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Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus maculatus) High School Patio, Xavier School, San Juan

After a month of ECQ, what else can we do aside from watching Netflix or using our gadgets? There are actually a good number of meaningful activities, which can serve as alternatives to the usual things we do during this quarantine period – one of which is birdwatching. It is a perfect antidote to the nagging boredom we feel in our respective homes. This unfamiliar activity allows us to rediscover the beauty of nature while observing social distancing (physical distancing). All we need to do is simply be attentive to the present moment and listen to the melodic songs and calls of our feathered friends. We have more than 700 different bird species in the country! So be surprised to hear an orchestra performed by these winged creatures! Unfortunately, we don’t notice these sounds most of the time because we’re busy or preoccupied by a lot of things, but since our surroundings are more quiet than usual, it would be impossible not to hear or spot some of these birds.

Birding Basics

Best time to observe birds:

• Morning (6:00 to 9:00 AM)

• Noon (12:00 NN to 1:00PM) Most of the pictures I took were during this time since the birds are less active and maybe taking their siesta.

• Afternoon (4:00 to 6:00 PM)

Places to observe birds AT HOME:

• Backyard/Garden

• Just outside your Window

• Waterways (creek, river, or bay area)

Things to prepare prior to birdwatching:

1. pen and notebook - to record or log the birds you’ll see. You may take note of their color, the kind of sound you hear and how many of them you’ll see in an area.

2. Quick Guide on Birds from Haribon.org – it’s a handy guide of common birds you can see in our urban landscape. (https://bit.ly/2VS9xxr)

3. binoculars (optional) – this will allow you to see the birds closely without really disturbing them from their natural habitat. It will make you appreciate the bird’s distinct features.

4. camera (optional) - this will help you document the birds that you’ll see. It would be better to use super telephoto zoom lens so as not to disturb bird activity. I suggest that if you get a good shot of any bird and would want help for it to be identified to send me an email @ rolandtdelacerna@xs.edu.ph, and I would gladly assist you. We might even be able to create our very own Xavier School Birdwatching community.

5. clothing (preferably earth colors so that you don’t scare the birds away)

Take note that birdwatching is not as simple as it looks. This activity will test your patience and observation skills. You might not be successful on your first try, but don’t give up. Patience will actually pay off.

Birdwatching can also be considered good exercise if you’ll be walking around your backyard or standing for sometime to wait for a good glimpse of our feathered friends. Remember that posture is also very important. You wouldn’t want to end up with a stiff neck. It is best to bend backwards when birdwatching so as not to strain your neck.

Some helpful sites about birdwatching in the Philippines:
• Wild Bird Club of the Philippines
• Haribon Foundation
• List of Birds in the Philippines

Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) Sacred Heart Novitiate, Quezon City

Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius) Soccer field, Xavier School, San Juan

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Eurasian Tree-Sparrow

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

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