AT LEAST 13,065 migratory birds were reported to be present anew in one day in wetlands in Balanga City, Bataan.
There was a slight decrease compared to 15,075 birds counted on January 22, 2017.
rRepresentatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism and the Wild Bird Club made the count in Barangay Lote, Sibacan, Puerto Rivas Ibaba, Puerto Rivas Itaas and Tortugas, all seaside villages in Balanga.
DENR is the lead agency in the census, which was done last January 20.
The tourism department has declared the five villages as among birdwatching sites in the country.
The waterbird census is simultaneously held in various birdwatching sites every January. It is an international endeavor of scientists to monitor the population of waterbirds in the Asian region.
The bird count started in Balanga City in 2009.
Reports showed that there are 63 species of migratory birds, mostly small, medium and large egrets, whiskered tern and black-winged stilt frequenting Balanga.
The birds arrive in Balanga's wetlands starting September to escape the harsh cold winter days in mainland Asia and Europe and return to their countries of origin in March. (Ric Sapnu)