Just fledged Clamorous Reed Warbler young were dangling off low mangrove branches, many Black-crowned Night Herons, a very secretive Yellow Bittern at pool 1.
At pool 2 same as 27th Black-winged Stilt, 3 Philippine Duck, Barred Rail, White-breasted Waterhen, Little Egret, 3-4 Olive-Backed Sunbird, this time I walked on past pool 2 and heard 3+ Philippine Tailorbird and saw Golden Bellied Flyeater and Tawny Grassbird. As I walked back up the gravel track more Asian Glossy Starlings went over, then 3-4 Pied Triller were hiding in the trees to the right, their chattering calls standing out amongst the noisy Clamorous Reed Warblers.
I decided a walk back along the parallel track earlier was in order and watched the steady flow of rubbish floating into the bay, but despite the sight, watched the various herons standing on the rubbish, picking at fish that were no doubt nibbling underneath, Little Egret, BC Night Heron, Rufous Night Heron, Striated Heron, all benefiting, plus Great and Intermediate Egrets on the mangrove edges behind.
It brings mixed feelings seeing the rubbish and I doubt the site stands a chance against the appeal of a corporate giant like San Miguel, offering to build a new international airport here. Sure Manila needs and deserves a good airport, but at what cost to wildlife and needless to say many birds will still present a threat to aircraft arrivals and departures. What mitigation might be offered if any?
Despite the traffic and rubbish, I still love the Philippines, the people and all it has to offer and cannot wait to come back.
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