9,544 waterbirds counted in Balanga

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) counted 9,544 waterbirds in wetlands in this city during a census on Saturday.
WBCP President Gina Mapua and DENR provincial wild life officer Mila Ramirez led the conduct of census in four birdwatching sites in Barangays Tortugas, Lote, Sibacan, and Puerto Rivas Ibaba.
Counted during the census were 36 species of 13 resident birds and 23 migratory ones. Whiskered tern registered the most number at more than 2,000.
A Far Eastern Curlew, which is seldom reported in birdwatching sites in the Philippines, was sighted for the first time here.
The number of Pond Heron, one was seen for the first time last year, rose to seven.
WBCP adviser and former president Michael Lu said the Asian Waterbird Census is being conducted annually to monitor the movement and population of migratory birds in the region.
The Balanga Tourism Office yearly organizes the bird census here in line with the thrust of the city government to protect and conserve the migratory birds.
The leadership of Mayor Francis Garcia and Vice Mayor Vianca Venzon-Gozon is vigorously pushing the protection of migratory birds not just for tourism but also to maintain the ecological balance.
The Department of Tourism has declared Balanga as a birdwatching destination, and the annual Ibong Dayo Festival is being celebrated in this city.