Eager birdwatchers are congregating around a lake near Paoay, Ilocos Norte, to witness the return of migratory great cormorants.
The return of the bird will even be marked by a special festival on Monday (November 19), an event that has been held to honour the arrival of the bird for the past 10 years.
Ornithologists will also be able to spot many other birds, as the 387-hectare Paoay Lake National Protected Landscape is an important feeding point for a number of migratory species.
Since the festival was first held in 2008, local birdwatchers have thronged to the lake’s viewing deck in Nagbacalan village to catch sight of the seasonal visitors.
The festival was the brainchild of Dr Petrus Calope, a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), in cooperation with the local government of Paoay and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The event has helped to increase the popularity of birdwatching in the province and has also enticed enthusiasts from across the country and beyond to visit the lake.
On Monday, Dr Calope’s group will install birdwatching equipment at the viewing platform for visitors to enjoy.
A treat for birdwatchers
Other species to be seen on Paoay Lake include Philippine ducks, Little Grebe, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Tufted Duck, White-brow Crane, Common Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, and the White-throat Kingfisher.
“I take pride in my hometown for having such a healthy and grandeur lake. Its beauty and cleanliness have been preserved for our next generation to see and enjoy,” Paoay resident Rod Sadian told the Philippine News Agency.
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