Town sets census of migratory birds

By Herbert P. Mapiles
Monday, January 2, 2012

CANDABA -- The Municipal Government here has called an urgent local census of all migratory birds at the Wildlife Reserve Park in Sitio Dona Simang, Visal San Pablo on Thursday.

This local census will be led by Mayor Jerry Pelayo and other local officials following reports that a greater volume of migratory birds have arrived and are currently staying in this town’s wetlands.

The activity is in preparation with the annual census usually conducted by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) headed by its President Mike Lu.

All participating bird watchers, census takers and media are requested to proceed to the bird sanctuary as early as 6 a.m. of the said date.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the Wild Bird Club is also set to conduct an Asian Water Bird Census on January 15.

Last year, at least 8,725 migratory birds were found roaming around the Candaba Wetlands during the 2011 Asian Water Bird Census (AWC).

The Asian Water Bird Census aims to provide the basis for estimates of water bird populations and monitor changes in the number of water birds and their distribution by regular and standardized counts of representative wetlands.

The Asian Water Bird Census is part of the global water bird monitoring program of the International Water Bird Census coordinated by the Wetlands International and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper on January 03, 2012.