Candaba's Migratory Birds

In support of my hometown’s advocacy to encourage bird protection and wildlife preservation in Candaba, Pampanga, I wrote an article and got it published on People’s Journal Tonight’s editorial section dated March 10, 2010.
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Candaba’s Migratory Birds
By Dennis John Amata


Candaba, Pampanga is known for its wide and scenic swamps which have been a favorite spot of migratory birds from Mainland China, Siberia, New Zealand, Mongolia and other parts of Asia to break away from winter season and enjoy the town’s tropical temperature.

The birds, arriving in October and leaving in March and April, are of various species: the Shrenck’s Bittern, Great Bittern, Eurasian Spoonbill, Purple Swamp Hen, Chinese Pond Heron and Black-Crowned Heron – all of whom greet you every morning with their delightful ear-friendly chirping.

The Candaba Wildlife Sanctuary, visited by tourists from various parts of the world, is one of the five wetlands in Central Luzon. The others are the Paitan Lake in Cuyapo and Pantabangan Dam, both in Nueva Ecija; Puerto Rivas in Balanga City; and Consuelo in Macabebe, also in Pampanga.

But not all those who make a claim to greatness remain great. Just like Metro Manila, Candaba was afflicted by Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng,” destroying the farmers’ crops near the swamp and changing their planting cycles for melon and rice. Due to this, there have been reports that the population of migratory birds visiting the town has decreased.

Based on the Asian Waterbird Census conducted this year, there are 13,160 birds and 39 species seen by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Candaba.

Last 2009, 12,686 migratory birds and 41 species were found. The number appeared to have increased in four swamplands in Brgy. Doña Simang, in Paralaya and in Perlas. In the last site, 2,000 birds were counted.

The census recognizes the bird’s migratory patterns and causes of migration.

Still, there remain rampant bird hunting activities. Bird hunting is strictly prohibited in Candaba through an ordinance passed by the city council in 2004. The Wildlife Act (Republic Act. No. 9147) carries out penalties on caught hunters depending on the species captured, killed or traded.

An interesting incident occurred in December 2009, when WBCP photographed a man in a camouflage-type uniform holding a rifle in the water lilies in one of the ponds owned by Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo. Member of the WBCP went to Mayor Pelayo’s place when they heard gunshots but were unable to apprehend the hunter. To ward off hunters, policemen have been detailed at various sites in Candaba swamps.

Of late, three new species have been seen – the Gray-Headed Lawping, Great Bitterns and Mallard. These species were seen in late December until the first week of January. According to WBCP President Michael Lu, this year’s migratory birds have diminished although they have grown to be more “diverse.”

The presence of the rare Black-faced Spoonbill, Pied Avocet, Black-browned Reed, Warbler and Eurasioan Spoonbill has helped foster the reputation of the Canadaba Swamps and the Philippines in their bird conservation efforts.