Candaba bird census set today

CANDABA – Local government officials here have set today, Saturday, the Asian Water Bird Census at the Wildlife Reserve Park in Sitio Simang, Barangay Visal San Pablo.

The migratory bird census will be led by Mike Lu, president of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local officials here led by Mayor Jerry Pelayo.

Locals reported that greater volume of migratory birds arrived and currently stays in this town’s marshlands.

The bird census is annual event conducted by the WBCP, DENR and it is on its sixth year in this town.

Leny Manalo, Candaba chief of staff, said all participating bird watchers, census takers and media are requested to proceed to the bird sanctuary as early as 6 a.m. today.

Some 12,600 birds were recorded last year. At least 40 species were seen, mostly herons and ducks. Around 2,000 Philippine ducks were also seen mingling with migratory birds.

Last year’s tally was higher compared to that of the migratory bird census in 2011, which recorded at least 8,725 migratory birds roaming around the Candaba Wetlands.

The Asian Water Bird Census aims to provide the basis for estimates of water bird populations and monitor changes in the number of water birds and their distribution by regular and standardized counts of representative wetlands.

The Asian Water Bird Census is part of the global water bird monitoring program of the International Water Bird Census coordinated by the Wetlands International and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.