tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52488495625605324602024-03-13T10:44:13.121-07:00A Birder in The PhilippinesBirding Mount Makiling, IRRI and other Philippine locationsPaul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-7234246116606962282014-06-04T19:09:00.000-07:002014-08-10T12:24:50.068-07:00The Last Post - My farewell to the Philippines<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Between July 2008 and June 2014 I
lived in Los Banos, Laguna, on the slopes of Mount Makiling. My wife
worked for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and I used
the farms at IRRI as my local patch. I started this blog in 2010 as a
place to deposit my sightings, and it has grown into a resource that
birders have found useful. This is the last post on this blog. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In June 2014 I moved to New York, as my wife had started a new job. For those who are interested my new blog is at </span></span><a href="http://paulsusbirdingblog.blogspot.com/">http://paulsusbirdingblog.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPXeFBqAdh8/U40MC2PQx1I/AAAAAAAAET8/vPiesgDWphk/s1600/20130107_145457.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPXeFBqAdh8/U40MC2PQx1I/AAAAAAAAET8/vPiesgDWphk/s1600/20130107_145457.jpg" height="320" width="290" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">In the 6 years I was in the Philippines I saw 424 species of birds, of which 160 are
endemic. This doesn’t seem to me to be a huge total. Certainly other birders
have surpassed this in a shorter time period, however it is reasonable enough
given the constraints of time, family and work. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Highlights
have been many and varied. The <b>Palawan Peacock Pheasant </b>at St Paul’s
underground river is an extraordinary bird. Beautiful, rare, secretive, range
restricted, it has all the hallmarks of a true great. The<b> Philippine Eagle</b>
I
saw at Kitanglad in 2013 ranks as one of my greatest bird sightings
ever, 40m
away from the largest eagle in the world. I thought of the famous quote
from Alfred Wallace, even though he was talking about butterflies at the
time... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"<i>my heart began to beat violently, the
blood rushed to my head, and I felt much more like fainting than I have
done when in apprehension of immediate death</i>". </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first sighting of <b>Steere’s
Pitta</b> was also a heart-stopping moment, as was my first <b>Philippine Frogmouth</b>. The list of great
birds is long here!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On
my patch the highlights were mainly migrants. Star of the show has to be the
<b>Pectoral Sandpiper</b> on 10th Oct 2013, a country first. Close on its heels were the <b>Black
Drongos</b> 15th Nov 2009 to 20th March 2010 and 9th Nov 2013, and the 9 <b>Oriental Plovers</b> 15th - 24th Sep 2013. Other local rarities included <b>Temminck’s
Stint, Red-necked Phalarope, Green Sandpiper, Pied Wagtail, Pechora Pipit,
Schrenk’s Bittern. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My garden list has also got some <span style="font-size: small;">stunners on it. Great endemics such as <b>Spotted Button<span style="font-size: small;">quail, Philippine Falconet, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Philippine Serpent-Eagle, <span style="font-size: small;">Philippine Scops, Luzon Hawk-<span style="font-size: small;">Owl, Philippine Nightja<span style="font-size: small;">r, </span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Philippine Green Pigeon, Philipine Cuckoo-Dove,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
Guiabero, Colasisi, Philippine Pgymy Woodpecker, Brown-breasted
Kingfisher, Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Red-crested Malkoha, Philippine
Coucal, Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo, </b><b><b>Balicassiao, </b>Red-keeled, Striped and </b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pygmy Flowerpeckers, Elegant Tit, Grey-backed Tailorbird<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">and</span><b> Sulphur-billed Nuthatch</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>.</b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some nice migrants also passed through (or over) the garden, such as <b>Oriental Honey Buzzard, Rufous-bellied <span style="font-size: small;">E</span>agle, Grey-faced Buzzard<span style="font-size: small;">, Chinese Goshawk, </span>Ashy Minivet, Brown Shrike, Brown-headed and Eye-browed Thrushes </b><span style="font-size: small;">and</span><b> Grey-stre<span style="font-size: small;">aked F<span style="font-size: small;">lycatcher.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elsewhere in the Philippines I birded many of the larger islands, notably Mindoro, Boracay, Bohol,
Negros, Cebu, Siquijor, Palawan, Mindanao, Siargao and Camiguin Sur.
Some of the best birding is on the smallest islands, the best I visited
were Pandan (Mindoro Occidental), Pandan (Palawan) and Apo Reef. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Luzon I focussed most of my
attention on the rice fields at IRRI, and the nearby Mount Makiling but
also got to Subic, Mt Banahaw, Laoag, Candaba Marsh, La Meza Eco-Park
and San Juan.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a few key areas I
planned to visit, but failed for one reason or another;</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hamut Camp</b> in the Cordilleras is a very important site, and the best/
only place to find a range of key lowland Luzon endemics, including Whiskered
Pitta, Isabela Oriole, Grand Rhabdornis and Cream-bellied Fruit Dove among
others. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mt Halcon</b> on Mindoro, the
only known site for Mindoro Scops and Mindoro Imperial Pigeon. It has
been closed to visitors for several years, though rumours circulate that
the ban will be lifted 'soon'.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tablas</b> has a selection of small island endemics including Tablas
Drongo, Tablas Bulbul and the <i>fischeri </i>race of Romblon Scops, named after Tim Fisher. It would have been great to see Tim's bird, I just never got round to it.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Batanes Islands</b> in the far north with Ryukyu Scops, Calayan Rail,
Chestnut-eared Bulbul etc. Lots of migrants as well, with huge rarity potential, a sort of Filipino Fair Isle.</span></span>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
addition, I got to a few areas only once (Bislig, Negros, Rajah Sikatuna,
Davao, Zamboanga), multiple visits are usually required if you want to clean
up.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">New spots continually <span style="font-size: small;">come to prominence as well. There are several <span style="font-size: small;">keen local and expat birders who <span style="font-size: small;">regularly explore new areas, and make new discoveries. <span style="font-size: small;">The first regular site for <b>Isabela Oriole</b> has recently been publicised (<a href="http://ebonph.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/championing-the-isabela-oriole/" target="_blank">see this article in ebon</a>), and a new species of Ground <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>arbler ha<span style="font-size: small;">s</span> been ide<span style="font-size: small;">ntified <span style="font-size: small;">in the far north. Doubtless there is plenty more <span style="font-size: small;">to discover.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
time passes, this blog will lose its currency, and its value as a
source for up-to-date information. However, for longer-term visitors,
trying to get a handle on what to expect from a posting to the
Philippines it may be useful for some time to come.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paalam Pilipinas </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span>Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-15751860538201613592014-06-04T18:49:00.002-07:002014-06-04T18:49:37.644-07:005th June - IRRIMy last ever trip down to the fields at IRRI. Lots of <b>Oriental Patincoles</b>, some with fledglings in tow. Also many <b>Cattle Egrets</b>, mostly out of breeding plumage. Not a tern in sight, or in fact any other migrants but plenty of other regulars.<br />
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Fledgling <b>Oriental Pratincole</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phzbCJSjmlc/U4_Ldp9yshI/AAAAAAAAEUM/CHhhWYWLNt4/s1600/IMG_5547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phzbCJSjmlc/U4_Ldp9yshI/AAAAAAAAEUM/CHhhWYWLNt4/s1600/IMG_5547.JPG" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
Female <b>Painted Snipe</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NefXrO0X7eY/U4_LdwMctnI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/6aFx-KUM_88/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NefXrO0X7eY/U4_LdwMctnI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/6aFx-KUM_88/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" height="355" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Buff-banded Rail </b><br />
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<b>White-browed Crake</b>Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-13912014444350032632014-05-31T17:54:00.002-07:002014-06-01T05:12:17.198-07:00Unlucky lizard - ISH 30th May.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LU3i3yzjdo/U4p2uEcSBFI/AAAAAAAAESc/hz2o6um1hyg/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LU3i3yzjdo/U4p2uEcSBFI/AAAAAAAAESc/hz2o6um1hyg/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" height="400" width="343" /></a></div>
While wandering about the ISH compound this afternoon with a couple of friends this dropped down from a nearby branch...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g6naO7obc7U/U4p2u2UGsgI/AAAAAAAAESg/aVDFl9UX-OA/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g6naO7obc7U/U4p2u2UGsgI/AAAAAAAAESg/aVDFl9UX-OA/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
Over the next 15 minutes we watched this beautiful <b>Paradise Tree Snake</b>, <i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".32.1:3:1:$comment663777983670268_663819566999443:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".32.1:3:1:$comment663777983670268_663819566999443:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".32.1:3:1:$comment663777983670268_663819566999443:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Chrysopelea paradisi variabilis</span></span></span></i> (Thanks to Emerson Sy for the ID), slowly, very slowly, devour an even more beautiful <b>Emerald Tree Skink</b>, <i>Lamprolepis smaragdina</i>. Its first grip was on the belly, at about the midpoint. The coils had the skink completely motionless within a fraction of a second. This snake is one of the very small number of 'flying snakes' from SE Asia.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eD_9ZzfR_zc/U4p2vz0XwZI/AAAAAAAAESo/X3VE-H-PTeQ/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eD_9ZzfR_zc/U4p2vz0XwZI/AAAAAAAAESo/X3VE-H-PTeQ/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
After a while it released its grip on the belly, and slowly moved towards the head end...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ek1mkaWhrj8/U4p2zUMXrrI/AAAAAAAAESw/7PYsnyQgFDk/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ek1mkaWhrj8/U4p2zUMXrrI/AAAAAAAAESw/7PYsnyQgFDk/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
Almost caressing the helpless prey... <br />
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The snake became aware of us, about 3m away, and paused briefly to make sure it was safe to eat...<br />
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which it then started to do... <br />
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...incredibly slowly, but with a terrible inevitability... <br />
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...in you go...<br />
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With the skink now dead it was safe to release the death grip and get into an easier swallowing position...<br />
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...extraordinary to watch...<br />
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....burp...Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-12252628556355151752014-04-19T21:29:00.000-07:002014-04-19T21:29:40.553-07:00Week ending 20th April - IRRIThe past few weeks have been very quiet with little movement of migrants through the fields, possibly due to the lack of flooded paddies to entice the waders. In addition I have been away (in New York, getting ready for The Big Move), hence the lack of recent posts.<br />
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The Cattle <b>Egrets </b>are coming into breeding plumage now, and are looking very smart...<br />
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Lots of <b>Oriental Pratincoles </b>in the fields, looking like they're getting ready to breed.<br />
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Female <b>Painted Snipe</b>, with a male peeking out from behind the bund too...<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-87460581364851727532014-03-15T15:41:00.002-07:002014-03-15T15:41:32.882-07:00Week ending 16th March - IRRI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A more interesting week with a second <b>Peregrine </b>(this time a juvenile) present on the upland farm all week. The dry fields in the same area continue to provide brief glimpses of <b>Blue-breasted Quail </b>mixed in about 50/50 with the <b>Barred Buttonquails</b>.<br />
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At staff housing a <b>Pink-necked Green Pigeon</b> gave great views in my back garden, and a <b>Luzon Hawk-Owl </b>visited Fiona's goodbye party on Saturday night.<br />
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Female <b>Pink-necked Green Pigeon</b> perched in a small tree in my back garden. The is the first I've seen of this species in the Makiling area, though they are common enough elsewhere, especially at San Juan.<br />
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Another female <b>Barred Buttonquail</b> in flight, showing the broad buff upperwing coverts.<br />
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<b>Blue-breasted Quail</b>, fairly uniform dark upperparts in flight. Clearly different from the buttonquail!<br />
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Juvenile <i>calidus </i><b>Peregrine </b>on a pylon in the upland farm. This is the first time I've seen two different birds on the farm at the same time.<br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-92030187705115989252014-03-05T02:24:00.003-08:002014-03-05T02:24:52.089-08:005th March - IRRIVery little change in the fields this week. The temperature is increasing and there are a lot of very dry fields, but as yet few birds are stirring themselves to move. The main birds in the fields are <b>Wood Sandpipers, Whiskered Terns</b> and <b>Brown Shrikes</b>.<br />
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Nocturnal birds are becoming more vocal and I hear <b>Philippine Scops, Luzon Hawk-Owl </b>and <b>Philippine Nightjar</b> nightly from my house, and the <b>Philippine Hawk Cuckoos </b>have started up as well.<br />
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A flock of <b>Purple Needletails</b> have been haunting the staff housing complex for the last few days.<br />
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I have been trying to photograph Buttonquails in flight recently. This is the best effort of the week, a female <b>Barred Buttonquail</b>. <br />
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<b>House Swift</b>. Regularly come to drink on the farm ponds.<br />
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The <b>Whiskered Terns </b>are ever-present at this time of year. <br />
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A very obliging <b>Striated Grassbird</b>. <br />
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And of course the<b> Peregrine </b>is still here. <br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-68031891711779722392014-02-18T01:52:00.000-08:002014-02-18T05:20:24.821-08:00Philippine Hawk Cuckoo at IRRI - 18 FebA very strange record this afternoon of a juvenile <b>Philippine Hawk Cuckoo </b>at IRRI. It was in trees next to the Open University building at the northeast gate. Initially I'd assumed it was a small accipiter as it took off from the ground and flew up into the trees. It perched nicely however, and I was amazed to see what I'd always been led to believe was a true forest bird in what was essentially farmland/ parkland. My first ever sighting of this species was outside my house at IRRI staff housing, a garden type environment, so maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised but since then I've got used to brief flybys in a variety of forest habitats. Kennedy says "<i>Lowland to high elevation virgin and second growth forest... shy and secretive foraging in all forest levels from near the ground to the canopy</i>". To which can clearly be added "<i>Sometimes sits around in the open in farms and gardens</i>"<br />
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Juvenile <b>Philippine Hawk Cuckoo</b>. <br />
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<b>Common Kingfishers</b> still in the fields.<br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-77511536662188022142014-02-17T04:39:00.002-08:002014-02-17T13:54:10.650-08:00Week ending 16th Feb - IRRINot much to report this week. Few chances for midweek birding as planning for school camps is taking up a lot of spare time. A small flock of <b>Oriental Pratincoles</b> were present on the farms early in the week and a small flock of <b>Ashy Minivets</b> were at the staff housing complex.<br />
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One moment of excitement came via Fred Serrano who emailed me about Blue-breasted Quail he'd seen on the upland farms. They were close to where I normally walk the dogs, so on Sunday I varied the dogs' route slightly, taking them through some dry fields, lo and behold two <b>Blue-breasted Quail</b> flushed in 2 minutes! Long overdue. Hopefully I'll get some pictures soon. <br />
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Owl activity is on the increase, with <b>Philippine Scops </b>and <b>Philippine Hawk Owl </b>calling regularly outside my house. A <b>Philippine Nightjar</b> has also taken up residence in one of the coconut trees in the garden, waking us regularly with its gorgeous churr at about 3am. Fiona is less impressed however!<br />
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<b>Zebra Dove.</b> A really good looking dove, a pity they're so common!<br />
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<b>Oriental Pratincole.</b> A small flock arrived during the week. <br />
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<b>Swinhoe's/ Pintail Snipe.</b><br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-68162095396918208762014-02-02T19:34:00.002-08:002014-02-06T04:37:43.887-08:00Week ending 2nd Feb - IRRIA quiet week on the farms in general, though numbers of <b>Wood Sandpiper</b> and<b> Whiskered Tern</b> are both high. A <b>Peregrine</b> and a <b>Common Kestrel</b> had a mid-air tussle on the upland farms on Friday, the <b>Common Kestrel</b> was still present on the main farm on Saturday. Two <b>Little Grebes</b> were displaying to each other on one of the farm ponds on Sunday.<br />
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In the botanical gardens an<b> Asian Brown Flycatcher </b>provided a diversion.<br />
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At staff housing two <b>Striped Flowerpeckers</b> were present on Sunday.<br />
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<b>Wood Sandpiper.</b> Plenty about at the moment.<br />
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<b>Buff-banded Rail</b> <br />
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<b>Little Grebe</b>.<br />
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<b>Striped Flowerpecker</b> at IRRI staff housing<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-3359081397564812082014-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:002014-01-18T13:50:51.906-08:00Week ending 19th Jan - IRRIA quiet week at IRRI with very few waders about apart from a few <b>Wood Sandpipers</b> and<b> Little Ringed Plovers</b>. The winter flock of <b>Whiskered Terns</b> is now at about 100. An adult <i>calidus </i><b>Peregrine </b>was present all week, and on Saturday a <b>Brahminy Kite </b>and a <b>Common Kestrel </b>were on the main farm. The kite eventually spent most of the day quartering the fields, though I only saw the kestrel very briefly.<br />
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Adult<b> Brahminy Kite</b> which spent most of Saturday hunting in the fields</div>
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An adult <i>calidus</i> <b>Peregrine</b>, on the same pylons on the experimental farm as all the others. Present all week.</div>
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<b>White-collared Kingfisher </b>which appears to be eating a snail. An interesting choice of food for a kingfisher, there's plenty of it at least!Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-88420179506713869342014-01-11T16:36:00.000-08:002014-01-29T22:32:50.151-08:00Mt. Polis and Banaue - 9 JanFrom Laoag we drove over the Bessang Pass to Banaue to spend a day birding the Mt. Polis area. The drive up was spectacular, and birdy. A <b>Mountain Shrike</b> was perched on roadside wires near the top, and the pines just after the pass held several parties of<b> Red Crossbill</b>. A <b>Philippine Hawk-Eagle</b> was hunting this area too.<br />
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Our only full birding day was Thursday 9th Jan. We started with a quick stop at the top where I heard (and got a glimpse of) what must have been <b>Luzon Montane Racquet-tail</b>. Then we split up, with me looking for Benguet Bush-Warbler while the others went to find the Luzon Water Redstart. Neither of us were successful, though I did get a lot of the usual Mt Polis birds including;<b> Chestnut-faced babbler, Mountain Leaf-Warbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Luzon Bush-Warbler, Long-tailed Ground-Warbler (heard), Metallic-winged Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker</b> and <b>Mountain White-eye</b>.<br />
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A short walk into to forest at the pass added <b>Island Thrush</b> to the list.<br />
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Banaue Hotel grounds was also nice, with <b>Mountain Verditer</b> and <b>Yellowish White-eye</b>. We eventually caught up with the <b>Luzon Water Redstart</b> near Banaue, at a bridge called Guihob Bridge.<br />
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<b>Mountain Shrike </b>ssp.<b> </b><i>validirostris</i>. What a smart bird!<br />
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<b> Red Crossbill </b>ssp. <i>luzoniensis</i>. <br />
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<b>Mountain Leaf Warbler</b> ssp. <i>benguetensis</i>. <br />
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<b>Luzon Water Redstart</b><br />
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<b>Mountain Verditer</b> ssp. <i>nigrimentalis</i>.<br />
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We bumped into this giant stripey worm in the forest above the police post at Mt Polis. Apparently its burrowing has been responsible for weakening the walls of the famous Banaue rice terraces.<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-15202783387808443042014-01-11T16:12:00.001-08:002014-01-20T17:37:05.293-08:00Laoag, 6th - 7th JanAs has become the norm at this time of year, due to the extra holidays we hard-working teachers get, I took off for a week's birding, this time north to Laoag. Several rare migrants had been reported from the area, so it was a very twitchy trip! I traveled up with Mark Wallbank and Jude Sanchez, and we met up with Richard Ruiz in Laoag itself. <br />
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We started at the fish farms in Gabu, looking for the Mandarin and Black-necked Grebe that had been reported from here. No luck there, but we did find several interesting migrants, including <b>Siberian Rubythroat, Common Teal</b> and <b>Eurasian Coot</b>, as well as less common resident birds such as <b>Golden-headed Cisticola</b> and <b>Philippine Collared Dove.</b><br />
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After a fruitless hunt for the Yellow Buntings, we went to the river mouth to look for gulls. This was much more successful as we quickly got on to a <b>Black-tailed Gull</b>, and then the real rarity, a possible <b>Kamchatka Gull</b> found by Rob Hutchinson the previous week. The birds were at a great distance, but we managed to flag down a passing banca who took us to within 50m or so of the resting birds.<br />
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In the afternoon we dropped by at Paoay lake to tick off <b>Common Cormorant</b>.<br />
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The following day we started with a quick trip to Pasuquin looking for forest birds, then got back to Gabu fish ponds. We were luckier this time round and quickly got very good views of <b>Yellow Bunting</b>. The gulls were still on the river, this time in company with 3 <b>Black-headed Gulls</b>.<br />
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Presumed <b>Kamchatka Gull.</b> A more rounded head and somewhat larger than Black-headed Gull, the only gull species that regularly occurs in The Philippines.<br />
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No white spots on the wing tips (P10) make this a first winter bird.<br />
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The almost white rump and upper tail rule out first year Mew Gull. This leaves either Common Gull, <i>L. c. canus </i>or<i> </i><i>L. c. heinei</i> or Kamchatka Gull <i>L. (c). <span class="st">kamtschatschensis</span></i>. <i>L. c. canus</i> is far out of range and extremely unlikely. <i>L. c. heinei </i>has an almost pure white rump and upper tail, Kamchatka Gull shows brown spots or bars. This bird seems to show some brown markings, other photographs show these more clearly.<br />
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The underparts are tinged brown, <i>heinei</i> appears whiter below, though many <i><span class="st">kamtschatschensis</span></i> are more strongly marked than this. The underwings are very dark, much more so than would be expected from <i>heinei</i>. Note also the barred undertail coverts.<br />
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The brown markings on the upper tail are more obvious here<br />
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The putative <b>Kamchatka Gull</b> was joined by a <b>Black-tailed Gull </b>(left)<br />
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The <b>Black-tailed Gull </b>has a much longer face, similar to Sooty Gull and White-eyed Gull from the Middle East. This is also a first winter bird.<br />
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<b>Black-tailed Gull</b> showing the white rump contrasting with the all-black tail (the Kamchatka Gull had only a black band at the tail tip)<br />
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In the evening light it appeared almost uniformly brown underneath.<br />
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<b>Yellow Bunting</b>. One of several birds that have been wintering here.<br />
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<b>Golden-headed Cisticola</b><br />
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<b>Philippine Collared Dove</b><br />
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<b>Siberian Rubythroat</b><br />
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<b>Common Kestrel</b> with the remains of a rat which it must have scavenged from the beach.<br />
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Male <b>Blue Rock Thrush</b> on the McDonald's sign in Laoag city.<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-32184124711308227872014-01-02T03:12:00.000-08:002014-01-02T03:15:44.769-08:00Candaba - 2nd JanA twitch to Candaba to catch up with some recently discovered rare migrants, in the company of several Manila-based birders. First order of the day was scanning the enormous egret roost for the three <b>Black-faced Spoonbills</b> that have been hanging around for a couple of weeks. It took a while but we eventually got on to them, about 500m away. We then faced a dicey trek across the rice fields, balancing precariously on slippery logs, and making several wrong turns before we got to a good distance. The birds were completely unconcerned at our approach and we ended up with superb views. After half an hour or so they took off and headed to another area of the fields to feed. <br />
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A scan of the rest of the area produced large numbers of <b>Kentish Plovers</b> behind the flocks of <b>Black-winged Stilts</b>, and a group of 14 or so <b>Sharp-tailed Sandpipers</b>.<br />
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We followed the Spoonbills to their new area, a similar group of fields full of waders, including a group of 3 <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b>.<br />
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We carried on to the mayor's ponds. At the smaller one the winter duck flock was excellent. The first oddity was a <b>Spot-billed Duck </b>spotted by Rob, a female <b>Common Pochard </b>also showed itself. Other species present included <b>Philippine Duck, Garganey, Shoveller, Tufted Duck</b> and <b>Common Teal</b>. The larger pond held <b>Wandering Whistling Duck</b>, and on our return to the smaller one several <b>Pintail </b>and 2 <b>Gadwall</b> had arrived. 10 species of ducks in one area, not a bad duck day!<br />
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Other birds in the area were mainly the usual Candaba set, including brief views of a <b>Middendorf's Grasshopper Warbler</b>, and a flyby <b>Black Bittern</b>.<br />
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<b>Black-faced Spoonbill. </b>The right-hand bird looks to be an adult with the small yellow pre-orbital patch, neither of the other two show this and are presumably juvenile. The adult also has a somewhat shaggier crown.<br />
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The middle bird seems to have darker greyish primaries, also an indicator that it is a juvenile.<br />
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Three <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b>.<br />
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<b>Spot-billed Duck. </b>Annual in the far north, these are still quite rare as far south as Candaba.<br />
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Female <b>Tufted Duck</b> and Female <b>Common Pochard. </b>Pochard are annual in very small numbers at Candaba.<br />
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Female <b>Gadwall. </b>A rare migrant, though surely under-reported<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-66008154934671580742013-12-31T16:55:00.001-08:002013-12-31T19:32:47.231-08:00Tibsoc, Negros Occidental - 30 DecA flying visit to this excellent coastal site after a family holiday in Sipalay provided some fantastic birding. Star bird was definitely <b>Nordmann's Greenshank</b>. I found what I believe to be two separate birds. Combined with the sightings last winter (up to 3 seen during February 2013 by Rob Hutchinson et al) it looks like Tibsoc may be a regular wintering ground for this endangered wader.<br />
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The bulk of the waders comprised large flocks of <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b> and <b>Great Knots</b>, with smaller numbers of many other species with them. Of particular interest were <b>Asian Dowitcher, Chinese Egret, Red Knot </b>and <b>Caspian Tern.</b> A full list of waterbirds were:<br />
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<b>Chinese Egret (4)</b><br />
<b>Great Egret</b><br />
<b>Little Egret</b><br />
<b>Javan Pond Heron</b><br />
<b>Grey Plover</b><br />
<b>Pacific Golden Plover</b><br />
<b>Kentish Plover</b><br />
<b>Lesser Sand-Plover</b><br />
<b>Greater Sand-Plover</b><br />
<b>Far Eastern Curlew</b><br />
<b>Whimbrel</b><br />
<b>Bar-tailed Godwit (20)</b><br />
<b>Black-tailed Godwit (1000+)</b><br />
<b>Common Redshank</b><br />
<b>Common Greenshank</b><br />
<b>Nordmann's Greenshank (2)</b><br />
<b>Marsh Sandpiper</b><br />
<b>Terek Sandpiper (1)</b><br />
<b>Ruddy turnstone (3)</b><br />
<b>Asian Dowitcher (30)</b><br />
<b>Red Knot (3)</b><br />
<b>Great Knot (1000+)</b><br />
<b>Sanderling</b><br />
<b>Rufous-necked Stint</b><br />
<b>Curlew Sandpiper (50)</b><br />
<b>Black-headed Gull (3)</b><br />
<b>Caspian Tern (3)</b><br />
<b>Black-naped Tern</b><br />
<b>Great Crested Tern</b><br />
<b>Gull-billed Tern</b><br />
<b>Little Tern </b><br />
<b>Whiskered Tern</b><br />
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In addition a trip to the fish-ponds on the opposite side of the national highway produced <b>Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper </b>and<b> Long-toed Stints</b>.<br />
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An excellent resource for planning a trip to this site is Christian Perez's report in the <a href="http://ebonph.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/birding-sites-tibsoc/#more-3518" target="_blank">March 2013 issue of ebon</a>. Faith Paas, mentioned in the ebon post was a fantastic guide and companion, going far out of her way to make me feel welcome, and showing me the various sites.<br />
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<b>Nordmann's Greenshank</b>. First spotted feeding actively beyond the mudflats at the sea shore, it moved a couple of times then disappeared.<br />
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A nearby <b>Common Greenshank </b>neatly illustrates the principal differences between the two similar species. Nordmann's has noticeably shorter, sturdier, yellower legs, a deeper based two-toned bill and an overall stockier appearance.<br />
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At the end of the morning as I was leaving the mudflats I found what looks to be a second <b>Nordmann's Greenshank</b>. <br />
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<b>Great Knot </b>were particularly numerous, with groups scattered throughout the mudflats.<br />
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A small number of <b>Curlew Sandpipers </b>were spread thinly amongst the flocks.<br />
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Small numbers of <b>Red Knot</b> can usually be found with the <b>Great Knot </b>in The Philippines.<br />
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The most numerous waders were <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b>.<br />
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Mixed in with the <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b> and <b>Great Knot </b>were a smaller number of <b>Asian Dowitchers</b>. <br />
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Only a small number of <b>Bar-tailed Godwits</b>. <br />
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<b>Far Eastern Curlew </b><br />
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<b>Sanderling </b><br />
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3 <b>Caspian Terns</b> were in with the main tern flock on the sand-bar...<br />
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... along with a small number of <b>Swift Terns</b><br />
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Presumed winter plumaged <b>Javan Pond Heron</b>. The status of the two species of Pond Heron (Javan & Chinese) in The Philippines is unclear to me. There has clearly been substantial range expansions of both species since the publication of Birds of The Philippines. Comments as the the identity of this bird would be welcome.<br />
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<b>Chinese Egret</b><br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-28782801869201491772013-12-20T22:50:00.000-08:002013-12-23T15:13:49.368-08:00Bittern week at IRRI - week ending 21st Dec <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A good week for bitterns. An interesting <b>Yellow Bittern</b> with very pale wing coverts got me excited for a while. <b>Cinnamon Bitterns</b> are easily seen in the ricefields, while a visit to the lakes on the upland farms produced a couple of more normally plumaged <b>Yellow Bitterns</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v069LDQsC40/UrU3H-4ClqI/AAAAAAAAD_k/0IcIOtxF1_s/s1600/IMG_8941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v069LDQsC40/UrU3H-4ClqI/AAAAAAAAD_k/0IcIOtxF1_s/s320/IMG_8941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Male <b>Yellow Bittern </b>with very pale wing coverts. After initially identifying this as Schrenk's I was gently corrected!<br />
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Adult <b>Yellow Bittern </b>with a more conventional wing pattern.<b><br /></b><br />
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Female <b>Cinnamon Bittern</b><br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-21039102398585419372013-12-18T19:32:00.001-08:002014-01-13T06:55:26.107-08:00Pectoral Sandpiper at IRRI - A first record for The PhilippinesOn 10th October 2013 while birding in the ricefields at IRRI I came across an
interesting sandpiper. Medium sized, it at first glance appeared to be a
juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. I took a number of record shots for my blog,
then continued on my birding day (<a href="http://birdingmakiling.blogspot.com/2013/10/irri-produces-harrier-at-last-10th-oct.html" target="_blank">see here</a>). On 12<sup>th</sup> December I received a
comment on my blog from a visitor (Tom Sacher of the German Rarities Committee (DAK)) that the bird may not be a Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper, but in fact looked like it was a juvenile <b>Pectoral Sandpiper</b>,
previously unrecorded in The Philippines. I think he was right<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">With hindsight I wonder at my initial misidentification. A clear example of <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inattentional_blindness" target="_blank">Inattentional Blindness</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAwQq3PnAWE/UrJlBRGT6wI/AAAAAAAAD-k/NPhmq3_oPV4/s1600/Pec+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAwQq3PnAWE/UrJlBRGT6wI/AAAAAAAAD-k/NPhmq3_oPV4/s320/Pec+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Juvenile <b>Pectoral Sandpiper.</b> 10th Oct 2013. <br />
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Pectoral Sandpiper (PSP) have an unmarked belly which is
sharply demarcated from a streaked breast. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (STSP) have
some dark markings along the flanks. The 10/10/13 bird shows clean flanks, and
a sharply demarcated division between a white belly and streaked breast. It is
impossible in this picture to see the full extent of the breast however.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsS2HV7V-gY/UrJlCQTG-yI/AAAAAAAAD-s/G8eAbNpRnzo/s1600/Sharpie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsS2HV7V-gY/UrJlCQTG-yI/AAAAAAAAD-s/G8eAbNpRnzo/s320/Sharpie+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This STSP from 29/08/11 shows the dark feathers on the flanks
(in this case chevrons, indicating an adult coming out of breeding plumage), as
well as the less distinct division between streaked breast and cleaner belly.<br />
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Without a clear view of the demarcation between breast and
belly other features must be relied upon. A close examination of the head I
think provides enough evidence for a confident identification.<br />
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PSP show a less distinct eye ring than STSP. They also have
no rufous in the crown, which STSP usually does. STSP also have a darker and
better defined band on the ear coverts. The base of the bill of PSP is
yellowish brown or greenish brown, while STSP has a pinkish base to the bill.
STSP has a whiter and more distinct supercilium. STSP also averages shorter
bill and shorter neck than PSP, and with a slightly flatter crown. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cow4aNVUN0/UrJkgIfb_YI/AAAAAAAAD-E/gRVXrieXDog/s1600/Pec+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cow4aNVUN0/UrJkgIfb_YI/AAAAAAAAD-E/gRVXrieXDog/s320/Pec+head.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The bird seen on 10/10/13 shows most of the features that
correlate with PSP. The base of the bill is brownish, not pink. It does not
have a prominent eye-ring or any rufous in the crown. There is no dark band on
the ear coverts, and the supercilium, while fairly distinct, is not whitish. It
also has a noticeably long-necked appearance <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6N8-Mef627Y/UrJkgMTSjZI/AAAAAAAAD-M/NEreYxbJwLI/s1600/Sharpie+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6N8-Mef627Y/UrJkgMTSjZI/AAAAAAAAD-M/NEreYxbJwLI/s320/Sharpie+head.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The STSP from 2011 showing a pale eye-ring, darker ear coverts, rufous crown, distinct whitish supercilium and paler (pinkish?) base to the bill.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoGFcznwtPk/UrT8WxmCWGI/AAAAAAAAD_M/DSXNz6k80kM/s1600/IMG_5075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoGFcznwtPk/UrT8WxmCWGI/AAAAAAAAD_M/DSXNz6k80kM/s320/IMG_5075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It has a clearly split supercilium, a feature of PSP but not of STSP.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLnbWYeG4gQ/UrJkgOsDDlI/AAAAAAAAD-I/1KLQeaizONs/s1600/pec+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLnbWYeG4gQ/UrJkgOsDDlI/AAAAAAAAD-I/1KLQeaizONs/s320/pec+4.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
The clear ‘braces’ formed by the whitish fringes to the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>edge of the mantle and upper scapulars
are typical of juvenile PSP, though I have seen photographs of STSP with
similar, though less distinct patterning.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8NHSeMkYWo/UrT4qShQbXI/AAAAAAAAD_A/GMiq0D3ohS4/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8NHSeMkYWo/UrT4qShQbXI/AAAAAAAAD_A/GMiq0D3ohS4/s320/IMG_5084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One further feature separating PSP and STSP is primary projection. PSP has a long primary projection, on STSP it is usually shorter. The top picture here is the PSP from 10 Oct, and the lower picture is the STSP from 2011. Clearly the top bird has a noticeably longer primary projection.<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-62033594450359425262013-12-07T00:48:00.001-08:002013-12-08T02:37:08.127-08:00Candaba - 7th DecAfter reports of several scarce migrants at Candaba over the last few weeks I met up with Mark B and Kitty to try our luck. Our first target was <b>Siberian Rubythroat</b>, several of which responded well to playback in the area around the Mayor's House. We soon enticed one into the open and it gave prolonged excellent views. Buoyed by this we then tried <b>Middendorf's Grasshopper Warbler</b> in the same area which responded even faster! Our initial views of this fantastic bird were brief, but we were to do much better later on. Next up was a small flock of half a dozen or so <b>White-shouldered Starlings</b>, scarce migrants but regular at Candaba.<br />
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After this amazing start the birding tailed off somewhat. The flock of migrant ducks produced several hundred <b>Tufted Duck</b>, a scattering of <b>Pintail</b>, plus lots of <b>Garganey, Shoveller</b> and <b>Philippine Duck</b>. <b>Wandering Whistling Duck</b> were in the flooded grassy areas. Four <b>Eurasian Coot </b>were a nice addition to my Philippine list.<br />
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Waders were a little more distant, but still plentiful. The bulk were <b>Black-winged Stilts</b> of which there were thousands, but there were also plenty of <b>Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper </b>and <b>Wood Sandpiper</b>.<br />
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Fantastic views of this very obliging <b>Middendorf's Grasshopper Warbler</b>. While they were all very responsive to playback, most birds stayed stuck deep in their cover, giving only brief views. This, the third bird we tried calling, was in reeds, and seemed a little more confident, showing well for a few seconds.<br />
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A more normal view of this classic skulker!<br />
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First up at dawn was this magnificent <b>Siberian Rubythroat</b>. <br />
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Rare migrants, these<b> Eurasian Coots</b> were two of four birds present on the lake, my first in The Philippines. <br />
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Three of at least 6 <b>White-shouldered Starlings</b> which were near the Mayor's House.<br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-10411438740861964832013-12-06T02:06:00.002-08:002013-12-06T02:06:40.653-08:00Makiling Botanical Gardens - 6th Dec<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a very quiet week on the farms, with almost no waders anywhere. A Friday afternoon walk at the Botanical Gardens produced this marvelous male <b>Black-chinned Fruit-Dove. </b><br />
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I haven't seen these for at least a year or so on Makiling, and have never see any quite as confiding as this one.Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-36937198345305854092013-11-24T18:02:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:02:35.260-08:00Sunday 24th Nov - IRRIThe fields at IRRI are being prepared for the next crop, and are at the ploughed and recently flooded stage. What it means is that the area of suitable habitat for migrant waders has changed from a handful of acres to several hundred in the space of a week. Birds are harder to find! The Green Sandpiper from Saturday never reappeared, and may have only stayed on the farm for a matter of minutes. While searching for it on Sunday morning I found more <b>Temminck's Stints</b>, in exactly the same fields as they've been appearing for the last few weeks. It's starting to look like a few birds have settled down in a spot they like. I think they move temporarily when disturbed by farming activities, but return when things get quiet.<br />
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There are also lots of <b>Little Ringed Plovers </b>everywhere at the moment. They seem to be associating in groups sorted by age, I'm not sure if they migrate like that, but they certainly seem to behave like that in the fields.<br />
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Apart from that the <b>Peregrine</b> has been showing itself regularly, and a <b>Pacific Golden Plover </b>was hiding in the long grass next to a ricefield on Sunday.<br />
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Up at IRRI staff housing a search for the Violet Cuckoo of Friday morning produced a <b>Grey-faced Buzzard</b> on Sunday, but no cuckoos sadly.<br />
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Adult <b>Little Ringed Plover</b><br />
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Juvenile <b>Little Ringed Plover.</b> There are lots around at the moment, all apparently in flocks of similar aged birds. This group of a dozen or so were all first year birds, two fields down were 5 adults together.<br />
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<b>Temminck's Stint </b>(left) feeding with a <b>Long-toed Stint</b>.<br />
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Two fields over from the previous bird was this <b>Temminck's Stint</b> with a couple of <b>Wood Sandpipers</b>.<br />
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This may be a third, or the first bird after moving a few dozen metres.<br />
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Adult <b>Cinnamon Bittern</b>.Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-87699454093333758092013-11-21T01:42:00.002-08:002013-11-23T02:53:50.671-08:0019th - 22nd Nov - IRRIOn Tuesday flocks of several hundred wagtails were present on the upland farms. It seemed that over 90% of the flock were <b>Grey Wagtails</b>, with the rest being juvenile <b>Yellow Wagtails</b>.<br />
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Thursday saw a <b>Grey Heron</b> actually land in the fields, though it took off as soon as it saw me!<br />
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On Friday morning, while waiting for the bus to school at IRRI staff housing a gorgeous male <b>Violet Cuckoo </b>appeared in a nearby tree, giving stonking views for about 10 minutes, until it was chased off by a <b>Colasisi</b>. My first in the Philippines!<br />
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On Saturday afternoon I flushed a<b> Green Sandpiper </b>from a field on the upland farms. It went high and flew off towards the south-east, we'll see if I can find it again tomorrow...<br />
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One of hundreds of <b>Grey Wagtails</b> that arrived this week. They were mainly on the freshly ploughed fields that are being prepared for maize.<br />
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The <b>Grey Heron </b>that has been seen several times flying past has finally landed!Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-57528031427180331752013-11-16T21:45:00.004-08:002013-11-16T21:49:20.560-08:00Week ending 17th Nov - IRRIThe weather brightened considerably this week, becoming very clear and sunny (and hot) by the end of the week. Thursday saw the arrival of a few migrants, including a <b>Greenshank</b> among the <b>Wood Sandpipers</b> etc. Richard and I decided to try and revisit the night-ringing plan from a couple of weeks ago, but this time during full moon. We were very confident that this time we'd strike gold, so our disappointment was even worse when we actually caught even fewer birds! The only bird trapped was a juvenile <b>Painted Snipe</b>, though we did get another bat. This one was one of the smaller insectiverous species, however we didn't get a photo sadly.<br />
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During the night we had a couple of flybys from a <b>Grass Owl</b>, as well as hearing at least 2<b> Philippine Scops Owls </b>calling from nearby wooded areas.<br />
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In the morning the <b>Peregrine </b>was hunting at dawn, and a solitary <b>Purple Heron </b>flew in from the adjacent farm.<br />
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Juvenile male<b> Painted Snipe</b><br />
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<b>Greenshank</b><br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-14466815393267756632013-11-09T18:39:00.003-08:002013-11-09T18:39:54.328-08:00Sunday 10th Nov - IRRINot much about this morning. The weather was glorious, but most of the birds were either hiding or gone. An exception was a moulty <b>Osprey </b>flying low over one of the ponds. I'd be surprised if fish large enough to Interest him are in there, but you never know.<br />
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<b>Osprey.</b> Quite an unusual visitor to IRRI, though there is plenty of suitable habitat nearby. Human pressure must keep their numbers down I suppose.<br />
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<b>Peregrine </b>back on post.<br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-58408988028929346472013-11-08T18:39:00.001-08:002013-11-09T18:40:38.019-08:00Aftermath of Yolanda - 9th Nov 2013Typhoon Yolanda passed us by to the south, and caused us almost no damage at all amazingly. The Visayas weren't so lucky I believe, haven't seen the pictures yet but 200mph winds are going to cause some damage...<br />
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On the farms the Temminck's Stints seem to have disappeared, along with the other waders from yesterday. While looking for them I was stunned to see a <b>Black Drongo</b> flush out of a bush in front of me, however it flew over the fields without stopping, and left the farm heading south. When I found two of these here on <a href="http://birdingmakiling.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-15-november-last-year-i-was.html" target="_blank">15th Nov 2009</a> Tim Fisher told me that a few had been seen in recent years, though I haven't heard of any since that date. Those particular birds stayed on the farm all winter, finally leaving in March 2010, sadly this one doesn't seem likely to follow that pattern.<br />
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While searching for the Drongo a <b>Grey Heron </b>flew low overhead, but also continues south out of the farm.<br />
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<b>Grey Heron.</b> After not seeing any here for 5 years, I now have two sightings in little over a week!<br />
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<b>Crested Myna</b>. Less red and more orangey legs and eyes on this individual.<br />
<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-575015688883872042013-11-07T20:58:00.001-08:002013-11-07T22:20:11.123-08:00Friday 8th Nov - IRRISchool was cancelled this morning by government degree because of the approaching typhoon. Working on the theory that bad weather usually means good birds I spent most of the morning in the fields. Between squalls I found a few nice things, including an intriguing flock of 9 large plover-type birds flying overhead. Probably Pacific Golden Plovers, but you never know! At least 4 of the <b>Temminck's Stints</b> were still present, and had been joined by a<b> Long-toed Stint </b>and an<i> alexandrinus</i> <b>Kentish Plover</b>.<br />
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On the upland farms a juvenile<b> Purple Heron </b>was the only real bird of interest, though many of the fields are being prepared for planting and there are many hectares of suitable habitat for migrant waders...<br />
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Typhoon Yolanda is due to get to us sometime this afternoon. It will pass somewhat to the south, but the promised winds are extremely high so I'm expecting power cuts and downed trees. Let's hope the birds find shelter. We'll see what tomorrow brings...<br />
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<b>Purple Heron </b>in driving rain on the upland farms. <br />
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At least 4 <b>Temminck's Stints</b> still present this morning. This was the closest.... <br />
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... quite a pretty stint I've decided! <br />
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The small-billed <i>alexandrinus</i> race of <b>Kentish Plover</b>.<br />
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A rather bedraggled looking <b>Long-toed Stint </b><br />
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<b>Crested Myna </b>with a clearly red eye and reddish legs. I can find no reference to these colours in the various field guides and handbooks I possess, which describe the species as having yellow eyes and legs. Could this be a sign of breeding?<br />
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<b>Yolanda</b>. Just rain here at the moment, but the winds are said to be fearsome...<br />
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248849562560532460.post-91382828653517682912013-11-06T16:10:00.001-08:002013-11-06T16:10:14.739-08:00Thursday 7th NovBrace yourselves, Yolanda's on the way....
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<br />Paul Bourdinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12959582799590448746noreply@blogger.com0