge woodpeckers seem almost dinosaur-like in their awkward appearance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the evening, we tried a random spot and were rewarded with the soft growls and hoots of several Palawan Frogmouths.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AIVa-Tqn7EVqP613bGN-a9y2rom0N1GWnm3z2LA1QB748D18zCPHp26WWEJeyGPfgzAhuTiKC3qVF9zzyHJSe_s4Vf1iihBXSvK0JsLMIhQrUmAhnEHnI66DKYSZdEPdlUsHCnu12Bw/s1600/P1080438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AIVa-Tqn7EVqP613bGN-a9y2rom0N1GWnm3z2LA1QB748D18zCPHp26WWEJeyGPfgzAhuTiKC3qVF9zzyHJSe_s4Vf1iihBXSvK0JsLMIhQrUmAhnEHnI66DKYSZdEPdlUsHCnu12Bw/s400/P1080438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then it was back to <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/08/chasing-plovers-in-ulugan-bay.html" target="_blank">Jenny's Kahamut-an</a> for a delicious dinner and a welcome rest in the silence we don't have back at home in the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once again, it was a great trip! I wonder if I should ever tire of birding in Palawan. It is a place I always look forward to going back to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-49489054603604735022017-08-01T10:54:00.001+08:002017-08-01T12:02:47.263+08:00Chasing Plovers at Ulugan Bay<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So the day after our <a href="https://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/07/a-birdy-morning-at-irawan.html" target="_blank">Irawan</a> and <a href="https://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/06/hope-and-katala.html" target="_blank">Narra </a>adventures, we got down to our "official business" which brought us to Puerto Princesa. And as our morning schedule had permitted us, we first had a leisurely and delicious breakfast with the Widmanns, not only enjoying the human and canine company, but the avian neighbors as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peter says that the Ashy-fronted Bulbul is the equivalent of the Yellow-vented Bulbul in our yards back in Luzon, and true enough, several of them were enjoying the familiar morning rituals in the garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A nice looking lizard was also enjoying the morning sunshine whilst looking for breakfast up a tree trunk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because it was a garden in Puerto Princesa, so many other birds were out! A Hooded Pitta hopped around, a pair of Black-naped Monarchs chased each other, Palawan Flowerpeckers, a Pale Spiderhunter and even an Ashy-headed Babbler made appearances! Of course there were also a lot of birds we had in common with our garden: Noisy Pied Fantails, reticent Zebra Doves, <i>che-che-che</i>-ing Pied Trillers, colorful Olive-backed Sunbirds (much more colorful here though!). Instead of a caw-ing Large-billed Crow on our fire tree, a Slender-billed Crow on a <i>Parkia </i>(Cupang) tree made a strange <i>kwek-kwek-kwek</i>-ing (almost duck-like!) sound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A very active Rufous-tailed Tailorbird took center stage. As we were having our breakfast and conversation, it kept distracting us by coming very close to the veranda and hopping about some very low branches!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A bit later, it even spared us a the effort of chasing it around and trying to get it focused on camera. It landed in some tangles and spent the next ten minutes preening and fussing with its feathers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Too soon, we had to bid Indira and Peter goodbye. It only took us less than an hour (!!!) to get our business done, but it wasn't goodbye to Puerto Princesa yet! It being the Holy Week holiday in school, we decided to make the most of our trip and slip in a couple more days of birding. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our customary Puerto birding itinerary is to <a href="https://katrinket.blogspot.com/2016/01/palawan-is-love.html" target="_blank">base ourselves in Sabang Beach</a>, so we could bird along the highway around Sabang and neighboring Cabayugan. This time, we decided to do it a bit differently. Adri chose a less popular tourist destination in Buenavista: a small, homey cottage at <a href="http://www.kahamut-an.com/" target="_blank">Jenny's Kahamut-An</a>, right on the shores of the fishing village at Ulugan Bay.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV2aORwRm1LZcjtUygBz2xxf56g0j836ZQxEpmhQ7zFiq5Hz76__vuJ8VcikZuPmYwVj_KsUdk3fGMtShdkgmukX0aLeUE6zYSWqyLgZ2lhot7MPDSWE36tkPLPMKGIYI0rfZqfpts5k/s1600/IMG_7713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="900" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV2aORwRm1LZcjtUygBz2xxf56g0j836ZQxEpmhQ7zFiq5Hz76__vuJ8VcikZuPmYwVj_KsUdk3fGMtShdkgmukX0aLeUE6zYSWqyLgZ2lhot7MPDSWE36tkPLPMKGIYI0rfZqfpts5k/s400/IMG_7713.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the concrete highway all the way to Sabang, it took us just a couple of hours (including a yummy pho lunch at the Viet Ville!) to get to Buenavista, and we arrived early in the afternoon. We were met by our lovely host Jenny, who showed us our cottage and after the usual introductions (emphasizing "We're birders so we eat dinner and breakfast at odd hours we hope you don't mind" on our part and "We run on solar power here, but it shouldn't be much of a problem" on our host's part), we settled in comfortably.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the first birds to greet us was a Plaintive Cuckoo, hanging around the center of the garden!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not to be outdone were a pair of Palawan Flowerpeckers up a huge mango tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A pair of Common Ioras were also regular visitors, coming right by our cottage veranda regularly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC9-61eaNzQuB7fOB3GgTctwvVtJsPUECclRSQEzCXg2aljJpZZpIt-84CQBab1Q4Cbhyphenhyphen5reIhLxjoYAJV2JfJKkZPajrWmI9b1EHKAzZF0NzGxCX6618pknej155htnPIpXBbgieXNA/s1600/Adri_Iora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC9-61eaNzQuB7fOB3GgTctwvVtJsPUECclRSQEzCXg2aljJpZZpIt-84CQBab1Q4Cbhyphenhyphen5reIhLxjoYAJV2JfJKkZPajrWmI9b1EHKAzZF0NzGxCX6618pknej155htnPIpXBbgieXNA/s400/Adri_Iora.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And of course some Olive-backed Sunbirds, who seemed to have a singing competition every afternoon, just in time for siesta hour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We decided to take it easy the first afternoon, it was, after all, meant to be a relaxing vacation. As we admired the afternoon sun lighting sparkles on the waters of Ulugan Bay, Adri suddenly had a bright idea to check the beach for plovers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite the blinding light on the huge expanse of sand exposed by the low tide, he managed to get a tiny bird on the scope. Was it a Malaysian Plover? We got all excited, gathered our gear, and decided to check it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some kids were also out playing in the hot afternoon sun, gathering starfish far out to where the sea grass beds were exposed. (Only kids and birders would voluntarily be out in the sun at 3pm)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHRp27CFbUR6sjiNQoIUHi98hHuhAraHcvTqH1j2PcR7jOUhIIwuEB3b4VEQ_RlQL2l4UlgTLbbBL6V18jv2GUERoKUhVS_TOa0Kkze0fDwosZ-Fij28H07IpUsUgqLOxWL7ffFnRnFk/s1600/_MG_1391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHRp27CFbUR6sjiNQoIUHi98hHuhAraHcvTqH1j2PcR7jOUhIIwuEB3b4VEQ_RlQL2l4UlgTLbbBL6V18jv2GUERoKUhVS_TOa0Kkze0fDwosZ-Fij28H07IpUsUgqLOxWL7ffFnRnFk/s400/_MG_1391.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The bird Adri had spotted turned out to be a Common Sandpiper, foraging in the shade of a parked outrigger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But as we scanned the beach, three plovers came into view!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHg3gwKbnD1IafhMHKBeMltPOygw-IMygwoJ0I0d_PI8_aHj5kmxed7GMm1ZBWdM4n7sh5koTZOSxHC6QA7ub9HPlSfQPIU6OUzZ8SQsdXK2V2WyMb7hTwSwEUfSfGkXD3xBp8y8BXg0/s1600/_MG_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHg3gwKbnD1IafhMHKBeMltPOygw-IMygwoJ0I0d_PI8_aHj5kmxed7GMm1ZBWdM4n7sh5koTZOSxHC6QA7ub9HPlSfQPIU6OUzZ8SQsdXK2V2WyMb7hTwSwEUfSfGkXD3xBp8y8BXg0/s400/_MG_1471.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiznsDb4_R8vXJtCliRvuUMA4WAbnIQ__B3rAsuIj7Ofx6g1Ai9jKS1SXDUTEyhBhOFkxT0-_8EmALPt0R04CrRHypAHn-30h9QV8PqYFA2jGaOIszni4Y68s9yELHs1Ym969IPI9q-0/s1600/_MG_1460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiznsDb4_R8vXJtCliRvuUMA4WAbnIQ__B3rAsuIj7Ofx6g1Ai9jKS1SXDUTEyhBhOFkxT0-_8EmALPt0R04CrRHypAHn-30h9QV8PqYFA2jGaOIszni4Y68s9yELHs1Ym969IPI9q-0/s400/_MG_1460.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They were busy scurrying across the hot sand (just like the kids!), in various stages of plumage. Hmmmm... three plovers? The Malaysian Plover idea was not looking very good (they're usually in pairs).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nonetheless, we waited patiently and crossed shallow tide pools, and sat on the sand, trying to get good views. It's wonderful what a bit of patience can bring. When I stopped moving, the sand itself seemed to come alive with tiny crabs and other creatures... marching to the beat of a silent drum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30HAfcvXCHSF8dyFy17uOo_hai6T_o3AZWVcQiYg5kkKSOiXeZu7vHYIQgVv9wdwD2PohoXGqSMVDJUos5Dozqi1g0RD_Zqirbx0c3YqsffXwpY6qBy1E7XT6JhaNM_jCK19JAq9gfyQ/s1600/_MG_1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30HAfcvXCHSF8dyFy17uOo_hai6T_o3AZWVcQiYg5kkKSOiXeZu7vHYIQgVv9wdwD2PohoXGqSMVDJUos5Dozqi1g0RD_Zqirbx0c3YqsffXwpY6qBy1E7XT6JhaNM_jCK19JAq9gfyQ/s400/_MG_1600.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In no time, one of the plovers got comfortable enough to get close to me, both preening and foraging.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv_L282FDEfB-LMd4lJFPBKmNFKJY7ML_fZjAdEE3YiBs-m62YZyS5T-f24cI6GwrD9b-HdkTBF4kjnUrig6glW9aNanV6ww5UdQhArYVagId5EK2IkQB-EtcfKtU3PW5vJF28SLJE4g/s1600/_MG_1573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv_L282FDEfB-LMd4lJFPBKmNFKJY7ML_fZjAdEE3YiBs-m62YZyS5T-f24cI6GwrD9b-HdkTBF4kjnUrig6glW9aNanV6ww5UdQhArYVagId5EK2IkQB-EtcfKtU3PW5vJF28SLJE4g/s400/_MG_1573.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As it turns out, the plovers turned out to be the very common migrant Kentish Plovers! But no matter, the hours spent on the beach were very enjoyable for me and Adri. It actually got me thinking: Other than birders, who would be out stretching their legs and crouching on their knees on wet sand in the heat of the afternoon doing this... and enjoying it?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had gotten so acquainted with the 3 plovers that they would pass right by me while they were scuttling around:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikea8mwqPdnYPEES-plaR1OoK_WDijiiya00sG3ol3lrff1iLQ2IoUERD2dH5Wmfrct-xYSZMRZ1mv_xSQoRnO6bhgUVQScCdsc1JbabeLhIGCzp1YrcIINNsyTt4blKfyzUdPzqz70g/s1600/_MG_1645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikea8mwqPdnYPEES-plaR1OoK_WDijiiya00sG3ol3lrff1iLQ2IoUERD2dH5Wmfrct-xYSZMRZ1mv_xSQoRnO6bhgUVQScCdsc1JbabeLhIGCzp1YrcIINNsyTt4blKfyzUdPzqz70g/s400/_MG_1645.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes, they would get spooked by our sudden movement (I can't stay in a squat position for that long!) or by a fisherman passing by to load some branches in his boat for fish traps. The plovers would crouch low on the ground, motionless (reminding me of the tension in a cat about to pounce on its prey).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3-FcMa-8O-CKgn62sBfCfOHdECir7p4KKARMsxOfuJ72XHCYeoqJ4Jg3vI5GJ2cV0tRSqTyp8aXIaHeFvANXjH_io1X2Zd27HKExrF111Oz8MV_woLwD2tWCWupdmidX_Be_reqsHac/s1600/_MG_1676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3-FcMa-8O-CKgn62sBfCfOHdECir7p4KKARMsxOfuJ72XHCYeoqJ4Jg3vI5GJ2cV0tRSqTyp8aXIaHeFvANXjH_io1X2Zd27HKExrF111Oz8MV_woLwD2tWCWupdmidX_Be_reqsHac/s400/_MG_1676.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Occasionally, a Pacific Reef Egret would also fly into view, and farther away, a Whimbrel was also foraging.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl19jLaT5zfNjlmJ9rhndvE2Ki38fv_RuUPwBk0suoLGAbvsdqbsDBJJXCyGaCBgNy_FlkpqvLDzGQhjgbm3uhI0ZZWXQ0lG0IhOQLWzfTMXAKM15aehrjC8tdwBt6dc0p0kFqfv_ZZFY/s1600/_MG_1689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl19jLaT5zfNjlmJ9rhndvE2Ki38fv_RuUPwBk0suoLGAbvsdqbsDBJJXCyGaCBgNy_FlkpqvLDzGQhjgbm3uhI0ZZWXQ0lG0IhOQLWzfTMXAKM15aehrjC8tdwBt6dc0p0kFqfv_ZZFY/s400/_MG_1689.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I suppose we got enough sun on the beach that afternoon, because for the next couple of days, we enjoyed the view from our veranda, at least when we were not out birding on the highway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSx6NKR3maNnnJuLmIgXEyy6dWU4FKl780CZK8B1yd-YdLthWEtJ2G09YiMf3SHJx-8sHTBMlIqc1b3-nQ3U01iyaBDI9XBYjxv593gKoP_i-khtbujAyItkL87SLCCgCWhb8fFWEcjE/s1600/Adri_Kahamutan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSx6NKR3maNnnJuLmIgXEyy6dWU4FKl780CZK8B1yd-YdLthWEtJ2G09YiMf3SHJx-8sHTBMlIqc1b3-nQ3U01iyaBDI9XBYjxv593gKoP_i-khtbujAyItkL87SLCCgCWhb8fFWEcjE/s400/Adri_Kahamutan.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At night, we had a regular visitor to the veranda, one our host had already warned us of. Jenny must have thought us strange (or at least not your regular tourists), when we assured her that we welcomed such visitors, even if they did leave a bit of a mess on the floor the next morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A little bat had decided that the thatched roof was a perfect spot to enjoy his dinner. We would see him there busy nibbling at some figs from a nearby tree.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIDXONFIvFwL_-WuVJ0zeIWWaCXxjLpoyfAH0q_spH7WbSZtqvrkNFtxWpznf7TgQUGINx_Cs8SMX0mfTq99fUf4fPfJ409sITY8-lKWUjWyGmV9KDmHoWTFOi2qxwhgpkEideViSttM/s1600/40D_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIDXONFIvFwL_-WuVJ0zeIWWaCXxjLpoyfAH0q_spH7WbSZtqvrkNFtxWpznf7TgQUGINx_Cs8SMX0mfTq99fUf4fPfJ409sITY8-lKWUjWyGmV9KDmHoWTFOi2qxwhgpkEideViSttM/s400/40D_0025.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We even took photos of him to show Jenny, who was too polite to say anything except: "Few visitors would be so understanding of a bat on the veranda!"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeF-AGXwfcHE7E3z6e5OJXtPGR-Xo-XMbwcPX3wHvqyy9hmQOa0eWehL4sHLv18NmmldCbizaTHVhBmyM2xJasPkbaSlyCMVT2HLV2IrfYuPGG_yEkZmTngYvXO2XvLhDg4j9oP2DV28/s1600/_MG_4580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeF-AGXwfcHE7E3z6e5OJXtPGR-Xo-XMbwcPX3wHvqyy9hmQOa0eWehL4sHLv18NmmldCbizaTHVhBmyM2xJasPkbaSlyCMVT2HLV2IrfYuPGG_yEkZmTngYvXO2XvLhDg4j9oP2DV28/s400/_MG_4580.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our last day, we had an early lunch to catch our flight back to Manila. As we were packing up, Adri suddenly caught sight of several frigatebirds thermalling above the cottages!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They started out low and rose higher and higher until they were out of our view!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHmunA0JJ72xd43ueYerTLfULiBd7whH05e90Q9tVKNYzh2XKqbIs27KvI27nOV0c7xZ8Yt-_ou36uGCCGZinieVMeRPTmFGwLjqsXX1xfiHtbkKOesC2Vjsf6n4kU4RGJdwJSMtaeOo/s1600/_MG_4739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHmunA0JJ72xd43ueYerTLfULiBd7whH05e90Q9tVKNYzh2XKqbIs27KvI27nOV0c7xZ8Yt-_ou36uGCCGZinieVMeRPTmFGwLjqsXX1xfiHtbkKOesC2Vjsf6n4kU4RGJdwJSMtaeOo/s400/_MG_4739.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The seven frigatebirds looked to be Lesser Frigatebirds. We were concerned that their behavior might signal a change in the pleasant weather we were having and hurried on our way. (Sure enough we ran into a bit of a thunderstorm in the middle of the highway!) What a send off for another great Palawan trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.kahamut-an.com/" target="_blank">Kahamut-an</a> was a great place to stay. Far from the tourist crowd (it was Holy Week remember), very clean and neat, great food and the quiet company of Jenny and her family. A nice change from our usual Puerto Princesa routine.</span></div>
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-11471813760367053542017-07-31T15:49:00.001+08:002017-07-31T17:25:18.815+08:00A birdy morning at Irawan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>*Watch out! Series of late posts coming up! With the rainy season comes time to write about the past summer's adventures!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our first full day in Puerto Princesa, we had a full day ahead. For our morning, we planned on an early start by birding at Irawan Eco Park. The last time I had attempted birding there was waaaaaaay back in 2009 during the bird festival! It wasn't a place I was familiar with, but Adri had been there several times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we parked our car on a clearing by the side of the road, the musical calls of a White-vented Shama and a Melodious Babbler greeted us, as well as the low hoots of a Greater Coucal. Ah Palawan! Your birds so different from Luzon! Ashy-headed Babblers called loudly from the undergrowth just at our feet, rustling leaves giving clue to their whereabouts. The noisy <i>bising </i>(Palawan Tree Squirrels) were busy scurrying up and down trunks and from branch to branch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While Dollarbirds and Slender-billed Crows took their place on obvious perches above the canopy, a very vocal Asian Koel was harder to spot, even for a large-ish bird moving about in the foliage. We finally spotted it in a small clearing, behind some branches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We came upon a huge rain tree beside a stream, and there was a steady flow of small birds moving around. Several Pale Spiderhunters were very active, proving a difficult target to catch on camera. Their long, thin and curved beaks seemed out of proportion with their tiny bodies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A migrant Grey-streaked Flycatcher was also flying around and back as it caught flying insects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunbirds, flowerpeckers, <i>Phylloscopus</i> warblers, Black-naped Monarchs and Black-headed Bulbuls flew in an out of our view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was pleasantly surprised with a lifer: a trio of Velvet-fronted Nuthatches came in and crept around and about the high branches. Their bright orange beaks clearly differentiating them from the Sulphur-billed Nuthatches so common in high elevation Luzon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Hooded Pitta surprised us by flying right in front of us and landing beside the stream, quickly disappearing into the brush. Our binoculars revealed Pin-striped Babblers and several Ashy-headed Babblers moving around the vegetation in the distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we walked further on, we ran into a few locals about their daily routine. We were recognized as birders right away and they greeted us with a silent nod and, sometimes, with a few suggestions on where to find birds. As we were in such a conversation with a local woman, a Spot-throated Flameback landed on a tree high above us. Try as we did to get a good view though, the thick leaves and branches confounded us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was the same case with a White-bellied Woodpecker we ran into a little later on (this time at eye level, but still behind the leaves and branches)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thankfully, we did get excellent views of other birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Palawan Tit was busy preening and paid no attention to us observing it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We came across several Rufous-tailed Tailorbirds on the trail. Of all tailorbirds in the Philippines, these must be the easiest to spot and photograph!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A pair of Blue Paradise Flycatchers were busy catching food - probably to take to a nest nearby. I love the blue beak and blue eye ring on this bird!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several Ashy Drongos were also flying around and perching on branches like they were swings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The loud calls of several Hair-crested Drongos would break the otherwise serene forest sounds, they would come flying through in groups chasing one another like a riotous group of teenagers. This one had a juicy bug to eat quickly before its mates interrupted it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every now and then a Striped Flowerpecker or a Pygmy Flowerpecker would fly in, look around a bit, and then fly off.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NhlfPq2YHvKF6AYDgwEu5X0DfN4_XVCGkasjjtOhNqueDnXg6rYU4E0xowZh7KxvZBSNwlL6a4RozeIrG6AT-F3DKDvmt1XZnWH61til4MYusQoN88aixD_fvRIwz0boFRaL86KB1iI/s1600/_MG_1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NhlfPq2YHvKF6AYDgwEu5X0DfN4_XVCGkasjjtOhNqueDnXg6rYU4E0xowZh7KxvZBSNwlL6a4RozeIrG6AT-F3DKDvmt1XZnWH61til4MYusQoN88aixD_fvRIwz0boFRaL86KB1iI/s400/_MG_1004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Un-naturally quiet, we were surprised to see a Blue-headed Racket-tail fly in and land on a tree nearby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love parrots. They walk gingerly along the branches, twisting their head and torso around as they use both their feet and their beaks. This one was sooo quiet, that we were surprised to see it still around after having been distracted by other birds for several minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As it was already approaching lunch time (you tend to lose track of time when there are a lot of birds around, no?), we decided to it was time to head back to the car. We ran into several more birds going back, including a Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, several Yellow-throated Leafbirds, and an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher that appeared as an orange bullet whizzing by with a high pitched call.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the car, the Hill Mynas we had spotted when we arrived were still busy eating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our morning birding had churned out 53 species, and after lunch we were off to visit the Katala Foundation's </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (KIEBC) at Narra. (I had already written about that trip previously <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/06/hope-and-katala.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a wonderful way to start our impromptu Palawan trip! </span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-17016261720816511672017-06-13T23:04:00.001+08:002017-06-13T23:13:59.402+08:00Golf cart birding at QC: birdies on the green!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As June rolled in, the rainy season official on its way, we were already becoming lazy in planning any weekend birding trips. So I was excited when Anna G. invited us to bird at a site around my area of the world: Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club.</div>
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Although I had been to the surrounding commercial and residential areas in the vicinity of the golf club, I had never actually been inside the 18 hole golf course. It had been in existence since I was born, but it had recently been under the management of Ayala Land, who was also developing the nearby residential areas.</div>
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I literally pass by the boundary of the golf course almost everyday of my life, but have only had glimpses of the course. And while most Universities, parks and cemeteries are easily accessible, this green space was membership (or at least golfer-) only.</div>
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We met up Anna and George (of ALI) and WBCP-er Willem at a row of restaurants which overlooked the greens of the course before our ocular. It was a relief not to be troubled by early rising or traffic - we leisurely sipped our coffee before starting. Already (beginning at the parking lot) we had seen several Golden-bellied Gerygones chasing each other. Black-naped Orioles called loudly as they flew from tree to tree. Yellow-vented Bulbuls gurgled all around us. We could hear a hidden Philippine Magpie Robin singing melodiously behind the buildings and shrubbery. A Collared Kingfisher was patrolling nearby. This patch of sprawling greenery was probably an oasis for the city birds!</div>
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As we exchanged morning pleasantries, we were entertained by a Glossy Swiftlet gathering some fiber from a nearby fishtail palm.</div>
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A few Black-crowned Night-herons also flew overhead, probably traveling between hunting ground and day roost sites.</div>
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Soon, we were off! We were joined by one of the managers, Gino, who would show us around. We were paired of and each of us given our own golf cart to drive around the course! Silently I added "golf cart" to my list of birding vehicles which have so far ranged from the comfortable air-conditioned coaster, to the barely manageable breathing four-legged pony!</div>
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Almost immediately we spotted several Long-tailed Shrikes watching from various levels of viewpoints along the holes.</div>
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The edges of the greens were kept "wild", the grasses grew long and wildly - obviously serving as great refuge for city wildlife. We soon stopped at a nearby pond and waterway. To our delight, a very friendly family of moorhens was foraging! I think, it was the closest encounter I have ever had with these waterbirds! Though alert to our presence, a pair and a fluffy chick came as close as a few meters to our group. They wove in and out of the greenery.</div>
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A more skittish White-breasted Waterhen also made a brief appearance as it dashed across the short water line.</div>
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As we drove along the winding pathways, through tunnels and over bridges, Gino showed us a much larger pond. Again, we saw several Moorhens, going about their business. Another young moorhen was up in a fig tree at the water's edge opposite from us, sunning itself.</div>
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A noisy pair of Collared Kingfishers were calling from a residence at the edge of the course. Above us a pair of Pied Trillers was foraging for insects in the canopy of a huge rain tree. A playful pair of Philippine Pied Fantails chased each other noisily around the nearby vegetation.</div>
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It was not only the birds out to enjoy the morning sun. Several skinks were out sunning themselves, hardly paying heed to the golfers or the gardeners.</div>
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As we crisscrossed the property, passing through gated residential communities, we saw several pairs of Crested Mynas flying above us, slashing their white wing markings as they flapped their wings. Once in a while a Large-billed Crow would also fly overhead. Noisy Striated Grassbirds would call from the tops of bushes and fences.</div>
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Soon we came across an even larger pond! Again, several Moorhens were at the water's edge, preening and foraging. There was even one individual swimming across the surface! On the far edge of the pond, we could see a White-breasted Waterhen taking a morning dip. A closer look revealed a downy chick beside it! The darkly plumaged young bird was perfectly camouflaged among the rocks.</div>
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Several dragonflies and damselflies danced along the grass at the edge of the pond.</div>
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Sadly, there was also a dead Cinnamon Bittern at our feet. Its eyes were still fresh and bright, indicating that it was a recent death. It had no obvious injuries or wounds, save for a few damp and ruffled feathers. We were discussing what the cause of death could be, considering that we could have interrupted a monitor lizard with its meal. Throw in a little mystery to our morning bird walk!</div>
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Again, we appreciated how the edge vegetation was kept a bit overgrown, and just to emphasize our point, another White-breasted Waterhen walked in and out of the long grass.</div>
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As we rounded the curve of the pond, we stopped to catch a glimpse of a White-throated Kingfisher flying off. We stopped a while at the shade of a rain tree, surprised by some movement and the sight of a Common Moorhen preening quite near to us! </div>
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Some of the tall grasses were in seed, and Adri spotted a couple of Scaly-breasted Munias picking at the grains.</div>
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Even on a weekday, there were a few golfers out, and every now and then we had to stop as they hit their balls across the greens (Is that the even a correct term? I am golf - illiterate). Many Zebra Doves seemed to be unaware of this etiquette as they continued to forage on the ground unmindful of the balls flying around.</div>
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We also spotted a few Barred Rails. Their behaviour was the normal skittish, paranoia, running into the nearest grass cover as soon as they spotted us. </div>
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Several White-breasted Woodswallows were perched all over: on the huge nets which prevented the golf balls from flying off-course, on the light posts, and on the trees. They were their usual vocal and boisterous selves. </div>
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Near another grassy thicket, Anna spotted a Philippine Coucal! It quickly scuttled into the growth, revealing only bits of bright brown or black, until it completely disappeared from our sight.</div>
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Golf cart birding sure beat walking! We navigated the course easily and efficiently, slowing down and stopping (for flying birds AND flying balls!) any time we needed to. Even if it was a hot, humid and sticky morning we barely broke a sweat! </div>
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At the end of the two hour drive across the 18 hole course, we tallied a total of 32 species of birds! It was good to know that the exclusive golf course (while for human members only) was an open refuge to our feathered friends in the city.</div>
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Thanks again to Anna and ALI for the invite and the chance to explore this hidden bit of urban greenery!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">And of course we end with a group picture!</span></td></tr>
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-43875510440307600362017-06-02T18:22:00.002+08:002017-06-02T23:45:24.327+08:00Hope and the Katala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Philippine Cockatoo (or Red-vented Cockatoo) <a href="http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/philippine-cockatoo-cacatua-haematuropygia" target="_blank">is classified as Critically Endangered</a>, which means that the risk for its becoming extinct in the wild is very high! Once fairly common throughout its range, it has suffered greatly in the past decades from habitat loss and the pet trade.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The critically endangered endemic Philippine Cockatoo.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In fact, I have to admit that as a child, we did have a Philippine Cockatoo in the family named Pablito. Creamy white with the distinctive orange and yellow feathers on his (we never did find out if he was a he or a she) undertail, Pablito was a delight. We grew fond of him, despite the chewed down wood furniture and the constant ruckus and squawking. Sadly, he met an untimely end with one of our dogs when he was accidentally let out of the house. Before that, I had no idea that we had cockatoos in the Philippines, as I associated parrots with the exotic wilds of the South American jungles or the dry landscapes of Australia down under. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a novice birdwatcher two and a half decades later, I was finally given the chance to see Philippine Cockatoos, where they belong: in the wild lowland forests! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In 2005, less than a year into birding, Tere had invited Adri and myself on an impromptu Palawan birding trip. It would be the first time I would ever visit Palawan as a birder! We were all so excited! On top of the usual birding itinerary at Puerto Princesa, she had also arranged a trip to Rasa Island in Narra with the <a href="http://www.philippinecockatoo.org/philippine%20cockatoo.htm" target="_blank">Katala Foundation</a>, specifically to see the cockatoos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And see them we did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will never forget the afternoon van commute to Narra, arriving in time for dinner and being met by Debbie and given direction on what to do the next day. Before sunrise, we walked to the beach at low tide in the dark, to be transferred to a larger outrigger boat which would bring us off shore to the roosting site of the Philippine Cockatoos at Rasa Island. As we approached we could already hear the loud, noisy calls of the parrots, even in the dark. Our guide, Fred, was explaining to us how the population had quickly grown from around 20 individuals in the late 1990s to over a hundred, thanks to the efforts of the Katala Foundation in protecting Rasa Island and in engaging the former poachers, now turned wildlife wardens. Rasa Island was known as the last stronghold of the Philippine Cockatoo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Against the lightening sky, we could see the silhouettes of the birds busy with their morning rituals: preening, stretching, playing, squabbling. The still sea, the pinks and periwinkles of sunrise, the island jungle: it was all beautiful. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDdYrkbxFoc5XmoctH0ei6qY6q1a_pni48-vR4bOLOdlEzJNV7xNFphAeEIbJgyvPdXeIsnODTdAN6dhhAHgPuUKRgFKVAuBYm33og4Z6oLRqqzDT0Ua_nLcpWn8eWZ9pt8xUDEiWGys/s1600/IMG_3628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDdYrkbxFoc5XmoctH0ei6qY6q1a_pni48-vR4bOLOdlEzJNV7xNFphAeEIbJgyvPdXeIsnODTdAN6dhhAHgPuUKRgFKVAuBYm33og4Z6oLRqqzDT0Ua_nLcpWn8eWZ9pt8xUDEiWGys/s400/IMG_3628.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The cockatoo roosting sight on Rasa Island in 2005</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpn2q-xnYutt5l9e01K16lc-LhcdW0SwTw6vq7hyphenhyphenEOQnIJusCU-IuDuKlkTF3uVIkiQbO4P76YGJPNBSPlIbpwIbk232eYCyd3qB44qhCjJlNlFg_NWfUzeBftCYvTnwq0uYvCF-3YF0/s1600/Rasa_Island_2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpn2q-xnYutt5l9e01K16lc-LhcdW0SwTw6vq7hyphenhyphenEOQnIJusCU-IuDuKlkTF3uVIkiQbO4P76YGJPNBSPlIbpwIbk232eYCyd3qB44qhCjJlNlFg_NWfUzeBftCYvTnwq0uYvCF-3YF0/s400/Rasa_Island_2005.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Clockwise from top left: Fred explaining to us the history of Rasa Island, Dusk lightening the skies, silhouettes of the cockatoos (we had no long lenses in 2005!), </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Adri and Tere birding on the boat.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That morning, we counted 92 individual cockatoos at the roost site, before they flew off towards the center of the island or to the mainland to feed. Ninety two critically endangered Philippine Cockatoos in the wild! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqF6ERTwulS86z6az-xIyHQjdGLlNW1bAIVHSqfnsmxnIlYMJ7RWHG7wyr2LVsAM_6HmNL15dQ5TWW9szwHktd65sP5KgXzchX58FI59qwEfyeAKwv_fH7DtSYncc-X3DEBYhU5kvYjVk/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqF6ERTwulS86z6az-xIyHQjdGLlNW1bAIVHSqfnsmxnIlYMJ7RWHG7wyr2LVsAM_6HmNL15dQ5TWW9szwHktd65sP5KgXzchX58FI59qwEfyeAKwv_fH7DtSYncc-X3DEBYhU5kvYjVk/s400/IMG_3632.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A rainbow over Nara (2005)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our way back to the mainland, a rainbow touched the sea in front of Narra, a clear sign of hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fast forward to 2017, I had never set my eyes on a wild Philippine Cockatoo again since that encounter a dozen years before. I had visited Palawan several more times, having fallen in love with the easy birding. But I had never gone back to Narra. Peter and Indira Widmann, the passionate and energetic leaders of the Katala Foundation, were now our good friends with whom we had shared several meals and adventures (read about our Siargao trip <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2015/07/island-paradise-birding-on-siargao.html" target="_blank">here</a>!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I suppose it was finally time for me to see the Katala again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In April, during the Holy Week break, Adri and I once again found ourselves in Puerto Princesa on an impromptu visit. Peter and Indira were generous and gracious hosts, arranging again for us to visit Narra. This time, we were off to visit the Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (KIEBC). The KIEBC serves as venue for research, conservation education, rescue and rehabilitation and habitat restoration. Currently, the center is still undergoing major works and not yet fully operational It can only be visited by appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a quick, 2 hour drive now to Narra, the road network having been vastly improved over the past several years. We had coordinated with the Katala staff, and Anna, the education officer gave us great directions and we found the KIEBC with no problems at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we got down from our car, the joyful song of a Common Iora welcomed us.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZIJ9mv4Y1aK3Lcv9nCzUJsKeUYad0crJMFsGbr42DAo-HRFtJoy3FMNp3tBLwpf1g8IXHMfU-dbCpcroyJWBXSXXuVmM8qS4zZVoGSJ46zdkNpikspRfE7ofJmsDtqcu5vLvTGQMfeg/s1600/_MG_1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZIJ9mv4Y1aK3Lcv9nCzUJsKeUYad0crJMFsGbr42DAo-HRFtJoy3FMNp3tBLwpf1g8IXHMfU-dbCpcroyJWBXSXXuVmM8qS4zZVoGSJ46zdkNpikspRfE7ofJmsDtqcu5vLvTGQMfeg/s400/_MG_1043.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A cheerful Common Iora welcomes us to the KIEBC.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We met Anna, and the rest of the cheerful staff who were there: Angel (who was in charge of the animal husbandry) and Yud (who was in charge of the rescued turtle's care). We were given a brief presentation on the KIEBC and its goals, as well as the current and future plans for the site. And then we got a very special tour!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-Wsf2SXHRykCcWA_BKKvTf_md3hd0m6icRtvFHDsVKp6AdQ8AWDl8aqqXNjrfZkoELoTTAwyD1njT4UkrmevzbRnepajxphKf6HVwofuw0R6t6q1Z1WJbS-D2IQptKOn3hSWQoeuw6U/s1600/IMG_2872_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-Wsf2SXHRykCcWA_BKKvTf_md3hd0m6icRtvFHDsVKp6AdQ8AWDl8aqqXNjrfZkoELoTTAwyD1njT4UkrmevzbRnepajxphKf6HVwofuw0R6t6q1Z1WJbS-D2IQptKOn3hSWQoeuw6U/s400/IMG_2872_1221.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yud talked to us about the Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Project. She showed us the 3 different species of turtles which had been rescued and were currently being rehabilitated at the center: the Asian Box Turtle, the Asian Leaf Turtle, and the elusive (And also critically endangered!) Philippine Forest Turtle (which is endemic to Palawan).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Signage at the KIEBC and Yud showing us the "leaf" design of the plastron of the Asian Leaf Turtle</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3wtL_Ph7sami4KaoKDcMf0follWMQeqhQ7VbRpPR7cLfSWEMOYMec1-7fruBJGKUuUCtEAvH_N0Fuh4eIX5eiWgFriP6-znndeC3rzpVT145nJmAlGBnQWheRznopZTF7rEB8GcPcNk/s1600/IMG_2874_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3wtL_Ph7sami4KaoKDcMf0follWMQeqhQ7VbRpPR7cLfSWEMOYMec1-7fruBJGKUuUCtEAvH_N0Fuh4eIX5eiWgFriP6-znndeC3rzpVT145nJmAlGBnQWheRznopZTF7rEB8GcPcNk/s400/IMG_2874_1223.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The girls explained how the turtles were being taken care of and the intricacies of the rehabilitation. It was great to hear them so passionate about their work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were shown around the various parts of the center, with the girls carefully explaining each part and casually telling stories of their on site experiences. There were 3 rescued Katalas from Balabac (who obviously associated people with food), and 2 more from Narra: a male named Silver and a female named Violet. Sadly, they could no longer be returned to the wild, but I think they were doing very well at the center.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were also two very shy Palawan Porcupines who gamely came out of hiding in their spacious enclosure after a fair amount of coaxing by Angel.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKYqOeq55XR4e_hgZcCnMyyPSCPtcYsqgFMLbPnjtuz9zvMJrL0Ub6cbxgTjNdXFhMsnyrOtr7ojrK2DiInBtRO1KUNd8YVBt0x3KgHRWPrQMSrwC5R2ofvBICbmkgYS8iWpf3Yh8VP4/s1600/IMG_2884_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKYqOeq55XR4e_hgZcCnMyyPSCPtcYsqgFMLbPnjtuz9zvMJrL0Ub6cbxgTjNdXFhMsnyrOtr7ojrK2DiInBtRO1KUNd8YVBt0x3KgHRWPrQMSrwC5R2ofvBICbmkgYS8iWpf3Yh8VP4/s400/IMG_2884_1233.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The spacious enclosure of the Palawan Porcupines provided them with a lot of hiding places!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many wild birds and herps also enjoyed the center, and one of the showcases was a mini-wetland area. Dragonflies were flying all around, and sometimes, the girls said, Wandering Whistling Ducks would come to rest in the grassy water.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A wild skink sunning in the leaf litter at the tree nursery.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJVkZdufmgflf8LVSDVxrlE0FWU7hMUns1StS5DWkavB529KdQObWW2qa_k082qQIpntlxvhjhbsodAsv-IQH-sNZyML_d5mweEzGwKhyphenhyphenVIbUvNyubbl5RljoGp-gpNCkIy9c4WJjDzY/s1600/IMG_2883_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJVkZdufmgflf8LVSDVxrlE0FWU7hMUns1StS5DWkavB529KdQObWW2qa_k082qQIpntlxvhjhbsodAsv-IQH-sNZyML_d5mweEzGwKhyphenhyphenVIbUvNyubbl5RljoGp-gpNCkIy9c4WJjDzY/s400/IMG_2883_1232.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Valuing wetlands at the KIEBC: pond dipping anyone?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a lot of work still being done at the KIEBC, and with staff as enthusiastic and impassioned as the girls, I am excited for all current and future projects.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBypcNM3mlCC0qELG1ZJszUtMD2gdGwnjt36iNhp1b85frvwRoqqVL4jIROaMLbxfHn0zF-P98NIYyWik-_zD7yOioW786IthJ32RbyAhxN5OovvSIJKz2uxM02HrSX96zsjG1SjYRbc/s1600/IMG_7679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBypcNM3mlCC0qELG1ZJszUtMD2gdGwnjt36iNhp1b85frvwRoqqVL4jIROaMLbxfHn0zF-P98NIYyWik-_zD7yOioW786IthJ32RbyAhxN5OovvSIJKz2uxM02HrSX96zsjG1SjYRbc/s400/IMG_7679.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">With the enthusiastic staff at the KIEBC</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So the original plan was just to drive to Narra in the afternoon and be back by sundown at Puerto. However, Anna had mentioned that, since it was nearing late afternoon anyway, would we not like to take a chance and see the cockatoos roosting in town?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How can one say no to that?!?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So Anna led us into town, to a known roosting site. Apparently, the cockatoo population on Rasa Island was growing so big that some of the younger generation was expanding their territory! Some were reported to no longer return to the island to roost in the evenings, but stay in some parts of the mainland! (Isn't this a great testimony to the success of the Katala Foundation's work on Rasa Island?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I turned out that the roosting tree was across the street from a small sari-sari store. So we set-up our optics and began the wait. It was only 4:00 pm, and the cockatoos were reported to come at sunset.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wait, wait, wait.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">People began to get curious of our presence (non-local alert!), but we were obviously there for the cockatoos, so they began to reassure us in their own unique ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Ah, are the cockatoos there," said a passerby with a look at the roosting tree. "No, it's too early yet," as he glanced at his wrist watch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Just wait," said the sari sari store seller. "They'll come maybe at 5:00."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"They'll arrive soon," said a woman sweeping the street.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"They'll be there," said a grandmother tending to her potted plants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the minutes wore on, the comments got longer. Questions </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">flew left and right from each person passing the street or buying something from the store: </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where we were from, how we heard of Narra, were we really there just to see the cockatoos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kids playing would glance at us, and then at the roosting tree, shake their heads and then be on their way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At past 5:00 pm, people were becoming quite concerned for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"It's still bright, they usually come near sunset."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Are they not yet there?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"What bird is that on the tree? Oh it's only a kingfisher."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"They're coming."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adri spotted a single white Katala flying across the sky! One cockatoo! We didn't even have time to lift our bins or our cameras.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At 5:30 pm, we were already causing a major commotion on the quiet street.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Still not there?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Maybe they're on the beach. Did you check on the beach?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Sometimes, they roost out on a tree at the back of the house," said a man while pointing to a tree barely seen behind a two storey cottage. "But they don't seem to be there either. I'll check and come back."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even Anna was beginning to get anxious and began to call all the local volunteers to check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the best comment yet was from a man on a bike who stopped in front of the small crowd we'd created: "You know, when you wait for them they don't come!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(To everyone's credit, this comment was boo-ed loudly, but not after hard laughter).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The owner of the house we were standing in front of assured us that the cockatoos were coming, and proceeded to show us a daily log of photos taken with his smart phone and began to detail when the cockatoos started roosting on the street.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea51CfQcnbFX0vsP3afRUTQI1_gJP02gDGQ7AfmNVywVXv7xccYn0KmW9_B3QJdTEWw3l6gwo3QZ8w0ECaj7DoUgukkDG3uFWDHdUrOdAn9mvXxDEii0mHXu2ztotdRB-55u0HkFJS4E/s1600/IMG_2889_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea51CfQcnbFX0vsP3afRUTQI1_gJP02gDGQ7AfmNVywVXv7xccYn0KmW9_B3QJdTEWw3l6gwo3QZ8w0ECaj7DoUgukkDG3uFWDHdUrOdAn9mvXxDEii0mHXu2ztotdRB-55u0HkFJS4E/s400/IMG_2889_1237.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A daily log on his phone: this was taken a few weeks before.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two houses down, a group of <i>balikbayans </i>were curious about our presence and everyone tried to explain at once why we are there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ok, now, even Adri and I were getting antsy at the non-arrivals. We were already comforting ourselves with the single sighting of the flyby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then, at 6:00pm, the welcome sound of loud calls and squawking. Five perfectly white cockatoos land on the <i>kapok </i>tree (locally called <i>duldul</i>) in an awkward frenzy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"See? They're here. Just like we said." And just like that everyone is relaxed and excited at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Later more cockatoos join in. We let everyone peek through the scope and our binoculars, even the <i>balikbayans </i>were excited. And even more cockatoos come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUTr7MxbywqBZLK6rdn2tDV3kMMQg5r4M7ZaPfwZ7gr9WvnppQbRUyfSsoMk6xA6xaDWJxnd7qKbWNe_4IChcALcZ-o_T4U8WJuorMyV8u18aprL_D1NzcEUHVWfjY-WbmSKFeUpR5bk/s1600/IMG_2894_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUTr7MxbywqBZLK6rdn2tDV3kMMQg5r4M7ZaPfwZ7gr9WvnppQbRUyfSsoMk6xA6xaDWJxnd7qKbWNe_4IChcALcZ-o_T4U8WJuorMyV8u18aprL_D1NzcEUHVWfjY-WbmSKFeUpR5bk/s400/IMG_2894_1242.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Enjoying with us and some <i>balikbayans </i>what to them is a daily sight.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And more cockatoos fly in. And more.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL3Mn8EgQ60c10AEsJC4CxL50vupJvyJx6FmJ2InXnTgdG3oAAbjguqpAWv0I5PP3uuRv33BY3EIjjSthKbSy5ZjCJJ0tkJM6iWVoGO-1nLXjG8mIqR5nVsjQl89oqQaEhAj0K3P4awk/s1600/IMG_2898_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL3Mn8EgQ60c10AEsJC4CxL50vupJvyJx6FmJ2InXnTgdG3oAAbjguqpAWv0I5PP3uuRv33BY3EIjjSthKbSy5ZjCJJ0tkJM6iWVoGO-1nLXjG8mIqR5nVsjQl89oqQaEhAj0K3P4awk/s640/IMG_2898_1246.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Count the cockatoos on the <i>kapok </i>(<i>dulul</i>) tree at sunset! How many can you see?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soon the kapok tree is a noisy, crazy, beautiful ruckus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adri and I couldn't quite decide which cockatoos to focus on. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ETOSpsHMJrhziP0yxVHSm1emsOEIyYWR8TCDQDXK6dDjMsYI_4Wnrvm3OOXmUYaHp2FisHsBYQR4l6qtumsKFkbOxSypEdT45WVnlFiKoKHc1Es4_po020qt8Fm0-WxH0j33AbE0tk/s1600/_MG_1099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ETOSpsHMJrhziP0yxVHSm1emsOEIyYWR8TCDQDXK6dDjMsYI_4Wnrvm3OOXmUYaHp2FisHsBYQR4l6qtumsKFkbOxSypEdT45WVnlFiKoKHc1Es4_po020qt8Fm0-WxH0j33AbE0tk/s400/_MG_1099.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Later, the cockatoos came even lower, landing on some fruiting malunggay (moringa) plants in someone's backyard. The owner, Mang Danny, turned out to be one of the Katala Foundation's boatmen, and he invited us to take a better look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQRpRCxd1aymjMWPWDp5Tb03y-X2HXw5gWrGqc3WuhFICHahrq4x0ta2AshGTABA8YVpn2Pgn4i4lwjW95rUJydS6ZLNfZRMGmsYsr2LyoX_5nAS53nw4tYvnq50pAhYyyp6J2-zvhHQ/s1600/_MG_1181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQRpRCxd1aymjMWPWDp5Tb03y-X2HXw5gWrGqc3WuhFICHahrq4x0ta2AshGTABA8YVpn2Pgn4i4lwjW95rUJydS6ZLNfZRMGmsYsr2LyoX_5nAS53nw4tYvnq50pAhYyyp6J2-zvhHQ/s640/_MG_1181.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Cockatoos feeding on moringa fruit.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All households in Narra are required by ordinance to plant malunggay trees in their backyard: for the nutrition of both human and bird!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzCCiK7YYUTvUpjQuSfygUs3uQPyULe1eeQEFTu7CzT5O_6j1AUULEKEIWP2zrdVyvTYxDO9YTbBohdFJC6lCAbvL1KnbYq7ZYc7cUL2sJ-VyUXD-3aCuf11wA0uVpyyEIK7GuJlrxm4/s1600/_MG_1164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzCCiK7YYUTvUpjQuSfygUs3uQPyULe1eeQEFTu7CzT5O_6j1AUULEKEIWP2zrdVyvTYxDO9YTbBohdFJC6lCAbvL1KnbYq7ZYc7cUL2sJ-VyUXD-3aCuf11wA0uVpyyEIK7GuJlrxm4/s400/_MG_1164.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Hanging out: literally.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />I could clearly see that most birds were ringed, and Mang Danny explained that the birds fledged each year were ringed with a specific color of band. He mentioned that all these birds expanding territory were mostly young birds, of the generations produced since Rasa Island became protected.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMXfPjtaNMkdMHjI3Aw39ZNTgp2wBAc8b3H28to63BgKAOIQ63QCFUSecufTnOmmHVPr8kzpxp5a22adc3buXEZHwk2aBsYJc9noOpBF2DvdWUtqlRg3s_lhc2C3vuthGy1V-CWOebBg/s1600/_MG_1135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMXfPjtaNMkdMHjI3Aw39ZNTgp2wBAc8b3H28to63BgKAOIQ63QCFUSecufTnOmmHVPr8kzpxp5a22adc3buXEZHwk2aBsYJc9noOpBF2DvdWUtqlRg3s_lhc2C3vuthGy1V-CWOebBg/s400/_MG_1135.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We left when it was too dark too see properly, almost 7:00 in the evening, with a smiling Anna walking beside us. In the end we counted 54 Philippine Cockatoos. Fifty four noisy, white birds. Fifty four beacons of hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where there is passion, where there is the will to work hard and to fight hard and to persevere together, there is hope. Hope for the Katala and the every creature that they share their place on earth to live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>This past May, Indira Dayang Lacerna Widmann won the prestigious 2017 Whitley Award (Whitley Fund for Nature) for her work with the Philippine Cockatoo. Congratulations to her and the entire Katala Foundation! <a href="http://whitleyaward.org/winners/partnering-prisoners-safeguard-critically-endangered-philippine-cockatoo/" target="_blank"> whitleyaward.org/winners/partnering-prisoners-safeguard-critically-endangered-philippine-cockatoo/</a></i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On June 30, 2017, Narra will celebrate its annual Katala Festival. It's a chance for everyone to support the Katala Foundation and people of Narra in their conservation efforts.</span>
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-69774480330067778682017-05-06T17:04:00.000+08:002017-05-06T17:04:32.741+08:00The pigeon hunter<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the 6th straight year, we have observed that the grounds of the Ateneo was home to a magnificent hunter: a migrant Peregrine Falcon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During the migratory season, I look forward to Abby F's announcement that the groundskeepers have spotted the falcon and that he has started his <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2016/05/wings-of-fallen.html" target="_blank">annual pigeon hunt</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In February, Adri and I dropped by the communications towers which serve as his resting, lookout and eating area. Rock pigeon carcasses littered the ground! There were also several remains caught up in the beams and platforms of the communications towers.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A few of several pigeon carcasses on the ground - mostly just the wings left behind.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Several more pigeon carcasses caught in the communications tower (including a head!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On one of the small trees under the tower hung a pair of wings that belonged to a racing pigeon. On its legs was a green numbered band - a sure sign that some human owner had lost a prized possession to nature's swiftest hunter.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">And a few caught in the trees below the tower.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope that the falcon's taste for pigeon flesh will not put it in a bad light with pigeon fanciers. This is </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2004/aug/26/thisweekssciencequestions2" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">not an exclusively local problem</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, and I hope it will not escalate to a point that these beautiful raptors will be put in danger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That afternoon though, despite the clear evidence of its arrival, we failed to see the falcon. He (</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">it could be a she)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">was probably off chasing pigeons... literally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After having secured permission from the administration to regularly check on that particular field to document the falcon, Adri and I decided to try one Saturday morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Adri quickly spotted him on one of the towers. As a pair of security personnel passed beneath, the falcon flew to another tower on the further edge of the field. At first we had a difficult time finding a good angle to observe him. He was wisely staying close to the network of beams and cables, which not only hid him from sight, but also shaded him from the bright morning sun.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Sometimes awake...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We watched him for over an hour, hoping he would come out and hunt. But no, all he did was preen and nap!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once in a while a single or flock of pigeons would fly overhead, getting Adri and I excited in anticipation of some action. But all Mr. Falcon would do was gaze at the passing pigeons as they flew by, and go back to sleep!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMHYLG7U0OvfItcVeviCITlS88r7qeI_xw_ZFiTLBCtBa8pbdxg33SyGBn5A9JKIMwNaX9ozFMP4ce03ll8CXh3XwMrglxE4MSpgYD3vmw3vDx-iF6-_sUPOJhqw_Izgs43q7PJD1XFE/s1600/falcon_digiscope_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMHYLG7U0OvfItcVeviCITlS88r7qeI_xw_ZFiTLBCtBa8pbdxg33SyGBn5A9JKIMwNaX9ozFMP4ce03ll8CXh3XwMrglxE4MSpgYD3vmw3vDx-iF6-_sUPOJhqw_Izgs43q7PJD1XFE/s400/falcon_digiscope_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">But mostly asleep! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We thought that he probably already had his fill, and hunted during the cooler hours of dusk and dawn. They have even been reported to hunt in the evening!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The groundskeepers and gardeners were all familiar with the falcon, <br />but Adri's scope gave them close-up views!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He was also woken up by a pair of resident White-breasted Woodswallows who couldn't help but check him out with a close flyby. They probably were getting ready for their annual tower nesting - maybe not a good idea with a migrant raptor still hanging around!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-efu99loWZKqF4LMKHur6EKeImXSH_rDBOSdDFNrCf6YqsOux9ZgRSXoX03Q0pUI6M8GZ1WrhmPrdxgubf6Y3cseT5WpzGmlOnaksvyh8JqiMfaB03k7MXiYMwPSJNzfmGHVIIYh6HSs/s1600/_MG_8628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-efu99loWZKqF4LMKHur6EKeImXSH_rDBOSdDFNrCf6YqsOux9ZgRSXoX03Q0pUI6M8GZ1WrhmPrdxgubf6Y3cseT5WpzGmlOnaksvyh8JqiMfaB03k7MXiYMwPSJNzfmGHVIIYh6HSs/s400/_MG_8628.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Resident White-breasted Woodswallows sharing their field.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether it was the pesky woodswallows or the moving sunlight, the Peregrine finally moved out of the shadows of the steel maze and gave us a clearer view.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A beautiful digiscoped photo of a beautiful raptor.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What a handsome bird!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a couple of hours, it still looked that he had no plans of moving and so we packed up our optics and bid the raptor goodbye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See you again next season Mr. Falcon! May the University grounds provide you with a safe haven every year!</span><br />
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<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-21653817260857981922017-05-04T18:59:00.001+08:002017-05-04T19:27:17.636+08:00Stilts at LPPCHEAA<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the 1st of April, a few WBCP-ers (led by Mike L. and Arne J.) attended the <a href="http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/02/wetland-park-rising-in-las-pinas-paranaque-swamp/" target="_blank">groundbreaking for a wetland park at the LPPCHEA</a> (Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area). Finally! Hopefully, this project, led by Sen. Cynthia Villar, will focus on the importance of the mudflats as a wetland (it is a declared RAMSAR site!) and as a green space in a city choked by urban developments lacking environmental planning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adri and I were there but unwittingly skipped the ceremonies as we were captivated by several Black-winged Stilts foraging along a relatively clean beach. We had lost track of the time and got caught up documenting the graceful stilts as they were feeding along the waterline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived at sunrise, I was delighted to see that much of the trash along the coastline had been cleared (still a lot left of course, I would think it almost impossible to clean all of it up, with more trash coming in daily with the tide). The beautiful shell beach was exposed - revealing a diversity of gastropods and bivalves, together with a bit of plant litter: seeds, twigs (and sadly some plastic knick knacks). It was definitely a bit of beauty one seldom would expect to find along the Manila beaches of the bay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I could only imagine all the possibilities of having a clean beach in Metro Manila for the city-dwellers to enjoy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06zXyeYuEPEjQq0CTFUu92Z6-V077eYfCcOJhX0Hf_jlbY3fOlZliyMdkuQB_2x0iaOV2p4negORNlZbVYGLlr_d5BDCw9s0i29TUy9RV0XaNcn8r-3cnjuLIzBL7336uUbMQrilWRrI/s1600/lppchea+shells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06zXyeYuEPEjQq0CTFUu92Z6-V077eYfCcOJhX0Hf_jlbY3fOlZliyMdkuQB_2x0iaOV2p4negORNlZbVYGLlr_d5BDCw9s0i29TUy9RV0XaNcn8r-3cnjuLIzBL7336uUbMQrilWRrI/s400/lppchea+shells.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A lone Common Sandpiper was busy preening in the golden monring light, stanind on a bit of muddy, discarded rubber/canvas/plastic.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FjMZrW4k7FQcxN3z_wxlUW0HBTv_kXHYrdhrtrh0JI6faVayHsiL2ToVfUVdpMv10wOZaRNBF19dJwpWocELGU6cpb2QXXlUvikjro4xzaOTKAvpGEMccZlc-ThXii_Vje2lz0nPYhw/s1600/_MG_9639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FjMZrW4k7FQcxN3z_wxlUW0HBTv_kXHYrdhrtrh0JI6faVayHsiL2ToVfUVdpMv10wOZaRNBF19dJwpWocELGU6cpb2QXXlUvikjro4xzaOTKAvpGEMccZlc-ThXii_Vje2lz0nPYhw/s400/_MG_9639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few stilts were on the beach at first, some resting and preening, others busy foraging for food. Many of them were quite vocal, twittering loudly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were few other migrants at the beach, although in the distance at the river mouth we could see several egrets, some herons and quite a number of waders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few Common Greenshanks flew past us, twittering loudly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRWuZQMkU5L7c9CeSCDsaC0jNuTIMGgluJC0GdvrENLLg0Otaks3hkZ_U_60FJL6tQOtFLXSqY31GDbRuAavYpnsoznAhWgIeKCExPhFmE1Ra-1uzfoqGbcel7EFPyDlNCEDoLMmULk0/s1600/_MG_9793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRWuZQMkU5L7c9CeSCDsaC0jNuTIMGgluJC0GdvrENLLg0Otaks3hkZ_U_60FJL6tQOtFLXSqY31GDbRuAavYpnsoznAhWgIeKCExPhFmE1Ra-1uzfoqGbcel7EFPyDlNCEDoLMmULk0/s400/_MG_9793.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was not only the birds out foraging, a man and his two young boys were also busy looking for shellfish in the shallow waters.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4fRJ6e_knx6iLhWhy26AgoXfv3t2NeX79dUrlMADrmI0WQcXGgoKe0AwnZ2Wa9GuW543EIHV9_5jgczMl6D77vtM-XHMMVsqEQLLkEdIwK2et99w16kk7Kh-pDdVHR9cAs3GaqWXL0I/s1600/_MG_9789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4fRJ6e_knx6iLhWhy26AgoXfv3t2NeX79dUrlMADrmI0WQcXGgoKe0AwnZ2Wa9GuW543EIHV9_5jgczMl6D77vtM-XHMMVsqEQLLkEdIwK2et99w16kk7Kh-pDdVHR9cAs3GaqWXL0I/s400/_MG_9789.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the shadows receded with the rising sun, more and more stilts began flying in. It was nice to see varying plumage, from the usual greyish markings of younger birds to elegant black and white plumage of the full adults.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACyZ5ZHzjpuIedbJK0eM0RRYzbBKyHAzIqVmqcrsAwd48d0kuS56sC4PoXATLhHacIcfqDoGfZiJP2_yo272s79jrcfg_4Z2sb-Cfc3nr5wBr43yzDTZTaWb7jZR9AI_lHJj6EmJaXLE/s1600/_MG_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACyZ5ZHzjpuIedbJK0eM0RRYzbBKyHAzIqVmqcrsAwd48d0kuS56sC4PoXATLhHacIcfqDoGfZiJP2_yo272s79jrcfg_4Z2sb-Cfc3nr5wBr43yzDTZTaWb7jZR9AI_lHJj6EmJaXLE/s640/_MG_0278.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adri and I found a nice large log to sit on, under the shade of the mangroves. The birds soon got used to our presence and began to get comfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We practice in-flight shots with two Whiskered Terns.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku9rjU0xxRO79NfNg9kYQ3DauWWM5qrD1zfliEM_2JOrvVSMY-5bEZU6tyTT0oH3OJf5LoNflM8w3WMnb9X4V-MR0JFvTmGJDNoF-_dAT_b1I5lAdeEXdoBBWQFAbdPbHavfd69mudH8/s1600/_MG_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku9rjU0xxRO79NfNg9kYQ3DauWWM5qrD1zfliEM_2JOrvVSMY-5bEZU6tyTT0oH3OJf5LoNflM8w3WMnb9X4V-MR0JFvTmGJDNoF-_dAT_b1I5lAdeEXdoBBWQFAbdPbHavfd69mudH8/s400/_MG_0090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And got a good laugh trying to outdo each other with stilts-in-flight shots.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkstBS5THwHZlQDbYCGva6INPKOpkEGJhb96nrxcEJ_oQ9MWJe5RoYUqtlA8BsU6MuuXQ_1t-hQErgvKhpqW94pZ2dUycfBIkG4qQ-Jj1w-HDg3Al85-Q6FsAPLZd4c_MrwcAVBO-m2jg/s1600/_MG_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkstBS5THwHZlQDbYCGva6INPKOpkEGJhb96nrxcEJ_oQ9MWJe5RoYUqtlA8BsU6MuuXQ_1t-hQErgvKhpqW94pZ2dUycfBIkG4qQ-Jj1w-HDg3Al85-Q6FsAPLZd4c_MrwcAVBO-m2jg/s640/_MG_0445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of the stilts were flying back and forth right in front of us! Sometimes they were too close!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JQIW2FWFk8xrhRd6hpqSee7PpPOrfidF9XZKUbxDqILDMErHtcSNMqkyrOzthRaw1IvYIcuNsqt36QTziy5HNvFuCTTJXYyKr2KnmaHerKyRQG62eopG2AxguERKMjb2JdbcaFvDwAU/s1600/_MG_9993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JQIW2FWFk8xrhRd6hpqSee7PpPOrfidF9XZKUbxDqILDMErHtcSNMqkyrOzthRaw1IvYIcuNsqt36QTziy5HNvFuCTTJXYyKr2KnmaHerKyRQG62eopG2AxguERKMjb2JdbcaFvDwAU/s400/_MG_9993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were not the only humans on the beach, several meters away was a man busy with his boat, being ignored by most of the birds.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC_0wVOI9UlGRv_vU3fwQ47arpm0lBFG-CCxDakRmM_NmqorZNhMV_9NFaNiIi4h_r9-dD1Swlhxq0catp82rDW9ePPNwTCKNtVSMvZBVAueJ9hBiiaghXT6tMuQ7bj8a5wRt9qWmAgo/s1600/_MG_0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC_0wVOI9UlGRv_vU3fwQ47arpm0lBFG-CCxDakRmM_NmqorZNhMV_9NFaNiIi4h_r9-dD1Swlhxq0catp82rDW9ePPNwTCKNtVSMvZBVAueJ9hBiiaghXT6tMuQ7bj8a5wRt9qWmAgo/s400/_MG_0175.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few greenshanks decided to join the stilts.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbpMZtpAiE15XIgd8kDvAq7NFvaggx3CCIfnPev6y5whqc0aKyqa3jwcWLNYmZRQW1eS3eol1sop-vl8M7lMFhWAWhEe424RJx4c34SmzbAAxrUmLNv8cSPxg6m2yZJ5zBzXyUw7iRj8/s1600/_MG_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbpMZtpAiE15XIgd8kDvAq7NFvaggx3CCIfnPev6y5whqc0aKyqa3jwcWLNYmZRQW1eS3eol1sop-vl8M7lMFhWAWhEe424RJx4c34SmzbAAxrUmLNv8cSPxg6m2yZJ5zBzXyUw7iRj8/s400/_MG_0347.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And one of the beach dogs also came out to inspect the debris that had been carried in by the tide.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiKDVpPsY0-SWsSyzCwBW-_a0KDW6J48PAVgctURynqfsbEUWWi4mwpYGsmval6zLaPGC-w9juuL2zmmTz83Q06z7j2O1SZIZgI7Cbgj9InueUo0DHtLZsinVMB1VDyqw7Wf8p5HdCHQ/s1600/_MG_0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiKDVpPsY0-SWsSyzCwBW-_a0KDW6J48PAVgctURynqfsbEUWWi4mwpYGsmval6zLaPGC-w9juuL2zmmTz83Q06z7j2O1SZIZgI7Cbgj9InueUo0DHtLZsinVMB1VDyqw7Wf8p5HdCHQ/s400/_MG_0502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soon the tide began to turn and we could tell the ground breaking event had finished, because we could see large groups of people descending on the beach. In the distance, a large group in orange jackets were busy cleaning up the coast.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCaGPjj6hxWWX_3joVMwXbMqTVThfkgUs1YcvmJGp7IxR4bnVz7CU-OTUPRTYRPnWN4AtTCAny0HsKuzjcI5NbV50iYqy5Yf5Hfx4rh2ooIDVjLuC1TrR7w6Dp5mscZ4arIVaPUqrm8U/s1600/_MG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCaGPjj6hxWWX_3joVMwXbMqTVThfkgUs1YcvmJGp7IxR4bnVz7CU-OTUPRTYRPnWN4AtTCAny0HsKuzjcI5NbV50iYqy5Yf5Hfx4rh2ooIDVjLuC1TrR7w6Dp5mscZ4arIVaPUqrm8U/s400/_MG_0431.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nearby, a group decided to take the DENR trash boat (it had a huge net to catch floating trash out at sea) for a quick spin. The Black-winged Stilts paid no attention to the people (probably because the people were not paying any attention to them either!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbzVnMUs-zJLFkiybo7Mr0zWSm1JLhBVfmho6q1_6jqR7j63tvUo8arl-uqK_bSATjLiIpslgbnkbGvxGlKwCrYqnHr1ovW-7MCtLg4LOjtkMgtzw9gwXu5n1g8Mi0kC9-wQ3gwDA9_8/s1600/_MG_0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbzVnMUs-zJLFkiybo7Mr0zWSm1JLhBVfmho6q1_6jqR7j63tvUo8arl-uqK_bSATjLiIpslgbnkbGvxGlKwCrYqnHr1ovW-7MCtLg4LOjtkMgtzw9gwXu5n1g8Mi0kC9-wQ3gwDA9_8/s400/_MG_0313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The tide was eating up the thin stretch of beach so we decided to start heading back. We ran into some of the participants and volunteers who were with Rey Aguinaldo (DENR Region IV and LPPCEHA Project Manager). We were happy to show them some of the stilts through the scope. They expressed their surprise at the number of birds along the beach, even commenting that they were happy that the event (with its many people and loud sound system) did not flush or scare them away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we walked back to the car along the more shaded inland trail, we spotted other migrants: a noisy Brown Shrike and a confiding Arctic Warbler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also ran into several groups of Barred Rails and Common Moorhens foraging under the mangroves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the end of the beach near the car, we saw a small group of three enjoying a swim in the water. It was not something I would recommend! I am still hopeful though, that one day, Manila Bay will be clean enough for more recreational activities. With the threat of reclamation looming, perhaps a wetland park is just what LPPCHEA needs. Not just for humans, but for all the other wild ones that need it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keeping my fingers crossed.</span><br />
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-67637789866994295182017-05-01T10:06:00.006+08:002017-05-01T10:41:51.234+08:00The nesting neighbors, Part 2<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-nesting-neighbors-part-1.html" target="_blank">the barbets were busy with their family</a>, the Yellow-vented Bulbuls were also off to a prolific start. As I was seated on a garden bench, a pair of bulbuls kept circling around me, busy catching moths in flight and looking around, under and over each and every bush. That they were too busy to pay me much mind was a sure sign that they had only one goal: to feed a growing nestling! I watched them closely and sure enough both of them headed straight for a low branch of the rambutan tree, to be met with the eager chirping of two fledglings!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A very hungry baby</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am always amazed at the amount of energy invested in raising a family. I doubt any small insect or moth has much of a chance surviving when there is a bulbul pair agressively hunting them down to feed a hungry chick. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;">An adult scouring every nook and cranny for food</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this case, there were 2 chicks - little balls of feathers with hardly any tails and huge mouths agape. They were big and strong enough to jump around nearby branches, getting <i>uber </i>excited when one of the adults lands nearby. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Two balls of feathers patiently waiting for mom and dad...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">... and they go crazy when mom/dad come with food!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was quite afraid they would miss their mark as they tried to out jump/ out fly each other in order to get to the parent before its sibling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knowing there was a pair of fledglings in the yard, it was easy to keep track of them over the days. The eager chirping would easily give away which tree they were in. They stayed around the garden for a couple of weeks, and began to stray from back to front yard as they grew more confident in their flight.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Growing older and getting bigger</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">But no less demanding!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sadly, only one of the fledglings apparently made it to adulthood from what I could tell. While watering the plants in the garden, <i>Kuya </i>Ramil found a young dead bulbul in the leaf litter, being consumed by ants.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Over before it really began for this little one.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I think it was one of the ones we were keeping track off," he told me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sure enough, an adult flew past us followed by a single noisy, nagging young bird. I remember WBCP-er Des telling us that only one in ten tropical nests are successful, so it shouldn't have come as a surprise to find the young dead bird.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wonder what caused its death though? It was quite strong and developed already. Did the parents not have enough energy to raise 2 birds to full adulthood? Did it meet an untimely death with an encounter with a predator? Was it an accident?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I suppose we will never know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've seen at least two new bulbul nests in the yard, most probably from different pairs, but maybe a second nest for the season for the parents.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Hopefully, this one made it.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And life goes on for the garden bulbuls. </span><br />
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-90135920696314089242017-04-16T20:09:00.000+08:002017-04-16T20:12:59.213+08:00Kites and other fishers<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2016/05/in-raptor-country.html" target="_blank">Operation <i>Sagip Sawi</i> (Save the Grey-faced Buzzards) was in full swing in Northern Luzon</a>, and I was off for the weekend with Jelaine and Lala to support Alex, Tere and the ARRCN (Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network) Japanese contingent on their visit to Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But... we had a few hours free in the morning to bird with <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-northern-twitch.html" target="_blank">Laoag-based Richard R</a>. He had once again spotted a rare migrant visiting his birding spot and was keen to show it to birders who traveled the long road north to see it. For our trio, the opportunity was perfect for a twitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And so, fresh off the bus from Cubao, at 500am, a smiling Richard picked us up at the terminal, and we were on our way (with a breakfast stop at Jollibee, of course!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walking along the banks of the Laoag river, many fishers were already out and about. In the far beach where the river mouth opened to the ocean, we could see through our binoculars that they were already unloading their catch, large jacks (talakitok), catching light in the morning sun as they were transfered to baskets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Along the river, men and children were alredy preparing a new set of nets, baiting them with small fish, mostly halfbeaks (looking weird with their "beaks" snapped off).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We parked ourselves at the last of a series of public terraces, excellent (i.e. roofed) vantage points to watch out for our target.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">People were not the only the early fishers out. Dozens (literally: I counted 28 perched on one tree across the river) of Brahminy Kites were already busy catching their breakfast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several egrets, mostly Great Egrets, were also perched on the fish pens, un-moving sentinels shining white in the golden light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While waiting, we scanned the trees around us. And sure enough, in less than 5 minutes from our arrival, we spotted it!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvDvNv1SIS9DtHdrxi4xMmIZSIdA9s9BzvTuXL-JQHQjmspfFe2HcoZY5KdlJRgyTrn0uKDQKRabJ0KamnAIS8o78c9jJJKOSlCgYZdWbY5_c6KTiOQjT2ye4tsIclfpq9u9yvlPc_g4/s1600/_MG_9449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvDvNv1SIS9DtHdrxi4xMmIZSIdA9s9BzvTuXL-JQHQjmspfFe2HcoZY5KdlJRgyTrn0uKDQKRabJ0KamnAIS8o78c9jJJKOSlCgYZdWbY5_c6KTiOQjT2ye4tsIclfpq9u9yvlPc_g4/s400/_MG_9449.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Do you see it? Not the white headed raptor in the foreground <br />but the dark one in the background, silhouetted against the sky.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Quite a distance away, in the direction of the fishponds (<a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2015/01/migrant-spotting-at-laoag.html" target="_blank">we had previously visited</a>) perched on the very top of a tree, was a kite much larger than the many Brahminys flying around us: a Black Kite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was busy preening, despite the distance, we could clearly see the forked tail and the dark plumage.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQVvM4ek4nzbJiqquKkndr760xeIYA6UG-Hwdk9L7DfXkiuxgZg0yLwJAjt1wbpQUZ7YuQDBjXCDF3sG9YjK9QnMKe6Jx_UZpSSBa8F1A1J0GZB6fe5c53Q6VYzgVfufoVnnt5OGsQWg/s1600/_MG_9449_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQVvM4ek4nzbJiqquKkndr760xeIYA6UG-Hwdk9L7DfXkiuxgZg0yLwJAjt1wbpQUZ7YuQDBjXCDF3sG9YjK9QnMKe6Jx_UZpSSBa8F1A1J0GZB6fe5c53Q6VYzgVfufoVnnt5OGsQWg/s400/_MG_9449_crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> This one!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We kept Richard's scope trained on it, and it stayed put for so long, even the locals had a peek through it to see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It didn't seem like it had any intentions of moving, so while waiting for it to take flight, we entertained ourselves with the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brahminy Kites flying and fishing close by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On a small house on top of the riverside, a man was busy cleaning and drying out his fish. He cleanly sliced each fish open, gutted and salted it. After he had finished with all the fish, he strung them up to dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They joined several other fish drying in the sun - soon to be someone's breakfast: daing (dried and salted fish) with fried garlic rice and a sliced tomato. Yum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Back to the birds...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Black Kite was still immovable, now joined by a Brahminy Kite on a neighboring branch - just to clearly show the size and plumage difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another fisher was perched nearby: a White-throated Kingfisher. It didn't seem to favor that spot though as it only stayed for a bit before flying off to find some other fishing ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When next we looked over the Black Kite, he was gone! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With his disappearance was a flurry of duck activity with hundreds of Philippine Ducks taking to the air.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU2SKWx3Fopp-jGr0zS0HPmcP6H1oSxDtfW_4dJ0YJfawLqFk0BNpkMO1qrIo4u89Id9jMbASevMBk4YubJQvETsNatJhlEkCpZZcwmAKpgAaDyhCJ2NYcARU6klsWoX_ieBkRVeUt5E/s1600/_MG_9501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU2SKWx3Fopp-jGr0zS0HPmcP6H1oSxDtfW_4dJ0YJfawLqFk0BNpkMO1qrIo4u89Id9jMbASevMBk4YubJQvETsNatJhlEkCpZZcwmAKpgAaDyhCJ2NYcARU6klsWoX_ieBkRVeUt5E/s400/_MG_9501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were hoping for it to do a close flyby like the Brahminy Kites, but luck was no longer on our side. We waited for as long as we could, but no sign of it along the river.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We took a quick trip to the fishponds to see if it was hanging out in that area, but no luck there either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Still, it was a successful early morning twitch. Thanks again to Richard who is always alert and on the lookout at his birding patch, and always generous with sharing information. Laoag is such a rare migrant magnet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our weekend adventure had just started and we were off to join up with the Sagip Sawi group!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To be continued...</span></i><br />
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trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-22854370585434604852017-04-02T16:49:00.000+08:002017-04-02T17:06:12.146+08:00The nesting neighbors, Part 1<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nesting season seems to have come early this year in the garden!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adri and I were thrilled that the neighborhood Coppersmith Barbets decided to nest on a dead branch of a Flamboyant Tree (aka Fire Tree) right above our garage! <a href="http://katrinket.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-new-neighbors.html" target="_blank">Last year, the nest was in the corner across from us.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had already noticed a pair inspecting a nest hole from its perfectly circular entrance as early as January, and we could here them calling: <i>pok-pok-pok</i>-ing loudly even before the sun as up. Although the nesting hole was just outside our bedroom window, a dry anahaw leaf conveniently hid the entrance from our view. From the garden at ground level though, the nest hole was in full view.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGIP_Ysh9lyzAAWMMLjatewitfT3T4U_L1TXnWTGlXS6zKO8GyllPMQvz43Xq2cXimW7XgFTgjErJLal8xeCE264IbNHWFlJcn4dduUwCtMSum3b9NriqA5Pdl6E0-w_Fbe8oxn5dRXs/s1600/_MG_9372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGIP_Ysh9lyzAAWMMLjatewitfT3T4U_L1TXnWTGlXS6zKO8GyllPMQvz43Xq2cXimW7XgFTgjErJLal8xeCE264IbNHWFlJcn4dduUwCtMSum3b9NriqA5Pdl6E0-w_Fbe8oxn5dRXs/s400/_MG_9372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Through February and March, I would see them coming in and out of the nest hole quite regularly. I would make it a habit to glance at it right before I entered my car to leave for work in the morning (at least in March there was already enough light for me to see).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most times one of the barbets would have its head out of the hole, looking around (and sometimes looking down at me - one inquisitive gaze at another!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mid-March, the pair would take turns at the nest, one calling out loudly upon arrival while the other would unobtrusively fly out as the newcomer flew in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I lost track of them for a few weeks though, as I was busy at work and was out of town for a weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This week, I was happy to see the nestling, in almost full adult plumage! It was still hanging out at the nest (literally!), and would fly to a nearby branch on the arrival of one of its parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The parents would come in with mouthfuls of fruit (looked like ficus fruit or lemoncito fruit) and call out (yes, with its mouth full!) to the young one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The parent then would fly to where the young one was and the young one would quite violently grab all the food from mom/dad!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This weekend, the young one seems to have gotten the courage to fly further and further form the nest as it followed when one of the parents took off in search for more food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So happy to see that the nesting looks like a success!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll probably get to see less and less of this family. It's still early in the season though, and I'm hoping there will be a second nesting soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How great is it to have nesting neighbors? I love sharing our yard with them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13.86px;">IMPORTANT NOTE: <b><u>NEVER </u></b>harass nesting birds, expose the nest or stay within the nest area for extended periods of time. It may seem like common sense to keep away from nests, but sometimes curiosity can get the better of us. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263795452831656242.post-25509333581760356832017-03-25T12:21:00.000+08:002017-03-25T13:49:43.976+08:00Manila idylls: Terns and Gulls of the Pasig River<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Old Manila conjures up images of the walled city of Intramuros - adobe fortifications and cobblestone walks, churches and ruins, bridges over the river Pasig and plazas. But wildlife? Not really on the radar when one thinks of the historical district!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMa3f3vFBd8r_wkck-nlfxnmVUyXxRm-TjZ0O3nR6F3z2IHJIqtW8p9C3qnDb5BSMG71KXa8UuFT6mUlZCp0T2i4hSY4VwmVmV6cqNXMpVb6woHW432-mwK_0XfXHP2HSj29u9rkIhMc/s1600/IMG_7353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMa3f3vFBd8r_wkck-nlfxnmVUyXxRm-TjZ0O3nR6F3z2IHJIqtW8p9C3qnDb5BSMG71KXa8UuFT6mUlZCp0T2i4hSY4VwmVmV6cqNXMpVb6woHW432-mwK_0XfXHP2HSj29u9rkIhMc/s400/IMG_7353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A view of Pasig River with the old Manila Post Office on the right bank <br />and the Binondo district across</span>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last February 26, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the Battle of Manila in 1945</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> was</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> commemorated with an open-to-all festival in the park at Buluarte San Diego organized by Carlos Celdran. Before the party kicked off, the WBCP decided to introduce another side of the city to its residents: birds of course!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Late in the afternoon, we met a small group of mostly first time birders at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/sjAophJ2qo12" target="_blank">Plaza Mexico</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">No traffic on Sundays! Facing the Aduana building ruins.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Participants included repeat guided walk participants, urban sketchers, families and barkadas looking to try out birdwatching and curious about the birds of Manila.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Mike and some of our participants.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No worries about spotting birds: the Pasig River was alive with Whiskered Terns and even a few Black-headed Gulls!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIND5sTwwW6N9g8n4o2Th5cUnoREEI5W-P3RMLuXKkC3d45gCXm2i7znkZf72I8OiN7W8X-r9VG91QL9O4308LxP96MIOe3wjOXY9yHx7QrNwMIPGn-1yjI1tmmbZ8zZIhMO_ezXuPWuM/s1600/_MG_9117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIND5sTwwW6N9g8n4o2Th5cUnoREEI5W-P3RMLuXKkC3d45gCXm2i7znkZf72I8OiN7W8X-r9VG91QL9O4308LxP96MIOe3wjOXY9yHx7QrNwMIPGn-1yjI1tmmbZ8zZIhMO_ezXuPWuM/s400/_MG_9117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Terns perched on the wires crossing the river (Can you spot the gull?)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We spent a lot of time admiring the graceful birds as they skimmed over the dark waters of the Pasig.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Whiskered Terns</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S370vd9_6FVja4mjTiFZWuPBXsb7qB29hyphenhyphenxSIeKgev3bNJAzQIMjQ_VhIslNjTgvsYch-vWmomBxfejYlMcEnvVrp4dOJwUZ9SqIz-QUcWPW5W6jG69fasylCVkChvwpc-Zxcm4pB38/s1600/_MG_8985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S370vd9_6FVja4mjTiFZWuPBXsb7qB29hyphenhyphenxSIeKgev3bNJAzQIMjQ_VhIslNjTgvsYch-vWmomBxfejYlMcEnvVrp4dOJwUZ9SqIz-QUcWPW5W6jG69fasylCVkChvwpc-Zxcm4pB38/s400/_MG_8985.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Black-headed Gull</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While many coastal cities all over the world are plagued by aggressive gulls, the birds here were still wary of people. WBCP-er and Manila-resident Rache G. says that they used to be persecuted by those who lived along the banks, who made them targets for their slingshots and airguns. Thankfully, the recent initiatives to clean up the river side has diminished these threats, and now more of these coastal birds are commonly sighted along the river banks inland.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Whiskered Terns perched on electric and communications wires were dwarfed by the much larger gulls, and it was amusing to see them give way so their larger neighbor could have some perching space.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0y9tqlcGuv7-WtBC4iSexPLjaUXUzgQnkSelkC-Ea-b9RMDcecLYOLTpiy7gkO37RpfjpQg5z-X6ZGV_Y8cke-55JHM9zvKz0h0NZmVbE5VmuUPy-nNDuxyczPl-6nTzE4gwIHkSBnCk/s1600/_MG_9010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0y9tqlcGuv7-WtBC4iSexPLjaUXUzgQnkSelkC-Ea-b9RMDcecLYOLTpiy7gkO37RpfjpQg5z-X6ZGV_Y8cke-55JHM9zvKz0h0NZmVbE5VmuUPy-nNDuxyczPl-6nTzE4gwIHkSBnCk/s640/_MG_9010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">In (almost) perfect alignment!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the Black-headed Gulls was already approaching full breeding plumage and it actually had a black head! It was an excellent example to explain winter plumage and migration to the bird walk participants.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Black-headed Gull approaching full breeding plumage: <br />so that's why it's called Black-headed!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Besides the gulls and terns, we were able to spot several other birds. Pacific Swallows, and Glossy Swiftlets glided smoothly over the waters also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Along the banks were several Little Egrets perched on floating clumps of water hyacinth. On the few trees and electrical posts we spotted Zebra Doves, Asian Glossy Starlings and Yellow-vented Bulbuls. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the Maestranza ruins, Eurasian Tree Sparrows were enjoying dust baths. A lone Brown Shrike was hunting amongst some bougainvillea bushes. We were surprised when one of the participants pointed out a Java Sparrow in one of the trees!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A lone Java Sparrow int he parking lot.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As sunset approached, we were treated to playful pair of Philippine Pied Fantails and to cap off the birdwalk, a beautiful Common Kingfisher was spotted!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Urban landscapes are more than just buildings and people, more than historic monuments and modern structures. Cities are home to wildlife as well! All we have to do is open our eyes to see our wild urban neighbors whom we share the city with.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">After birding: the Transitio Manila party at Buluarte San Diego</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Cheers to urban biodiversity! <br />A cold jar of purple kamote leaf Bayani Brew never tasted so good.</span></td></tr>
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<br />trinkethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12309978957628327438noreply@blogger.com0