NUVALI offers its wildlife of 62 birds species to bird watchers

Approximately 17 square kilometers of flora and fauna, NUVALI is the sanctuary of more than 62 bird species where experienced bird walkers and watchers often visit. A part from the wide range of breeds of birds, it also offers seven mammal species, seven herpetofaunas and 55 species of flora.

This wildlife is now being protected by cause-oriented volunteer groups such as the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and HARIBON Foundation are helping NUVALI in its conservation efforts. On top of providing base-line statistics as to the number of wildlife that can be found in NUVALI, these groups also initiates tree planting and promoting volunteerism among private sectors and individuals to protect these species and promote public awareness about their existence.

Last week, I was invited to be included to participate in a rare occasion to join Wild Bird Club of the Philippines to an afternoon bird watching experience in the thick jungles of NUVALI. Along with other media representative, we were toured to the area where many of these birds freely roamed trees which also provide as their nesting grounds.

 Yellow Vented Bulbul

After a quick briefing, Architect Anna De Guzman, Nuvali’s Sustainability Manager and president of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines presented to us a short education on birds and the type of species they belong to. I was so surprised to know that many of these birds are endemic in the Philippines. It was also comforting to know that many birds that can be seen in NUVALI are also migratory birds, and they found haven in this type of environment even for just a short while.

 Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker

After getting familiarized with some of the common birds that are quite plenty in the area, we proceeded immediately to the trails where all of us can have the chance to at least have a quick peak on how these birds would look like under the binoculars. At the trail head we already here different sounds of birds un-familiar to most city-slicker like me. However, even if the sounds are so near, we can’t seem to find that was in viewing distance.

Yellow breasted fruit dove

And finally, after a few minutes of scouting, I spotted a “Yellow-vented Bubul” on a tip of a branch Bunyan-tree. In a short while, a pair of the same bird appeared in a distance but it was much exposed and it was much better to see in the binoculars. Hoping to find a other kind of birds, but it seems that the Yellow-vented bulbuls were the only types of birds present in that afternoon.

 Yellow vented Bulbul

As we went on further, we saw a massive spectacle of Bee-eaters swarming the sky. Bee-Eaters are small type of birds with V-shape wing tip. These birds are also common in Urban skyline normally in the late afternoon.

Blue-tailed bee-eater

We passed by a small stream where NUVALI constructed several viewing decks especially for bird watchers. As the afternoon was nearing towards the evening, we saw a few bats in flight. Arch. Anna shared to us some of other nocturnal animals that live in the wild forest of NUVALI. I was surprise that the reservation even has several breeds of monkeys that roam the place during night time. 

 Greater flameback

We didn’t see much of the birds that afternoon but certainly we had a wonderful time to appreciate how NUVALI have preserved the natural habitat where many people in the city rarely see. We all went home with the hope that we can always visit NUVALI’s forest reserve again in the future with my children for them to appreciate the natural wonders of nature not far from Metro Manila. 

Note: All photos courtesy of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines