The Howbbyist

24/05/2024

The Philippines boasts 743 species of birds. 229 of which are only found in the country (endemic) which ranks 4th in the world for bird endemism.

Over 200 bird species migrate to the Philippines every year to spend the winter here in our tropical forests, marshes and wetlands.

From all shapes and sizes, a palette of colors and a myriad of patterns our avian biodiversity is just amazing!

I was incredibly lucky to have seen just a fraction of them (202 species to be exact) in a year and a half of my photography journey.

On the other hand, 124 birds species are threatened of extinction due to the loss of 90% of our forest for human settlement, farming and industrialization. They are also hunted for sport and indegenous practices and poached for the caged bird trade.

It is not too late. Let us learn to co-exist with these amazing fauna that also call our beautiful country "home".

24/05/2024

A playful Hooded Pitta gets too close for comfort. 😅

There were at least 4 of them running around the area. 😍 This one in particular was inside a bush with a small clearance to take good open shots. So I sat down the ground to try and take a photo of it. But it had other plans. Probably seeing its reflection from my lens, it went out of hiding and was inching closer and closer to me thinking its another Pitta on my lens! Before it decides to "play" with my lens, I finally stood up and moved further. 😅

Pittas spends a good amount of their time on the ground where they forage the forest floor for insects. They are usually very shy. Often heard than seen. Their call resembles that of a barking small dog. 😊

The Hooded Pitta can be found all over East and Southeast Asia. They are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

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🐦: Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 600mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/320, ISO: 8000, Approx. Subject Distance: 5.71 meters

23/05/2024

A Blue Paradise Flycatcher greets us with its beautiful presence while waiting for our other target birds. 😍

With colorful Pittas and Blue Paradise Flycatchers playing all around us, it was pretty difficult to choose which bird to point the camera to. 😅 These guys also stayed in the area from sunrise to sunset. Such a memorable experience indeed! 😍

The Blue Paradise Flycatcher can only be found in the Palawan islands. They are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with population decreasing due to habitat loss.

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🐦: Blue Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone cyanescens)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 840mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/500, ISO: 10000, Approx. Subject Distance: 10.7 meters

22/05/2024

A Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher basking in the sun after a quick dive. 😍

The Rufous-backed is a river kingfisher. These kingfishers live near ponds, rivers and streams to catch crustacens, fish, insects and lizards.

The Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher is found all over Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it is found in the Palawan islands. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

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🐦: Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/320, ISO: 4000, Approx. Subject Distance: 5.71 meters

20/05/2024

A Blue-headed Racket-tail Parrot making its best impression of a leaf. 😍

This was probably the most challenging subject we had on this sortie. As they are very careful of their movements, consciously crawling from branch to branch to keep the leaves from moving. This makes them very difficult to spot even at closer distance.

Racket-tails are distinguished from other parrots by their elongated central tail feathers with a bare shaft and a spatula at the end, resembling a tennis racket.

The Blue-headed Racket-tail also known as the Palawan Racket-tail can only be found in the Philippines, specifically in the Palawan islands. It is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and poaching for the caged bird trade.

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🐦: Blue-headed Racket-tail (Prioniturus platenae)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F10.0, Exposure: 1/500, ISO: 6400, Approx. Subject Distance: 10.7 meters

19/05/2024

A Lovely Sunbird shows off all its lovely colors as it hops from flower to flower to feed on nectar. 😍

This was my third attempt to give justice to this beautiful bird and have always missed on a color or two (especially its metallic blue tail). After literally thousands of photos, I can finally show just how beautiful this Philippine endemic is! 🥰

The Lovely Sunbird can only be found in the Philippines, specifically in the Palawan islands. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Lovely Sunbird (Aethopyga shelleyi)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/125, ISO: 8000, Approx. Subject Distance: 5.71 meters

18/05/2024

A Black-headed Bulbul untangles a vine to collect nesting material. 😍 This was one of the rare instances when I saw this bird out in the open. A very shy species, this bird is usually heard but rarely seen.

The Black-headed Bulbul can be found all over Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it is only found in the Palawan islands. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Black-headed Bulbul (Microtarsus melanocephalos)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/200, ISO: 2000, Approx. Subject Distance: 12.7 meters

17/05/2024

A Ruddy Kingfisher basking in the sun as it waits patiently for the perfect time to strike on the fish below. 🤩

The Ruddy Kingfisher often prefers the shelter of thick vegetation surrounding a stream where it waits for passing fish or crustacean to feed on. In the absence of both, these kingfishers also feed on large insects and amphibians.

The Ruddy Kingfisher can be found in different parts of Asia such as Borneo, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Sunda Islands and the Philippines. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)
📍: May 2024, Coron, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 707mm., Aperture: F10.0, Exposure: 1/250, ISO: 6400, Approx. Subject Distance: 9.11 meters

15/05/2024

A Green-faced Parrotfinch scans the area for corkscrew snails. 🤩 The Green-faced Parrotfinch is also known as "Mayang Kawayan" as they are usually observed feeding on bamboo seeds and flowers whenever a bamboo tree blooms its flowers at the end of its life. (Which could take decades) They were also observed to feed on snails and insects possibly in preparation for breeding.

The bird has been featured on one of the postage stamps released by the Philippine Post Office on December 2007.

The Green-faced Parrotfinch can only be found in the Philippines, specifically in the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Negros and Cebu. They are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to deforestation and poaching for the cage-bird trade.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Green-faced Parrotfinch (Erythrura viridifacies)
📍: May 2024, Southern Sierra Madre Corridor, Rizal
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/160, ISO: 8000, Approx. Subject Distance: 12.7 meters

13/05/2024

As we were waiting for the Kalaw, a male Philippine Trogon shows up quietly from thick vegetation. 😍

The Philippime Trogon is one of the most colorful birds in the country. Due to their dazzling feather pattern and bright coloration they are locally referred to as the "Ibong Adarna" or "Siete Colores".

The Philippine Trogon can only be found in the Philippines and are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with population decreasing due to habitat loss.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens)
📍: April 2024, Sierra Madre, Infanta, Quezon
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F10.0, Exposure: 1/100, ISO: 12800, Approx. Subject Distance: 12.7 meters

11/05/2024

I told this Barbet, "Smile!" and instantly regretted it. 😄

Seriously though, with most of the vegetation brown and dry, competition for feeding grounds become fierce. These Coppersmith Barbets were taking every opportunity to feed on this fruiting fig tree.

The Coppersmith Barbet can be found all over the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus)
📍: May 2024, Ternate, Cavite
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/800, ISO: 5000, Approx. Subject Distance: 9.11 meters

28/04/2024

A Philippine Collared Dove or Bato bato de collar, was busy foraging on the road. I didn't see it at first until around 5 meters away. I hit the brakes and went to the side of the road as we both got startled of each others presence. 😅 It flew away and to my surprise landed on the barrier right by my car window! I took a few photos before it finally decided to fly further into the forest. 🥰

Little is known about the Philippine Collared Dove. They have been introduced in Guam and Mariana Islands, where it is known as the Island Collared Dove. Philippine Collared Doves are quite similar in appearance to Red Collared Doves and Spotted Doves. The best way to determine them apart is the presence of the "fish scale-like" collar on the neck of the Philippine Collared Dove, compared to the solid black collar of the Red Collared Dove and the spotted collar of the Spotted Dove. Unlike the other two, the Philippine Collared Dove is becoming rarer to observe in the wild.

They are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and Endanged by the Philippine Red List of threatened fauna due to habitat loss and competition from other doves also native in the area such as the Spotted Dove and Red Collared Dove. Although with little information about its current population, it is possible this species is already closer to extinction.

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🐦: Philippine Collared Dove (Streptopelia dusumieri)
📍: April 2024, Ternate, Cavite
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 80mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/1000, ISO: 6400, Approx. Subject Distance: 9.11 meters

25/04/2024

A male Mantanani Scops Owl with its ear tufts raised. 😍

Mantanani Scops Owls are commonly observed on patches of forests within small islands. This pair living in a small island would chase other owls attempting to enter their territory including their own young once they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Mantanani Scops Owls are found between the islands of Borneo and the Philippines. They are currently listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and a highly fragmented population.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Mantanani Scops Owl (Otus mantananensis)
📍: January 2024, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Sigma 150-600C
⚙️: Focal length: 302mm., Aperture: F6.3, Exposure: 1/320, ISO: 6400, Approx. Subject Distance: 4.47 meters

12/04/2024

A Luzon Hawk-Owl drops by, "barking" at us before it decides to move deeper into the forest. 😍 One of the interesting nocturnal birds that call our country its home. They may look imposing but a lot of our nocturnal birds in the Philippines are actually pretty small and cute. This owl at around 8 inches is probably a little bigger than a human hand. They make a loud sound similar to small dog barking. Which they do to mark a territory, look for a potential mate or to guide its mate to its location.

The Luzon Hawk-Owl can only be found in the Philippines. Despite the name, they are found not just in Luzon but in Visayas as well, I saw them also in my recent trip to Bohol. (Although a different sub-species) 😊 They are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Luzon Hawk-Owl / Luzon Boobook (Ninox philippensis)
📍: April 2024, Sierra Madre, Infanta, Quezon
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F10.0, Exposure: 1/160, ISO: 16000, Approx. Subject Distance: 10.7 meters

11/04/2024

This iconic Three-headed Dragon has a special place in my heart. 😍 Learn more about our King Ghidorah collection. 😊

My King Ghidorah Collection! Enjoy! •••••••••••• THE EQUIPMENT I USE 》Main Camera: Samsung S21 Ultra》Drone (Mavi) : DJI Mavi...

11/04/2024

A North Philippine Hawk Eagle prepares for lift off! 😍 We bumped into this beautiful hawk eagle as we were driving on the highway. Unfortunately there was too much car traffic that I had to wait for the road to clear before I could open my door. By then it was ready to fly away. I did manage this shot just before it took off. 😊 Lifer #190 for me! 🥳

The North Philippine Hawk Eagle can only be found in the Philippines, particularly in Luzon. They are currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN with population decreasing due to habitat loss, and hunting.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: North Philippine Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis)
📍: April 2024, Sierra Madre, Infanta, Quezon
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF 200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 800mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/1600, ISO: 4000, Approx. Subject Distance: 36.5 meters

09/04/2024

A male Mangrove Blue Flycatcher out in the open! 🤩 I usually hear their calls whenever I visit La Mesa Ecopark before but they tend to prefer the confines of the undergrowth. Until I visited Puerto Princesa, with the expert guidance of Randy Tibor , I finally got some good photos of it. 🥰

Flycatchers are skillful insect hunters, flushing out insects from trees and shrubs and catching them mid-flight. The Mangrove Blue Flycatchers are found all over Southeast Asia. They are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with population decreasing due to habitat loss.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra)
📍: January 2024, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
📷: Canon R7 + Sigma 150-600C
⚙️: Focal length: 600 mm., Aperture: F7.1, Exposure: 1/500, ISO: 6400, Approx. Subject Distance: 5.74 meters

08/04/2024

A Philippine Nightjar looks up as it patiently waits for an insect to fly by in the middle of the road. 🫣

Being ambush predators, these birds would sit motionless on a spot waiting for unsuspecting insects to feed on. They will lunge on or chase their prey in flight, guiding the insect with those whiskers into their large mouths that extends below their eyes. Sometimes though, they do choose roads less travelled at night. Worse, their camouflage are very good and easy to miss. 😄 Just a word of caution, if you happen to travel on such a road, try to drive slowly and be on the lookout for glimmering eyes in the middle of the road to avoid accidentally hitting a poor little nightjar. 😊

The Philippine Nightjar can only be found in the country. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Please do not use this photo for commercial purposes without permission. You may also support the work we do by sharing this post or availing our framed canvas prints. 🥰 Thank you!

🐦: Philippine Nightjar (Caprimulgus manillensis)
📍: April 2024, Baras, Rizal
LN: Kandarapa (Filipino), Tukaro (Tagalog), Tongkawo, Tukturr, Tagolilong (Visaya)
📷: Canon R7 + Canon RF200-800mm
⚙️: Focal length: 600mm., Aperture: F9.0, Exposure: 1/100, ISO: 12800, Approx. Subject Distance: 5.71 meters