The Philippines - Birdtour Asia

views of Rufous-fronted Tailorbird highlighted in the early afternoon before we settled into a different clearing
for the late afternoon. Many Writhed Hornbills were soon found, totalling more than 40 by the days end, and so
our hopes were high but it was a long wait before the deep booms of Rufous Hornbills rang out across the
forest and we headed their way hoping for views, and we were not disappointed... the family of four gave
amazing looks as they twice passed overhead before perching up nearby for us to admire through the ‘scope,
quite magnificent and no surprise when they were ultimately voted as bird-of-the-tour!
Mindanao Pygmy Babbler and Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, PICOP, Mindanao
We decide to start our final day at PICOP in this same area, hoping that the fruiting trees attracting the
hornbills might also be drawing in many other species. There were again many Writhed Hornbills in the area but
also other frugivores like Philippine Fairy Bluebirds, Philippine Green Pigeon, Guaiabero and numerous
Coppersmith Barbets. Heading into the nearby forest, the pulses were soon racing as the Celestial Monarch was
calling again, and this time they obliged brilliantly, including several prolonged ‘scope views of the male! While
watching these a pair of Blue-crowned Racquet-tails passed close overhead as did a huge Pink-bellied Imperial
Pigeon just meters above our head!
With the heat rising, a short spell of raptor watching produced at least two Steere’s Honey Buzzards alongside
Philippine Serpent Eagle, then in spite of the midday heat we decide on a last bash for a couple of missing
endemics and this paid off in fine fashion; firstly a dapper Olive-backed Flowerpecker, then a Philippine Leafbird
which lived up to its name by being perfectly camouflaged as it tried to stay hidden in the foliage, and between
all these was yet another magnificent Rufous Hornbill family!
After another picnic lunch we headed to a rather grotty pond which has for many years been renowned as an
easy place to see Southern Silvery Kingfisher. They have become more aloof in recent years and it took some
hours before one finally appeared but it was certainly worth the effort as this tiny jewel with its plumage
spangled with white and topped with bright red feet, posed perfectly. From here we headed out to the rarely
used airfield at Bislig only to be thwarted by torrential rain which left us with only a short time for birding,
although we did still managed to find both Philippine and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Cinnamon, Black and
Yellow Bitterns, Watercock, Ruddy-breasted Crake and White-browed Crake! On our way back Philippine
Nightjars dotted the runway and Fred’s sharp eyes spotted an Eastern Grass Owl heading our way, which we
watched float passed in the spotlight.
Another travel day followed, flying first back to Manila then onwards to Palawan where we spent the night in
the bustling capital Puerto Princesa ready for a whole new injection of new birds the next day. Our first morning
on this decidedly tropical island was spent along the Balsahan Trail which follows the picturesque Balsahan
River as it meanders through some fine lowland forest. New birds were quick to appear; Palawan Crows, Pinstriped
Tit Babblers, Dark-sided Flycatcher, huge Great Slaty Woodpeckers passing overhead and our first
island endemics like Lovely Sunbird, Palawan Tits, White-vented Shama, Yellow-throated Leafbird, and two
recently split bulbuls; Ashy-fronted (from Olive-winged) and Palawan (from Grey-cheeked). Our two main
targets here also made appearances fairly fast, firstly a dapper Palawan Flycatcher with its bright orange throat
and rufous tail, barely recognisable as the dull creature depicted in the field guide! The next were a pair of
Melodious Babblers which were easy to hear but difficult to catch sight of these arch skulkers, and it was some
time before one finally paused in the open. Sightings of a pair of Palawan Blue Flycatchers finished our walk
nicely although there were still more to add when a stop on the exit road found an obliging pair of Blue Paradise
Flycatchers, Crested Serpent Eagle, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Black-headed Bulbul and our first Palawan
Flowerpecker. A stop in the nearby rice fields was a great finish to the morning with a White-headed Stilt hiding
amongst its Black-winged compatriates, Swinhoe’s Snipe, Ruff, Oriental Pratincole and numerous Long-toed
Stints on offer before we celebrated with a fine seafood feast.