The Philippines - Birdtour Asia

his stunning plumage before us and followed us (particularly Oliver!) along the trails before retreating into the
forest onto a handy fallen log and have a long series of territorial calls as he fanned his tail to flash his bright
blue ocelli. It was no surprise that he won the bird of the day vote! Also in the area we enjoyed fine looks at
two Hooded Pittas and after some searching a Ruddy Kingfisher, whose red tones glowed in the forest. We
finished our visit here with a very obliging pair of Tabon Scrubfowl, scratching about unconcerned in the leaflitter,
then a group of four Eastern Reef Egrets, three dark and one white, on rocks as we headed back. Some
final late morning birding along the road gave us improved views of Blue-headed Racquet-tail, our first Brownbacked
Needletail and skulking Ashy-headed Babblers. In the afternoon we took to the roads again, taking just
minutes to find our first target, Spot-throated Flameback. Some excellent activity followed involving many of
the species seen already with only Asian Drongo Cuckoo, Fiery Minivet, Black-chinned Fruit Dove and a flyover
Oriental Hobby new, although mega views of Great Slaty Woodpecker and many migrating Chinese Goshawk
and Grey-faced Buzzard were great to see. Another night-birding session frustrated us with a calling Palawan
Scops Owl only glimpsed in flight.
Falcated Ground Babbler and Hooded Pitta, St. Paul’s N.P., Palawan
Mantanani Scops Owl and Grey Imperial Pigeon, Honda Bay, Palawan
We still had one big target left for the final morning near Sabang and our first site drew a blank again, although
perched Blue-headed Racquet-tails were some compensation. Our second site looked to be heading for failure
as well until a dark shape scurrying on the forest floor signalled the arrival of a pair of Falcated Ground Babbler
which defied their usual skulking nature to give the most amazing performance we’ve ever had, approaching us