Peeps Avenue

It was quite unexpected. Seeing so many peeps on the fallow fields as we were about to leave the Candaba Wetlands. However, as fate would have it, the light was so harsh from the noonday sun that our resulting photos were all "documentary" in quality. Still it was such a pleasant surprise to see these tiny brown birds, some of which were already donning their breeding plumages, in a tiny patch of muddy field.

Little Ringed Plover

Long-toed Stint

Kentish Plover

But then it was a day of unexpected encounters. While Peter and Irene were photographing the Chestnut Munias and Striated Grassbirds, Cynthia and I were treated to a "show" by a nonchalant Clamorous Reed Warbler. We called our friends and pointed to them the friendly bird. 

From there we moved on towards the Mayor's house. As we were negotiating a corner, Peter asked, "what is that on the tree?" We all looked at the tall trees beside us and saw nothing. "That tree!" Peter pointed to a skinny branch protruding from an equally frail growth. We all looked and saw an incongruous brown thing perched near the top of the "tree". It couldn't be a bittern I thought to myself, for no self-respecting bittern would expose so much of itself at so high a place. And this bird is not big enough to be a Grey or Purple Heron. 

We all alit from the car to get a better look. Then exclamation points popped above my head! Of course, it had to be a Pond Heron! Javan, most likely, for isn't it that one was found here at just about the same time two years ago? Eventually the bird flew off and we saw it again later at the "Mayor's pond" busily hunting for food.

As were about to board the car to continue on our way, I noticed another bird sticking its neck and upper body out of a huge bush. I walked towards and was surprised to have a "first sighting" here in Candaba - it was a juvenile Woodcock! 

On the way to the "Mayor's pond" we stopped by the haunts of the Dusky Warbler. It wasn't long when Irene heard the distinct "tschack, tschack". Unexpectedly, the tiny Warbler stopped its skulking and posed for a few seconds, preening under the densest of shrubs.

Also, for the first time in Candaba, we saw a Lesser Coucal bask in the early morning sun. 

As the midday sun beat mercilessly on us, we decided to call it a day. That was when we had that fateful encounter with the SSPs (Sandpipers, Stints and Plovers). Because of that I thought of naming that road Peeps Avenue. Quite appropriate if I may say so myself.

Coron Trip: Day 6 - Five, More and Less

We met up with our new friend, Maween Rios Reyes, at the small patch of forest adjoining the San Agustin Academy premises. Just as she described to us yesterday, this place was quite birdy. However, the birds were those that we have already seen at Capayas Creek. It was still thrilling though to be serenaded by a White-vented Shama this early in the morning. The Black-naped Monarchs and Olive-backed Sunbirds were already busy hunting for food. A lone Grey Wagtail was a lifer to our friend who was just getting into the birding groove.

After about an hour, we have seen all the birds that this place had to offer. Since it was still early, Cynthia and I invited Maween back to the boulevard. I still want to get further documentation of the waders that inhabit that area. Somehow I couldn't get over the fact that these tiny patches of water not far from a marketplace would harbor such a diversity of birds!

Sadly when we got there, the avian population had become sparse. The lone Black-headed Gull still remained along with the Whiskered Terns though. 

The Plovers were down to a few Kentish(?) Lesser Sand (?). 

The Red-necked Stint pair were still foraging tirelessly. 

Both the solo Grey-tailed Tattler and Wood Sandpiper also decided to stick around. 

Of the Wagtails, only one Yellow remained.

We attributed the decline to the slowly evaporating ponds caused by the fiercely shining sun. The heat was so intense that Cynthia and Maween could no longer endure standing in the open. I, on the other hand, was intent on my desire to photograph the unusual shore birds of Coron. Until I noticed my clothes sticking to my skin like duct tape. Reluctantly, I joined my companions who were fanning themselves vigorously in the semi-comfort of a shade.

My wife and I thanked our friend for a wonderful morning then bade her a fond farewell and promised to keep in touch.

Around 10 am while we waited for the van that will take us to the airport, Cynthia and I reminisced on our adventures here in Coron. It was pretty much summarized as: five lifers more and five pounds less.