Compiled by Mike Lu
JANUARY 2025
January 5, 2025 – WBCP New Year Party at the Villa-Real residence, Quezon City
WBCP members gathered for their annual New Year Party at the residence of Alice Villa-Real in Quezon City. Denise Samson hosted the short program by inviting members to introduce themselves followed by a short trivia game on birds and the club. Members then partook of the catered dinner and the program resumed with a short talk by President Mike Lu announcing upcoming activities for 2025, followed by the traditional pick-your-prize raffle game handled by Tommy Tan. Cristina Cinco headed the registration table and Rose Lacson manned the merchandise table.
January 7, 2025 – Asian Waterbird Census in Ticao Island, Masbate
The primary reason for including Bongsanglay Natural Park in Ticao (Masbate) in the AWC was to check on the resident population of Wandering Whistling Ducks.
WBCP member Justine Albao joined the survey which only recorded 6 species. The resident population of Wandering Whistling Ducks was estimated at 60 birds. Notable wetland species was a pair of Malaysian Plovers in breeding plumage. Two abandoned mounds of Tabon Scrubfowl were also seen which indicated the presence of the species, however the abandonment also meant these mounds were disturbed as there were incidences of poaching of Tabon Scrubfowl eggs.
January 8-9, 2025 – Asian Waterbird Census in Pagbilao, Quezon
On this last AWC at the Pagbilao power plant before its turnover to Aboitiz Power later in the year, WBCP President Mike Lu and member Bernard Lu joined Team Energy Foundation staff led by its Vice President Ma. Teresa Lopez, Diahne Maningding, Belle Tapia, biologist Ronald Altamirano, and Tayabas CENRO personnel to monitor the resident duck population at the power plant. The team recorded Philippine Ducks 400+ strong with other wintering duck species – Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, and Northern Pintail. The team also visited the Pagbilao Experimental Mangrove Forest and the adjoining fishponds.
January 14, 2025 – DENR-ADB/GEF WildINVEST Project Consultation and Workshop at the Asian Development Bank, Mandaluyong City
VP Cristina Cinco represented the WBCP last January 14 in the second round of consultations for the WildINVEST forum at the Asian Development Bank headquarters. The workshop theme of the joint Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) andAsian Development/ Global Environment Facility (ADB/GEF) was “Investing in Wildlife Conservation through Enforcement, Livelihoods and Tourism.” The WBCP provided inputs regarding the funding of nature-oriented endeavors. Major topics tackled were the identification of potential eco-tourism sites, the building of non-invasive structures, and the illegal wildlife trade. Eco-tourism was deemed as an alternative source of income for these communities with birdwatching identified as one of the promising activities. Present during the event were the DENR, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Tourism along with multi-sectoral representatives from the military, conservation and civil society organizations. Other WBCP members on board were Caloy Libosada as project consultant and resource person Karen Ochavo, both are from the Asian Development Bank.
January 16, 2025 – Online Meeting with DENR Bulacan in preparation for the Asian Waterbird Census
Last January 16, 2024, an online meeting was organized by Ms. Marilyn Budac, CDS Penro Bulacan with volunteers from the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and DENR- Bulacan for the Asian Waterbird Census scheduled for January 27 in Sta. Cruz, Paombong and January 29 in Pamarawan, Malolos. The plan of action for the AWC was undertaken including the tidal conditions, logistics, and a briefing on the flow of events that will take place during the two-day activity. Attendees during the meeting included AWC participants from PENRO-Bulacan, CENRO-Baliwag, and members of the academe from Bulacan State University. The online meeting became the introductory interaction between the DENR participants and volunteers from the WBCP namely Vice President Cristina R. Cinco, Secretary Maia Tanedo, Djop Tabaranza, and Riza Melicor.
January 17, 2025 – Waterbird Identification and Monitoring Workshop at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
The Protected Area Management Office of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) hosted a workshop on bird identification and counting techniques on Friday, 17 January 2025 at the Wetland Auditorium. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ skills in waterbird monitoring in preparation for the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC).
Participants included representatives from the Conservation and Development Division (CDD) of the DENR National Capital Region, the City Environment and Natural Resource Offices of Parañaque and Las Piñas, and the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office-South.
Mr. Justin De Ramos, Chief of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section, provided an overview of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and the Ramsar Convention while emphasizing the vital role of wetlands in supporting waterbird populations and biodiversity.
Maia Tañedo and Cristina Cinco from the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines stressed the importance of waterbirds as environmental indicators. They shared insights into conducting the census and distinguishing bird species with similar characteristics. Participants applied their knowledge during a hands-on bird identification session at the South Lagoon.
The workshop strengthens the accuracy of counts and contribute valuable data for conservation strategies.
January 20, 2025 – Asian Waterbird Census at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
WBCP members Rene Calado and Justin Albao volunteered for the AWC count at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park which is composed of two islands – Freedom Island on the Parañaque side and Long Island on the LasPiñas side. A total of 2,513 individuals belonging to 28 water bird species were counted this year. The two highest counts belong to the Whiskered Terns at 657 individuals and Black-winged Stilts at 389 individuals.
January 20, 2025 – Asian Waterbird Census in Malanday & Tagalag (Valenzuela)
WBCP member Riza Melicor joined the DENR-NCR survey team in monitoring the waterbirds of Malanday and Tagalag, both in Valenzuela. At the Manila Broadcasting Compound in Malanday, the dominant species was Purple Heron with 85 birds counted. In Tagalag, 18 species with a total 1,312 birds counted, the most common resident species was Common Moorhen with 61 birds and while the highest number of migratory species was the Whiskered Tern with 1,183 birds counted.
January 23-25, 2025 – Ocular trip to Hermana Mayor Island, Sta. Ana, Zambales
The WBCP was contacted by the Delgado/Prieto family, owners of Hermana Mayor Island in Sta. Ana, Zambales, to help train bird guides and develop birdwatching activities on the island. During the initial meeting with Mike Lu, the owners shared a bird list of 29 species from an initial survey and Mike suggested that a bird survey should be part of the visit. Led by Jops Josef and joined by Ruben Bala and Dindo Malonzo, the WBCP team trained bird guides and added 45 more species to the initial survey list.
Hermana Mayor has a great mix of habitats for a variety of species, it’s a great rest-stop for passage migrants (reminiscent of Batanes.) Among the notable migrants seen by the team were Pale Thrush, White-cheeked Ashy Drongo, Amur Stonechat, Malaysian Plover, and Siberian Sand Plover among others. The pond in the middle of the island is home to a flock of Philippine Ducks, owing to the time of the year, there were also migrant Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail, and Common Pochard. Small island specialists such as Pied Imperial Pigeon and Philippine Megapode also thrive in the island.
January 25, 2025 – Asian Waterbird Census in Balanga, Bataan
The city of Balanga (Bataan) invites the WBCP annually to assist the DENR in the conduct of the Asian Waterbird Census in the wetlands of Balanga. WBCP volunteer counters were divided into 5 groups to cover different wetlands sites in Balanga and one site in the adjacent town of Pilar. A total of 15,177 individuals representing 41 water bird species were counted. The most common bird was the Whiskered Tern (3837 counted) and notable species were Chinese Egret (first record) and Philippine Duck (second record.)
WBCP members who joined the trip were Ana Alcantara, Rene Calado, Krees Castaneda, Nancy Dimayacyac, Natalie Galibut, Rose Lacson, Mike Lu, Art and Riza Melicor, Cathy Mendoza, Rusell Orodio, and Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap.
January 27 & 29, 2025 – Asian Waterbird Census in Paombong & Malolos, Bulacan
The Asian Waterbird Census – Bulacan was held last January 27,2025 for Paombong and January 29,2025 for Malolos. The AWC-Bulacan survey group numbered 30 participants and was composed of DENR-PENRO Bulacan, faculty members from the Bulacan State University, and the WBCP.
Among the locations covered were the Sta. Cruz sandbar, the Mangrove Forest of Pamarawan, and San Miguel Aerocity Inc.’s (SMAI) offset site in Caliligawan, Malolos. The AWC also served as a training ground for bird identification and bird counting as most DENR-PENRO staff were new to the activity. Total count for the two-day survey was 20,143 migratory birds with high counts of Great Knotsnumbering more than 1,000 and classified by the IUCN as Endangered, and 7,000 Black-tailed Godwitswhose status in now Near Threatened. Surprise rarities also showed up with a lone Laughing Gull was spotted in the sandbar in Sta. Cruz, Paombong, while a Nordsmann’s Greenshank appeared in both Paombong and Pamarawan. The WBCP members who participated during the two-day AWC in Bulacan were Vice President Cristina Cinco, Secretary Maia Tanedo, Riza Melicor, Vinz Pascua, Djop Tabaranza, and Junrey Tubarno.
FEBRUARY 2025
February 2, 2025 – Monthly guided birdwatching trip at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City
The first guided birdwatching trip for the general public in 2025 resumed on February 2 at the La Mesa Ecopark. The club did not organize any guided trips in January since club members were assisting the DENR in the conduct of the annual Asian Waterbird Census.
The group of 30 participants were joined by a good number of WBCP volunteers, namely Ruben Bala, Cait de Leon, Joshua Cerdenia, Enrico Legaspi, Mike Lu, Isa Navario, Russell Orodio, Jayanti Pandey, and Stevie Mehta.
It was a productive day with good views of Philippine Cuckoo Dove, Ashy Ground Thrush, Black-chinned Fruit Dove, a fly-by Osprey amongst other species.
February 4, 2025 – Online Educational interaction with Grade 6 students MGC New Life Christian Academy
In preparation for a science project entitled “Life on Land,” Grade 6 students of MGC New Life Christian Academy requested for a learning session on the bird life of the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park. A presentation was given by Vice President Cristina Cinco for students via ZOOM. Also included was an introductory talk on birdwatching. This learning session will be followed by an actual scheduled field trip to the LPPWP.
February 11, 2025 – Club trip to Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmarinas, Cavite
WBCP members Russell Andaya, Ruben Bala, Allan Holar, Myles Holar, Zeny Lloyd, John Mills, Isa Navarro, and Eire Rivera took part in the annual bird survey of The Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite on February 11, 2025. Joining the WBCP team were Ms. Anna Legaspi of the golf club’s Environmental Compliance Department, six staff members, and a family of four first-time birders who are The Orchard club members. The group was divided into two and was able to finish the survey of both the Palmer and Player Courses in three and a half hours.
The survey team tallied a total of 48 species for a total bird count of 379. The vulnerable Philippine Duck had made its home in Orchard Golf and the survey team counted 15 birds. The sighting of the Pink-necked Green Pigeon was a notable addition to The Orchard’s growing bird list, now at 85 species.
February 13,2025 – Invitation by PENRO Bulacan for a Civil Society Organizations Consultation
The WBCP was invited to join a hybrid meeting by Provincial Environmental Regional Office-Bulacan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a hybrid consultation last February 13, 2025. The club was represented by Vice President Cristina Cinco. The WBCP was consulted on the necessary equipment needed to undertake survey activities specifically for the Asian Waterbird Survey to be included in the 2026 proposed budget. Recommendations were also made for inclusion in the forthcoming activities and projects in 2026 by DENR-Bulacan.
February 16, 2025 – Club Trip to Victoria Valley in Antipolo, Rizal
George Chiu of Victoria Valley invited club members to visit his place in time for the flowering of the Malabulak trees. The huge orange flowers of the Malabulak attract many species of birds. An unusual number of Black-naped Orioles, probably around 40 birds, and White-breasted Wood swallows greeted the club members. A total of 24 species were recorded by members Mike Lu, Ruben Bala, JW & Zeny Mills, Cait de Leon, Irynn Abano, Weng, Anthony and Frances Custodio, Rodec de la Cruz, and Tsarina Agcaoili.
February 21, 2025 – Ibong Dayo Festival in Balanga City, Bataan
Held in conjunction with the National Arts Month, the 11th Ibong Dayo (Migratory Bird) Festival commenced with a street parade led by Balanga City Mayor Francis Garcia from the Plaza Mayor de Balanga to the Balanga Nature and Wetland Park. Students from participating schools performed traditional songs and dances, that highlight birds as its theme like the tinikling and the lapay bantigue. There were also competitions for best designed tricycle and bird costume. The Ibong Dayo Festival was an offshoot of the 5th Philippine Bird Festival in 2009. The WBCP was represented by Club President Mike Lu.
February 22, 2025 – Guided trip for Living Learning Homeschoolers in Mt Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna
The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines guided Living Learning Homeschool – Natural History Club as the group went birding in Makiling Botanic Garden in Los Baños, Laguna on February 23.
Highlights for both the kids and their parents include male and female Luzon Hornbill, Scale-feathered and Red-crested Malkohas, and Red-keeled Flowerpecker. The kids then made sketches on their nature journals.
WBCP members Carmel Eje, Nikdye Realubit, Rene Calado, Ana Alcantara, Eire Daproza, Anthony Custodio, and Weng Custodio volunteered for this activity.
February 23, 2025 – Ocular Trip in Villar City, Dasmarinas, Cavite
WBCP members Mike Lu and Yani Barcenas conducted an ocular trip in Villar City upon the invitation of the Brittany Corporation’s Corporate Communications Head Erica Lingat. The estate is dominated by grass and scrublands with a few stands of trees. In a small pond, the group saw a Buff-Banded Rail amongst other grassland species and in the Forresta Café area, a good number of common species such as Scaly-breasted and Chestnut Munias, White-breasted Wood Swallows, and others totaling 22 species were seen within 2 hours. Suggestions were given regarding the property and hopefully the developers will listen to the Club’s inputs.
February 24, 2025 – Online Talk on Birds for Patterson Park Public Charter School in Baltimore
Club Secretary Maia Tanedo was invited to do an online talk to first grade students of Patterson Park Public Carter School based in Baltimore, Maryland. Maia talked about birds and how they use their body parts to survive. The kids asked a lot of questions after the talk and also shared their work about birds.
February 25, 2025 – Guided trip for Homeschool Global Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers in UP Diliman, Quezon City
Homeschool Global Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers went on a guided trip with WBCP on February 25 at UP Diliman National Science Complex. Kids and parents alike were excited to see birds other than the maya – two pairs of Black-naped Orioles busily flying around the parking area, a Long-tailed Shrike chilling on a low perch nearby, a male Garden Sunbird showing off its colors, a Pgymy Woodpecker hopping up and down a tree branch, among many others. Guides were Enrico Legaspi, Jops Josef, Rosanne Unson, Bernadette de Venecia, Cathy Mendoza, and Tsarina Agcaoili together with daughters Ysabel and Mikaela.
