Cellphone Birding in Coron (but sadly not my photos) - how Coronians cared for the birds during GCQ

It has been observed that there has been an increase of birds during the quarantine period and Coron was no different.  The following birds were recorded in Coron during the past one and a half months...

May 6th, a nesting Palawan Frogmouth photographed with a cellphone, by Engr. Dominic Urani Lopez, a geodetic engineer.  Engr. Lopez was in the field, surveying a parcel of land when he saw this bird. Location was within Bgy. Poblacion 1. 

Ever since I started birding in August 2012, I have not seen a Palawan Frogmouth in the Calamianes.  I have a photograph of this bird but it was taken in Puerto Princessa (at night). 

A Palawan Frogmouth and her chick.

On May 30, my friend and fellow birder, Renan Bonifacio sent me this beautiful photo of a male Purple-throated Sunbird. He found said bird on his patio, somewhat dazed. Most likely, it slammed into Renan's glass doors.  He immediately picked it up and gave it sugar water to revive its energy.  The bird stayed in his dining room watching Renan eat his lunch!  Later that day, said bird left but not before Renan got a ton of photos and even a video, using only his mobile phone! 

Though I have seen a blurry photo of this bird in Coron, this is the first good photo taken in the Calamianes (that I know of).  This was taken by Renan at his home at Bgy. Decalachao in Coron. About an hour from town and twenty minutes from the Busuanga airport. My photographs of this bird were taken in Bohol, Los Banos, and Puerto Princessa City.  

Purple-throated Sunbird, male

On June 3rd, Marvin Ravile, a free lance tour guide, posted this photos and asked me for identification and advise because the bird appeared weak.  He was on his way home and found this bird on the road near his house (on the ground).  Fearing that kids might find it and play with it, he picked it up and took it home.  I advised him to give it water and to just let it be. It stayed inside his house overnight and part of the next day before it flew away. The photos were taken using Marvin's mobile phone.  Location was in Sitio Balisungan, Bgy. Tagumpay.  About thirty minutes from Darayonan (maybe less if I know there is a Frogmouth waiting).

Palawan Frogmouth

June 6th, Gisel Mosaner, owner of La Natura Resort at Capayas, and a friend, sent me these photos for identification and also for advise as the bird appeared weak.  A Spotted Wood Owl, Gokgok in our Cuyonon dialect.  I suggested to Gisel to give it water and bits of meat.  The bird drank and ate at the table at their restaurant at the resort!  At no time did Gisel attempt to capture the bird.  It left on its own when it was strong enough. 

Though not endemic, in the Philippines, this beautiful owl can only be found in Palawan (it is also found in other parts of South East Asia).  I already have beautiful photos of this bird taken in Coron and in Puerto Princessa but as a fellow birder once said, we bird photographers are very greedy - we always want a better shot!  Seeing this cute juvenile Gokgok pose for Gisel made me want to look for a flight to Coron immediately.  

All photos were taken with a mobile phone.  Location was La Natura Resort at Sitio Capayas, Bgy. Poblacion 6. Twenty minutes from town. 

Spotted Wood Owl

Needless to say, I wish I was there to take these photos but I am very proud of my fellow Coronians for not harming these creatures, and even caring for them.  Big Salute Engr Dominic Lopez, Renan Bonifacio, Marvin Ravile, and Gisel Mosaner!  Bravo!!!  May you serve as an inspiration to our fellow Calamianens!