Birding. It's More fun in the Philippines!

[Ariel Matias]

I got caught up with DOT's slogan fever but the thread's title is a sincere feeling of how I felt while birding in our own country. This is only my second time to do birding in the Philippines and many thanks to Ely Teehankee for taking time to go out with me plus providing me precious inputs and techiniques.

During the sortie, most birds were a bit far and I found that my 400mm lens wasn't enough to even satisfy some bird details that I am used to seeing in Costa Rica. But still, there's nothing like being here and doing this thing here at home. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!!!

Long-tailed shrike

400mm f/5.6, ISO 200




Philippine Duck
400mm f/5.6, ISO 200





White-breasted Waterhen

ISO 800





Lastly, Ely allowed me to use his 1DM4+70-200mm+2xTC combo on this Yellow-bittern. The picture quality is just amazing!

1D4, f/8.0 ISO 400

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Nice captures, Ariel. Too bad you didn't get to do more birding in our beautiful country.

[Neon Rosell II]

Wow! Excellent captures, didn't know you were around, Ariel! Glad you were able to experience that it's really more fun in the Philippines.

[Mick Harris]

Very nice captures Ariel.
I too found my trusty 400mm a bit short at Candaba but enjoyed my visit just before Christmas. It's a great venue.

[Ely Teehankee]

Glad you enjoyed our birding trip to Candaba. I think it is still the best place to go for migrant birds. Your pictures are all good. Well done Ariel & Mabuhay.

[Mark Itol]

Lovely captures, Ariel. It's great to know you found birding to be more fun in the Philippines.