Jim Corbett National Park
Manila Bird Watching is an engaging outdoor activity where bird watchers and nature lovers explore various green spaces and wetlands within and around Manila to observe and identify different species of birds. Despite being a bustling urban center, Manila offers some unique spots where migratory and resident birds can be spotted, making it a surprisingly rewarding experience.
Urban Nature Experience : Manila offers a rare opportunity to witness diverse bird species within a metropolitan setting.
Migratory Birds : The city’s parks and coastal wetlands serve as stopover points for migratory birds, especially during the migratory seasons (around November to March).
Biodiversity : You can find a mix of local endemic birds and migratory visitors from East Asia and other parts of the world.
Accessibility : Bird watching in Manila is easy to access for residents and visitors alike, with no need to travel far to see different birds.
Water Birds : Philippine Duck, Pacific Swallow, Grey Heron, and other waterfowl frequenting the wetlands and coastal areas.
Conservation Efforts : Various NGOs and government bodies promote awareness and protection of bird habitats, especially in areas like the Manila Bay wetlands, which serve as critical stopover points for migratory birds.
La Mesa Eco Park – Located in Quezon City (part of Metro Manila), this eco park has lush forest trails, a reservoir, and open fields. Bird watchers can spot species like the Philippine Bulbul, Blue-eared Kingfisher, and various warblers.
Parañaque & Las Piñas Coastal Areas – These coastal wetlands are crucial for migratory shorebirds. Species such as the Black-winged Stilt, Whimbrel, and other waders can often be seen here.
Paco Park – A historic park in Manila that, besides its cultural value, is home to some resident birds like pigeons, doves, and occasional passerines.
University of the Philippines Diliman Campus – A green urban campus with big trees, ideal for spotting native birds such as the Philippine Coucal, Common Myna, and Yellow-vented Bulbul.
Kanha is the only place where the hard ground swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) survives. Once on the verge of extinction, their numbers have risen due to strict protection, habitat restoration, and captive breeding. The swamp deer is also Kanha's official mascot.
Early mornings (around 6 AM to 9 AM) or late afternoons are ideal for bird watching, as birds are most active during these cooler parts of the day. The migratory season, typically from October to March, is a great time to spot rare visitors.
Bird Species : The bird watching experience in Manila includes sightings of both resident and migratory birds. You can expect to see species such as the Philippine Eagle, various kingfishers, herons, egrets, swallows, pigeons, doves, and sometimes rare migratory birds during certain seasons.
Best Seasons : The best time for bird watching in Manila is typically during the migratory season, from October to March, when numerous migratory birds pass through or stop in the area.
Guided Tours : Many local bird watching groups and eco-tourism organizations offer guided tours. These are great for beginners or those unfamiliar with local species, as guides provide identification tips, ecological insights, and photography assistance.
Despite Manila’s urban environment, its proximity to wetlands, parks, and nature reserves offers an unexpected and accessible nature escape. Bird watching here highlights the coexistence of nature and city life, and it’s a great way to promote awareness about environmental conservation efforts in the Philippines.
