Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) Sacred Heart Novitiate, Quezon City
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 |
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) 
Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City
Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius) Soccer field, Xavier School, San Juan
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Eurasian Tree-Sparrow
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Yellow-vented Bulbul
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