Birds of Beverly Hills, Antipolo, Rizal

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Yesterday, I joined a group photoshoot arranged by Olan and Arnel in Antipolo and Angono, Rizal. We were 7 birders. We first went to Beverly Hills subdivision in Antipolo, where we were hosted by Henry Calilung, an excellent bird guide and the Coordinator of the Tungtong River Conservation Project in the area. I was surprised at the quality and number of birds.

Canon 1D Mark IV camera, Canon 800 mm lens, tripod with half-gimbal.

A pair of Ashy Minivets showed up trilling loudly. Henry said this was the first record of them in Beverly Hills. I have seen AMs only in Mt. Makiling.

F/5.6, ISO-800, 1/4000 sec. I should have used a lower ISO and slower shutter speed in the early morning sunshine.


F/5.6, ISO-800, 1/4000 sec.

An Ashy Minivet scratching its head furiously.

F/5.6, ISO-800, 1/1600 sec.

Long-distance documentary shot of a Philippine Bulbul calling.

F/5.6, ISO-1600, 1/8000 sec.

Long-distance shot of White-Throated Kingfisher screeching.

F/5.6, ISO-1600, 1/3200 sec.


F/5.6, ISO-800, 1/1600 sec.

Elegant Tit singing to its heart's content.

1.4x extender, F/8, ISO-800, 1/2000 sec.

Pied Bushchat - male.

1.4x extender, F/8, ISO-500, 1/320 sec.

Pied Bushchat - female.

1.4x extender, F/8, ISO-500, 1/320 sec.

A closer shot of a White-Throated Kingfisher in the shade.

1.4x extender, F/8, ISO-500, 1/400 sec.

A documentary shot of 2 Lowland White-Eyes.

1.4x extender, F/8, ISO-500, 1/400 sec.

We then drove a few kilometers to Angono, Rizal to see the family of 3 Philippine Eagle Owls (parents and 1 young). It is heartening to see a thriving family of PEOs similar to the thriving family of 3 PEOs in Quezon City.


1.4x extender, F/8, ISO-500, 1/160 sec. Nearly full-frame.

The young PEO was higher up and well-hidden by foliage.

F/5.6, ISO-500, 1/40 sec.

This adult PEO was dozing but still keeping an eye out on us (literally).

F/5.6, ISO-400, 1/100 sec.

Very productive day! Thanks guys!

[Mark Jason Argallon]

great harvest you got here, kuya ramon! the photos of the adult PEOs are so close... it's quite intimidating. it's like they're going to poke my eyes. =D

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Mark.

[Michael R. Anton]

Nice photos! Like the PEO's best!

[Ely Teehankee]

Beverly Hills has a bevy of birds. I learned from Henry that they have seen the Scale Feathered Malkoha. They even have a huge Philippine Eagle Owl. It is a nice place to go to. Looks like you had fun in both places.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Michael and Ely.

Ely, yes, I saw the Scale-Feathered Malkoha fly by. Henry's conservation efforts in the area are impressive.

[tina mallari]

I agree with Mark. What a bountiful harvest of birds. Oh so happy for you.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Tina.