Cover When birdwatching, watchers can often see flocks of birds interacting (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
When birdwatching, watchers can often see flocks of birds interacting (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
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From urban sanctuaries to nature parks, here’s where to do some birdwatching in the Metro
When people think of birdwatching, Cagayan, Benguet, or Bataan immediately come to mind. It’s a fair assumption since trees are more abundant in the province. However, within the Metro lie a number of preserves that house hundreds of different endemic and resident species. From the lush campuses of the University of the Philippines Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University to the beginner-friendly nature trails of La Mesa Ecopark, this article lists seven birdwatching sites inside Metro Manila.
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La Mesa Ecopark
Above The endemic Philippine Eagle Owl spotted at the La Mesa Eco Park (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
The endemic Philippine Eagle Owl spotted at the La Mesa Eco Park (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
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A 33-hectare public park situated next to the La Mesa Watershed in North Fairview, Quezon City, the La Mesa Eco Park (LMEP) is a birder’s gateway into the hobby. The trail is generally easy for beginners, and novices can spot endemic birds such as Spotted Wood Kingfishers, Philippine Pittas, and White-eared Brown Doves, among others. Migrant birds can also be seen, like the White’s Thrush and Brown-headed Thrush.
Tatler Tip: While park hours are generally from 8am to 5pm, visitors are allowed to arrive much earlier if they have the intention to go birdwatching. Just make sure to pay the entrance fee upon exit.
University of the Philippines Diliman
Above A Rufous Paradise Flycatcher seen at the University of the Philippines Diliman (Photo: Facebook/Cecil Morella)
A Rufous Paradise Flycatcher seen at the University of the Philippines Diliman (Photo: Facebook/Cecil Morella)
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Pair your birdwatching journey with a light jog around the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) campus. With over 500 hectares of land to explore, UPD is a popular birding spot among fledglings and experts alike. A mix of endemic and resident species has been spotted around the area, such as the Long-tailed Shrike, Zebra Dove, and Philippine Magpie Robins, to name a few.
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Centre
Above A Collared Kingfisher on a Bangkal Tree at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Centre (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
A Collared Kingfisher on a Bangkal Tree at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Centre (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
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With a lagoon, botanical garden, and 23 hectares of land, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Centre (NWRRC) is a great place to see plenty of urban wildlife. Though it’s located adjacent to the Quezon City Memorial Circle, it’s a safe haven for thousands of fauna and flora, containing over 4,000 species of trees and over 1,400 mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of the birds you can spot here are the Philippine Serpent Eagle, Collared Kingfisher, Yellow Bittern, and Grey Wagtail.
See also: Nature therapy: 5 protected parks in Luzon for your next inspiring weekend trip
Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
Above A brown shrike atop a tree at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
A brown shrike atop a tree at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
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With two interconnected islands covered in beach forests, mudflats, and lagoons spanning 175 hectares, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) is home to more than 80 species of birds, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron, Barred Rail, and the vulnerable Philippine Duck—making the LPPWP the only site in Metro Manila where you can find them.
Before you go: You will need to secure a permit from the DENR-NCR seven days prior to your visit.
Arroceros Forest Park
Above A Coppersmith Barbet digging a nesting hole at Arroceros Park (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
A Coppersmith Barbet digging a nesting hole at Arroceros Park (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
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A modest park on the south bank of the Pasig River, the Arroceros Forest Park is a sanctuary for 10 different bird species like the Arctic Warbler, Asian Glossy Starling, Black-naped Oriole, and Yellow-vented Bulbul. Despite being in the middle of Manila, the 2.2-hectare park provides much-needed fresh air to its surrounding area and has been dubbed ‘Manila’s Last Lung.’
Tagalag Fishing Village
Above A purple heron spotted at the Tagalag Fishing Village (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
A purple heron spotted at the Tagalag Fishing Village (Photo: Facebook/Wild Bird Club of the Philippines)
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Located up north, bordering Obando, Bulacan, the Tagalag Fishing Village is a fairly new spot among birdwatchers. Inside the park, visitors can find several fishponds that attract waterbirds such as Little Egrets, Common Moorhens, Purple Herons, and White-breasted Waterhens.
Tatler Tip: The fishponds aren’t just for the birds. Guests are allowed to bring their own rods and fish for fun or food.
Ateneo de Manila University
Another school campus bathed in trees, many birds have called Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) their home. From endemics such as the Philippine Scops Owl and the Philippine Pied Fantail to Residents like the Coppersmith Barbet and Crested Myna, these birds can be spotted all year round.
Tatler Tip: While not generally open to the public, guided nature walks are offered by The Ateneo Wild.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
