MANILA: The Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat in Camarines Sur is home to a variety of bird species, from great egrets spreading their wings across the sky to collared kingfishers perched along muddy shores, according to photographs released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol.
The photographs feature great egrets, Javan pond herons, striated herons, whiskered terns, Philippine pied fantails and collared kingfishers, offering a glimpse of the wetland’s avian diversity.
The images were documented as part of DENR Bicol’s communication, education and public awareness campaign in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day.
Led by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr., DENR Bicol conducted the activity through its Conservation and Development Division, in collaboration with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Sipocot and the local government of Cabusao.
The campaign brought together community members, local officials and other stakeholders to promote migratory bird conservation, wetland protection and management, and wildlife disease surveillance.
The following photographs showcase the different bird species observed in the Cabusao wetlands.
Collared kingfisher
A collared kingfisher perches on a coconut husk along the muddy shoreline of the Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat in Camarines Sur. Its blue wings, white underparts and dark markings around its eyes are visible in the photograph.
Egrets
A flock of white egrets gathers in the shallow waters of the Cabusao wetlands. Some stand among exposed vegetation while others take flight above the wetland.
Great egret
A great egret soars above the Cabusao wetlands with its broad white wings extended and long, dark legs trailing behind.
Javan pond heron
A Javan pond heron stands on exposed ground surrounded by shallow water. Its pale head, reddish-brown breast and contrasting white wings are visible in the photograph.
Philippine pied fantail
A Philippine pied fantail moves across an exposed mudflat in the Cabusao wetlands. The brown-and-white bird is photographed with one foot raised.
Striated heron
A striated heron stands on floating vegetation in shallow water at the Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat. Its dark crown, greyish body and yellow eyes are visible in the photograph.
Whiskered tern
A whiskered tern glides above the Cabusao wetlands with its wings outstretched. Its pale body and darker head markings stand out against the blue sky.
From egrets wading through shallow waters to herons resting on muddy shores and terns soaring overhead, the photographs capture the diversity of birdlife that depends on the Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat.
Through its awareness campaign, DENR Bicol underscored the need to protect these habitats through wetland management, wildlife disease surveillance and active community participation.
The agency said it would continue working with local communities and stakeholders to conserve migratory birds and safeguard the wetlands, helping ensure that future generations can still witness the birdlife that thrives in Cabusao today.
