From Makati to the Mountains: A Philippine Birding Adventure
I have to share something that brought me SO much joy!! ✨🐦
One of my recent birding adventures was beautifully documented - the entire trip -and it included some of my own photos too. That alone made it extra special and absolutely worth sharing!
I recently traveled to the Philippines. I was there to speak on startup visas at the SelectUSA conference- an incredible honor for me (thank you, SelectUSA friends and organizers, for the gracious invitation! I am grateful). Of course, I took the opportunity to see some local birds.
My incredible guides from Bird Finders Philippines were simply fabulous. They picked me up from my hotel (Fairmont, Makati) at 3:00 a.m. -yes, 3 a.m.! - and we drove over three hours out of Manila to the breathtaking Sierra Madre Forest. (And almost four hours back).
It rained. All. Day. 🌧️
But with little pockets of calm (thank goodness for my poncho and trusty camera rain cover!), we pressed on and it was magical.
We saw 29 endemic birds -species native to that exact location. That kind of day fills a birder’s heart to the brim. If you are a bird-nerd, here’s my ebird profile for the list- https://ebird.org/profile/NDAzMDAwNQ.
What made it even more meaningful were the guides themselves. I love hearing how bird guides found their path - there’s always a beautiful story behind it.
Djop is a biologist and the son of scientists. He fell in love with birds at just 5 or 6 years old, tagging along with his parents, both professors, as they led students on mountain fieldwork trips. Somewhere between those mountain paths and quiet forest mornings, he began noticing the birds… and that spark turned into a lifelong passion. Though he began his career formally as a biologist, he now does extraordinary work in bird conservation and education. You can feel that purpose in everything he does.
I’m so inspired by him, by Christian (see the photos!), and by the many guides around the world who have taken me out into wild places and always brought me safely back. I loved that Djop and Christian loved hearing my travel stories- mishaps, detours, and unexpected adventures (which, let’s be honest, make the best stories!). Ask me about my Atlantic Puffin trip, if you see me next time :-)
Their dedication has inspired me to begin including guide stories and conservation notes in my coloring books. Watch out for Color Your Joy – Philippines coming soon! 🇵🇭🐦✨
Thank you, Djop, Christian, and Bird Finders Philippines for such an unforgettable adventure. I already can’t wait to return.
And truly- have I mentioned lately how birding has transformed my life? It truly has. Completely. It’s no longer just a hobby; it’s a gift. A grounding, steadying gift.
It keeps me in constant awe of life, even when the world feels tumultuous..
I’ll be uploading photos to my website soon, promise you’ll take a peek?
Fine art photography:
https://tahmina-watson.pixels.com/
Author website (coloring books & more): www.tahminawatson.com
www.tahminawatson.com
Joy is out there. Sometimes it just starts with a 3 a.m. wake-up call and a forest in the rain. 💛🐦
If you are looking for what brings you joy- here’s a link to my Finding Joy journal with step by step instructions on how to discover what lights you up from the inside.
Enjoy this trip report!
