Birds of Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
with PhilBio during the 9th National Wildlife Quiz
Twin Lakes is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved birding and wildlife sites in the Philippines. Not only will you be mesmerized by the view of Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao, but the wildlife in the area also surprises guests and students from all over the region and across the world! Whenever we visit the park, I always remember stories from Lolo Angel's (National Scientist Dr. Angel Alcala) various research expeditions around the lake, from the early struggles in conservation and protection to being fascinated by the Babbler-Sunbird-Fantail-Balicassiao mixed flocks in the area. He would have been proud to see that students are now visiting the lake, and that the area has been declared an ASEAN Heritage Park this year.
On the final day of the 9th National Wildlife Festival, students from all over the country experienced the natural wonders of Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park - BTLNP. Bird Finder Philippines' Djop Tabaranza, Rico Mier, and I had the pleasure of serving as their bird guides (aka on-the-spot biology teachers) for the day! It was a fantastic time showcasing and sharing knowledge about the birds with future Filipino champions of wildlife conservation. We are certain that many students found their “spark bird” in the Visayan Hornbill.
A big thank you to Philbio Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI), Ma'am Lisa J. Paguntalan - Marte, Noellha J. G. Liwagon, and Sir Godfrey Jakosalem for the engaging conversations, fun banter, stories, and for making this event truly memorable.
