Birdwatching hailed as a fresh attraction for the northern Philippines

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has teamed up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to promote more birdwatching activities in the Northern Philippines.

For both agencies, the act of birdwatching goes beyond leisure as it serves to boost awareness regarding environmental conservation and offers measures for sustainable livelihood for citizens in the Ilocos Region

The departments held their initial joint birdwatching caravan from 4th to 9th April, bringing along around 30 professional and amateur birders, photographers, and enthusiasts to the north.

Participants documented several avian species in their natural habitat throughout the nearly week-long event.

DENR officials also pointed out that, beyond the Ilocos Region, the Philippines has 117 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covering 32,302 square km. that act as a refuge for as many as 115 globally-threatened species of water birds.

A prime centre for birdwatching

Based on the annual Asian Waterbird Census, the legendary Paoay Lake Natural Park in the Ilocos Region has provided shelter to numerous bird species.

Among those resident in the region are the Little Grebe, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Philippine Duck, Tufted Duck, White-browed Crake, Common Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, and the Great Cormorant.

Birders who visited the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park likewise reported at least 18 bird species, among which were endemic birds like the Common Emerald Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Scops Owl, Rufous Hornbill, Philippine Forest Kingfisher, Coleto, Woodpecker, Hanging Parakeet, Quail, Labuyo or wild chicken, Brahminy Kite, Tarictic Hornbill, Serpent Eagle, Philippine Hawk Eagle, and Little Crow.