The Department of Tourism (DOT) has teamed up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to promote more birdwatching activities in the region not just for leisure but for conservation, awareness, and sustainable livelihood.

About 30 professional and amateur birders, photographers and enthusiasts took part in the first birdwatching caravan held in the Ilocos Region from April 4 to 9, which documented several avian species in their natural habitat.

Gaye Acacio, chief tourism operations officer of the DOT Region 1 (Ilocos), told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday that one of the most celebrated birding destinations is the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park, a protected area in Ilocos Norte under Republic Act 11038.

With its relatively intact ecosystems, the park has been identified as a key biodiversity area, an important bird area, and part of the East-Asia-Pacific flyway of migratory birds, she said.

“The Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is where the home of the majestic hornbill and grey-faced buzzard and other raptors that pass through during the migratory season. These sightings are more than just spectacles — they are symbols of how deeply connected we are to the natural rhythms of the earth,” she said.

“With this, she lauded a group of growing bird enthusiasts — both local and abroad for keeping the passion alive and helped spotlight the region on the international birding map.”

Michael Calaramo, bird expert acting director of Ecosystem Management and Development Office Ecotourism Park and Botanic Garden of the Northwestern University in this city, in turn, expressed commitment to continue building more partnerships with the DOT and DENR such as the hosting of international symposium for birds.

Based on the annual Asian Waterbird Census, the legendary Paoay Lake Natural Park has been providing shelter to some bird species namely Little Grebe, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Philippine Duck, Tufted Duck, White-browed Crake, Common Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, and the Great Cormorant.

Birders who visited the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park have also reported at least 18 bird species and the endemic species include the Common Emerald Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Scops Owl, Rufous Hornbill, Philippine Forest Kingfisher, Coleto, Woodpecker, Hanging Parakeet, Quail, Labuyo or wild chicken, Brahminy Kite, Tarictic Hornbill, Serpent Eagle, Philippine Hawk Eagle, Little Crow; and the introduced species are: Zebra Dove and Crested Myna.

According to the DENR, the Philippines has 117 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covering 32,302 square km. that act as a refuge for as many as 115 globally threatened species of water birds.

In the Philippines, the peak months for birds migrating to the south are usually from September to November, while those traveling north often occur between February and April, the DENR said. (PNA)