Enjoying the Few

Surprisingly it wasn't that birdy Saturday morning at Mt. Palay-palay. Our friend Peter's target birds were unbelievably nowhere to be found. In our previous trips to this place, those species were almost always guaranteed to be seen. Where were the Whiskered Treeswifts? the Luzon Hornbills? the Philippine Green Pigeons? or the Philippine Coucals?

Thankfully, those few that showed up were a bit more cooperative and gave us good photo opportunities. Foremost among these were the Philippine Falconets. They seem to be almost everywhere!

Another bird known for its skittishness - the White-throated Kingfisher - was more friendly this time, posing for us until we've had our fill.

As we were driving up, both Peter and my wife heard a cacophony of bird calls. Peter stopped the car and as we got out, a mixed flock of Grey-streaked Flycatchers, Philippine Bulbuls and Stripe-headed Rhabdornises were congregating on a tree.

Grey-streaked Flycatcher

Philippine Bulbul

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis

Eventually they moved on. Except for the ubiquitous Falconets, we didn't see any more birds as we continued on towards the gate of the Caylabne Resort. A little after 10 am we all agreed to turn around and head home. Halfway down the road, the Brahminy Kites - another regular here - came flying much closer. We were all trying to get that perfect BIF (bird in flight) shot when Peter noticed another raptor soaring with the Brahminys. 

"Serpent Eagle!" he shouted. We all turned our attention at this magnificent bird.

Having done their part, both raptors flew off to the blue yonder. It was an awesome sight. 

As we drove home, we were happy. Despite the scarcity of species, we still enjoyed the few that we have seen.