Philippine Eagle on the Bucket List
The prime target is the Philippine Eagle – a species very high on many birders’ Bucket Lists. A post-tour extension to the lowland tropical forest at PICOP is also offered. Both sections contain a lot of walking. While it is cool at Mt Kitanglad, it is very hot, and tropical conditions at PICOP for the extension.
The lodging at the birding sites is very basic. The birding, in contrast, is extremely rewarding.
Domestic flights, food, lodging, entrance fees, and expert local guides, together with Gunnar Engblom.
The itinerary has been planned by Pete Simpson, a long-time resident and the foremost birder in Mindanao.
The Philippines is a nation with more than 7,000 islands covering a land area only slightly larger than the state of Texas, but with more endemic birds than the USA, Europe, and China combined. With 270 endemic bird species (and increasing), it is no wonder that the Philippines is a top destination for all birdwatchers, and the most wanted bird for all visitors is the Philippine Eagle. Critically Endangered, with population estimates as low as 100 birds and declining, it is an increasingly difficult bird to see. Although distributed through the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, it is only regularly seen by birdwatchers in Mindanao in the south.
This tour is devised to give the maximum chance of seeing Philippine Eagle in the wild, spending four days on Mount Kitanglad, and for those who want to additionally cover the lowland endemic species, there is an option to spend 2 days in the famous PICOP forest at the end.