RFI:Group consensus on best Field Guide + birdcall

[charleybird]

Hi,

I am visiting Luzon again soon & am posting to request information re:what the best field guide would be to pick up while I am in Manila - Any ideas which stores may hold such books + does anyone know of birdcall source CD's I might be able to get hold of?

Happy shooting + Best Regards

Karl Seddon

[Mark Itol]

Hi Karl,

We refer to the book "A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines" by Robert Kennedy, often referred to as the "Kennedy Guide" or "KG" as our birding bible. Last time I checked, stocks are not available on local bookstores (you'll have to arrange for a special order). Might be better to order online before your visit.

Please have a look at: www.amazon.com/Guide-Birds-Philippines-Robert-Kennedy/dp/0198546688/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

As for bird calls, I'm not sure, but not everyone here is keen on the use of such (unlike in other countries). I do not know of any CD stores but I think some local birders have copies of recordings.

Hope that helps. Good luck on your adventure.

Mark

[charleybird]

Thanks for the info Mark!
Explains why I couldn't find anything in any of the main bookstores last time I visited - A strange deficit, as in most other subjects the shelves were way better stocked than over here (Australia).
I can understand your reservation re:birdcalls - whilst I do use playback on occasion, I dont see it as that sure fire a method to actually see birds.
I do bird alot by ear though - very frustrating when your in a new place & 'dont speak the canopy language'

Thanks once again,

karl

[Bob Kaufman]

Hi Karl, if you can visit (or contact) a Philippine Embassy or Consulate there in Australia, ask if they have copies of the book "Birdwatching in the Philippines". There are 2 volumes of this book which was published by the Dept. of Tourism in cooperation with the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

These books are not field guides, rather they provide information on birding places in the Philippines and the birds that can be seen in those areas.

Visit the Wild Bird Club of the Phils. website www.birdwatch.ph/ and download their checklist. Based on the checklist you can then visit Xeno-Canto www.xeno-canto.org/asia/ where you can find bird songs/calls of Asian (including Philippine) species.

[charleybird]

Thanks heaps Bob!

[steve pryor]

Karl,
You can also glean useful information for sites, bird guides, etc., here: www.travellingbirder.com/birdwatching/birding_Philippines.php