If you can't go out birding the birds come to you ^^ (101st lifer)

Grey wagtail

It has been a while since my last lifer. I have not been able to go out birding for a while and the last time I went out it was a dull day.  It has always been a surprise for me that I get to see more species here in the city than in my home town where I'm suppose to see more since it is closer to the rural areas, not to mention more trees and such. I have seen wagtails, colasisis (although I have started hearing them a lot and saw them one time at my parents place), a Philippine coucal, a Philippine magpie-robin and a Peregrine falcon a couple of times - which I have not seen at home (my parents' place).  Most of the time I would be looking out the window while doing dishes or laundry. I always keep an eye out for birds and listen to calls. I have been hearing wagtail calls recently which is not uncommon since there is a race track with a grassy field in the middle just behind the building where we reside - which would attract them and I have seen a few of them flying in the afternoon towards Mactan island which I think is where they roost - most probably in the mangrove areas. What I found strange though is that the calls where louder and closer. I didn't pay any mind since it sounded like the bird or birds where just passing through until one day, me and my son were hanging out by the stairs when he suddenly pointed out and said "buuu", which his way of saying "bird" or "blue". I looked out and didn't see anything at first until a wagging tail caught my eye. It was a wagtail browsing by the drains at the back of a neighboring apartment/house. I thought it was just a yellow wagtail but something told me to get my camera and take a closer look. Took a few shots and chimped - wohoo! finally a Grey wagtail! First time I saw one I didnt get to take a photo and wasn't close enough to positively identify. I don't know why but this common bird is not so commonly seen - by me at least. But I am glad I finally get to really see one.

Bird #100 - Black-crowned night heron and second sighting of White-winged terns

Black-crowned night heron - juvenile

It's been a while since I last updated this blog. Been busy and all with daily life LOL. Anyway, I finally had a bit of time to update. Not much has happened since the last post except for my 100th lifer. It was on the early morning of May 15th. Saw nothing unusual until a large bird which thought at first was a Little heron but was just a little too big to be one. Clicked away and realized I had a night heron sighting. It was a juvenile though. What I find strange about the sighting is that these birds are suppose to be common but I've only seen them in captivity. This was the first time seeing one in the wild. I wish I had a better photo though but 300mm can only give you as much reach.

White-winged tern

The first sighting was at the Mactan channel when we were on a ship from Surigao.  And since then I was hoping to see the bird again.  However, the bird can be quite difficult to distinguish from the more common Whiskered tern when in non-breeding plumage. And so I thought, why not wait till the breeding season starts so they'll be easier to identify. And so I waited. The second sighting actually happened on the 18th at SRP behind the new SM mall. However, I was not able to produce photos.  I went out on the 18th to get photos of the Whiskered terns in breeding plumage. There was a huge group of terns resting on the mudflats which I thought at first were all just Whiskered terns. I got busy taking photos of the Whiskered terns flying back and fort in front of me until I notice that the group on the mudflats went flying like something spooked them. It was then that I saw one White-winged tern that stood out. I tried to get a photo but it just suddenly disappeared in that huge flock and it never showed itself again.  Two days later I decide to go back in the hopes of another sighting and hopefully a good photo. And they did not disappoint me. One bird came in first, flying just above the water and caught fish. This one was still not in full breeding plumage as it was still show specks of white in the chest and neck. A few minutes later a pair came flying in showing full breeding plumage.And I had the time of my life.

Nug-as, Alcoy - 2/7/15

I haven't been birding far for a while after that time in Alcoy - which was already more than a couple of months ago. I suffered a broken drive chain and was lucky to get help in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, I thought it would be a good time to go back and get more views of the Handsome sunbird and the endemic Coppersmith barbet we have here. The only problem that day was I couldn't leave early so me and a friend got there around noon - which was not really a good time since birds tend to be scarce during that time of the day.  Still we headed on out and managed an almost 3-hour drive.

Common moorhen

We made a quick stop at this location just a few hundred meters from the Simala exit but not past the Talo-ot wharf. It is across a public school and is still part of Sibonga. It is a small stretch of swamp but looks like it may have been a fish pond in the past. The first time I birded this far south and came by here, I didn't see any birds. The second time, I realized there were waders there. You just need to wait a few minutes and you'll start to see movement. It is the only other location where I have seen Common moorhens and Yellow and Cinnamon bitterns other than SRP. And the only place I've seen White-browed crakes. Other birds that can be seen here are Striated heron, Little egret, Golden-bellied gerygone, Clamorous reed-warbler, and flocks of Pink-necked pigeons if you come here early. They will fly by from the mangroves and head towards the hills. I also remember seeing White-browed crakes with two chicks one time. I only saw about 4 Common moorhens and 2 White-browed crakes that day. And....

Common sandpiper

it was my first time seeing a Common sandpiper in a non-mangrove habitat. It got spooked for some reason.  I also saw two on our way back in the rice paddies by the road in Argao.

Little egret

When we got to Argao, I saw this egret wading on the beach. I made a full turn and took a photo just in case. Turns out to be just your everyday Little egret. I was hoping for it to be a white morph Eastern reef egret - oh well!

Long-tailed shrike

We finally got to Alcoy, our first bird was this Long-tailed shrike hanging about looking for a meal. There were also a lot of swallows there. When we moved on - we realized that we were just a few meters from a dump site. Which explains the swallows. Further up the road we saw a male Pied bushchat. It flew away as soon as we stopped.

Black-chinned fruit dove

Our second bird is this Black-chinned fruit dove. We were browsing the tree tops for movement and finally saw this after only finding a lot of Philippine bulbuls.

Coppersmith Barbet - cebuensis

 On that same tree, we saw two smaller birds. We went around for a better view and voila! My first target bird. I wish I could have gotten closer or had a longer lens - *sigh*

Grey-streaked flycatcher

We decided to move on to another location. Heard a lot of calls but no birds seen. It was noon and I was not surprised. On the road leading to Dalaguete, we decided to walk a bit and see what the gully there had to offer. We heard a Black-shama and a couple of other calls I couldn't identify. Then saw something flitting in the branches and found this little G-SF. This was by the way the very same spot were I saw a female Handsome sunbird and was hoping to see it again there but it was a no show.

Brahminy kite

We walked  back up the road hoping to find the Handsome sunbird male on where I first saw it. A shadow above caught my eye and saw this BK and took a quick shot. They seem to be the only raptor I see all the time. I continued browsing the tree tops and no sign of movement except for a flock of White-eyes foraging.

Philippine pygmy woodpecker

A few minutes later this bird flew in from the shadows and I was able to snap a few. It was too quick and kept on moving and I couldn't get a clear shot.

White-vented whistler

We thought to walk down the road again. The G-SF was still there and a couple of Red-keeled flowerpeckers. This one I thought was a bulbul but thought it was a little too quiet to be one.

Possible Pygmy swiflet

I noticed that the swiftlets there were a little slow-flying compared to the ones I frequently see here in the city. Their flying was a little fluttery and were quite small.

Vent view of a Handsome sunbird

And so time passed and it was 3 pm already. We slowly made our way down and found a few birds. We decided to stop for a cigarette break on the first spot where we saw the CBs. On a tree just by the edge of the road I saw movement and thought it was just a White-eye foraging. But when I looked closer with my camera it turned out to be a Handsome sunbird! It was hopping around checking out the mistletoes. This was the only shot I had of it  T_T Well, at least I got to see all target birds. Well, all except for one. But I wasn't too optimistic about it since it is really quite rare. I hope to at least see it within this lifetime :D

Male Pied bushchat

Probably the same bird we saw on our way up.

Grey-streaked flycatcher

A second G-SF.

Blue-tailed bee-eater

Finally, after a long time. I finally get to see this bird again and up close. Too bad we couldn't stay for more photos.

Pink-necked green pigeon

And lastly this...I was expecting to see more though but hey!













I realized my 300mm was really just too short. I am now looking to get a TC for better reach. A 1.4x would be fine but may not be too significant. I may have to try out the x2s.

Futile attempt at shooting Striated swallows

I've always been trying to get a good photo of swallows and swifts in flight. Swallows are a bit easier since they're bigger. But still are hard to photograph for me at least, unless you can get close to a perching bird and wait for it to fly and then come back. I still don't have swifts on my life list. The reason is obvious. Other than them being hard to identify, they are almost impossible to photograph, in flight that is. Anyway, I got bored yesterday and went up the roof top hoping for close fly-bys. All three species of swallow were seen but mostly were Striated swallows. Some Pacific swallows do happen to fly close but are too fast for me to keep up. The best way I've found so far is to look out for a bird flying up-wind and wait for it to sort of do a glide. They then to be slower and you get nice shots with their wings open.

 Not really something you can be proud of but good enough for identification.

















This one is showing its buff rump.

The wind rider.




















Swallows - 1
Me - nil


oh well!

Mountainview Nature's Park - 1/25/15

I wasn't satisfied with the previous day so I decided to visit my avian friends at Mountainview.  This is one of the many places I frequently visit if I don't want to travel far.  It was a great day despite the heavy rain during first half of the day. But soon after the sun came out and I had more light.  All the usual birds were there but didn't see or hear from the Elegant tits. 

Arctic warbler

I was looking at some white-eyes when I saw something move from within the tree just in front of me. It was already drizzling and the wind picked up. Only managed this photo of an Arctic Warbler.

Asian glossy starling

Asian glossy starlings were present. Usually, they just fly by. I seem to be seeing more of them there. This guy stayed after the rest of the flock moved to another tree.

Philippine bulbul

Philippine bulbul - most abundant and loud bird there.

Red-keeled flowerpecker

Red-keeled flowerpecker - managed to snap a few while it was feeding on the berries.

Olive-backed sunbird

Olive-backed sunbird - didn't hear from these birds until after the rain. I got so close to this one and it didn't seem to mind me taking photos.

Female Philippine magpie-robin

Philippine magpie-robin - this female is munching on a praying mantis

Philippine coucal

Philippine coucal - this is just one of the few encounters i have of the bird. I usually only hear them or see short glimpses before they disappear into the foliage. I was half-way up the stairs, just sitting and waiting for a bird to come by but didn't expect for a coucal to show up. This bird noticed me and flew down towards the mango tree just below. These are really smart birds and are really good at hiding themselves and keep you from getting a good view. 

Magnificent sunbird

Magnificent sunbird - I shot this through a narrow gap on the fence and torch ginger stalks.  Which is why I was to get really close. All the bird probably saw of me was a black circle.

Magnificent sunbird

Here's another one showing more of the blue iridescent tail feathers.















It was a fruitful day for me. I wish it was like this every time I go out birding :D

Lutopan to Sudlon II - 1/24/2015

Random trip. Wasn't really a good day for bird photography but still fine for birding. Tropical depression looming and the weather forecast wasn't so good. Still, we went ahead to Lutopan and had a chance to bird there. We had to climb a small hill where once you get to the other side you will have a good view of the mining pit there. Saw some Blue-tailed bee-eaters, White-breasted woodswallows flying overhead, Pink-necked pigeons, Long-tailed shrikes, Paddyfield pipits and Striated grassbirds.  After lunch we went through the manipis-sudlon-cantipla access road.

Paddyfield pipit

One of two birds we saw there.

Been looking for these birds for a while. I used to see a lot of them by the road on power lines. Lately, the only views I have of them are like this.

Pink-necked green pigeons

 Pink-necked green pigeons. A hill too far.

White-breasted woodswallow

After the bee-eaters a group of woodswallows showed up.

 One of the Long-tailed shrikes there.

On our way to Cantipla, we had good views of Everett's white-eyes foraging. After that the weather got worse and headed straight home. This photo was the only good one I had that day.

SRP - Pre-Sinulog and Sinulog day :D

Saturday, day before Sinulog I had to go home to Tabunok to take care of something.  On my way home I always take time to check on the areas at SRP opposite of Lantaw Restaurant and the water hole adjacent to the exit to the UP SRP campus.  I saw one Philippine duck across Lantaw and then went on. At the water hole I saw a white bird which I found a bit odd. I took it for a domesticated duck but turned out to be a Black-headed gull. This bird must be the same one I keep seeing at the Pasil port. It probably wanted some peace and quiet since this was during the fluvial parade.





I've been seeing more Philippine ducks lately. I usually see three individuals- which I think are residents there. This was also on the same water hole. There were 24 ducks! This is the most number I have seen here so far. I will continue to check on them every week. A couple of days back I saw about 14 birds on the same water hole and 2 across Lantaw.
  

The next day, I just thought I'd make a quick stop at my local patch to see if I find anything new. Not much though but I did get close to a Pacific Golden plover. I consider them rare but I am seeing more of them now but only in few numbers. I saw two of them that day. After an hour, I left and decided to stop by the Peregrine falcon's usual perch. The bird was still there. I only took snap shots for documentation and then went home.

Brown shrike - was very obliging.

White-collared kingfisher - by far the most common kingfisher found here in Cebu. I've only been seeing two species so far. This and the Common.

This individual banked left and landed on the mud flats. 

A couple of minutes later two more came flying in and met up with the one above.

Javan Pond heron - getting more common. The first few months I birded at SRP I would usually just see one or two individuals. Lately, I am seeing more of them by the dikes. This guy stood still for a bit until I raised my camera. Was able to lock on him and managed this bif.

2nd sighting of a Peregrine Falcon

It was Sunday and I decided to go birding at one of my usual birding spots. Unfortunately, I could not disclose the location of the sighting as I was given a heads-up by a veteran birder that the bird's safety is at risk since it is a known predator of rock pigeons. What that means is, well, it just so happens that there are a lot of racing pigeon enthusiasts here in Cebu. And I have been told that falcons were shot to protect their pets whenever they had the chance.  Anyway, I found the bird by accident. It was a gloomy day like all days recently, just had a typhoon pass through. It started drizzling and I was about to leave when I saw a swallow like bird but was a little too big to be one. In just a couple of seconds it dawned on me that this was a raptor. And not just any other raptor. I trained my camera and lens and fired, chimped and zoomed to confirm - and yes! I was right! Then took more shots as it flew by. After that I realized I was shooting at 1/500. Argh! Luckily I still had sharp ones good enough for id. After seeing the bird from a distance and getting familiar with its silhouette, I realized that I have seen it twice before my first confirmed sighting. The first one was at Busay, same location as the first confirmed sighting. Same thing - it looked like a big swallow but disappeared as I went for my camera. The second time was at the same location of this sighting. All I saw though was a black bird flying away that didn't look like one of the usual birds I'd find there. I was able to get a photo but was out of focus and just had to delete it. After this second confirmed sighting, I now believe I have seen this bird more than twice. I hope to see more of it there. I'll try not to be conspicuous when observing it for the bird's sake.

Looking for the 100th....

I was only 1 bird short by the 31st of December. And I wanted to make it to 100 before the new year. I headed back to Cansaga for the 3rd time. Didn't find my 100th bird sadly, but had good views and saw more of the species found there.

Did the usual thing, came early and waited for the tide to subside. However, the tide was scheduled at the lowest by 11:30 that morning, and it was still 7 am when I got there. Still, birds kept coming in. The ones new to me are the Whimbrels, Curlews and Far-eastern Curlews - which I still can't get enough of. They seem to be a staple there now that I have been frequenting there. I used to think that the first time I saw them was just pure luck and the birds just happened to be there. Turns out they do winter here and Cansaga bay was one of their feeding sites.  I wish to find more wader species though. Those Broad-billed sandpipers were a good find. Didn't see them again that day though.

This Curlew flew over head. I managed to get a shot as it came closer. Not too good though since it was really gloomy that day.












Minutes later a mixed flock of Curlews with 3 Far-eastern curlews came in.

Another frame of the same birds.

This seems to be the highlight of the day for me. I've only seen Grey herons twice. One at SRP and another one in Argao. I used to think that maybe I may have seen the same individual. After seeing this, everything changed. I haven't seen so many Grey herons together. I first noticed them soaring just above the mangroves by the Mactan channel - which was just east of the bridge and the general direction I was facing. It looked like they got spooked and took to the air and landed back. I thought they were just back-lit egrets and didn't pay any mind. I even thought they were raptors at one point, that I decided to take a snap and zoomed 100% on my lcd. The silhouettes were of egret/heron but didn't really think to find them interesting since there were a lot of egrets about and they could have been just one of them. It was not until one flew northwards that I realized I was wrong. The bird was already northeast so there's no way it could still be back-lit. I took a snap and chimped - Grey heron!

Minutes later, a couple more took off and went the same direction. Then four followed and then 12! Well, 10 then 2 followed close by. I never thought I'd see this many birds at one time. Then it hit me- they were heading north. It was just the 31st of December. Don't you think it was still too early for them to head north? Perhaps they were just going north but not really all the way north back to their breeding grounds. I'll have to do research on these birds.

Then a little later another mixed flock came in. This time it was 2 Curlews and the rest - Far-eastern curlews.









Unfortunately, I had to leave early. I promised my wife I'd be back by noon. So no 100th bird but still, it was a good birding day for me.