Leader: Rob Hutchinson

Participants: Johan Buijsman, Eldert Groenewoud, Dick Meijer,

Rienk Nieuwland and Peter van Scheepen

Palawan Peacock Pheasant – St Paul NP, Palawan © Rob Hutchinson/Birdtour Asia

This popular two-week custom tour to the Philippines archipelago again proved a great success. We covered the islands of Mindanao, Palawan and central Luzon and found no less than 126 birds endemic to the Philippines among a total of 272 species recorded. There were of course a multitude of highlights and special species but the amazing views of the Philippines national bird – the immense Philippine Eagle – attending a nest in the remote mountains of Mindanao was particularly unforgettable. Also on Mindanao we recorded both Short-crested Monarch and the spectacular Celestial Monarch, Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher, Red-eared Parrotfinch, Steere’s and Red-bellied Pitta’s and the rarely-seen Mindanao Scops-Owl.
On Palawan we found all the possible island endemics including amazing views of Palawan Peacock Pheasant, but also fine views of Philippine Cockatoo, an endangered species which is difficult or impossible to see elsewhere in the islands.
We finished on Luzon where excellent birding added many species, Scale-feathered Malkoha, Luzon Hornbill, Indigo-banded Kingfisher and Spotted Wood-Kingfisher among the most memorable

Arriving mid-morning at Ninoy Aquino airport in Manila we wasted no time in escaping the city, heading immediately for Mount Makiling some 1 ½ hours away. Despite arriving in the heat of the day we were all keen to begin our Philippines birding so we set off along the main track up the mountain, surrounded by towering forest. We were quickly picking up new birds including some island endemics such as White-eared Brown-Dove, Yellow-wattled Bulbul, Philippine Bulbul, Luzon Balicassiao, Elegant Tit, Red-keeled and Pygmy Flowerpecker. We also saw several Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, one of the three members of this family which is endemic to the Philippines. Continuing further we had brief flight views of a Luzon Hornbill and amazing views of two separate Spotted Wood-Kingfishers – the latter one of the star birds of the site, which is typically only seen when they become active in the early morning or late afternoon, so we were very fortunately to find these birds in bright daylight where their amazing colours could be fully appreciated.
We also recorded some lingering winter visitors; Grey Wagtail, Grey-streaked Flycatcher and Brown Shrike. Coppersmith Barbet and endemic Grey-rumped Swiftlet at the forest edge, and an Oriental Honey Buzzard circling overhead.
After lunch we headed for the nearby University Campus where we had brief views of Indigo-banded Kingfishers, no doubt disturbed by the children fishing in their favoured stretch of river. The river bridge also hosted several pairs of nesting Striated Swallows and nearby trees gave up two more endemics; Lowland White-eye and Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler. Our afternoon at a nearby grassland site produced several showy Striated Grassbirds, Bright-capped Cisticola, Pied Triller, Crested Myna and luminous-yellow Black-naped Orioles. New endemics were a smart Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker and a pair of Spotted Buttonquails which joined a single Barred Buttonquail coming out to feed on a quiet grassy track. Stopping again to look for the Indigo-banded Kingfishers, we were this time rewarded with great views of a pair which showed signs that they might be nesting nearby.
We returned to Manila in the evening and early the next morning we took a flight out to Cagayan de Oro in north Mindanao and were soon heading south for one of the most eagerly anticipated days of the tour. The reason for our excitement was that the most wanted bird of the tour – the magnificent Philippine Monkey-eating Eagle, national bird of the Philippines - had been found nesting just a few months previously, and today we were to be privileged enough to visit the nesting site. It was mid-morning before we arrived at the site in the heart of the Kitanglad Mountains and set off uphill. In no time at all we were at the appointed spot and soon watching the amazing juvenile eagle sitting in the nest, at 4 months old already the size of an adult bird with huge bill to match. We were particularly fortunate that the nest had attracted the attention of a ‘National Geographic’ photographer who had funded a rather impressive tree hide to overlook the nest. Scaling the rather rickety structure was an experience in itself but was more then compensated upon reaching the hide where, 25 meters up one could observe the nest and chick at eye-level and there sat in an adjacent tree was the male keeping a watchful eye on his offspring. As if these views weren’t enough, as we prepared to leave the male took flight and gave great views as he circled overhead before disappearing off again into the mountains to hunt.
Many other species showed up while we were watching the eagles including an exciting feeding flock as we prepared to leave. Nice species included Mountain Verditer, Little Pied Flycatcher, wide-spread endemics such as Elegant Tit, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker and Yellow-bellied Whistler. We also logged our first Mindanao montane endemics; McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail, Cinnamon Ibon and two Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis. After lunch we headed back north to the village of Damitan where our luggage was loaded onto horses and we began out trek up into the Kitanglad Mountains. The walk through the grassy lower slopes produced little except Paddyfield Pipit, Pied Bushchat, Long-tailed Shrikes (of the distinctive black-headed race nasutus) and Striated Grassbirds although our first Philippine and Glossy Swiftlets were noted overhead. As we started to reach the first forest patches we also noted our first Colasisi, or Philippine Hanging Parrots, Short-tailed Glossy Starling, Philippine Cuckoo Dove, Mountain White-eye and Grey-streaked Flycatcher. We arrived at our rustic mountain lodge in the late afternoon in time for some last minute birding and added Whiskered Treeswift, Philippine and Mountain Leaf-Warblers, Olive-capped Flowerpecker and a smart Rufous-headed Tailorbird. At dusk we logged several Great-eared and Philippine Nightjars, then venturing out after dinner a calling Philippine Frogmouth was seen briefly and two different Mindanao Scops-Owls gave great views.

Colasisi – Mt. Kitanglad, Mindanao Red-bellied Pitta – PICOP, Mindanao
© Rob Hutchinson/Birdtour Asia © Rob Hutchinson/Birdtour Asia

Because of the change of plans to visit the eagle nesting site, the next day was to be our only full day on the mountain so we left early, eager to make the most of our limited time. As we made our way up the mountain the open areas produced Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Paddyfield Pipts, Tawny and Striated Grassbird, Long-tailed and Brown Shrikes in open areas. Here we also noted our first Philippine Cuckoo Doves and a fly-over Mindanao Montane Racquet-tail – the first of six seen during the day. A flowering tree attracted several species including endemic Grey-hooded Sunbird, Olive-capped Flowerpecker and a single Fire-breasted Flowerpecker. A singing White-browed Shortwing refused to show and we fared only a little better with an elusive Long-tailed Ground-Warbler which crawled across the trail in front of us. As we reached the first good forest patches along the trail, feeding flocks began to appear and among the core species such as Mountain White-eye, Elegant Tit, Mountain Leaf-warbler, Mountain Verditer, Yellow-bellied Whistler and Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail, we located several Rufous-headed Tailorbirds, Brown Tit-Babbler, Mindanao Drongo, Cinnamon Ibon, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, and Black-masked White-eyes – the latter seemingly increasingly difficult to find here.
Apo Sunbird - one of our main targets – was proving elusive so we continued higher, stumbling onto a nice Mountain Shrike and an Island Thrush in the process. Continuing higher we finally found the sunbirds and were rewarded by no less than five individuals, some at incredibly close range.
In this area we also found our first Apo Mynas which had been strangely absent on our ascent, probably a result of the sunny condition, for as we made our way down again several were conspicuous in the more overcast conditions. Our picnic lunch at a viewpoint with great views of the surrounding slopes produced a soaring Changeable Hawk-Eagle and in the afternoon we saw many of the same feeding flocks with new birds a skulking Philippine Coucal and an even more skulking Red-eared Parrotfinch which we barely glimpsed.
The next morning we had a few hours birding on the mountain before leaving and picked up several new birds. Open areas produced an elusive Red-eared Parrotfinch feeding in their favoured sunflowers along with Olive-capped Flowerpecker, Buzzing Flowerpecker and Grey-hooded Sunbird. In a nice forest patch we found a Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher calling from far down the slope below. It took some time and persistence but we final enjoyed good views as the bird came up into the nearby canopy and spent some time feeding there before disappearing once again into the valley below.
We also had good views of a perched Crested Goshawk, our best views yet of a Mindanao Montane Racquet-tail which fly directly overhead and on the way back to camp we flushed a Black-chinned Fruit-Dover which some then saw perched. Over breakfast at the lodge we had nice views of a perched male Violet Cuckoo as a Philippine Serpent-Eagle circled overhead. The walk down added Large-billed Crow before the rest of the day was taken with the long drive around the north-east coast of Mindanao to the east coast town of Bislig. Numerous Egrets lined the way as did roadside White-breasted Woodswallows but single House Swift and Watercock in flight were more surprising.
Next morning began with a Mindanao Boobook predawn which passed overhead a few times but refused to show when perched. Continuing further into the logging concession, our morning was spent along a nice forest track with plenty of nearby forest and some good birding. We soon picked up species which were to become familiar during our time here such as Philippine Leafbird, Yellowish Bulbul, skulking Brown Tit-Babbler and Mindanao Drongo, but also scarcer species including a calling Philippine Fairy Bluebird, glowing-orange Rufous (Mindanao) Paradise Flycatchers, Black-chinned Fruit-Dove and the often-difficult Black-bibbed Cuckoo-shrike. A calling Celestial Monarch stubbornly refused to leave its favoured deep gully but our time trying was greatly enlightened by an amazingly obliging Steere’s (Azure-breasted) Pitta which fed unconcerned in the road for more than 30 minutes allowing some excellent photo and video opportunities. A little later a Red-bellied Pitta was similarly feeding on the track but was less obliging, it called and showed several times but was very shy allowing only brief views for most. Two Black-headed Tailorbirds completed the mornings skulkers although with some effort we all managed satisfactory views.
An opportune stop near a fruiting tree produced an impressive Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon and Coleto while further along the road a female Philippine Trogon, Plain Bush-hen and a flyover Blue-crowned Racquet-tail showed only to those in the right positions on the jeepney but two Philippine Needletails, Philippine Drongo Cuckoo, Black-faced Coucal, two perched Philippine Hawk-Eagles and a Philippine Serpent Eagle performed for all.
Further along sharp eyes spotted a small kingfisher perched by a roadside pool and upon piling out we found a Silvery Kingfisher, and enjoyed nice views of this diminutive silver-spangled beauty complete with bright red ‘boots’. Our final stop produced a Horsfield’s Cuckoo before we continued on to spend the remainder of the afternoon at a disused airfield close to Bislig town. The airfield was productive as always with large flocks of Black-headed Munia and Eastern Yellow Wagtails on the grassy margins joined by smaller numbers of Paddyfield Pipit, Bright-headed and Zitting Cisticola. By using the Jeepney roof as a mobile hide we could view out onto the surrounding marshes and it this way found a single Philippine Duck among the large groups of Wandering Whistling Ducks, five Watercocks, two Philippine Swamphen, an elusive White-browed Crake, Cinnamon, Yellow and Black Bitterns. The marshy vegetation also held Pink-necked Green-Pigeon, Lesser and Philippine Coucal and a feeding Plaintive Cuckoo was new. We finished the day in style with great views of no less than three ghostly Eastern Grass Owls quartering nearby.

Philippine Falconet (left) and Black-faced Coucal (right) – PICOP, Mindanao
© Tour participant Rienk Nieuwland

Mountain Shrike – Mt. Kitanglad, Mindanao Philippine Serpent Eagle – PICOP, Mindanao
© Rob Hutchinson/Birdtour Asia © Tour participant Rienk Nieuwland

The next day we birded a different area of the concession and spent much of our time dodging heavy rain showers. Despite the conditions we again managed a fine set of birds; some time around productive forest clearings produced many Mindanao Hornbills and an impressive flight of at least 10 Writhed Hornbills and a single Rufous Hornbill, meaning all 3 endemic hornbills possible here, appeared within minutes of each other. We also enjoyed several Naked-faced Spiderhunters, White-bellied Woodpeckers and excellent views of Yellow-wattled Bulbul and Buzzing, Olive-backed and Orange-bellied Flowerpeckers visiting a fruiting tree.
Most of the excitement today came from encounters with mixed feeding flocks; expected species such as Mindanao Pygmy Babbler, Rusty-crowned Babblers, Philippine Leafbird, Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, Yellow-bellied Whistler and Blue Fantail were joined by Scarlet Minivet, Black-bibbed Cuckoo-shrike and the undoubted highlight of the day was 2 sightings of the much-desired Short-crested Monarch.
Also in the forest we found an apparently wild Red Junglefowl and our only Amethyst Brown Doves of the tour, the first of which was skillfully called in by local guide Zardo. Further time at forest clearings gave both Philippine and Purple Needletails, two Philippine Falconets, Philippine Green-Pigeon, two more Rufous Hornbills and a Steere’s Honey-Buzzard (a recent split from the forms of Barred Honey-Buzzard on Sulawesi).
The next morning we again tried our night birding luck and succeeded in hearing but not seeing both Mindanao and Chocolate Boobooks. We did see Great-eared Nightjar and some managed a nice Philippine Colugo gliding overhead. We started the day-birding in a productive area of secondary growth. Here we all finally had great views of both Everett’s White-eye and Brown Tit-babbler and we easily and quickly tracked down a singing male Little Slaty Flycatcher, a welcome change as this elusive bird is often difficult to see. Moving again to the area from the previous day we took advantage of slightly better weather by heading immediately for a Celestial Monarch territory where we met with immediate success, a bird was calling on arrival and was quickly located for great views of this gorgeous blue flycatcher completely with shaggy powder-blue crest, definitely one of the Philippine star endemics and one of the tour highlights. A flyover Violet Cuckoo and four Writhed Hornbills again showed in a clearing and in the adjacent forest we saw no less than three calling Steere’s Pittas and some great feeding flocks with Several Mindanao Pygmy and Rusty-crowned Babblers, Philippine Leaf-Warbler, Blue Fantail, Yellow-bellied Whistler, Rufous (Mindanao) Paradise Flycatcher and once again Short-crested Monarch. A stake-out for Blue-capped Kingfisher finally gave success when a male bird flew in immediately to our tape and fine views were had as it called noisily overhead.
A diversion to a different area in the afternoon produced a nice but brief male Philippine Trogon and a quite obliging pair of Streaked Ground-Babblers which responded well to playback. A Plain Bush-hen which slowly crossed the track ahead of our jeepney was particularly appreciated by those who had dipped a few days previous.
In the afternoon we again visited the secondary forest area which was alive with birds. Among the species seen previously such as Coleto, Mindanao Drongo, Black-naped Oriole, Philippine Green-Pigeon, Philippine Leafbird, Scarlet Minivet we had our best views yet of Guaibero and both Yellow-breasted Fruit-Dove and Philippine Oriole were new endemic additions. A small roadside pond held a smart pair of Silvery Kingfishers. Today was also good for raptors with Philippine Falconet, Crested Goshawk, Philippine Serpent-Eagle and Steere’s Honey Buzzard all logged.
Our final morning gave time for some final birding at PICOP and we began predawn, again hearing both boobooks but seeing only Philippine Nightjar. As dawn arrived the hoped for Rufous-lored Kingfisher burst into song and after searching unsuccessfully throughout our stay here, we finally enjoyed great views as in perched high in the canopy. In between rain showers the next few hours gave some great birding; a pair of Silvery Kingfishers on a small river (third location during the tour), Scarlet Minivet, Violet Cuckoo, Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, Philippine Green-Pigeon and a Yellow-breasted Fruit-Dove. Highlights however were a nice male Philippine Trogon, a Steere’s Pitta and close views of a Red-bellied Pitta (or ‘Wet’-bellied Pitta as it was appropriately renamed after we saw it following a particularly heavy downpour).
The remainder of the day was taken with a longish drive south to Davao with only Whiskered Terns and Black-crowned Night-Heron of note, before we flew back to Manila for an overnight stay in the Philippines lively capital city.
The next morning we headed to Manila airport noting Black-crowned Night-Heron and Whiskered Terns in Manila Bay and a surprise Oriental Pratincole as we boarded our flight across to the island of Palawan, where the relaxed atmosphere on this tropical island was a noticeable contrast to the hustle-bustle of Manila. From the airport we headed straight for the foreshore at Garceliano Beach but were rather disappointed to find the tide very high and the area devoid of shorebirds. It was time to but ‘plan B’ into action so we headed to a nearby restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious early lunch before again heading back to the beach. This time the tide was just beginning to drop and a good selection of shorebirds appeared before it was time to leave. The biggest prize was a single Chinese Egret among the commoner egrets – an endangered species which is very reliable found here during the winter. Shorebirds included Grey-tailed Tattler, Asian Golden Plover, Terek Sandpiper together with more familiar Redshank and Whimbrel. A single Greater Crested Tern was seen offshore and the mangroves held Pied Fantail, Common and Black-capped Kingfisher. Unfortunately it was soon time to set off towards Sabang as there is excellent birding available en route. Our first stop was at an area of mature mangroves where we had excellent views of our target – a pair of Copper-throated Sunbirds.

At our next stop the roadside vegetation was teeming with birds and we spent the rest of the afternoon walking along the road picking up many new birds. Some of these were more widespread Asian species such as Emerald Dove, Thick-billed Pigeon, Asian Drongo Cuckoo, Common Flameback, Little Spiderhunter, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Mangrove Whistler, Ashy Drongo, Grey-cheeked Bulbul, Fiery Minivet, Dollarbird, Dark-throated Oriole and Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. We also noted more interesting species including smart Eastern Hill Mynas, Black-chinned Fruit-Dove, the endemic palawanus race of Crested Goshawk, the near-endemic Blue-naped Parrot (found on only a few small islands outside the Philippines archipelago) and the recently split Bold-striped Tit-Babbler which is found only on Palawan, Borneo and Java. Of course most interest went to the Palawan endemics and we added several; large groups of Philippine Swiftlets overhead (with a few Glossy and Germain’s Swiftlets intermixed), Palawan Crow, Palawan Drongo, White-vented Shama, a female Palawan Blue-Flycatcher, two brief Palawan Tits, Lovely Sunbird, Palawan Sunbird, Palawan Flowerpecker and endemic palawanorum race of Pygmy Flowerpecker, which might itself be best regarded as a separate species.
In the evening we drove further to another area, arriving in time to tape in a smart Hooded Pitta. As darkness fell the distinctive cries and whistles of Palawan Frogmouths could be heard from the nearby forest and just a short while later we were enjoying one of these amazing, wide-mouthed, hairy creatures perched in the nearby canopy. Making our way into a strategic position in the nearby forest we could soon hear another unique call – this time the crackled croak of a Palawan Scops-Owl - and this second endemic nightbird also performed magnificently offering several prolonged views. Our birding finished with two Large-tailed Nightjars perched on the road as we completed our journey to our resort at the small seaside town of Sabang on the boundary of the famous St Paul Subterranean National Park.
In the early morning we took an exciting boat journey out along the spectacular coastline of St Paul National Park to the ‘Underground river ranger station’ justly famous its subterranean river, the longest in the world. For us it was the birds which were the great attraction, in particular the Palawan Peacock Pheasant, one of the most spectacular endemics in the whole archipelago. This ranger station has for many years now hosted a rather confiding, habituated peacock-pheasant and before long we were enjoying great views of this individual which gladly posed for photos and video like a true star. This bird really gives visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy this typically shy species and anyone keen to see it should definitely do so soon! The same area also held several Tabon Scrubfowl which likewise gave great views but a Hooded Pitta was a little more elusive. Among the endemic we enjoyed another Palawan Blue-Flycatcher, this time a rather more attractive male, our first Yellow-throated Leafbirds, glimpses of calling Blue-headed Racquet-tails as they zoomed through the canopy and an entertaining pair of Ashy-headed Babblers bouncing around in the understory. We also added our first Greater Flameback of the highly distinctive erythrocephalus race and an obliging pair of Citrine Canary Flycatchers.
Taking a short boat ride back along the coast we stopped at another station, from where we trekked over a ridge back towards Sabang. This area is prime habitat for the endemic Falcated Ground-Babbler and we spent much time searching but disappointingly found no sign at all. We did however enjoy fantastic views of a pair of Malaysian Plovers with a young juvenile while walking along a quiet beach on the way back to Sabang.
The marshy ponds adjoining our resort provided many distractions during lunch including Cinnamon Bittern, White-browed Crake, Moorhen, Watercock and no less than 10 Greater Painted Snipe.
In the afternoon we headed back towards Puerto Princessa and again birded productively along the roadside. In addition to the widespread endemic crow, drongo, shama, leafbird, sunbird and flowerpecker we had our first good views of Sulphur-bellied Bulbul and finally, several spectacular views of Palawan Hornbills totaling at least 14 birds. Non-endemic highlights were a single Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Brown-backed Needletails and another Crested Goshawk overhead, good numbers of Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, a fly-by Rufous-backed Kingfisher, Blue-naped Parrots and great scope views of a huge Great-slaty Woodpecker – a much desired bird for all participants.
The next morning was spent along the Balsahan Trail within Iwhaig Penal colony. This area is always productive and we began immediately with a Blue Paradise Kingfisher calling as soon as we exited the vans, which we eventually located as it sang from the canopy right overhead. The trail itself passes through secondary forest and here alongside the commoner birds we found Common Flameback, Rufous-backed Kingfishers, a calling Ruddy Kingfisher which some glimpsed briefly, Emerald Dove, Eastern Hill Myna and several Asian Fairy Bluebird. The habitat here is perfect for one of one missing Palawan endemics – and we easily heard several Melodious Babblers although they were typically elusive, skulking in thick tangles, and not at all easy to see. We also enjoyed a nice group of Ashy-headed Babblers and tried hard to located Falcated Ground-Babblers without success until at the last minute a fortuitous chain of event lead to us hearing birds distantly while seeking out an elusive Palawan Blue Flycatcher. We headed a little closer to where they appeared to be calling, found a good viewing point and settled to wait. Fortunately these birds performed well, coming in to the tape and sticking around long enough for everyone to get great views of this beautifully patterned babbler (one of many species for which the field guide illustration doesn’t do justice). Flushed with our last minute success we headed back seeing three Palawan Hornbills, and near the parking area, even better views of the singing paradise-flycatcher, Blue-naped Parrots and a fly-over Blue-headed Racquet-tail. A search of nearby paddyfields and fish ponds found Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Whiskered Terns, smart Long-toed Stints among the commoner shorebirds, but best of all, a Little Curlew feeding all alone in a wet rice field – a rare passage vagrant to the Philippines which appears to have become even scarcer in recent years with barely a handful of records in the last 20 years! Heading south-west along the coast a final stop at a roadside marsh held Purple Heron and Watercock before we arrived at our beach resort in Narra.

Our main reason for visiting is that Rasa Island offshore is a stronghold for the endangered Philippine Cockatoo and some didn’t have to wait long as a small group were seen several times flying noisily over the resort shortly after we arrived. Those that missed them had no need to worry as during our afternoon boat trip to the island we saw not only many cockatoos flying around and perched in high trees but also an impressive flock of more than 70 birds flying in over the sea from the mainland. Since it was low tide the mud surrounding the island held several Stork-billed Kingfishers perched conspicuously on posts, and among the commoner egrets and herons, at least three Chinese Egrets and two very impressive Great-billed Herons. In the evening we landed on the island and carefully positioned ourselves to search for the near-endemic Mantanani Scops Owl, a difficult small-island specialist. Large-tailed Nightjars were first to appear, hawking low overhead, and at dusk we heard a pair of scops-owls calling but despite a lot of trying we did not hear or see any subsequently during our vigil.
We departed early next morning, arriving at the Zig-zag road shortly after dawn where we quickly found our target, an elusive singing Palawan Flycatcher. Heading back towards Puerto Princessa a Black-headed Bulbul showed briefly by the roadside and the remainder of of time before flying back to Manila was spent again birding around Iwahig paddyfileds. The selection of waterbirds this time included Asian Golden Plovers, Yellow Bittern and a single Greater Painted Snipe. Three Oriental Pratincoles favouring the drier fields and we were pleased to find that the Little Curlew was still in its favoured rice field and was successfully located later in the day by a member of the Philippine Rarities Committee in a rare Philippine ‘twitch’.
In the afternoon after arrival in Manila we transferred directly to Mount Makiling to finish the tour where we began. Although the afternoons here are often quiet we found some great birds; Yellow-breasted Fruit-Doves showed very well, several Stripe-headed Rhabdornis included a nesting pair and we had great views of two different White-browed Shama. A large fruiting tree right beside our hotel at the forest edge gave a relaxed finish to the birding with Coppersmith Barbet abundant, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and our first endemic Black-and-White Trillers.
After dinner a Philippine Boobook appeared immediately at the first attempt besides the hotel before promptly disappearing without trace.
Our final day birding was again spent on the mountain and even after two weeks of intense birding there were still birds new birds to see, Striped Flowerpecker, Yellowish White-eye, Grey-backed Tailorbird (heard only for most previously) and several Flaming Sunbirds (on their favourite roadside red flowers) were all welcome additions and we finally caught up with the spectacular Scale-feathered Malkoha, a pair of which stuck around for some time in the understory and appeared to be watching a nest nearby. At least five Luzon Bleedinghearts were heard calling and on occasion we came incredibly close but they always remained invisible in the dense understory.
The fruiting tree at the forest edge was again alive with birds such as Colasisi, Guaibero and Bar-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike, and this time included nice views of Luzon Hornbill and two Philippine Falconets perched nearby. Overhead we saw a migrant Oriental Honey Buzzard, Chinese Goshawk and three Philippine Serpent Eagles included one bird carrying a snake.
Other highlights during the day included Black-chinned Fruit-Dove, Red-crested Malkoha, White-browed Shama, Lemon-throated Leaf-Warbler, and two separate sightings of spectacular Spotted Wood-Kingfishers sitting quietly at close range in the shady forest.
The day provided a great finish to a highly enjoyable and very successful Philippines tour. In less than two weeks we recorded 272 species including an amazing 126 Philippine endemics.

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