Excellent Valley Birding (Got 3 Lifers Too!)

It was a long overdue return to Bangkong Kahoy Valley for me, Jops, Adri, and Trinket and it was perfect timing that Dave was visiting from Taiwan. The last time we were there, we did a mega-twitch for the Whiskered Pitta but failed to see the bird. We said we'd come back for a more relaxed birding experience =)

We drove up early Saturday morning and were greeted by Dave (who had already spent the night there) and Dion (who owns BK Valley) at the dining area. It started to rain as soon as we parked the car and we had to wait for it to stop before we walked to check if the newly fledged Besras were in the area near their nest. We missed them last time we were in  BK valley and were hoping to see them this time.

Along the way, we encountered the first mixed flock of our trip. We saw Elegant Tits, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Yellowish White-eye, and (lifer #1 for me) Citrine Canary Flycatcher! We were enjoying seeing the birds when a Large-billed Crow scattered them as it perched on the tree. Such a big bully!

We continued our hike up to the community, wove our way through a Baguio bean plantation, and crept slowly beside our guide, Cris, as he gestured that the Besras were up on a tree. We positioned ourselves in a line and viewed two fledgelings sunning themselves on a branch. Lifer #2!

There were three chicks but we only saw these two.
They were calling continuously, sounding like immature Scops-Owls!

They left one by one, flying to perch hidden in a nearby tree and we took that as our cue to leave. Cris told us he saw a nesting Mountain Verditer Flycatcher up the trail (a possible lifer for me) and asked if we wanted to see it. Our first question of course was "Is it near?" We wanted relaxed and effortless birding and Cris said yes it was near, definitely not as far and as difficult as the trail we took last time. So we said yes and followed him up the trail. Of course, near-ness or far-ness can be pretty relative and what was "easy and near" for Cris was "challenging and far" for the rest of us.

This was part of the "trail" going up...

... and this was the "trail" going down.

Once more, I found myself holding on and hoisting myself up on mossy rocks and gnarled roots and branches.  At one point, very near the nest site, Adri decided not to go any further, Trinket too. I was so tempted to stay put also but I pushed myself after the boys. Adri and Trinket also decided to proceed but after a couple of meters up a rockier and steeper incline, I decided I wouldn't be able to come back down without falling or slipping. The Verditer could wait. So Adri, Trinket, and I told the others to go on while we stayed behind.

While waiting, the three of us decided to start going down the rocks and wait in a flatter, less slippery area. It was like a logic puzzle! Well, at least for Trinket and me =P We had to figure out where to place each foot and we ended up sitting on the rocks and scooting down on our behinds. I'm quite amused at how something so difficult  made us laugh quite hard. =)

The last "challenge" before reaching flat land =P

While waiting, we heard Philippine Bulbuls and a White-browed Shortwing calling from the trees but didn't see them. I saw what looked to be an immature Mountain Verditer Flycatcher up a tree but couldn't be positive on the ID. Soon, Dave and Chris started making their way down sadly without seeing the Flycatcher. They did see what looked to be an immature Whiskered Pitta, but just like the Flycatcher, they couldn't be sure.

We took a different route back down and after a bit more incline and steep slopes, found ourselves on the easier ATV trail. On the walk back down, we saw some Chestnut-faced Babblers that darted around us as well as some Mountain White-eyes. We soon found a noisy mixed flock and most of us stayed to spot the birds. We moved further down the trail and got close up views of a Pygmy Flowerpecker, feeding on the fruits of a low tree.

We arrived back at the dining area past noon and we sat down to a delicious lunch with lipote juice. We decided to spend the remainder of the day (and the trip!) on the view deck. We already got permission from Ramon, who owns the deck, to bird there and that's where we spent the rest of the afternoon (and the following day.)

This is definitely one of my favorite dude birding spots, and the trees in front of the deck weren't even fruiting yet! We waited for the birds but they weren't that active til late in the afternoon. We did get entertained by a hungry Brush Cuckoo, snatching hairy caterpillars from the tree in front of us. I really enjoyed seeing this bird as it was my first time to see the adult!

We got really close up views of the cuckoo!

We also spotted a Philippine Coucal, a Scale-feathered Malkoha, and a Red-crested Malkoha raiding a nest! Almost toward sunset, a mixed flock arrived. We saw more Elegant Tits, Citrine Canary Flycatchers, and Blue-headed Fantails. Towards the evening, we were on the lookout for the owls but the guards told us they usually come out and perch near the dining area around 2AM. After dinner, the boys tried their luck spotting the Philippine Hawk-owls that were calling all around but they weren't able to see them.

The following morning, we decided to just stay in the view deck, it was time for relaxed birding =) Dion generously offered to bring our breakfast to us in the deck which made me feel so spoiled aside from the fact that their breakfast was really, really, REALLY delicious! Around 8AM, just as Dion said, the birds started to arrive. An awesome mixed flock came into view from the lower deck and we enjoyed seeing Blue-headed Fantails, Yellowish White-eyes (Lifer #3!), and Citrine Canary Flycatchers flying in and out of view.

I've come to appreciate this fantail because
of the awesome views I got on this trip.

Dave was able to spot three immature Citrine Canary Flycatchers snuggled together on a branch, preening before they flew off to join the mixed flock. They would "regroup" together on a different branch before flying out again.

Fuzzy and cute feldgelings!

Aside from these awesome birds, we also got to see White-throated Kingfishers, Balicassiao, a male Tarictic Hornbill calling from its perch, White-breasted Woodswallows, Grey-backed Tailorbirds, Bicolored Flowerpecker, and a lone Flaming Sunbird.

I would have loved to stay another day, another week, or even another month in the Valley. I love the weather, the people, the food, the birds, everything! I'm already looking forward to our next trip, which hopefully will be 100% relaxed =P I have to see that Mountain Verditer Flycatcher too!

Mega Twitch

So far, I have twitched a number of birds since I started bird watching in 2010. There was the Ferruginous Flycatcher in UP Diliman a couple of years back (read about that twitch in my friend Trinket's blog). That was a pretty easy twitch, being in the middle of Quezon City. Then there was the Naked-faced Spiderhunter, which was in the La Mesa Ecopark also in Quezon City. I also twitched the Ashy Ground-Thrush and Red-bellied Pitta there. I think the last successful twitch I got was the Philippine Eagle Owl also in Quezon City early this year. Of course, I've also dipped out on lots of twitching trips, failing to see the target bird (like the unicorn bird, aka the male Narcissus Flycatcher, of UP Diliman =P) but all these trips have been very easy.

This latest twitch of ours got me on all fours, crawling under fallen tree trunks, and scooting down slippery stones on my behind leaving me sore and verrrrry muddy! All this was to try our luck to see the Whiskered Pitta in Dolores, Quezon. I went a-twitching with Adri and Trinket, Jun, and Jon J.

See those "low" clouds? We were there!!! 1,085 masl! Yeah baby!

6:15AM

We arrived at Bangkong Kahoy Valley and were greeted by the owner, Dion. We also chatted with Tita Lydia, fellow birder and butterfly watcher, before we drove up to the community.

7:10AM

We headed up the trail through the community to the site where the Whiskered Pitta was seen nesting by Sir Neon a few days back. The community was still very picturesque, the houses being very quaint and their path lined with flowers.

This is the trail through the community.

We stopped for a few minutes at 845masl (meters above sea level) as our guide had to return to BK Valley to clarify something. While waiting, we entertained ourselves with spiders and Buzzing Flowerpeckers circling over our heads.

8:15AM

We were on the move again. The trail narrowed, passing through a sayote plantation.

This was the view in front of me...

... and this was the view behind me =)

9:50AM

At this point, I felt as if we've passed the hardest part of the trail. We've climbed over rocks and fallen logs. Hoisted ourselves over high roots and slithered our way between the most slippery rocks in the world!

Jops, Jun, and Jon climbing up the trail.

Trinket and Adri climbing up one of the many
"obstacles."

Jun climbing up the slippery stones.

One of the more challenging parts were
climbing up (and then back down again)
these slippery, moss-covered stones.

10:45AM

We finally reach the site! We could see the nest from 25meters away. It was empty and there was no activity in the vicinity around it. We decided to stay put in our area and wait for it to show itself.

While waiting for the Pitta, Jun and Jops went to get
spring water from a broken pipe.

11:00AM

Rain fell. First, it just showered and Trinket and I didn't even bother getting our umbrellas out. But then it really started to pour drenching our hair, even as we stood under trees. Out came the umbrellas and we stood there patiently waiting for the rain to stop. It would stop every now and then, allowing the sun to shine for a few minutes, before it fell again.

We had our lunch there, under our umbrellas. We ate ham and cheese sandwiches and boiled (Hulk) eggs courtesy of Adri and Trinket, still hoping to see some birds. We did see a small flock of Chestnut-faced Babblers during a pocket of good weather and even heard a White-browed Shortwing calling nearby.

Pausing during the trek back down because of strong rain.

1:15PM

We decided the Whiskered Pitta wouldn't show and the rain wouldn't stop. We packed up and started our descent. The rain had made the already difficult trail even more challenging... even treacherous in many parts. The rain had loosened the soil, and we would either sink or slip together with the loose soil. I had to go on all fours at some parts, holding on to dear life lest I slip and fall into the rocky ravine below.

Aside from the loose soil and mud, we had to manage around the slippery rocks which was now twice as slippery as when we first passed through! I gritted my teeth, told myself I could do it, continuously said prayers and even sang some praise songs.

The trip back down felt like it wasn't going to end. And at some point, even some bird songs couldn't bring me to raise my bins to check them out. But maybe it was because my hands were too busy holding on to rocks or trees to keep me from slipping and falling. =P

4:15PM

Pitstop at the area where we waited for our guide earlier in the day. There was a fruiting ficus tree and we spotted a Bicolored Flowerpecker shortly before it flew away. Limatic check. One on Jun.

4:30PM

At last, we saw the car parked at the community! I could feel my knees locking already and couldn't find the strength to go see the Besra nest. Trinket, Adri, Jun, and Jon went I waited by the car. As we settled down, we did another limatic check and I saw two crawling hungrily up my pants! I flicked them away before I could take a photo... they were moving sooo fast!

Jun also had a baby one on his ankle. After photo-documenting the parasites, they were dislodged with a lighted cigarette.

After cleaning up a bit, we drove back to BK Valley to further wash up and get ready to go. Dion generously shared with us some passion fruit and lipote lambanog and some coffee too, to warm us after being soaked in the cold rain.

I tasted and liked the lipote flavored lambanog =)

After some picture-taking (we did jump shots, can you believe it?!) and saying our goodbyes, we drove back towards Manila, aching, tired but grateful and happy with our major adventure. I was really proud of our group, and surprised myself, since I knew I was not physically ready for something like that. But we pushed on, kept a positive outlook (we would still be laughing at times =P) and we did it. I did it. We all did it. And we deserve (gentle) pats of the back for it =)

Oh, and about the birds we twitched? No, we didn't see any of them =)

A Babbler's Nest

The endemic Chestnut-faced Babbler sitting on its nest.

I woke up before dawn to the sound of birds calling: a Common Koel and a Philippine Scops Owl. Jops and I were in a beautiful cottage in Villa Escudero, staying after a guided birdwatching trip from the day before. Even if we wanted to stay longer and discover the other birds of the Villa (including the Koel!), we had already made plans for a trip to Bangkong Kahoy Valley Nature Retreat and Field Study Center in nearby Dolores, Quezon. We met up with Carmela and Jun and drove towards the valley.

Nestled in between Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw, the BK Valley is a breathtaking sight of greens and blues. Add to that a crisp, cool breeze and you'd just want to lay on the grass with your bins.

The reception and dining hut with Mt. Banahaw in the background.

Sir Dion, owner of BK Valley, took us around the immediate area to bird. We saw some Luzon Hornbills and Scale-feathered Malkoha up in the trees.

A female Luzon Hornbill spent time preening on this high branch.

We also went around looking at the plants, having a berry here and there =)

Jops: "Tsaheylu, Jake, tsaheylu!"
The flowers of the beautiful endemic Jade Vine reminded us
of  the Avatar movie =P

The Milflores (Hydrangeas) were blooming in the
cool weather!

We tasted some mulberrys...

... as well as the more sour wild raspberries that were abundant there.

After a tasty breakfast (served with a delicious version of salabat!!!), we drove a short while to their community to head up the trails. We were going to see a nest of a Chestnut-faced Babbler. 

Just as Mela described, the community there is very quaint. A small path winds through houses lined with lots of plants with simple landscaping.

The path weaving through their community.

It was a short, inclined walk but challenging enough for me which reminded me to start exercising! We reached a small clearing and saw fellow birder Ely who was on his way down to check out another site. We left the trail and went through a lettuce patch and it was there on a young mango tree that we saw the nest.

It was made of dried grass, tiny twigs and moss. It was rounded at the bottom, as if half an orb and it looked  like it was anchored on some of the tree's branches, almost as if it were hanging onto them.  We set up our scopes and observed the nest. We were able to see three newly-hatched chicks peeping out. They still had no feathers and their eyes were still closed.

Three tiny chicks would peep out from the nest, asking to be fed.

After a few short minutes, a bird perched close to the nest. The parents were there! As soon as they neared their nest, the chicks strained their necks upward awaiting food. Unfortunately, there was none and the parents took off again. We waited a bit more and the adults checked on their nest a second time. 

Suddenly, we heard some rustling in the bushes a tree away from the nest. A Red-crested Malkoha was skulking nearby! A nest raider! I was so stressed! I didn't know what I would do if it went to the nest! The Malkoha flew under the tree and hid in the bushes to the left side of the nest. I quickly looked through the spotting scope to check on the chicks and what I saw was the adult Babbler sitting protectively on the nest!

Adult Chestnut-faced Babbler sitting protectively on its nest, hiding its three chicks from a threat!

The adult stayed on the nest for a few minutes (we assumed it was making sure the threat was gone) before it flew off with its partner to forage in some brambles nearby. It was more than amazing seeing the bird's parental instinct to protect its young from a sneaky nest-raider. Another "wow" experience for me as a birder =)

We soon left the area (we ticked off a Bicolored Flowerpecker as another lifer first) and headed back down the trail. Along the way, we encountered a noisy flock of about 10 Chestnut-faced Babblers! Another mixed flock had lots Yellowish White-Eyes, Blue-headed Fantails and a Sulfur-billed Nuthatch.

We left the noisy flock and proceeded to the site of a nesting Besra which was a short walk from where Mela parked her pick-up. We positioned ourselves in the hide that was recently built so the nesting birds won't be disturbed. 

Birders and farmers crouched in the hide, observing
the nest through the scopes.

The nest of the Besra. If you look close enough, you can see the spotted feathers of the
female adult bird among the twigs.

We spotted the nest with an adult female sitting in it. We weren't able to get a full view of the bird nor could we see its mate. After a few minutes observing the nest, the bird suddenly disappeared from view. We took that as our cue to leave and head back to BK Valley.

We chatted a bit with Sir Dion and ended our visit with a taste of a blood-red fruit shake, made with the fruits of the lipote tree - very fruity and refreshing after our hike. We said our goodbyes and see-you-soons and headed back home with wonderful observations and two endemic lifers for the day =)

Blood-red lipote shake!