The Birds and the Trees

You have to know your trees to know your birds well.

Last Saturday, a guided tour for the Environmental Department of the Manila Water was organized by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) led by Ms. Karen Ochavo and the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society Inc. (PNPCSI) headed by Mr. Antonio Arbias. The activity exposed the employees of Manila Water to the watershed they have at work. The itinerary was divided into two: birdwatching and tree walk. The Birdwatching part was to let them be aware of the birds and other wildlife present in the area and how important it is in the preservation of the La Mesa Nature Reserve. To appreciate the diversity of trees in the area, a Tree Walk, guided by the PNPCSI, was held for the employees as well as the Club members. The Manila Water Envi Dept. intended a reforestation plan for the Balara Treatment Plant and part of the plan was to collect wildlings from the forest and replant it in Balara.

Before proceeding, an orientation was given by Club and the PNPCSI on how to use binoculars properly and the purpose of the tree walk activity. Despite the scorching heat of the sun the participants, WBCP and PNPCSI members, together with the Bantay Kalikasan trail guides, eagerly entered the forest trail of the catchment basin. Over 30 species of birds were spotted including Black-naped Orioles, White-collared Kingfishers, Guaiaberos, Elegant Tits, Large-billed Crows, Lowland White-eyes and White-eared Brown-Dove among many others. Also, some were heard such as the Philippine Coucal and Koel sp. The group went halfway the trail when the Tree Walk started. Some trivia about native trees were shared by the PNPCSI members. Species of Cupang, Kamagong, Tipolo, Acacia, Narra, Hawili and Fig Tree were pointed and identified as essential components in balancing the ecosystem of the nature reserve and providing home to numerous species of birds. They also discussed the relationship of preserving these native trees and watershed management, as well as the threats of introducing exotic trees into this forest. While discussing, some have gathered wildlings of native trees.


After almost 4 hours of birdwatching and trekking, we finally headed back and had some photo-ops. Though exhausted and almost dehydrated, especially the kids of the employees, everyone had a fun and worthwhile experience. (The bunch of wildlings were planted while the participants were having their lunch at the Manila Water office, according to the Envi. Dept. head.)