LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office showcased La Union’s vibrant wildlife through birdwatching activity, held recently as part of the celebration of World Wildlife Day.
Around 40 nature enthusiasts, environmental advocates and local partners gathered for an orientation before the birdwatching activity in the forest area outside the Naguilian Watershed Forest Reserve in Barangay Casilagan, Naguilian, and in the mangrove wetland of Bauang Bakawan Eco Park in Barangay Parian Oeste, Bauang, La Union.
The activity produced impressive results, with 26 bird species and 65 bird counts recorded in Naguilian, including Gray-faced Buzzard and the Philippine Serpent Eagle. In Bauang, they documented 12 bird species with 31 bird counts, including waterbirds like the White-winged Tern, Great and Little Egret, and White-breasted Waterhen.
They also spotted endemic species such as the Scale-feathered Malkoha, Guaiabero, Philippine Hanging Parrot, Philippine Coucal, Philippine Pied Fantail, Red-keeled Flowerpecker, Philippine Magpie-Robin, Philippine Jungle Crow, Garden Sunbird, and Philippine Swiftlet.
Migratory and resident species were also sighted, namely Brown Shrike from Siberia, Korea, and China; Gray-faced Buzzard from Japan, China, and Russia; Arctic Warbler from Alaska, Siberia, and Japan; Blue-tailed Bee-eater from Southeast Asia; the Eastern Cattle Egret from Japan; Zebra Dove and Arctic Warbler.
The presence of these species served as a testament to the province’s healthy ecosystem, and acted as bioindicators of clean water sources, healthy riverbank vegetation, mature and relatively undisturbed forest, showing that natural environment matters for communities and wildlife.
Jesley Angelo Mariñas and Ms. Nesfena Wal-lit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – La Union, Mr. Randall Brioso and Mr. Daryl Dacumos of Region 1 EcoBird Guides (BILLIT Org) and Dr. Jocelyn A. Floresca of Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines were among the participants who gathered to witness the province’s rich wildlife.
The PGLU’s commitment on environmental stewardship and effective conservation is reflected in the thriving ecosystem of the province, and it continues to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts, ensuring community involvement while embodying the spirit of Agkaysa for a sustainable La Union.
