Tag: subic

Baliccasiao

Balicassiao, an endemic drongo found only in the forests of Luzon, Masbate, Mindoro, Negros and Panay, and Cebu. It is a common bird in the forest and forest edge and characterized by its glossy black plumage. It is a very raucous and noisy denizen of the forest, with bird calls a mixture of melodious whistles and screeches and metallic tinkling sounds. It mostly travels in small groups, together with Rough-crested Malkoha and Scale-feathered Malkohas (in Luzon) and other small birds (in other islands). This one was digiscoped from quite a distance away in the forests of Subic. If we compute for the 35 mm equivalent focal length for this shot, it will be a whopping 3200 mm! Some of the wonders of digiscoping. 🙂 Balicassiao Dicrurus balicassius April 2016, Subic, Zambales, Luzon, Philippines Video by Adrian Constantino Digiscoped with a Swarovski ATM 80 HD, Panasonic G3 with a Canon 40mm lens coupled with Swarovski Universal Camera Adapter.

Green Racquet-tail feeding its young

Here is a video of a Green Racquet-tail feeding its young in the lowland forests of Subic in Zambales, Luzon. There are six endemic racquet-tail parrots in the Philippines, and the Green Racquet-tail is the smallest. It can only be found in the island of Luzon, with Subic Bay as the most reliable site. Young birds or immatures still lack the characteristic "raqcuets." With their all green plumage, these birds are tough to spot in the canopy. Like its cousin, the Mindanao Montane Racquet-tail (seen feeding on flowers here), the Green Racquet-tail also has screeching, high pitched calls when perched and when in flight. Green Racquet-tail feeding its young, Prioniturus luconensis June 2013, Subic, Zambales, Luzon, Philippines

A troupe of Rufous Coucals [HD]

Described in the Philippine field guide as an uncommon skulker, the Rufous Coucal is a Luzon-only endemic inhabiting the understory of lowland forests, usually associated with bamboo and thickets. They travel in small groups and their raucous and raspy staccato calls often give their away their presence. The easiest place to look for them will be Subic Bay, a short two-hour drive from Manila. Rufous Coucal, Centropus unirufus November 2012, Ilanin Forest, Subic Bay, Zambales, Luzon, Philippines Thanks for watching! Rufous Coucal

Philippine Falconet [HD]

Introducing the Philippines smallest raptor: the cute (but can be mean) Philippine Falconet. The Philippine Falconet is only 6 1/2 inches in length and is found in most Philippine islands except Palawan. Its serrated beak and enormous claws are its most potent weapons in catching dragonflies, other insects, lizards, small invertebrates and even small birds! The field guide describes it as "feisty" and it has been observed mobbing the Great Philippine Eagle. Definitely, a meanie! Philippine Falconet, Microhierax erythrogenys December 2010, Subic Bay Forest, Luzon, Philippines