I was first introduced to the quiet wonder of bird watching through a good friend and former colleague, Nikki. She was a true enthusiast—patient, knowledgeable, and filled with stories about the birds she’d encounter on her weekend trips. At the time, I appreciated her stories but didn’t think much about it beyond the occasional “That’s cool.”
Then in 2021, everything changed, and my own journey into bird watching in Antipolo truly began.
When my wife and I moved to our new home in Antipolo, we were immediately struck by the richness of nature that surrounded us. Unique bird calls and songs filled the air—melodies we had never encountered while living in our condominium in the metro, nor even at my folk’s house in Quezon City.
The Birds That Welcomed Us
Through the years, I learned to identify many of these birds by their calls, songs, and vivid appearances:
- Zebra Dove: The very first bird we heard, their jungle-like coos made us feel like we were far removed from the city.
- Yellow-bellied Gerygone: Their beautiful morning songs became a soothing part of our daily lives.
- Black-naped Oriole: A favorite visitor whose calls oddly remind us of the pedestrian crossing sounds in Japan.
- Large-billed Crow (or perhaps the Philippine Jungle Crow): Often chased off by the feisty Black-naped Orioles.
- White-collared Kingfisher: One of my personal favorites, striking with its vibrant colors and distinctive calls.
- Yellow-vented Bulbul: Another frequent neighbor with a cheerful song.
- Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Familiar yet always welcome.
- Philippine Coucal: A rare sight but an unmistakable call that echoes across our area.
- Barred Rail and Philippine Waterhen: Once common, now rarely seen due to increasing stray dogs and nearby construction.
- Occasionally, an Olive-backed Sunbird or a Brown Shrike would make surprise appearances.
Memorable Sightings Beyond Home
Travel also brought encounters with new feathered friends—each one adding a little more magic to our journeys.
- In Canada, we were lucky to spot a bright Cardinal and a regal Blue Jay, two of the country’s most iconic birds.
- We also saw the Canadian Goose, whose proud, waddling presence reminded me of the Moose Goose from the game Don’t Starve—a funny connection I couldn’t unsee once it clicked.
- An American Robin also made an appearance, with its warm chestnut breast and cheerful, hopping gait.
- During a trip to Japan, a delightful White-cheeked Starling caught our attention while waiting outside an attraction in Tokyo Disneyland.
Reflections on Bird Watching in Antipolo
Bird watching in Antipolo made me realize that sometimes, you don’t need to travel far to experience wonder. All you have to do is step outside, look up, and listen. Each call tells a story, each flutter of wings a moment of life unfolding.
While construction and urbanization bring inevitable change, I am grateful for the moments we’ve already had—and continue to hope for many more to come.
About Me
Hi, I’m JP B. Bantigue, CLSSBB—a multidisciplinary creative who’s happiest when a quiet morning turns into a small adventure. I believe there’s magic in stillness, and sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones that flutter into view when you least expect them.
