8/7/96 - 22/7/96 Jamaica

Jamaica:   8th July 1996 - 22nd July 1996,

Itinerary:

8th July :
Landed at Montego Bay at 2pm. The airport is set in marshy habitat with a few pools producing the first few birds. Skipped queue at Immigration as we noticed a new "line" being opened. Straight through Customs and on to Island Cars who were expecting us. A few false starts in the car whilst getting used to no clutch ! Drove to Westgate Shopping Centre via the coastal route missing out the worst of Montego Bay stocking up on a few provisions and checked directions to Orange River Lodge. Found lodge without difficulty with the road inland to the lodge being in better condition than anticipated. Booked in at a cost of £18 per night. Found an excellent Hawk Moth near a light. A superb lodge with panoramic views of the edge of the Cockpit Country. From 4.30 to 6pm birded the road leading up from the lodge. Went back to the lodge and crashed out. A spectacular thunderstorm passed over in the night and also heard a distant Jamaican Owl. (14 new birds seen).

9th July :
Awoke at 5am and out by 5.45am when light. Walked the road leading up from the lodge. Tried a couple of trails leading off from the road. Spent some time at a flowering tree watching a Tody, hummers and other nectar feeders. Again found the Hawk Moth whilst sitting out the heat of the day on the veranda overlooking the panoramic view. In the early afternoon walked the entrance road before driving to Rocklands Nature Reserve spending the afternoon feeding the hummingbirds from hand held bottles whilst they perched on our fingers. Met Fritz and arranged for him to take us out the following morning. He said he would attempt to stake out the Potoo and the Owl overnight. Left Rocklands and stopped at a "fast food" restaurant at the Westgate Centre and then returned to the lodge spending the evening there. Went spotlighting after dark but only succeeded in giving the security man his first excitement in two years as I played the tape recorder in vain ! (6 new birds seen).

10th July :
Left Orange River Lodge early in order to meet up with Fritz at Rocklands at 7am. However the night security man had lingered to tell me that the Owl had appeared within half an hour of me calling it a night the evening before. As he did not know my room number he said he could not fetch me ! However he did offer to try to find the bird the next evening but alas we were leaving that day. Drove to Rocklands and was pleased to meet Fritz waiting for us and ready to go. Spent the next 3 hours walking the grounds with Fritz with some superb species being seen with excellent views of both endemic Cuckoos proving to be the highlight. However none of the usual daytime perches were being used by either the Owl or the Potoo. Left Rocklands and drove via Ferris Cross and Black River to Mandeville arriving at Marshall's Pen at 1pm moving in to our  self catering accommodation above the barn costing £16 per night. Drove into town and stocked up on food at a supermarket and eat at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Returned to Marshall's Pen and spent the evening walking the ranch with Robert Sutton who showed us the area where Crested Quail Doves had recently nested. Made two spotlighting sessions but failed to see anything other than the impressive fireflies and the huge Bullfrogs. Went to bed wondering if the time of year was against us seeing the Owl and the Potoo ! (8 new birds seen)

11th July :
Out at 5.30am flushing a Barn Owl out of the barn. Headed straight to the hillside spending nearly 3 hours creeping around in the forest fruitlessly searching for the Crested Quail Dove. However did see 4 Ruddy Quail Doves. Returned to the accommodation for half an hour and then back to the hillside spending another 2 hours in the forest until I finally flushed a Caribbean Dove which showed well before disappearing. We then spent the remainder of the morning and the early afternoon walking the ranching land covering a variety of habitats. A heavy downpour was fortunately sat out under a salt lick from where we returned to the accommodation and took it easy during a wet afternoon. Drove in to town filling up with petrol which cost £5 to fill the tank (!) and eat at King Burger. Returned to Marshall's Pen and joined Ann and Robert Sutton for a superb spotlighting session with excellent views of Barn Owl, Jamaican Potoo and Jamaican Owl. Slept easier that night ! (4 new birds seen).

12th July :
Out at 5.45am and spent next two hours again looking in vain for Crested Quail Dove. Then drove to Elim Pools and on to the Parottee Beach area concentrating around the estuary. At around 1pm it again started to rain so we stopped for an excellent meal at the Port of Call Hotel with the Caribbean lapping right up to the restaurant. Torrential rain then prevailed so we returned to Marshall's Pen driving through flooded sections of the road making for an interesting drive. Returned to our accommodation and watched an incredible downpour. (2 new birds seen).

13th July :
Left Marshall's Pen at 4.30am along with Ann and Robert and drove to the Burnt Hill area of the Barbecue Bottom road arriving just before 6.30am. Spent  4 enjoyable hours birding the road with all three hoped for new birds falling within the first half an hour. Heard a distant Crested Quail Dove and spent a considerable time looking for the mythical Golden Swallow which has not now been reliably seen for 12 years in Jamaica with recent reports all almost certainly relating to wintering Tree Swallows or immature Cave Swallows. Robert was the last person to see birds at a breeding site being the nearby Ramgoat Cave but unfortunately that was now over 20 years ago. With reports of the species declining in Hispaniola the future looks bleak. Drove back to Marshall's Pen and spent the early afternoon erecting mist nets for the following day as ringing is carried out every fourth Sunday. Left Marshall's Pen at 4.15pm and drove to Elim Pools spending an enjoyable evening there. Left at dusk driving back to Marshall's Pen but not before rounding off the day watching 5 Whistling Ducks perched in a tree silhouetted against the sunset. Robert and Ann kindly invited us for a meal at the Great House after what had been a long but very enjoyable day. (4 new birds seen).

14th July :
Out at 5.30am and joined Robert and Ann who were setting the mist nets. After 10 minutes the first two birds were trapped which proved to be two Todys - the very species I had most hoped to see in the hand. Spent until 10.30 trapping and photographing the birds. Audrey Downer had driven over from Kingston to study the moult of the birds trapped. Drove into town and had lunch in the Mandeville Hotel. Spent from 4pm to 6pm trapping and then went to have a last look for Crested Quail Dove but spent until dark searching in vain. Robert then kindly copied some tapes of the remaining endemics for me and gave me directions on where to look for the species I had not yet seen. We said our farewells to Robert and Ann who had proved super hosts and felt sorry that our time at Marshall's Pen had come to an end as we packed ready to make an early start.

15th July :
Left Marshall's Pen at 5.45am and drove towards the Portland Ridge arriving just after 7am. However assuming we had found the correct road after leaving Lionel Town it was in extremely poor condition so we did not make much progress before deciding our small Suzuki hatchback was not up to the task. All Mockingbirds scrutinised after we had turned back proved to be Northern, as expected. Drove into Kingston arriving at 9.30am and drove straight through to the Old Hope Road Shopping Plazas without getting lost (!) many thanks were due for Ann's directions Filled up with petrol and some provisions before ascending the Blue Mountains driving across the Newcastle Parade Ground which was fortunately not in use. Arrived at the 'rustic' Greenhills Guesthouse (£13 per night) at midday with the road up the mountains being far better than expected. Spent the next six hours birding the road both below and above the guesthouse and walking the start of the Fairy Glade Trail and Woodside Drive where quite unexpectedly I stumbled across a Crested Quail Dove walking around in the middle of the track at 4.25pm. Returned happy to the Guesthouse, although by now the drizzle had started with mist setting in. Consumed a can of Corned Beef with bread and fruit as the Gap Restaurant was closed. (5 new birds seen).

16th July :
Torrential rain and very windy all night due to Hurricane "Bertha" passing to the east of Jamaica. The rain eased a little at 6.30am so we drove towards Woodside Drive. On the way 2 superb Crested Quail Doves walked 15 - 20 yards ahead of us down the road. With the use of an umbrella I walked Woodside and Greenwich Drives but the rain hampered birding. Returned to the Guesthouse and surprisingly saw another Crested Quail Dove walking along the road ahead of us near Holywell National Park. Lloyd the caretaker at Greenhills told us that the tropical trough was situated over the island and that it was very unusual to see so much rain - even in the Blue Mountains. The rain continued so we decided that as we had seen all the "required" species to quit the mountains a day early and head for San San (a site for the single remaining endemic we had not seen) via Buff Bay and Port Antonio. Whilst asking the cost of staying at the Dragons Bay Villas (too expensive) I managed to see 2 Black-billed Streamertails in five minutes. The endemics had all fallen in eight days - seeing them had proved far easier than expected. We finally booked in to the Fern Hill Club which had superb views overlooking the coastline at a cost of £20 per night. We enjoyed a good meal in the Hotel Restaurant. (Final new species seen).

17th July :
The edge of Hurricane Bertha hits Jamaica with torrential rain and wind all night with constant thunderstorms. As day broke the wind eased but the torrential downpour and spectacular thunderstorms continued. Spent much of the day playing pool and watching the storms. Weather finally improved at 5.30pm so we walked the grounds of the Fern Hill Club seeing a superb full adult male Black-billed Streamertail. Thunderstorms and rain soon started again at dusk and continued all night. Decided to eat a meal of Corned Beef, Bread and Fruit which we had bought in case of having trouble eating in the Blue Mountains.

18th July :
Still raining at dawn for the first few hours but then weather rapidly improved. Spent day relaxing with a visit to San San Beach but no seabirds to be seen as a result of the weather. Again dined in the Restaurant.

19th July :
Woke early and walked grounds of the Fern Hill Club. Then packed and drove to Duncans enjoying the coastal scenery along the way although few birds seen. Stopped to eat in Burger King at Ochos Rios which in our opinion was the worst tourist resort we passed through resembling a large building site and the only place we were offered Ganja despite only being there for half an hour. We booked into the Paradise Guesthouse at Duncans visible from the main road costing £13.

20th July :
Drove on towards Montego Bay stopping briefly at the Falmouth fish ponds but too full of water presumably after the storms. No waders seen. Stopped at MacDonalds and then headed to the Orange River Lodge spending the afternoon watching Pigeons hoping for a Plain Pigeon to fly past but no luck. Eat a good meal in the Hotel Restaurant.

21st July :
Spent a couple of hours watching Todys along the entrance road. Heard Jamaican Owl !

22nd July :
Headed for the airport handing over car and checked onto the plane,

Systematic List:
Least Grebe - Tachybaptus dominicus

• A superb adult and 3 young were present on a small water tank near the barn at Marshall's Pen and were seen daily from the 10th to the 14th. They had been encouraged to breed on the tank by the positioning of a small raft in the centre of the water.

Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps

• Seen at Elim Pools where 6 were seen on the 12th and 4 on the 13th and a pair were seen on a roadside pool between Mandeville and Kingston on the 15th.

Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis

• Only seen on the south west coast with 2 seen between Ferris Cross and Crawford on the 10th and 8 seen in the vicinity of Black River and Parotee Beach on the 12th.

Magnificent Frigatebird - Fregata magnificens

• Seen on five dates with 2 between Ferris Cross and Crawford on the 10th, 10 at what appeared to be an active breeding colony (although Birds of Jamaica states that it nests Dec-Mar) in the distant mangroves between Black River and Parotee Beach on the 12th, 2 just west of Port Antonio on the 19th, 2 near Falmouth on the 20th and finally 1 at Montego Bay whilst driving to the airport on the 22nd.

Least Bittern - Ixobrychus exilus

• A total of 4 were seen at Elim Pools during the evening of the 13th. They were first seen in flight over the reedbed and then climbing the large reeds at the edge of the reedbeds where they perched motionless in full view for the half an hour leading up to dark.

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias

• The first species seen in Jamaica with an individual seen in flight over the pools at Montego Bay Airport whilst the plane was landing on the 8th followed by a single bird at an estuary just east of Port Antonio on the 18th.

Great Egret - Casmeroides albus

• In the vicinity of Elim Pools 40 were seen on the 12th and 20 the next evening with the only other sighting being a lone individual at the Falmouth Pools on the 20th.

Snowy Egret - Egretta thula

• An estimated 10 were seen at the Elim Pools on the 12th.

Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea

• A single bird was seen just south of Montego Bay and 2 were seen in flight at the Orange River Lodge in the evening of the 9th, 1 was seen at the Elim Pools on the 13th and 1 was seen on the drive between Port Antonio and Duncans on the 18th.

Tricoloured Heron - Egretta tricolor

• A single bird was seen at the Elim Pools during the evening of the 13th.

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis

• Very common being recorded on every day but two with a maximum daily estimate of 30 on the 12th.

Green-backed Heron - Buteroides virescens

• Seen at Elim Pools with 3 on the 12th and 5 on the 13th but not again until San San Beach where 2 were present on the 18th and 1 seen at an estuary just east of Port Antonio on the 20th proving an interesting size comparison alongside a Great Blue Heron.

Black-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax

• Only seen at the Elim Pools where 3 were seen on the 12th (including an unfortunate individual clearly distressed as it dangled upside down being caught in a fishing net unfortunately the opposite side of a large channel of water) and 20 were seen mainly appearing at dusk to feed around the pools on the 13th.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax violaceus

• A total of 5 were counted feeding along the beach outside the Port of Call Hotel just south of Black River on the 12th.

Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus

• A party of 15 were seen in flight over the Elim Pools during the evening of the 13th. This species is described as a rare resident in Birds of Jamaica.

West Indian Whistling Duck - Dendrocygna arborea

• We felt fortunate to see 16 at the Elim Pools on the evening of the 13th including 3 which although obviously nervous were stood in the middle of the pools in full view at not too greater distance from us, a party of 8 which were seen low in flight (being a peculiar sight as they hold their necks outstretched downwards when in flight) over the pool and were joined by 2 from the pool from where they flew and landed in a large tree at the back of the pools and finally 5 were seen perched in a large tree along the entrance track backlit by the remnants of the sunset proving a fine end to a memorable days birding. Birds of Jamaica describes this species status as "Resident, probably locally common but extremely shy and rarely seen." This species is listed as Vulnerable by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994) who state that it has suffered everywhere from wetland drainage and relentless but continuing hunting pressure, so that today its status is precarious.

Ruddy Duck - Oxyura jamaicensis

• The final species to be seen in Jamaica with 4 being seen on the pools at Montego Bay Airport as the plane prepared to take-off on the 22nd.

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura

• A very widespread and common species being seen everyday often in good numbers with a daily estimated maximum of 80 recorded on the 9th.

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis

• Singles were seen at Marshall's Pen being mobbed by a Jamaican Crow on the 11th, over Hardwar Gap on the 15th and over the Orange River Lodge on the 22nd.

American Kestrel - Falco sparverius

• A widespread species being recorded from all habitats on every day but two with a daily maximum of 6 being recorded on the 19th. Interestingly it has only arrived on Jamaica in the last fifty years and R. Sutton wonders if the disappearance of the Golden Swallow is linked as he has sometimes observed Kestrels taking young Cave Swallows from the colony at Marshall's Pen

Purple Gallinule - Porphyrula martinica

• Only seen at the Elim Pools where 2 were seen on the 12th and 1 on the 13th.

Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

• Only seen at the Elim Pools where 1 was seen on the 12th and 2 on the 13th.

American Coot - Fulica americana

• Only seen at the Elim Pools where they were observed feeding young with 4 seen on the 12th and 2 on the 13th. On one occasion an adult American Coot was seen to be extremely aggressive attacking a young Caribbean Coot whilst the adult Caribbean Coot had dived.

Caribbean Coot - Fulica caribaea

• Only seen at the Elim Pools where they were observed feeding young with 5 seen on the 12th and 2 on the 13th. It is interesting that such a small pool should hold both species of Coot in what amounts to be very small numbers of both species.

Wilson's Plover - Charadrius wilsonia

• A superb individual was observed on a sand bar at Parottee Beach on the 12th.

Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus

• Only a single bird seen at a golf course at the Braco Resort just east of Duncans on the 19th.

Common Stilt - Himantopus mexicanus

• Around 8 were seen at Parottee Beach on the 12th and 6 were seen in flight on the drive from Port Antonio to Duncans on the 19th.

Northern Jacana - Jacana spinosa

• Only seen at the Elim Pools where 6 were seen on both the 12th and 13th.

Greater Yellowlegs - Tringa melanoleuca

• A party of 3 were seen on a sandbar at Parottee Beach on the 12th.

Willet - Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

• A single individual was seen on a sandbar at Parottee Beach on the 12th.

Laughing Gull - Larus atricilla

• A party of 5 were seen at Parottee Beach on the 12th.

Royal Tern - Sterna maxima

• A total of 25 were seen in the vicinity of Black River and Parotee Beach on the 12th with 5 seen on the drive from Port Antonio to Duncans on the 19th and 2 near Falmouth the following day.

Least Tern - Sterna antillarum

• A party of 15 were seen resting on a sandbar at Parottee Beach on the 12th being an interesting size comparison to the Royal Terns.

Black Tern - Childonias niger

• A party of 6 were seen all being in winter plumage at Parottee Beach on the 12th.

White-crowned Pigeon - Columba leucocephala

• A common and widespread species being recorded on every day but one with a daily maximum of 30 being estimated at the Orange River Lodge on the 20th.

RING-TAILED PIGEON - Columba caribaea

• We were pleased to see 10 of these large and slow flying Pigeons both in flight and perched in the Cockpit Country near Burnt Hill on the 13th but were surprised to see a further 8 at Hardwar Gap on the afternoon of the 15th and 3 there the following morning. This species is listed as Critical by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994) who state that it has been greatly reduced in numbers and range over the past 150 years by illegal hunting and extensive habitat loss with the trend continuing with unabating pressure from both hunting and forest clearance.

White-winged Dove - Zenaida asiatica

• Small numbers were recorded on six dates being seen at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen and near Falmouth with a daily maximum of 6 recorded on the 20th.

Zenaida Dove - Zenaida aurita

• Seen on eight dates in small numbers being seen at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen, the Cockpit Country, Fern Hill Club and roadside sightings on the way back to Montego Bay.

Common Ground Dove - Columbina passerina

• A common and widespread species being recorded on every day but one with a daily maximum of 20 recorded on the 9th with birds seen at both the Orange River Lodge and Rocklands.

Caribbean Dove - Leptotila jamaicensis

• This superb species was encountered twice in the fortnight with a superb individual with incredibly bright red legs flushed from the ground in forest at Marshall's Pen which alighted on a low branch and remained frozen for around five minutes before disappearing on the 11th and the second individual which was equally superb being seen creeping around in the forest adjacent to Woodside Drive near Hardwar Gap on the 15th. Excellent.

Feral Pigeon - Columba livea

• A single individual was seen at Buff Bay.

Ruddy Quail Dove - Geotrygon montana

• After poor flight views of a couple at Rocklands I was pleased to obtain excellent views of birds creeping around the forest at Marshall's Pen with 4 seen on the 11th, 2 on the 12th,5 on the 14th including a bird mist netted and finally 1 was seen on the track at Woodside Drive near Hardwar Gap on the 15th. Superb.

CRESTED QUAIL DOVE - Geotrygon versicolor

• My most wanted bird in Jamaica on leaving the U.K. so after around 15 hours of creeping around a small patch of forest to no avail at Marshall's Pen where a pair had recently nested I was getting desperate ! However Robert Sutton kindly pointed me in the direction of Woodside Drive near Hardwar Gap with stories of how he had mist netted six in a single morning. On arriving at Woodside Drive at around 3.30pm on the 15th I spent an hour quietly walking the upper part of the drive seeing a Caribbean Dove. I then decided to walk further down to take a quick look at how far the suitable habitat stretched when to my delight I turned the sharp left hand bend at the bottom of the hill and in the middle of the track was a superb adult. As I watched it down to fifteen yards I was quite unprepared for the bird to be continually violently pumping its tail as it walked around virtually in circles. I watched it for around five minutes and left it in the centre of the track to return for the camera which I had foolishly left at the top of the drive. Unfortunately by the time I returned the Dove had vanished although a Ruddy Quail Dove was seen a little further down the track. However the following morning I made sure I was the first vehicle along the road from the Greenhills Guesthouse back to Woodside Drive and was rewarded with a pair walking in the same manner along the "main" road between Holywell Park and Woodside which were watched for around 3 minutes in front of the car before they flew into the forest. I walked Woodside but to no avail and was therefore surprised to encounter another bird walking along the "main" road on our drive back towards Hardwar Gap at around 9am after a few vehicles had passed. This individual was watched walking in the road for 2 minutes when it hopped up onto a small wall along the side of the road and then disappeared into the forest on the other side. This species proved even better than I had expected and was the highlight of the trip. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al 1994).

Olive-throated Parakeet - Aratinga nana

• A common and fairly widespread species being recorded on nine dates at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen and a few roadside sightings in fair numbers with a daily maximum of 30 seen at the Orange River Lodge on the 20th.

Green-rumped Parrotlet - Forpus passerinus

• This introduced species was only seen at Rocklands where a single individual was watched perched high in a dead tree on the 10th.

YELLOW-BILLED PARROT - Amazona collaria

• Only seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th where good views were obtained of a pair and then a single bird. The large bill, white eye-ring and rosy cheeks were all obvious in the field. Unfortunately Birds of Jamaica state that this species is threatened by illegal hunting, collecting for the pet trade and habitat destruction. Indeed along the stretch of the road I was offered a "talking" Parrot by a local who boasted hat he could get me a Parrot whenever I wanted ! I kept my cool and merely told him that Parrots should be left in the wild. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994).

BLACK-BILLED PARROT - Amazona agilis

• Only seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th, where good views were obtained of around 30 birds seen both perched and in flight with the red in the wing being a good field character of this species when in flight. Birds of Jamaica state that this species is not as common as the Yellow-billed Parrot and similarly threatened. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994) who state that it suffers from clearance of its habitat, poaching for food and trapping for local trade.

Mangrove Cuckoo - Coccyzus minor

• A single individual showed well along the track leading to the Elim Pools on the 13th.

Smooth-billed Ani - Crotophaga ani

• Fairly widespread being recorded on eight dates in small numbers from scattered locations with a maximum of 8 being seen near the Portland Ridge on the 15th.

JAMAICAN LIZARD CUCKOO - Saurothera vetula

• A superb individual was taped into view at Rocklands on the 10th and proved to be one of the highlights of the trip as it perched in full view for around a quarter of an hour. On reacting to the tape (which it did several times) it would fly past us to with in a matter of a few feet. At the same time around another 3 individuals started to call in reaction to the tape. On leaving the area possibly a different individual was flushed along the edge of the forest. Clearly this species reacts extremely well to tape playback. The species was never seen again although it was heard at Marshall's Pen where Robert Sutton mentioned it has increased over the last few years and is now as common as the larger Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo.

CHESTNUT-BELLIED CUCKOO - Hyetornis pluvialis

• This huge and impressive species was seen on five dates with 1 at Rocklands on the 10th, 1 on the 11th, 2 on the 13th and 1 on the 14th at Marshall's Pen often around the garden at the front of the Great House and finally 1 in the forest just above the Greenhills Guesthouse on the 15th.

Barn Owl - Tyto alba

• A single individual was flushed from the barn beneath the accommodation at Marshall's Pen in the early morning on the 11th and the same or another was spotlighted in the evening. An individual was found dead on the road near Elim on the 12th and finally 1 was seen at Marshall's Pen again near the barn in the early morning of the 14th.

JAMAICAN OWL - Pseudoscops grammicus

• A superb individual was expertly taped into view by Robert Sutton at Marshall's Pen where it gave good views in a close tree before flying off into the forest during the evening of the 11th. The species was also heard at Marshall's Pen on both the 14th and 15th although not looked for.

Antillean Nighthawk - Chordeiles gundlachii

• Only seen at Marshall's Pen where 3 were seen on the 10th and 2 on the 14th. They started to fly a good half an hour before dark in good light on both occasions and therefore could be seen well.

Jamaican Potoo - Nyctibius griseus

• A superb individual was taped into view and spotlighted by Robert Sutton down to 50 yards at Marshall's Pen on the 11th. It was perched high along the edge of the forest for around five minutes before flying low over the forest. However Robert relocated it after around 10 minutes when it was again watched for around five minutes before we felt that it was only fair to turn the spotlight out. A superb species proving to be a highlight of the trip.

Black Swift - Cypseloides niger

• A loose party of 6 were watched feeding low over Marshall's Pen during a squally shower during the afternoon of the 11th, 3 were seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th and 3 were seen feeding low over the Fernhill Club east of Port Antonio on the 17th.

White-collared Swift - Streptoprocne zonaris

• Surprisingly only a single individual was positively identified during the trip being at Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th however several distant Swifts were left unidentified at Hardwar Gap which were probably this species.

Antillean Palm Swift - Tachornis phoenicobia

• This smart species was widespread being seen every day but two in fair numbers with a daily maximum of 20 being seen on the 13th.

JAMAICAN MANGO - Anthracothorax mango

• Fairly widespread being seen in small numbers at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands (feeding from hand held bottles of sugar water), Marshall's Pen (including one mist netted), Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country (where one was watched persistently hovering catching midges from a large swarm) but not seen in either the Blue Mountains or the east of the country. A daily maximum of 8 was recorded on the 9th.

RED-BILLED STREAMERTAIL - Trochilus polytmus

• A superb but common and widespread species being recorded on every day but the two spent in the east of the island. The 12 or so males coming to feed at hand held sugar water bottles at Rocklands were a particular highlight as were the 4 mist netted at Marshall's Pen on the 14th.

BLACK-BILLED STREAMERTAIL - Trochilus scitulus

• Within five minutes of a stop at the Dragon Bay Villas near San San two males were seen at an orange flowering bush in the grounds (one lacking streamers and the other with half grown streamers). We were then treated to prolonged views of a stunning fully plumaged adult male which was holding territory around the flowering shrubs around the "Mahogany Villa" (the Villa at the very top of the hill) at the Fern Hill Club on the 17th and a single female was seen at the Fern Hill Club on the 18th. However, somewhat of a concern was a male lacking streamers seen at the Fern Hill Club which when first seen appeared to have a black bill but closer scrutiny revealed that this individual had a dull red basal half to the bill. The red was far duller than any Red-billed Streamertail that had previously been seen, although I have to admit that I did not pay particular attention to every previous Red-billed Streamertail and may therefore have overlooked the fact that other Red-billed Streamertails lacking streamers displayed dull coloured bills ?  However this individual may represent a dreaded intergrade / hybrid bird. Whilst in Jamaica I was told by a local birder that "Red-bills" have been seen as far east as Reach Falls where they are extremely aggressive chasing off the male "Black-bills". I know Robert Sutton was concerned by this news as he feels that with the continued range extension of the Red-billed Streamertail along with its aggressive nature it may cause the Black-billed Streamertail to become increasingly rare and threatened.

Vervain Hummingbird - Mellisuga minima

• Birds were recorded on five dates with individuals seen at Rocklands, Marshall's Pen, Greenhills Guesthouse, Fern Hill Club and the Orange River Lodge. This species is truly tiny which I learnt to my cost as I had originally mistaken two female Red-billed Streamertails for this species on our first afternoon at the Orange River Lodge as the red on the bill is often restricted to the underside of the bill. However there is no mistaking the Vervain when this insect sized bird is actually seen.

JAMAICAN TODY - Todus todus

• I had looked forward to seeing this species and was not disappointed as they are truly charming. It proved to be a widespread species being seen on nine dates in small numbers recorded at Orange River Lodge in the forest by the entrance barrier (an adult was watched for long periods feeding a fledged youngster on the 9th and surprisingly still on the 21st), Rocklands, daily at Marshall's Pen (including 2 mist netted on the 14th) and at Woodside Drive in the Blue Mountains.

JAMAICAN WOODPECKER - Melanerpes radiolatus

• A common and widespread species being seen on every day apart from three with good numbers seen at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country, Marshall's Pen with a daily maximum of 10 being seen on the 9th.

JAMAICAN ELAENIA - Myiopagis cotta

• The only two seen were at the Orange River Lodge during the morning of the 9th with 1 seen briefly along the road up the hill leading away from the entrance barrier and a second individual watched for around 10 minutes which was hunting from the low trees around the entrance barrier.

Greater Antillean Elaenia - Elaenia fallax

• Despite Robert Sutton informing me that this species would be common around Hardwar Gap in July we only managed a single individual at the very top of Woodside Drive on the 15th.

JAMAICAN PEEWEE - Contopus pallidus

• Surprisingly only recorded on four dates with 2 seen at Marshall's Pen on the 11th, 1 seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th and 1 along the road just above the Greenhills Guesthouse.

SAD FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus barbirostris

• A widespread species being seen on eight dates in small numbers at Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen, the Blue Mountains and around San San with a daily maximum of 4 seen on the 15th. Often confiding.

RUFOUS-TAILED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus validus

• This large species was only seen on four dates with 1 seen sharing a wire at the back of the Orange River Lodge with a Sad Flycatcher on the 8th, 4 at Marshall's Pen on the 11th with 1 on the 12th and 3 mist netted on the 14th. In the hand they consistently snapped their powerful bills.

Stolid Flycatcher - Myiarchus stolidus

• Only seen at Rocklands during the morning of the 10th where a total of three were seen with the first being only seen briefly but fortunately a pair performed much better later. It seems strange as to why this species is often only seen at Rocklands in the north of the country ?

JAMAICAN BECARD - Pachyramphus niger

• As with all Becards an excellent species with fine views of a male seen perched calling from the top of a dead tree along the road leading up the hill from the Orange River Lodge on the morning of the 9th. When the bird called it would flick its wings. The bird was still present on its perch when we walked back down the road later in the morning. The next day Fritz located a female which was seen well in the forest at Rocklands. Having seen two in two days we were surprised to not see another during the rest of the trip especially as they have frequently been recorded at Marshall's Pen by previous visitors.

Loggerhead Kingbird - Tyrannus caudifasciatus

• This species proved to be common and widespread being seen on every day but two with a daily maximum of 10 recorded on the 11th.

Gray Kingbird - Tyrannus dominicensis

• A common and widespread species being seen on every day but three with a daily maximum of 8 being recorded on the 15th.

Cave Swallow - Hirundo fulva

• This species proved to be common and widespread often to be seen flying in flocks being recorded on nine dates in scattered locations with a daily maximum of around 80 being estimated at Marshall's Pen on the 11th where a colony breed in the barn under the accommodation.

Caribbean Martin - Progne dominicensis

• A single female was seen perched on overhead wires and then in flight along the road between Black River and Parrottee Beach on the 12th. The winter range of this species has yet to be determined.

JAMAICAN CROW - Corvus jamaicensis

• Only seen at three sites although on six days with a pair present daily in the early morning and evening at the Orange River Lodge favouring the palm trees at the back of the pool area, a single individual watched mobbing a Red Tailed Hawk in flight at Marshall's Pen on the 11th and a pair near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th. This species has an extraordinary series of vocalisations.

Rufous-throated Solitaire - Myadestes genibarbis

• A superb species proving to be much more common in the Hardwar Gap area than expected with 12 being seen on the 15th and 4 seen the next day with many more heard.

WHITE-EYED THRUSH - Turdus jamaicensis

• Another superb species proving much better than expected with 2 being seen at Marshall's Pen on the 10th followed by 4 seen in the Hardwar Gap area on the 15th and 2 along Woodside Drive the next day.

WHITE-CHINNED THRUSH - Turdus aurantius

• A widespread species being seen on ten days in small numbers at Orange River Lodge, Marshall's Pen (including 1 mist netted on the 14th), the Hardwar Gap area and around the Fern Hill Club with a daily maximum of 4 being recorded on four dates.

Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos

• Common and widespread being seen on eleven dates with a daily maximum of 10 being seen in the Portland Ridge area on the 15th.

Black-whiskered Vireo - Vireo altiloquus

• A common and widespread species being seen on seven dates although often heard calling "John Chewit" throughout the day usually being the only bird calling during the heat of the day. Many were seen feeding young birds. Birds were seen at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen (including 1 mist netted on the 14th) and around Hardwar Gap with a daily maximum of 5 recorded on the 9th.

JAMAICAN VIREO - Vireo modestus

• Recorded less frequently than expected and only seen on four dates with 2 at Rocklands on the 10th, 1 at Marshall's Pen on the 11th, 2 near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th and 4 seen in the Hardwar Gap area on the 15th.

BLUE MOUNTAIN VIREO - Vireo osburni

• A party of 3 were watched for around half an hour as they fed in wild Ginger Lillies and the low ranches of small roadside trees between the Greenhills Guesthouse and the Hardwar Gap Restaurant during the afternoon of the 15th. A huge bill on this bird - even for a Vireo. A couple of birds were heard but not seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 15th. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994).

Yellow Warbler - Dendroica petechia

• A superb male showed well in a dead tree next to the track at Elim Pools during the evening of the 13th.

ARROW-HEADED WARBLER - Dendroica pharetra

• A superb species being seen on four dates with a family party of 3 watched for a quarter of an hour as the adults fed the young bird at Rocklands on the 10th, a single adult seen in bushes next to the road near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th, a superb adult female mist netted at Marshall's Pen on the 14th proving to be the highlight of the day spent ringing and finally a total of 5 were seen during the afternoon of the 15th in the Hardwar Gap area. Excellent.

Bananaquit - Coereba flaveola

• This species proved to be common and widespread being seen on nine dates with birds being seen at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen (including 2 mist netted on the 14th), the Hardwar Gap area and around the Fern Hill Club at San San with a daily maximum of 10 recorded on the 9th.

JAMAICAN EUPHONIA - Euphonia jamaica

• This smart Euphonia was seen on eight dates proving to be fairly common and widespread being seen at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen (including 1 mist netted on the 14th) and around Hardwar Gap with a daily maximum of 6 recorded at Rocklands on the 10th.

Stripe-headed Tanager - Spindalis zena

• This superb Tanager was only seen on six dates being scarcer than expected with 1 at the Orange River Lodge on the 8th, 1 at Rocklands on the 10th, 6 near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th, 10 in the Hardwar Gap area on the 15th and 6 there the next day and 2 at the Fern Hill Club at San San on the 19th.

Black-faced Grassquit - Tiaris bicolor

• Only seen on four dates with 20 coming to feed at Rocklands on the 9th and 10 the next day, 1 trapped at Marshall's Pen on the 14th and 2 near Hardwar Gap on the 16th. However, probably under-recorded as most Grassquits with the exception of Yellow- shouldered were left unidentified after the first few days.

Yellow-faced Grassquit - Tiaris olivacea

• Only noted on the first four days with 1 at Orange River Lodge on the 8th, 2 at both Orange River Lodge and Rocklands on the 9th with 2 at Rocklands on the 10th and 2 at Marshall's Pen on the 11th. However see note under the last species.

YELLOW-SHOULDERED GRASSQUIT - Loxipasser anoxanthus

• Far commoner than expected with 2 males seen in song at Rocklands on the 10th, 1 female seen at Marshall's Pen on the 11th, 4 seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country on the 13th, 2 mist netted at Marshall's Pen on the 14th and 1 seen near Hardwar Gap on the 16th.

Greater Antillean Bullfinch - Loxigilla violacea

• A superb species being recorded in small numbers on seven days with sightings at the Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen (includind a single young bird trapped on the 14th) and around Hardwar Gap with a daily maximum of 4 recorded on the 15th.

ORANGEQUIT - Euneornis campestris

• This species proved to be common and widespread being seen on nine dates at Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen (including 4 trapped on the 14th), around Hardwar Gap and San San with a daily maximum of 6 seen on the 15th.

Saffron Finch - Sicalis flaveola

• Surprisingly only a single male was seen - along the track to Elim Pools on the 12th.

JAMAICAN BLACKBIRD - Nesopar nigerrimus

• After booking in to the Greenhills Guesthouse we walked down the road to try to find a ravine which Robert Sutton had told us was good for this species. Within five minutes walk just past a house called Rottweilers we found a Blackbird in an epiphyte on a large branch overhanging the road which having dislodged presumably its prey dropped to the ground perching on the road 12 yards in front of us for around a minute from where it flew back up to another epiphyte where we watched it emptying the contents in full view for around half an hour being confiding and completely ignoring our presence. I could hardly believe our luck with what is often considered the hardest endemic to find. However this proved to be our only encounter with the species. The bird showed a striking deep blue gloss in the field. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994).

Greater Antillean Grackle - Quiscalus niger

• Seen on eight dates often proving common along the road and around supermarkets etc. with a daily maximum of 25 recorded on the 13th. Always present around the Westgate Shopping Centre at the southern end of Montego Bay.

Jamaican Oriole - Icterus leucopteryx

• Another species which proved to be common and fairly widespread being recorded on six dates in good numbers being seen at Orange River Lodge, Rocklands, Marshall's Pen and around the Hardwar Gap with a daily maximum of 12 recorded on the 10th. One can only hope that this species will not be adversely affected by the recent arrival of the Shiny Cowbird in Jamaica.

References :

Collar, N.J., Crosby, M.J. and Stattersfield, A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2, The world List of Threatened Birds. Cambridge: Birdlife International.

Downer, A. and Sutton, R. (1990) Birds of Jamaica, A Photographic Field Guide. Cambridge.

6/7/96 Selsey

Storm Petrel 6

4/7/96 Selsey

Storm Petrel 1

17/6/96 Rosslare to Fishguard

Storm Petrel 2

12/5/96 Cuckmere

Night Heron 1 adult

17/4/96 Stodmarsh

AMERICAN COOT 1 ex.

American Coot at Stodmarsh (Alan Tate http://www.aabirdpix.com/ )

Being the first in Britain & Ireland since the first at Ballycotton a dawn raid and a dash back to work was in order. Fortunately the bird was present at point blank range in its favoured ditch.



31st March to 14th April 1996 The Philippines

Itinerary: Richard Fairbank, Nick Preston and Barry Stiddolph had arranged the following trip and kindly asked if we would like to join them:

 

31st March 1996: Spent an hour between flights in Singapore. Then onto a hot and humid Manila Airport chartering a taxi to a hotel. Dropped off bags and chartered another taxi to the gates of the American Cemetery spending the rest of the afternoon birding the Cemetery.

 

1st April 1996:  Chartered a passing Jeepney to the domestic airport for a 5a.m. flight to Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao) where we hired a taxi to the base of Mt. Katanglad. Spent a couple of hours waiting around trying to arrange a guide to take us up the mountain. Finally arranged to go up the first 7km on the back of motorbikes complete with our bags. Quite an experience as the riders raced between themselves! Climbed the final 3km to the resthouse being hard work in the early afternoon heat. Spent rest of afternoon in forest patches above the resthouse.

 

2nd April 1996: All day Mt. Katanglad - Eagle Viewpoint and Forest Patches.

 

3rd April 1996:  All day Mt. Katanglad - Forest Patches then up above the Upper Viewpoint.

 

4th April 1996:  All day Mt. Katanglad - Forest on far side of Valley then Forest Patches.

 

5th April 1996:  Until 3.00 p.m. at Mt. Katanglad and then walked 3km down mountain when we hitched a lift with a "Department for Tourism" bus back to Cagayan de Oro where we stayed the night in a hotel.

 

6th April 1996:  Unfortunately the early morning flight to Cebu was cancelled due to poor weather. We were left with no alternative but to catch the midday ferry direct to Bohol that took six hours. Spent the night sleeping on the floor in a grim hotel at the port.

 

7th April 1996: Caught bus to Bilar and then a motorcycle rickshaw out to Logarita Forest Station. Spent the rest of the day in the forest there.

 

8th - 10^th April 1996: All days spent birding the trails at Logarita Forest Station.

 

11th April 1996: Early morning at Logarita and then back to Bilar - nine in a small jeep and the bags tied to the roof. Caught a bus to Tagbilaran and flight to Manila chartering a taxi to Lucena.

 

12th April 1996:  All day Quezon National Park.

 

13th April 1996: Spent until mid-afternoon in Quezon National Park with an hour at Pagbilo Fish Ponds before catching a bus back to Manila.

 

14th April 1996: Early morning flight to Singapore and on to London.

 

Systematic List (only includes species recorded by DC/JFC)

 

Cinnamon Bittern - Ixobrychus cinnamomeus C

A single bird was seen well in flight at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Striated (Little Green) Heron - Butorides striatus carcinophilus C

Two were seen perched on the banks of the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Egret sp. - Egretta sp.

A flock of around 25 were seen at distance from Logarita on the 10th.

 

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta nigripes C

Around 200 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Great Egret - Ardea alba modesta C

Around 60 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea manilensis C

At least 2 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Osprey - Pandion haliaetus haliaetus C

Two were seen over the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Barred Honey Buzzard - Pernis celebensis steerei C

Two were seen several times soaring over the forest from the "Eagle Viewpoint" at Mt. Katanglad on the 2nd. One bird appeared to be a classic adult with the second presumably a juvenile as it lacked the barred underparts.

 

Oriental (Asiatic) Honey Buzzard - Pernis plilorhynchus philippensis C

Surprisingly only a single bird was seen, soaring over the forest at Quezon on the 12th.

 

Brahminy Kite - Haliastus indus intermedius C

Singles were seen from the "Eagle Viewpoint" at Mt. Katanglad on the 5th, soaring over the paddies at Logarita on the 9^th, and at Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th. A single captive bird was seen in the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita.

 

White-bellied Sea Eagle - Haliastus leucogaster C

A superb adult was watched hunting over the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th. Extremely impressive when watched making four unsuccessful attempts to take a Great White Egret.

 

PHILIPPINE SERPENT EAGLE - Spilornis holospilus C

Singles were seen at Mt. Katanglad on the 2nd and 3^rd, and at Quezon on the 12th.

 

Pied Harrier - Circus melanoleucos C

A superb male was watched quartering the lower slopes of Mt. Katanglad just below where the stream crosses the track, on the walk down, during the afternoon of the 5th.

 

Crested Goshawk - Accipiter trivigatus extimus C

A single bird allowed scope views  - both in flight and perched - around the Scout Camp Clearing during the early morning at Logarita, Bohol on the 11th. With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) it appears that this is only the fourth record from Logarita.

 

Chinese Goshawk - Accipiter solensis C

Good numbers of this species with several impressive migrant flocks as follows: a flock of 35 over Mt. Katanglad near the "Eagle Viewpoint" on the 2nd with a single bird the next day; a flock of 18 over Logarita, Bohol on the 10^th - probably representing the highest number ever recorded from this site; at least 8 birds seen hunting in the forest at Quezon on the 12th and an estimated 70 there on the 13^th, including an impressive flock of 58. An individual was seen to catch a small bird at Quezon and possibly the high numbers of this species being present in the area accounted for the apparent scarcity of small birds seen at this site! With reference to Brooks et al. the observations on Bohol are of the highest number recorded at that site.

 

Grey-faced Buzzard - Butastur indicus C

Just a single bird seen from the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad, late in the afternoon of the 4th.

 

PHILIPPINE MONKEY-EATING EAGLE - Pithecphaga jefferyi C

The pair at Mt. Katanglad put on a fine show for us on the 2nd being first seen flying together over the forest at the far side of the valley from the "Eagle Viewpoint", then a single bird flying down the valley carrying a "Giant Red Squirrel" perching three times on it's approach to the nest, and then finally a bird flying virtually over our heads at a range down to 200yards before perching facing towards us and preening whilst fully erecting its crest. Quite magnificent. This species status is listed as Critical by Collar et al. (1994) who estimate it's population at 200 in the mid 1980s.  According to posters in the Philippines the last attempted census in the early 1990's revealed only 31 left in the wild. Sadly, at Mt. Katanglad, the locals are slashing and burning the forest at a rapid rate and this was all to obvious while we were present, with the forest even being cleared in the valley where the nest site is currently located. Unfortunately the future therefore looks bleak for what must be one of the most impressive birds in the world.

 

PHILIPPINE HAWK-EAGLE - Spizaetus philippensis C

A pair were seen well as they soared over the forest just below the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" on Mt. Katanglad on the 3rd. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) with the threat being attributed to habitat loss and perhaps hunting.

 

PHILIPPINE FALCONET - Microhierax erythrogonys erythrogenys C

We thought we were going to be unlucky with this species as it was not until our last afternoon on the 13^th when singles were watched hunting from high perches along the Ridge Trail and along the road just above the "Buena Vista Viewpoint" at Quezon. As with all Falconets they were extremely smart.

 

Peregrine - Falco peregrinus ernesti C

Singles were seen at the American Cemetery on the 31st, Mt. Katanglad on the 2^nd, and at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

(Red Junglefowl - Gallus gallus)

JFC heard a single bird at Mt. Katanglad on the 5th.

 

Buff -banded Rail - Rallus philippensis philippensis C

A superb individual walked towards us along one of the banks separating the fish ponds at Pagbilo on the 13th. Seemingly quite unconcerned despite being out in the open during the middle of the afternoon.

 

Barred Rail - Rallus torquatus torquatus C

One of the highlights of the trip were 3 walking around on the well kept lawns at the American Cemetery on the 31^st allowing good views to be obtained of this striking species during our first afternoon of the trip. A good start.

 

White-browed Crake - Porzana cinerea C

A single bird was seen in flight over the first fish pond at Pagbilo on the 13th.

 

(Bush Hen - Amaurornis oliveus)

A couple were heard, but sadly not seen, at Mt. Katanglad on the 2nd.

 

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus C

A single bird was seen in a stream dividing the paddies whilst on the motorcycle rickshaw-ride out to Logarita, Bohol on the 7^th.

 

Whimbrel - Numensis phaeopus variegatus C

A party of around 12 were seen distantly at Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola C

Around 6 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Common Sandpiper - Tringa hypoleucos C

Around 6 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Snipe sp. - Gallinago sp.

A single bird was flushed at the American Cemetery on the 31st calling a short "bzzz".

 

Red-necked Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus C

A party of 6 in winter plumage were seen flying alongside the ferry just off Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao on the 6th.

 

Whiskered Tern - Childonias hybrida C

Around 12 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Gull-billed Tern - Gelochelidon nilotica addenda C

Two were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Pompadour Green Pigeon - Treron pompadora C

A single bird was seen from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the afternoon of the 8th and 8 were seen perching on high dead snags around the same clearing during the early morning of the 11th. With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) this species is only recorded sporadically at Logarita.

 

WHITE-EARED BROWN DOVE - Phapitreron leucotis brevirostris C

A single bird was seen perched in the patch of forest by the turnoff from the main track to the "Eagle Viewpoint" at Mt. Katanglad on the 3^rd. At Logarita, Bohol, 3 were seen on the 7th, 1 on the 8th and 1 on the 9th.

 

YELLOW-BREASTED FRUIT DOVE - Ptilnopus occipitalis

JFC saw 2 perched in a fruiting tree on his second attempt to see Hombron's Wood Kingfisher at Mt. Katanglad on the 5th. Unfortunately they were the only birds seen during the trip.

 

PHILIPPINE CUCKOO DOVE - Macropygia tenuirostris C

At Mt. Katanglad 1 was seen on the 2nd, 4 on the 3rd, 1 on the 4th and 1 on the 5^th. At Logarita 4 were seen on the 8th and 2 on the 11th. This species has been split from Reddish Cuckoo-Dove M. phasianella by Sibley and Monroe (Brooks et al. (1995)), HBW and Clements (2000).

 

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia  chinensis tigrina C

Pairs were seen on the walk down from Mt. Katanglad on the 5th and at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Red Turtle Dove - Streptopelia tranquebarica humilis C

Around 10 were seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st.

 

Zebra (Peaceful) Dove - Geopelia striata C

Around 20 were seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st.

 

Emerald Dove - Chalcophaps indica indica C

A single bird was seen along the edge of the road at Quezon on the 12th.

 

PHILIPPINE COCKATOO - Cacatua haematuropygia C

With the current status of this species it was hoped-for but not really expected. We were therefore pleased to see a pair twice in flight along the first 100 yards of the Swimming Pool Trail at Logarita, Bohol on the 10^th. Unexpectedly, they were mainly silent and thus not drawing attention to themselves. This species is listed as Critical by Collar et al. (1994) with intensive trapping ('the young of every known accessible nest are taken for the pet trade' : Dickinson et al. (1991)) combined with the destruction of its lowland forest habitat being to blame. They refer to only 12 as surviving on Bohol with a world population of between 1000 and 4000 the majority being on Palawan (800 - 3000). With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) it appears that this may represent only the fourth record from Logarita.

 

 

 

BLUE-CROWNED RACQUET-TAIL PARROT - Prioniturus discurus whiteheadi C

A single bird was seen in flight high over the forest at the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol in the early morning of the 9th. Unfortunately the views were therefore limited to silhouette only, although still impressive, as the racquets were clearly visible. A single bird was seen perched high on dead branches, and then in flight, along the road at Quezon near the start of the Ridge Trail at about midday on our last day the 13th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

MINDANAO MONTANE RACQUET-TAIL PARROT - Prioniturus waterstradti C

A single bird flew closely past us at eye level at the "Upper Eagle Watchpoint" at                     Mt. Katanglad in the late afternoon of the 9th affording good views. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who describe this species as ‘certainly local and uncommon and as suffering from habitat destruction being known from as possibly as few as seven mountains’.

 

GUAIABERO - Bolbopsittacus lunulatus lunulatus C

Surprisingly only a single bird was seen - perched in the canopy along the Ridge Trail at Quezon on the 12th.

 

PHILIPPINE HANGING-PARROT - Loriculus philippensis apicalis / philippensis C

At Mt. Katanglad  2 apicalis were seen on the 1st, 4 on the 2nd and 2 on the 5th and at Quezon 4 philippensis were seen on the 12th and 2 the next day. As is typical with this family, most encounters involved pairs dashing overhead calling loudly. A single captive bird was observed at the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita where with reference to Brooks et al. (1995) there were two in July 1994.

 

PHILIPPINE HAWK CUCKOO - Cuculus pectoralis C

A single bird was seen poorly in response to tape playback just below the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" at Mt. Katanglad on the 3rd and another was seen perched for some time on a dead snag watched from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the 11^th. Other birds were heard (a typical loud high-pitched whistle which becomes increasingly manic) at both the sites mentioned.

 

Horsfield’s (Oriental) Cuckoo - Cuculus horsfieldi C

A single bird was seen perched in the canopy along the Ridge Trail at Quezon on the 12th. The identification as C.horsfieldi is tentatively based on Kennedy et al. listing horsfieldi but not C.saturatus from Luzon.

 

Plaintive Cuckoo - Cacomantis merulinus merulinus C

A single immature was seen near the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the 7th.

 

Brush (Rusty-breasted) Cuckoo - Cacomantis variolosus sepulcralis C

A superbly-plumaged species which in response to tape playback allows prolonged views. Singles were seen well at Mt. Katanglad on both the 3rd and 5th with the latter being seen in the patch of forest at the start of the track at the edge of the resthouse clearing.

 

 

PHILIPPINE COUCAL - Centropus viridis viridis C

A single bird was seen in the loose company of a Black-faced Coucal along the Valley Trail at Logarita, Bohol on the 8th and 2 were seen along the road at Quezon on the 13^th, including one drying itself with wings outstretched, on a dead snag next to the road.

 

BLACK-FACED COUCAL - Centropus melanops banken C

Singles of this smart species were seen well at Logarita, Bohol, in the vicinity of the start of the Valley Trail on both the 8th and 9th.

 

RUFOUS COUCAL - Centropus unirufus C

A single bird kept low in the foliage along the Ridge Trail at Quezon on the 13th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

Lesser Coucal - Centropus bengalensis javanensis C

Birds, generally seen poorly, were recorded on most days at Mt. Katanglad.

 

(LESSER EAGLE OWL - Mimizuku gurneyi)

Sadly not seen and only being heard on the odd occasion at Mt. Katanglad. This species is listed as Endangered by Collar et al. (1994), who state that it is ‘suffering from the extensive habitat clearance taking place within its range’.

 

PHILIPPINE HAWK OWL - Ninox philippensis centralis C

A single bird was tape-lured and spotlighted at the back of the resthouse at Logarita, Bohol, before dawn on the 10th - our only Owl of the trip.

 

PHILIPPINE FROGMOUTH - Brachostomus septimus septimus C

After a couple of hours of searching, we were finally rewarded with prolonged views of a superb individual in the patch of forest at the start of the track just beyond the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad on the 3^rd, with a couple of others being heard in the vicinity. Also, this species was heard calling more vociferously at Logarita, Bohol, although we did not make a serious effort to see one. This species has to rank as one of the highlights of the trip.

 

Great Eared Nightjar - Eurostopodus macrotis macrotis C

At. Mt. Katanglad poor views were obtained after dusk, with 1 being seen on the 1st and 3 on the 3^rd, in the vicinity of the resthouse. However, the birds flew much earlier at Logarita, Bohol, and therefore afforded far superior views with 10 being seen on the 7^th, and singles on both the 8th and 9^th, all in the vicinity of the resthouse.

 

PHILIPPINE NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus manillensis C

Seen at Mt. Katanglad with singles seen near the resthouse on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd (including 1 which was spotlighted sat on a dead branch). Another 2 were flushed along the track near a cliff face above the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" on the 3rd.

 

PHILIPPINE (GREY) SWIFTLET - Collocalia mearnsi C

A submontane species which was only seen at Mt. Katanglad where 10 were seen on both the 3rd and the 5^th, and 5 were seen on the 4th. Seen from the "Eagle Viewpoint" but also low over the fields late in the afternoon.

 

Uniform Swiftlet - Collocalia vanikorensis amelis C

This lowland species was seen at Logarita, Bohol, generally seen feeding low over the paddies with an estimated 20 being seen on all days from the 7th to the 10^th, and 6 were seen feeding low over the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th. Only described as likely to occur on Bohol (Chantler (1995)) although stated as generally common to abundant throughout.

 

PYGMY SWIFTLET - Collocalia troglodytes C

A distinctive diminutive species with an obvious narrow band across the rump and a pale belly. Up to 6 were recorded daily at Logarita, Bohol, seemingly ever- present in the Scout Camp Clearing, and up to 10 seen feeding low over the road on both days at Quezon. Described as fairly common to common in the foothills. (Chantler ((1995)).

 

White-bellied Swiftlet - Collocalia esculenta bagobo C

Only seen at Mt. Katanglad where fairly common, with 20 seen on the 2nd, 50 on the 3rd and 10 on the 4^th. Described as often abundant in suitable areas (Chantler (1995)).

 

Whiskered Treeswift - Hemiprocne comata major C

Seen at Mt. Katanglad, often being present in the area immediately behind the "Eagle Viewpoint", with 2 seen on the 2nd, and 1 on both the 3rd and 4th. At Logarita, Bohol a single bird was seen around the Scout Camp Clearing on the 8th, 9th and 11th. Described as occurring locally on most major islands in the Philippines (Chantler (1995)).

 

PHILIPPINE TROGON - Harpactes ardens linae C

Seen at Logarita, Bohol, with pairs being encountered along the Swimming Pool Trail on the 8th, the Valley Trail on the 9th, and near the Scout Camp Clearing on the 10th, with a particularly fine adult male being seen along the Swimming Pool Trail.

 

Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis bengalensis C

A single bird was seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

INDIGO-BANDED KINGFISHER - Ceyx cyanopectus cyanopecta C

A superb individual (complete with double breast-band) was seen along the river just downstream of where it passes under the road at the start of Quezon National Park on both the 12th and 13th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

White-collared Kingfisher - Halcyon chloris collaris C

Seen throughout the trip with 2 seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st, 1 on the walk down from Mt. Katanglad on the 5th, 2 at Logarita, Bohol along the edge of the paddies on the 7th and a single bird at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruddy Kingfisher  - Halcyon coromanda C

A superb individual was seen along the main track just beyond the resthouse at Logarita, Bohol on the 8th, 9th and 10^th, affording some superb views and proving to be one of the highlights of the trip. With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) it appears that this is only the fourth record from Logarita. Described as uncommon or rare almost everywhere in its range (Fry (1992)).

 

White-throated (Smyrna) Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis gularis C

A single individual was seen on the walk up to Mt. Katanglad on the 1^st. Seen on both days at Quezon, with 1 seen opposite start of the Ridge Trail on the 12th and 1 in the same area as the Indigo Banded Kingfisher on both days. Interestingly, the form seen at Quezon, lacks the ‘typical’ white breast of the species.

 

RUFOUS-LORED (WINCHELL'S) KINGFISHER - Halcyon winchelli nigrorum C

During the early morning of the 10^th a single individual reacted to a tape of the species. It appeared three quarters of the way up a tall tree along the Valley Trail at Logarita, Bohol, before flying-off up the valley. It only called the once in response to the tape. This species is listed as Endangered by Collar et al. (1994) who describe it as ‘may now be highly threatened following habitat destruction’ although listing Logarita as apparently being a stronghold. With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) single birds have been recorded at Logarita by nine observers.

 

SPOTTED WOOD KINGFISHER - Halcyon lindsayi lindsayi C

Another success of the tape machine, with a pair reacting and watched flying and perching around us, along the Ridge Trail at Quezon during the early morning of the 13th. The male was significantly brighter than the female/immature. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). Described as ‘probably widespread before so much forest was cut’ (Fry (1992)).

 

HOMBRON' S WOOD KINGFISHER - Halcyon hombroni C

DC only managed brief flight views of a single male in the forest on the far side of the valley (where the Philippine Eagle nest is situated) on the 4^th, but JFC done rather better in the same area the next day, obtaining views of a bird perched calling being watched for 2 minutes. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who describe it ‘as appearing very rare with recent records from only a few sites and probably suffering from extensive habitat destruction occurring in primary montane forest on Mindanao’.

 

Bee Eater sp. - Merops sp.

A distant bird was seen briefly in dispute with a Chinese Goshawk, at Quezon on the 13^th, but evaded identification, and hopefully, the Goshawk !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINDANAO TARICTIC HORNBILL - Penelopides affinis affinis C

A superb individual was watched calling from an exposed dead tree on the edge of a patch of forest along the main track about a mile above the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad during the late afternoon of the 3^rd. JFC obtained brief views of another in the forest near the Hombron's Wood Kingfisher site on the 5th. Treated as a full species by Clements (2000). This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

SAMAR TARICTIC HORNBILL - Penelopides samarensis C

Seen fairly easily at Logarita, Bohol, especially around the Scout Camp Clearing with 1 seen on the 7th, 6 on the 8th, 2 on the 9th and 5 on the 11th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). The taxon on Bohol has been split from P. affinis by Sibley and Monroe (1990) and Clements (2000) and thus treated as endemic to the Eastern Visayas as P. samarensis. However, Kemp (1995) treats samarensis as a subspecies of affinis.

 

LUZON TARICTIC HORNBILL - Penelopides manillae C

This species was encountered both days spent along the Ridge Trail at Quezon with 5 seen on the 12th and 2 seen the following day. This species is listed as Near- threatened by Collar et al. (1994). We have followed Kemp (1995) in treating this as a distinct species from Mindanao Tarictic Hornbill.

 

RUFOUS HORNBILL - Buceros hydrocorax hydrocorax C

A simply magnificent species with a family party of 3 (including a superb adult male) seen from the "Buena Vista Watchpoint" at Quezon on both days spent there. Some excellent close flight views were obtained on the second day. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). Described as ‘absent from many areas of its former range as habitat is now reduced’ (Kemp 1995).

 

Coppersmith Barbet - Megalaima haemacephala haemacephala C

A single individual was seen perched on the top of some dead branches of a tall tree, at some distance, from the road at Quezon on the 12th.

 

SOOTY WOODPECKER - Mulleripicus funebris funebris C

An exceptional Woodpecker proving to be one of the highlights of the trip with a superb individual perched motionless for some time along the Ridge Trail at Quezon on the 12th. Described as uncommon to locally numerous (Winkler (1995)).

 

White-bellied Black Woodpecker - Dryocopus javensis multilunatus / pectoralis C

Another superb species, with a single multilunatus seen in a patch of remnant forest about a mile above the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad on the 3^rd, and single pectoralis seen at Logarita, Bohol, at the Scout Camp Clearing on the 8th, along the track near the resthouse on the 9th and one attending a nest hole near the start of the Swimming Pool Trail 10th. Described as everywhere local and uncommon (Winkler (1995)).

 

PHILIPPINE PYGMY WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos maculatus validirostris / fulvifasciatus C

Encountered on all of our first five days but not again, with 1 validirostris seen at the American Cemetery on the 31^st and the form fulvifasciatus seen at Mt. Katanglad with 1 seen on the 1st and 2^nd, 2 seen there on the 3rd and 4 on the 4th. Described as common being the most abundant Woodpecker of the Philippines (Winkler (1995)).

 

Greater Goldenback - Chrysocolaptes lucidus montanus / rufopunctatus C

A single montanus was seen at Mt. Katanglad in a remnant patch of forest above the resthouse on the 3^rd, followed by 4 rufopunctatus at Logarita, Bohol on the 7th, 3 on the 8th and 1 the following day. Described as common or locally common throughout much of its range (Winkler (1995)).

 

VISAYAN (WATTLED) BROADBILL - Eurylaimus samarensis C

One of the spectacular species of the trip with good views of a party of 4 seen from the road just below the experimental plantation near the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the evening of the 8th. They were watched in the late evening eventually being successfully spotlighted at dusk ! The sound of the wings were noticeable when in flight. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who describe its status ‘as uncommon and local now being considered as a rare bird having suffered from the extensive and continuing lowland deforestation’. With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) the birds on Bohol belong to the Eastern Visayas race E.s.samarensis which is very different from the Mindanao races and may be a good species (Lambert and Woodcock in prep.).

 

Red-bellied Pitta - Pitta erythrogaster erythrogaster C

A superb individual was tape lured into view and then performed brilliantly for around half an hour along the Valley Trail at Logarita , Bohol on the 9th. Another was heard along the Ridge Trail at Quezon on the 12th delivering its somewhat haunting call.

 

STEERE'S PITTA - Pitta steerii coelestis C

A superb pair were taped into view and then performed superbly always keeping to the lower branches of the trees along the left hand trail leading off the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the 7^th. Seen within two hours of our arrival ! Only sporadic calling in the evenings was heard during the rest of our stay at Logarita showing how fortunate we were on our first morning. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) with the extensive and continuing clearance of lowland forest being the cause for concern.

 

Swallow - Hirundo rustica gutturalis C

Fairly common with up to 20 seen on four dates at Mt. Katanglad, up to 6 seen on two dates at Logarita, Bohol and 2 seen at Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Pacific Swallow - Hirundo tahitica abbotti C

On the journey between Cagayan de Oro and Mt. Katanglad 6 were seen on the 1st and 1 on the 5^th, with 2 being seen feeding over the paddies at Logarita, Bohol on the 10th and 6 at Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Striated Swallow - Hirundo striolata striolata C

Only seen at a river crossing in a deep gorge between Cagayan de Oro and Mt. Katanglad, with 6 seen collecting nest-building material on the 1^st, and 10 seen on the return journey on the 5th.

 

Bar-bellied Cuckoo Shrike - Coracina striata boholensis C

A party of 3 were seen at the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the 11th.

 

BLACKISH CUCKOO SHRIKE - Coracina coerulescens coerulescens C

Seen along the road at Quezon, with 2 seen near the entrance on the 12^th, 2 in the same area the next day, and 3 near the start of the Ridge Trail. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

MCGREGOR'S CUCKOO SHRIKE - Coracina mcgregori C

A single individual of this attractive species was seen on both the 4th and 5^th on the steep climb up the far side of the valley near to where the "Eagle Nest" is situated

on the way up to the Hombron's Wood Kingfisher site at Mt. Katanglad. Both times seen in association with a bird flock keeping to the mid-canopy. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that it has ‘only recently been reported at two sites (and from only four ever)’ and they state that ‘it occurs at an altitude at which forest is now very seriously threatened’ which ties in with our observation as it was unfortunately within 150 yards of the most recently cleared area in the valley bottom. 

 

Pied Triller - Lalage nigra chilensis C

Around 4 were seen at the American Cemetery on the 31^st, followed by 2 at the base of Mt. Katanglad on the 1^st, and singles at Mt. Katanglad on the 2nd and 5th.

 

Scarlet Minivet - Pericrocotus flammeus leytensis C

A pair were seen from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol, during the early morning of the 9th. With reference to Brooks et al. (1995) this represents only the sixth record from Logarita.

 

BALICASSIAO - Dicrurus balicassius balicassius C

Seen frequently at Quezon with an estimated 10 on the 12th and 15 the next day. Probably the most frequently seen species at this site.

 

Spangled Drongo - Dicrurus bracteatus striatus / samarensis C

A single bird was seen at Mt. Katanglad on the 3rd and then frequently at Logarita, Bohol, with up to 15 recorded daily.

 

PHILIPPINE ORIOLE - Oriolus steeri C

Seen at Logarita, Bohol with a single bird seen along the right-hand trail leading from the Scout Camp Clearing on the 7th and a single bird perched for some time on a dead branch watched from the Scout Camp Clearing during the early morning of the 11th.

 

Black-naped Oriole - Oriolus chinensis chinensis C

A single bird was seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st and up to 4 were seen daily at Logarita, Bohol.

 

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos philippinus C

Around 4 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th. Described as ‘everywhere a common if not abundant bird’ (Madge (1994)).

 

 

ELEGANT TIT - Parus elegans mindanensis / elegans C

Often accompanying bird flocks, with 1 seen at Mt. Katanglad on the 1st, 8 on the 3rd and 3 on the 5^th, and 2 seen at Quezon along the road on the 12th. Described as ‘fairly common’ (Harrap (1996)).

 

SULPHUR-BILLED NUTHATCH - Sitta oenochlamys C

This attractive species was seen at Mt. Katanglad with 2 seen on the 1st, singles on the 2nd and 3rd, and 4 on both the 4th and 5th. Often treated as conspecific with Velvet -fronted Nuthatch (Harrap (1996)).

 

STRIPE-HEADED RHABDORNIS - Rhabdornis mysticalis mysticalis C

This superb species was seen at Quezon mainly along the road, with 2 seen on the 12th and 3 the next day, proving far superior in both plumage and habits in comparison with the next species.

 

PLAIN HEADED RHABDORNIS - Rhabdornis inornatus alaris C

Only seen on the higher areas at Mt. Katanglad where 10 were seen on the 3^rd, with the majority being seen around the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" where birds were on view for much of the time.

 

STREAKED WREN- (GROUND) BABBLER - Ptilocichia mindanensis fortichi C

Our first ‘excellent species’ seen at Logarita, Bohol, where a single bird responded to tape, being seen extremely well for around a quarter of an hour in the slight ravine that runs parallel to the road running up to the Scout Camp Clearing during the morning of the 7^th. Followed by good views of a pair and then later possibly one of the same pair, around 100 yards from the start of the Valley Trail during the morning of the 10th. This species was strictly terrestrial although perhaps not as skulking as expected, often foraging in the open and apparently not concerned by our presence and often making a considerable noise in the leaf litter. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar (1994). Brooks et al. (1995) refer to this species as being ‘not uncommon but difficult to see’.

 

BLACK-CROWNED TREE-BABBLER - Stachyris nigricapitata boholensis C

A single bird was seen in association with a bird flock along the right-hand trail leading from the Scout Camp Clearing on the 7th and a pair were seen constructing a nest directly over the Valley Trail on the 9^th, both at Logarita, Bohol.

 

BROWN TIT-BABBLER - Macronous striaticeps mindanensis C

A unobtrusive, although often noisy species, with singles seen at Mt. Katanglad on the 1st and 3rd  and 6 seen on the 5th (in the patch of forest along the main track just above the resthouse) and then recorded at Logarita, Bohol with singles on the 7th and 9^th, 2 on the 8^th, and 4 on the 10th.

 

YELLOW-WATTLED BULBUL - Pycnonotus urostictus urostictus C

DC saw a single bird from the road at Quezon on the 12th.

 

Yellow-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus goiavier goiavier / suluensis C

Around 15 goiavier were seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st and up to 15 suluensis were seen daily at Mt. Katanglad.

 

PHILIPPINE BULBUL - Hypsipetes philippinus saturatior / philippinus C

A common and widespread species in forested areas with up to 15 saturatior seen daily at Mt. Katanglad, up to 12 daily at Logarita, Bohol (being ever-present in a fruiting tree along the Valley Trail), and up to 12 philippinus daily at Quezon.

 

PHILIPPINE FAIRY BLUEBIRD - Irena cyanogaster ellae C

Pairs were seen along both the trails leading from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol, with 4 seen on the 7th and 2 seen on the 9th showing extremely well in response to tape playback. On one occasion a male was seen displaying to a female and on another occasion carrying nest-material.

 

(WHITE EYE-BROWED SHAMA - Copsychus luzoniensis)

Although two individuals were heard along the Ridge Trail on both days at Quezon, rather disappointingly, neither were seen.

 

Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata anderseni / caprata C

Seen on the climb up to Mt. Katanglad with 3 seen on the 1st and 1 on the return on the 5^th, and 2 were seen at Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Blue Rock Thrush - Monticola solitarius philippensis C

A single female was seen in the American Cemetery on the 31^st, and a superb male was seen near the entrance to Quezon on the 12^th, with both birds being seen in tall trees.

 

Eye-browed Thrush - Turdus obscurus C

Seen at Mt. Katanglad with 1 seen on the 2nd, 10 on the 3rd, 25 on the 4th and 10 on the 5^th, and a single individual seen from the road at Quezon on the 13th.

 

Flyeater - Gerygone sulphurea simplex C

We saw  2 in the American Cemetery on the 31st.

 

Striated Grassbird - Megalurus palustris forbesi C

A total of 4 were seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st, with 10 seen at Mt. Katanglad on the 2nd and 2 on the 3^rd, and around 6 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13^th.

 

Oriental Great Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus orientalis C

Singles were seen in the American Cemetery on the 31st and at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

Mountain Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus trivirgatus flavostriatus C

Singles were seen at Mt. Katanglad on both the 1st and 3rd with 2 seen on the 4th.

 

PHILIPPINE LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus olivaceus C

A single bird was seen along the right-hand trail leading from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the 7th.

 

 

Arctic Warbler - Phylloscopus borealis C

Recorded at Mt. Katanglad with 2 seen on both the 3rd and 5^th, and at Quezon where a single bird was seen along the Ridge Trail on the 13th. Often encountered low in the foliage allowing some good views to be obtained. Some individuals showed obvious wingbars with others showing little or no sign, although all showing the characteristically pronounced supercillia.

 

MINDANAO MONTANE TAILORBIRD - Orthotomus heterdaemus C

Up to 4 were seen daily at Mt. Katanglad including a recently fledged juvenile. A rather unobtrusive species being found strictly in the lower levels of the remnant forest patches.

 

BLUE FANTAIL - Rhipidura superciliaris samarensis C

A rather scruffy species only being seen at Logarita, Bohol, with 10 seen on the 7th, 1 on the 8th and 2 on the 9^th, with most observations along the trails leading from the Scout Camp Clearing.

 

BLUE-HEADED FANTAIL - Rhipidura cyaniceps cyaniceps C

Just 2 were seen along the Ridge Trail at Quezon on the 12th - neither performed that well for us.

 

BLACK AND CINNAMON FANTAIL - Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea hutchinsoni C

A superb species often allowing extremely good prolonged views in the remnant patches of forest at Mt. Katanglad, with 4 seen on the 1st, 2 on the 3rd, 4 on the 4th and 6 on the 5th.

 

Pied Fantail - Rhipidura javanica nigritorquis C

We saw 4 in the American Cemetery on the 31st.

 

Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher - Rhinomyias ruficauda boholensis C

A single bird performed well for around a quarter of an hour along the left-hand trail leading from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol on the 9th. Described by Brooks et al. (1995) as unobtrusive and uncommon at Logarita.

 

Mugimaki Flycatcher - Ficedula mugimaki C

Males, presumably migrants, in full plumage, were seen on both the 3rd and 4th at Mt. Katanglad with fine views obtained. They were a particular highlight as we hoped but did not expect to see this species, with the added bonus that they took some of the pain out of the memory of a rainy day at Sunk Island !

 

Snowy-browed Flycatcher - Ficedula hyperthra C

A single male was seen in a remnant patch of forest at Mt. Katanglad well above the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" on the 3rd.

 

Little Pied Flycatcher - Ficedula westermanni westermanni C

Seen on four dates at Mt. Katanglad with 2 seen on the 1st, 1 on the 2nd, 6 on the 3rd and 1 on the 5^th, with about an equal number of males and females being seen.

 

 

Grey-streaked Flycatcher - Muscicapa griseisticta C

Seen on four dates at Mt. Katanglad with 1 seen on the 1st, 2 on the 2nd, 4 on the 3rd and 2 on the 5th.

 

Philippine Verditer Flycatcher - Muscicapa panayensis nigriloris C

Seen on four dates at Mt. Katanglad with singles seen on the 2nd, 4th and 5th and 4 on the 3rd.

 

Black-naped Monarch - Hypothymia azurea azurea C

Just a single individual seen - along the Swimming Pool Trail at Logarita, Bohol on the 10th.

 

YELLOW-BELLIED WHISTLER - Pachycephala philippinensis apoensis / boholensis C

Recorded on two dates at Mt. Katanglad with 4 seen on the 4th and 8 on the 5^th, and along the trails leading from the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol, where 2 were seen on the 7th. Usually seen associating with bird flocks.

 

Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava simillima C

Only seen in the paddies at Logarita, Bohol where 10 were seen on the 7th and 8 on the 10th.

 

Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea robusta C

A smart subspecies is present on the Philippines with singles recorded at Mt. Katanglad on the 1st and 5^th, and 2 recorded on both the 2nd and 3^rd, and a single bird being seen along the river near the entrance to Quezon on the 12th.

 

Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus malayensis C

A single bird was seen at Changi Airport, Singapore on the 31st.

 

White-breasted Woodswallow - Artamus leucorhynchus leucorhynchus C

A pair were seen at Mt. Katanglad on the 5th, with up to 3 birds seen on three dates at Logarita, Bohol, often watched hunting over the paddies, and a single individual was seen at Quezon on the 12th.

 

Brown Shrike - Lanius cristatus C

Seen on ten dates being recorded from all localities visited with maximums of 15 seen at the American Cemetery on the 31st, 3 at Mt. Katanglad on the 3rd, 2 at Logarita, Bohol, on the 10th and 11^th, and a single bird near Quezon on the 12th. Some particularly fine-plumaged males were seen.

 

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach nasutus C

Up to 8 were recorded daily at Mt. Katanglad mainly being encountered around the clearings above the resthouse.

 

Short-tailed (Lesser Glossy) Starling - Aplonis minor C

Up to 20 were recorded daily at Mt. Katanglad.

 

Asian Glossy Starling - Aplonis panayensis panayensis C

Around 15 were seen on Bohol on the 7^th, and 20 on the 11th.

 

Chestnut-cheeked (Violet-backed) Starling - Sturnus philippensis C

A flock of around 80 were seen coming down to the lawns to drink in the American Cemetery on the 31^st. Far shyer than expected. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

Crested Myna - Acridotheres cristatellus C

Around 6 were seen in both the American Cemetery on the 31st and at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

MOUNT APO MYNA - Basilornis miranda C

At least 6 were seen perched high in the forest from the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" at Mt. Katanglad late in the afternoon of the 3rd. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

COLETO - Sarcops calvus calvus / melanonotus C

Better and also encountered more frequently than expected. Up to 13 were seen on four dates at Logarita, Bohol, and up to 4 were seen on both days at Quezon.

 

Purple-throated Sunbird - Nectarina sperata trochilus C

Around 4 were seen during the early morning at the Scout Camp Clearing at Logarita, Bohol, on the 11th.

 

GREY-HOODED (HACHISUKA'S) SUNBIRD - Aethopyga primigeius primigeius C

Up to 3 were recorded on four dates whilst at Mt. Katanglad.

 

OLIVE-CAPPED FLOWERPECKER - Dicaeum nigrilore C

Up to 6 were recorded on four dates whilst at Mt. Katanglad.

 

FLAME-CROWNED FLOWERPECKER - Dicaeum antonyi kampalili C

DC saw a vividly-coloured male along the trail that drops down to the stream from the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad for around 10 minutes on the 5th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker - Dicaeum trigonostigma cinereigulare/xanthopygium C

Singles were seen at Logarita, Bohol, on the 10th and 11^th, and at Quezon on the 13th.

 

WHITE-BELLIED FLOWERPECKER - Dicaeum hypoleucum C

Up to 2 were recorded on four dates at Mt. Katanglad - often being seen in the vicinity of the resthouse.

 

PYGMY FLOWERPECKER - Dicaeum pygmaeum pygmaeum C

JFC saw a single bird in a remnant patch of forest at Mt. Katanglad (with DC only obtaining poor views) and a single bird was seen along the road at Quezon on the 12th.

 

Buff-bellied Flowerpecker - Dicaeum ignipectus apo C

Up to 4 were recorded on four dates at Mt. Katanglad.

 

MOUNTAIN WHITE-EYE - Zosterops montana vulcani C

By far the commonest species at Mt. Katanglad with up to 80 recorded daily with the birds on the higher slopes appearing more yellow and giving a more flava Wagtail type call than those on the lower slopes ?

 

GOODFELLOWS WHITE-EYE - Lophozosterops goodfellowi goodfellowi C

Up to 6 were recorded on four dates often being found in bird flocks in remnant patches of forest above the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad.

 

CINNAMON IBON - Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus C

Up to 8 were recorded on four dates at Mt. Katanglad.

 

Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus C

Around 100 were seen around Manila and at Cagayan de Oro, up to 15 were seen on Bohol, and 20 at Pagbilo Fish Ponds. This species was originally introduced into Luzon but has spread to all sizeable inhabited islands (Clement (1993)).

 

MOUNT KATANGLAD PARROTFINCH - Erythrura coloria C

Singles were seen at a large clump of bamboo along the main track at Mt. Katanglad on the 2nd and by JFC on the way to the Hombron's Wood Kingfisher site on the 5th. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) being ‘known from only two sites being likely to be under increasing pressure from the loss of forest which is extending into its altitudinal and geographically restricted range’. Described as scarce or very uncommon within its very small range (Clement (1993)).

 

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata cabanisi C

Around 6 were seen at the Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

White-bellied Munia - Lonchura leucogaster manueli C

Up to 4 were seen on three dates in the clearings above the resthouse at Mt. Katanglad.

 

Chestnut Munia - Lonchura atricapilla C

Up to 6 were seen on two dates at Mt. Katanglad and 12 were seen at Pagbilo Fish Ponds on the 13th.

 

PHILIPPINE BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula leucogenys steerei C

A single individual was seen perched in a dead tree at the first potato fields below the "Upper Eagle Viewpoint" at Mt. Katanglad on the 3rd allowing good views to be obtained in the late afternoon. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). It is described as ‘scarce or only locally common and very little known’ (Clement (1993)).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References and Trip Reports Used

 

Brooks,T., Dutson,G., King,B., and Magsalay,P.M. (1995) An annotated check-list of the forest birds of Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Bohol, Philippines. Forktail 11. O.B.C.

 

Chantler, P., and Driesens, G. (1995) Swifts. Sussex. Pica Press.

 

Clement,P., Harris,A., and Davis,J. (1993) Finches and Sparrows : An Identification Guide. London. Helm.

 

Collar,N.J., Croby,M.J. and Strattersfield, A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2.

Cambridge, U.K.: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No.4).

 

duPont,J. (1971) Philippine Birds. Delaware: Delaware Museum of Natural History

 

Fry, C., H., Fry, K. and Harris, A. (1992) Kingfishers, Bee Eaters and Rollers.

 

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