Coron, A Birders Paradise in the Philippines

 

Coron: A Birders Paradise in the Philippines

The Island of the Three Kings: Blue-eared Kingfisher, Rufous backed Dwarf Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher

(above, the Palawan Leafbird, also known as Yellow-throated Leafbird)

Coron is one of the many islands that make up the province of Palawan, which is the largest province in the country in terms of total area. Above is a view from Kayangan Lake, taken after climbing 360 steps above sea level.

The lake is named after the local name for the red-vented cockatoo, "kayangag", and is one of thirteen lakes that are sacred to the local Tagbanwa people.

The lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island and is considered as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines. Swimming and snorkeling are only permissible in certain parts of the lake. Life vests are required after two Czech tourists drowned in 2017 while freediving.

Getting to Coron is not too difficult as there are daily flights to and from Manila which take less than an hour. However, do not expect a jumbo jet but do expect a magnificent view of the Philippine archipelago as you fly above the many islands.

There are several options for places to stay in Coron that range in price and amenities. We chose the Westown Resort for its proximity to Capayas Creek Preserve (about 15 minutes away). 

The main island of Coron has very few beaches, however, it is easy to book very affordable island hopping tours. These nearby islands have pristine beaches, gorgeous lakes, and several coral reef snorkeling sites.

Getting from the airport is by van as there are no taxis on Coron. Arrange your transportation prior to arriving on the island. Getting around the island is mostly by tricycles which can be arranged by your hotel.

Do not be surprised by the transport vehicle to the Capayas Creek bird spotting site! We were picked up by our guide in his tricycle. Pack your camera and equipment carefully as once you are off the main paved road, the dirt road is a bit rough.

And do not be surprised by the remote and primitive location of Capayas Creek. After all, if it were easy to access, way too many people would compete for the opportunity to see so many beautiful and endemic bird species.

Above, our Capayas Creek Kingfisher Preserve guide, Erwin Edonga. His niece, Grace, handles the booking and can be reached via WhatsApp (+63 966 192 0800). 

Edwin will typically pick you up at your hotel at just before sunrise and drive you to his property in his "antique" tricycle. Once there, he will take you to a blind that is next to Capayas Creek. It will not be long before you start to see birds.

The birding area is quite primitive and you can walk around the area with Erwin when you tire of sitting in the blind. You will see many birds and experience the real Coron!

Note that Erwin has sharp eyes and he will make your head hurt as it pivots from side to side looking at birds that he is pointing out.

The birds (and animals) that we photographed during our 6 hours at Capayas Creek Preserve:

Ashy-fronted Bulbul

Asian Emerald Dove

Asian Glossy Starling

Black-naped Monarch (female)

Black-naped Monarch (male)

Blue Paradise Flycatcher

Blue-eared Kingfisher

Ashy Drongo

Crested Goshawk

Gray-streaked Flycatcher

Hair-crested Drongo

Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel

Palawan Bulbul

Palawan Drongo

Palawan Flowerpecker (female)

Palawan Flowerpecker (male)

Palawan Sunbird (female)

Palawan Sunbird (male)

Palawan Sunbird (female) with a Giant Golden Orb-weaver Spider

Giant Golden Orb-weaver Spider

Philippine Pied Fantail

Red Junglefowl

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird

Spot-throated Flameback Woodpecker

Hooded Pitta

White-vented Shama

Palawan Leafbird, also known as Yellow-throated Leafbird

The third king of Coron, the Ruddy Kingfisher, was at his summer playground near the coast and we did not see him.

After a very fulfilling day of birding, we rewarded ourselves with a slice of wonderful Ube cake at the Westown Resort!

List of birds seen/photographed:

Capayas Creek Bird (Kingfisher) Preserve

1/6/2025

Guide: Erwin Edonga

Ashy-fronted Bulbul

Ashy Drongo 

Asian Emerald Dove

Asian Glossy Starling 

Black-naped Monarch 

Blue-headed Racket tail 

Blue Paradise Flycatcher 

Blue-eared Kingfisher 

Palawan Sunbird 

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

Crested Goshawk 

Gray-streaked Flycatcher 

Hair-crested Drongo

Lovely Sunbird 

Palawan Bulbul

Palawan Drongo

Palawan Flowerpecker

Palawan Sunbird

Philippine Pied Fantail 

Red Jungle Fowl

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher 

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird 

Spot-throated Flameback Woodpecker

Western Hooded Pitta 

White-vented Shama 

Yellow-throated Leafbird (same as Palawan Leafbird)

Add another drop in the bucket!

All photographs are the copyright of Jim Jackson Photography and Nida Jackson Photography. Please contact me with any questions, comments, or for authorization to use photos, or for signed, high-resolution prints.

 

If you found this article useful, please like, share, and follow.