Birdwatching For Family Learning

Families can turn their birdwatching into meaningful learning and even research through national events like Project FeederWatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count. Facilitated by organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society, these projects involve volunteers across the nation helping scientists monitor bird life in North America. The final result is a comprehensive report and publication.

Annual counts usually take place from November through early April. Registration begins in the springtime for the following year, and continues for the next twelve months. Volunteer birdwatchers count the total number of birds in the area at a single time to avoid counting a single bird more than once. This also alleviates the need for constant monitoring of a bird feeder or yard.

The cost of participation is less than twenty dollars and covers the bulk of the project's cost. In addition, all participants receive a kit containing a poster for identifying birds, a wall calendar, a guide to proper bird feeding, a form for counting, and directions for using these items. U.S. residents are also given an annual subscription to the respective organization's newsletter.

Data collected in these projects is featured in science publications and frequently used by ornithologists and birdwatchers throughout North America. The count provides a real opportunity to contribute to the well-being and research of birds that share our habitat. Another benefit is finding previously unknown birds in the neighborhood.

The bird count is open to every type of individual and group. Currently it includes people of all skill levels and backgrounds: Classrooms, individuals, children, bird clubs, nature centers, youth groups, and retired persons. The count provides great learning opportunities for families in particular and can be a stepping stone for building an appreciation for birds.

Participants are free to choose how much time they invest. Organizers of the projects provide many options for when and how long to count birds. As the main approach is to provide numbers for a slice of time, schedules set to accommodate short attention spans can still provide meaningful results.

Picking a spot to count birds is up to the discretion of participants. Areas of the yard that include a birdhouse or bird feeder are a logical choice, but by no means the rule. Those who love to watch birds will have a good idea of where to find them. Instructions provided by the projects will also include guidelines on how to identify good areas for counting.

Taking part in a national bird count for research is a win-win for those with a love of birdwatching. Families can admire these beautiful creatures while providing a meaningful contribution to their well-being. The birding tools provided are also worth the effort and can be a part of future family learning projects.

To treat your wild birds to a bird feeder or birdhouse, point your browser to http://www.birdhousebirdfeeder.com

Families And Birdwatching - Perfect Together

Worried about how much time your child spends in front of the computer and TV? Wondering how you can entice them to get outside once in a while? Consider a family birdwatching outing - a great way to get outdoors, learn about nature, have a fun day, and maybe even develop a new shared passion!

Few realize this, but birdwatching is America's number one sport, with over 51.3 MILLION participants, according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Many birders are passionate fans, people who get estatic over seeing an unusual specimen, but the majority of birders are regular folks who just love birds and being outside.

If you've never been out birdwatching before, you're in for a treat. Find yourself a wooded park, equip everyone with inexpensive binoculars (sharing is no fun - by the time you switch who has them, the target has often flow away), and get a basic field guide to the birds of your region. Take a notepad along, and start what is known as a "lifelist". This is simply a list of birds you have seen and identified, usually along with the date and location of the sighting. Kids love this - everytime they see a new bird they get to add it to the list, making each new sighting a thrill.

There are a few basic guidelines to follow when birding:

1 - don't take the dog - the noise will scare away most of your chance of seeing anything interesting

2 - do talk quietly, for the same reason

3 - do take binoculars, an essential piece of equipment

4 - do take a field guide so you can identify the birds you spot

5 - do encourage everyone to start and maintain a lifelist - kids will like putting this onto a computer, where they can easily sort to see if a bird is new on their list

6 - if you have a backyard, do put out feeders and birdhouses - you can see some great birds without even leaving the house!

7 - do use your ears - when you listen, you'll be able to spot birds you wouldn't have otherwise noticed

8 - do encourage your kids to learn more about birds online - there are wonderful sites to help identify birds or just play bird games

9 - do read books on bird behaviors together - birds are fascinating creatures, and the more you discover about them the more fun birdwatching becomes

10 - do go out in the winter and early spring - you may have to bundle up, but without leaves on the trees you can see the birds much more easily

Birdwatching is an active, educational, sport that gets more enjoyable as you learn about it. Kids and adults alike get a real thrill out of adding a new sighting to their lifelists. So grab your binoculars, field guide and notebook, take your family, and go spot some birds!

Carol Miller is an internet author, entrepreneur and avid birder. You can find great stuff for kids, including young reader field guides bird books, puzzles, facts and games at her website, [http://www.BirdingResources.com]. Be sure to sign up for the free Birding Event Notifier and find out what's happening in the wild bird world!

Birdwatching in Suffolk - A Guide to Reserves and Hides For Bird Watchers

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Birdwatching in Suffolk is a joy as the landscape of the county is diverse and varied, and so is the range of wildlife that inhabit it. Avid birdwatchers and novices alike can enjoy a coastal walk and the possibility of sighting a Marsh Harrier or Avocet, or head north to the southern edge of the Broads where you can catch birds on migration taking a break for some bathing.

Inland are the reserves of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for Protection of Birds, and English Nature, many of which have dedicated hides, and all of which boast a variety of bird spotting opportunities.

Here are a collection of the primary birdwatching sites in Suffolk. Where possible both directions and the Ordinance Survey Grid References have been included. For reference, the organization which maintains the sites is located in parenthesis next to the site itself. Happy birdwatching!

Alton Water (Anglian Water)

Grid Ref: TM1436

Alton Water, run by Anglian Water and coordinated with a group of local volunteers, has a three mile nature trail on the South shore which includes woodland, wildflower meadow, and a bird hide where you can view a wide range of wildlife both on and around the water. The North shore has another bird hide overlooking the a raft on the water which is a breeding ground for great crested grebes and terns in the summer. Alton Water is situated 5 miles south of Ipswich and the main car park at Stutton is on the B1080 which can be approached from the A137 from Ipswich to Manningtree.

Benacre Broad (English Nature)

Land ranger Map 156 Grid Ref TM 530830.

Benacre Broad is located halfway between Lowestoft and Southwold. Formerly the site of peat diggings in the 1700's, this is now a popular spot for Wheatears, Meadow Pipits, and Linnets. If you head inward to the rougher denes and the West Kessingland Levels, you may spot short eared Owls, Kestrel, Hen and Marsh Harriers, and wintering Geese. Nearby River Hundred by the Benacre sluice is a great place to view winter Duck and autumn waders.

Blyth Estuary (English Nature)

Grid Ref: TM4675

A great place to see avocet, black tailed godwit, bittern, marsh harrier, and woodlark, the Blyth Estuary is located near the Walberswick, and is maintained by English Nature. It is open year round, and features a public footpath and bird hide. The estuary also features rare aquatic plants such as frog-bit and great bladderwort, which thrive in the estuary's dykes; nearby meadows are home to marsh orchid, bog bean, as well as many sedges and rushes.

Dunwich Heath (National Trust)

Grid Ref: TM4768

Signposted off the A12, this site is located 2 miles south of Dunwich Village, 7 minutes north of Aldeburgh. It is part of the Dunwich Heath is a Heathland Conservation area, being one of the few remaining areas of ancient Sandlings heaths in East Anglia. It also features a number of great walks with amazing views, and the chance to spot Avocets, bearded tits, nightingale, and resident Dartford warblers. Admission is free, and for hours and further details, please telephone 01263 733 471

Havergate Island (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) RSPB

Havergate Island - a small island in the River Ore, which is accessible by boat from Orford Quay (B1084, B1078 to Orford) - is an important breeding place for common terns and avocets. This bird reserve also features 8 hides, where during the Spring and Autumn season a fantastic array of wading birds can be seen. Discounts for RSPB members, and the admission charge also includes the cost of boat transport.

Lackford Wildfowl Reserve (Suffolk Wildlife Trust)

Grid Ref: TL 803708

Originally created from former gravel pits, the Lackford Lakes are a must visit for birdwatchers in Suffolk. Rarities like black nested Grebes can be viewed along with osprey, buzzrd, and sparrowhawk. Summer brings sand martin, swallows, and kingfisher, and in the winter gull roost and redshank nest in the area. Migrant birds are regulars here-look out for black tern and little egret during migrations. Lackford Lakes boasts good walking conditions, wheelchair accessible hides, and a year-round opening. Telephone 01284 728 706

Landguard(Suffolk Wildlife Trust)

Grid Ref: TM285320.

For a more guided birdwatching experience, Landguard offers guided visits arranged with a Ranger. This reserve in the south of Suffolk is an excellent place to catch migrant birds, little tern, black redstart, and Weatear. South of Felixstowe, Landguard is also home to the Landguard Conservation Trust, a volunteer organisation and ringing station which is makes it one of the best recorded sites in Britain. Admission is free, and you can telephone 01394 673 782 to arrange a guided visit.

Minismere (RSPB)

Grid Ref:TM4766

Located off the B1125, and easily reachable from the A12, this famous RSPB reserve on the coast near Aldeburgh is a fantastic reserve with a variety of habitats. With woodlands, marshes, heath, and beach all within the same area, birdwatchers can expect a huge variety of different birds with over three hundred species in the area's checklist. Be sure to look out for avocet, bearded tit, bittern, and marsh harrier. Minismere is free to RSPB members, and has a large visitor centre, shop, and a tea room for the weary watcher. Please telephone 10603 661 662 for more details.

North Warren (RSPB)

Grid Ref: TM4559

Located between Thorpeness and and Aldeburgh on the Coast Road, North Warren varies between grazing marshes, reedbeds, heathland and woodland. During the winter months it is home to thousands of wildfowl, and in the summer is a fantastic place for birdwatchers to observe breeding bitterns, marsh harriers, nightjars, woodlarks, and nightengales. Admission is free, and there are four miles of well-maintained public footpaths throughout the warren. North Warren can be accessed by train from the Saxmundham station. Telephone 01728 688 481 for more information.

Orford Nest

Grid Ref: TM4549

Orford Nest, a secret military testing site from the first World War, is now the home to the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. It contains a variety of habitats which act as breeding sites for migrant birds, making Orford Nest a great place for birdwatching and military historians alike. Reachable from the B1078 and B1084, it can only be accessed from Orford Quay. There is a charge for admission, please call 01263 733 471

Sizewell Belts (SWT)

Grid Ref: TM 454638

Primarily known for it's amazing assortment of wildflowers, birdwatchers can get a glimpse of kingfisher, water rain, and barn owl, as well as bittern and the flighty bearded tit. With marsh, reedbed, and wet woodland next to heathland and beach, Sizewell Belts offers many types of terrain. Visiting birds like wigeon, snipe, and shoveler are attracted to the flooded marshes during the winter. The best time to visit is May through July, and while dogs are not allowed, there is full wheelchair access to the Woodlands. This site is maintained by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Trimley Marshes (SWT)

Grid Ref: TM 260352

This fantastic wetland reserve is created almost entirely from arable land alongside the river Orwell, and is a habitat managed primarily for birds and birdwatching. The wet meadows are grazed by cattle, sheep, and wigeon and geese during the winter months. Wet conditions are maintained by a system of sluices, meaning perfect conditions for wintering wildfowl and breeding waders such as redshank, avocet, oystercatcher, and black-tailed godwit. The lagoon and islands provide a habitat for plover, duck, sandpiper, and greenshank. Trimley Marshes is located off the A45 near Felixstowe. Admission is free, and you can telephone 01473 710 032 for more information.

Walberswick (English Nature)

Grid Ref: TM4973

Walberswick features shingle beaches, inter-tidal mud flats, grazing and coasatal marshes, heathland and woodland. It's accessible from many points, and has scores of footpaths. Over 280 bird species have been recorded, including bittern, marsh harrier, and nightjar. English Nature manages the nature reserve and current conservation work includes clearing the heathland of scrub and bracken to maintain healthy populations of birds, reptiles, and insects that these areas support. The Walberswick Reserve is located off the B137 just south of Walberswick village. The site is open all rear round and admission is free. Please telephone 01502 676 171 for more details.

Westleton Heath (English Nature)

Grid Ref: TM473672

At Westleton Heath, near Minismere, birdwatchers can expect to find birds of open heath and light scrub including tree pipit, dartford warbler, stonechat and nightjar. In the woodland areas you'll find nightingale and woodcock. Westleton Heath is 1k.m. North of the village of Westleton. The nearest train station is in Darsham 5km to the West, and Bus services run along the A12 as well. There are toilet and refreshment facilities in nearby towns, with leaflets and signs available for visitor information.

Wolves Wood (RSPB)

Grid Ref: TM 054437

This ancient woodland reserve is managed by traditional coppicing to benefit the myriad of wildlife that call it home. Perfect for early morning birdwatching, there are many nightingale and a wide variety of animal, bird, and plant life. It's located off the A1071, accessible from the Hadleigh bus station and the Harling Road train station. Please telephone 01255 886 043 for more details.

Will Averill is a freelance travel and entertainment writer and administrator for the Suffolk Tourist Guide, a complete online guide to Suffolk accomodation, travel, and entertainment.

From Luxury Hotels for a romantic weekend, to days out with the children, or even office team building or client hospitality, you'll find just what you want here in Suffolk.

Birdwatching Tours - The Latest Outdoor Activity

Birdwatching is becoming a very popular outdoor activity all around the world. There are 835 species of birds in North America only and more than 70 million Americans are either feeding or watching birds. Birdwatching can be done in two ways: You can actually go to a location where there are a lot of birds; you can go by yourself or find a birdwatching tour in your area, or you can make the birds come to you, to your own backyard by some means. In order to really appreciate the excitement of birdwatching, you need some tools to enhance your vision, tools that enable you to see everything in striking detail.

There are also some other ways to participate in the hobby of birding: You can feed the birds, provide them nesting sites or birdhouses, you can grow special plants and gardens to attract birds, travel to nature sanctuaries or birdwatching areas, keep notes on birds you see in the wild, make diagrams or sketches or snap the perfect photograph of your favorite species.

Another way to enhance your birdwatching experience in winter can be learning bird's song. Sight and hearing are the birds' strongest senses and they use special signals to communicate and recognize their own species. You can turn your backyard into a much more interesting place by beginning to recognize bird songs. You will be able to see through the leaves and around buildings which will give you a feeling like you have supernatural vision. You will be amazed to realize how much you had been missing out on.

As you get more experience in birdwatching, you will want to broaden your vision beyond your backyard and to travel to some bird-rich areas. There are birdwatching tours planned by serious bird enthusiasts to some bird sanctuaries, nature parks and other locations where birds can be found in large numbers, in their natural habitats. You will have the chance to see some species you have never seen before by traveling to a region other than the one in which you live. For example, you can find many impressive species like acorn woodpecker in the south eastern Arizona Mountains, especially in the Chirachua Mountains. Another attraction in this area is the diversity of hummingbirds; you can observe as many as 14 different species. But you can find the large magnificent hummingbird only in the south west.

The following tips are useful when birdwatching:

- You have to make as little noise as possible, move slowly and keep your distance. The important thing is that the birds don't know you are there.

- Do not go close to a nest or scare a bird off its nest. This can cause the parents to abandon the nest and the eggs will then be vulnerable to predators.

- Avoid touching the eggs or young birds.

- Do not leave the paths and trails to get a closer look.

- Do not litter.

The easiest way to attract birds is to build a bird house and start feeding them, providing them water all year around, especially in extreme weathers. This is the best way to keep birds coming back to your backyard.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Birdwatching Tours [http://birdwatching-tours-guides.com]

Birdwatching; A Free And Fascinating Pastime For All

My first experience of deliberate birdwatching took place in Richmond Great Park. The time; 1966, the occasion; one of the first dates with my (now) husband. There I was, all dressed up and ready to knock him out with my drop dead gorgeousness (memory plays strange tricks as you get older!) and there he was, luring me into the undergrowth of the park, hissing to me to keep my head down. No, it wasn't this bird's feathers he was after observing, but a green woodpecker that he had spotted. It must have been love on my part because, although I don't remember seeing the flash of emerald, I do remember getting my trendy high boots covered in mud.

And that was the first of many times that I have shared the joys of avian observation with my spouse. He had been a committed twitcher from an early age. As a boy, a family friend had dragged him along to many birdwatching expeditions, from sighting a large wader (a ruff) on a one time sewage farm, soon to become the fifth terminal at Heathrow, to happy weekends spent observing the many migrants arriving on the Norfolk coast from Europe.

Birdwatching is one nature pursuit that just about anybody can get something out of, and most of us have 'twitched' at some time in our lives. What child hasn't fed the ducks, or pigeons? That's the good thing about birds. They are so accessible. You can see them almost everywhere at any time of the day. And you can hear them; blackbirds and nightingales have been immortalised in song and verse. The ubiquitous gull can be heard far inland; pigeons coo vociferously in our city centres; rooks squawk as they arrive at their evening roosts and starlings chatter as they gather in flocks on our roofs, telegraph wires and urban trees. No other wild animal group is so easy to see and admire. The skill of flying, and therefore the ability to get out of the way if needs must, has been a boon for the latent birdwatcher in all of us.

That birdwatching foray with my husband to be was the first of many enjoyable observations of our feathered friends. Some I will never forget. Standing on top of the Preseli hills in Wales and listening to the liquid bubbling coming from the throats of hundreds of curlews in the gathering dusk of the evening; sadly not a common occurrence nowadays. Or that magic afternoon, cycling along a country road with my young son and counting 32 larks as they rose skywards from the fields either side of us. Another sight, rarer now than it used to be, was the spectacle of thousands of starlings darkening the sky and turning as one with a whoosh of wings, above the field next to our first home; We've watched puffins and guillemots on Skomer island off the coast of West Wales and along the seashore we have seen countless flocks of all sorts of waders. And how to describe the thrill of seeing two peregrine falcons screeching over a deceased pigeon that they were devouring at the base of a sea cliff; or watching red kites circling lazily in the thermals above the hills of mid Wales.

And there are always more. I'm so glad I've seen at least one dipper, incongruously running along a stream bed, underwater feeding. Another stream frequenter, the heron, can also be sighted, perched in prehistoric stance, in the middle of a field. What is it doing? I am assured by that fount of all bird knowledge (my husband) that it's on the lookout for a tasty mole; and sometimes, if we went out on a Summer night, we would be lucky enough to catch sight of a little owl, staring down at us from his high perch on a telegraph pole.

We called one of our houses Hafod Y Wennol, Welsh for summer house of the swallows, because, in it's previous life as a cow parlour, the swallows had swooped in and made their little mud nests on it's walls. We felt so guilty at evicting them from their home, especially after such a long and perilous journey from their Winter habitat somewhere in Africa. But swallow poo is prolific and not to be tolerated indoors; and they did have a garage and another barn to breed in. For many years they were a significant part of our summer; the sighting of the first arrival was always noted. Their twittering and swooping round the farmyard a never ending source of enjoyment; their gathering on the telephone wire and subsequent departure a gloomy time, heralding as it did the approaching winter.

And at our next home, a tall Edwardian town house, we had the amazing luck to be the Summer residence to a flock of swifts, whose ariel acrobatics, as they screamed past our windows, would have put the Red Devils to shame. We never tired of watching as they swooped and dived after insects, banking at the last second when it seemed they must collide with the house wall. It was better than television!

We have been lucky enough to live in a beautiful part of the country where birdlife is prolific and constant. But town dwellers have opportunities too. In any urban garden a wide variety of town birds can be seen; especially with a little bit of encouragement. Introduce a nut feeder and a bird table and, abracadabra, in an amazingly short space of time there will be blue tits, robins, blackbirds, sparrows and various finches; if you're lucky there might be the odd nuthatch. The tiny wren might hop about underneath, picking up any titbits and, if, they all suddenly scatter for no apparent reason, look up to the skies and search for the shape of a sparrowhawk, on the lookout for an unwary prey.

Yes, bird watching is something that you can do all through your life; from a window or outdoors. Introduce your children to this fascinating world and they will have a pleasure that will last and last; it's free entertainment and an excellent grounding in learning how to appreciate some of the wonderful world around us.

Jackie Gee is a professional freelance writer with many varied works published on and offline. She is currently sponsoring this blog which can help with wild bird identification [http://www.online-birding.info]. If you like the content of this article then you may like to know that (at the time of writing) Jackie is currently accepting article jobs for consideration. Her rates are by no means the cheapest but you get top quality article content. She can be reached by contacting Fabio Marcell's offices here: Internet Traffic and Brand Building

Try Birdwatching - 6 Key Reasons People Are Flocking Into This Hobby

Friendship, companionship and sheer pleasure, these are some of the benefits to be gained from the hobby of Birdwatching or Birding. In this article, I review six key reasons why birdwatching fascinates around 70 million Americans and countless more people around the world.

Fitness and health. Birdwatching promotes health and fitness in a number of ways. First is the simple advantage of being outdoors and breathing fresh air. Secondly, getting to good sites for birdwatching often involves walking or hiking and hill climbing, all good for the heart, lungs and circulation. Another significant plus point is exposure to sunlight. This promotes the production of vitamin D. Due to our modern lifestyle; many of us are deficient in this essential vitamin which helps strengthen teeth and bones. Sunlight has also been shown to combat depression and help protect against disease.

Companionship. The public image of birdwatching is that of a solitary birdwatcher spending the day in the field then returning home to a lonely supper. As with any hobby, there are some people like that - but not many of us. The majority of birdwatchers are friendly, convivial folk who love to go out birding with each other. There are popular birdwatching clubs in just about every part of the world. Companionship plays a central part in the attraction of birdwatching.

Pleasure from nature. Birding brings us back in touch with a more natural way of life, one that we can lose sight of in our urban homes. We are struck by the vitality of nature, the rhythm of the changing seasons and the beauty of the landscape. We can see and feel all of this firsthand, not via images on a TV screen.

Family. Many family members go birdwatching in pairs or larger groups. A father teaching his son or a grandfather showing his grandson the tricks to tracking down that rare bird. Or showing him the basics of identifying and naming our more common visitors. All of this goes to strengthen the bond between generations and knits families more closely together.

Finding that elusive bird. Wired into our genes, particularly those of men, is the desire to hunt. This gives us the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of finding our prey. Birdwatching is the civilised expression of these feelings. It provides us with the emotional charge while preserving, indeed prizing, life. It is no coincidence that many birdwatchers strongly support efforts to save the environment.

Friendship. Valuable friendships are made from striking up conversations with fellow birdwatchers. We already have our hobby in common so breaking the ice is much easier than with other people. Keeping in touch with news of sightings, our successes and failures and our plans all helps to maintain and develop our birdwatching friendships.

In summary, there really are lots of positive reasons to be a birdwatcher. If you already are one, congratulations on being part of our family. If you are thinking about becoming a birdwatcher, you can start small. Observe your local birds; begin to identify them and their songs. Above all, start now - you'll find birdwatching to be an exciting and rewarding hobby.

Graham Fielding writes articles on a range of topics including How To Sell Timeshare.

For more information on How to Birdwatching visit http://www.all-about-birdwatching.com/.

Top Birdwatching Sites in the Philippines

One thing that sets the Philippines apart from other travel destinations in Asia is its abundant natural resources. The "Pearl of the Orient," an archipelago comprising 7,107 islands, is becoming the leader in ecotourism in the region. With more than 600 bird species living in the country, no wonder the Philippines is one of the favorites among local and international birding enthusiasts.

Since the Philippines is located in the East Asian Flyway of migratory birds, the country is an important destination for many bird species, including those considered threatened. So what are you waiting for? Grab those binoculars and embark on a birdwatching trip to the Philippines. Here are some of the recommended sites to discover the beauty and diversity of Philippine birds.

Rasa Island

While exploring various attractions in the island paradise of Palawan in southern Philippines, don't forget to visit Rasa Island. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2006, the island is home to the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo. Rasa Island, which was declared as one of the top birdwatching destinations in the country by the Department of Tourism, also serves as breeding ground to black-nape oriole, white-vented shama, racquet-tailed parrot, and rufous-tailed tailorbird.

Candaba Marsh

Discover your love with birds with a trip to Candaba Marsh in Pampanga. To encourage more birdwatchers in the area, the local government developed a former fish pond into a bird-watching site. Candaba Marsh, which is only a two-hour drive from Manila, is home to purple heron, great egret, little egret, white-browed crake, purple swamphen, and pheasant-tailed jacana. If you're lucky, you'll get a chance to see little ringed-plover, blue-tailed bee-eater, artic warbler, pacific swallow, and the pied fantail.

Subic

The vast areas of undeveloped land in this former US Naval Base are known for its impressive number of bird species. Experts said there are more than 100 different types of birds in Subic, one of the top 13 birdwatching sites in the Philippines. Covering a total land area of 287.16 square kilometers, Subic accounts for 15% of all bird species throughout the country and 29% of all birds in Luzon. Some of the bird species found in Subic are the crested myna, barred rail, green imperial-pigeon, and blur-throated bee-eaters.

Balanga

Another certified birdwatching paradise in the Philippines is Balanga. This second-class city in Bataan has been attracting tourists in the coastal villages of Tortugas, Sibacan, and Porto Rivas. The three areas are well-known for its feathered inhabitants, including the black-headed gull, great egret, little egret, and whiskered tern. Rare bird species such as the Asian Golden Plover and Kentish Plover also nest in Balanga.

Allan Leandro Merin has been writing professionally since 2008. After leaving a career at a daily electronic newspaper, he joined a web development outsourcing company and linked up with Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions.