(L-R whimbrel, Philippine duck, mallard duck, common sand piper were among the wetland bird species found in Cabusao wetland recently)

DENR Bicol team finds a rare wetland bird in Cabusao, presence attributed to available food source

Two whimbrels, wetland migratory birds often seen in Olango Island in Cebu, were recently found by a team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Cabusao Wetland in Cabusao, Camarines Sur. Commissioned by Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada of DENR Bicol, the team conducted the Annual Waterbird Census that is conducted yearly throughout the county and coordinated around the world. The team headed by Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist Myrna Baylon was surprised to find whimbrels because they were not seen in the past monitoring activities. Whimbrels are known to feed on fiddler crabs and shore worms in their migration and winter diet. Ms. Baylon noted that these are available in Cabusao, hence, could be a reason for the whimbrels' presence. Fiddler crabs are considered as an important food during winter, and the shape of the whimbrel's bill matches the curve of the crab's burrow.

This development is essential to DENR Bicol to analyze and substantiate as it submits input to the 2010 Asian Waterbird Census Report. To bird conservationists the data would help identify and protect important migration stopover to ultimately protect the birds and their habitats.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Cabusao has issued a resolution declaring part of the San Miguel Bay area as critical habitat owed to its being a roosting (perch area on which birds, esp. domestic fowls, can rest or sleep) and feeding ground of thousands of migratory birds, ducks including other shore and water birds. It is in fact the roosting and feeding ground of Anas luzonica, a vulnerable wild duck found only in the Philippines. The estimated number of wild duck found during the monitoring activity was estimated at 2,500; mallard duck at 1,300; common sand piper 850; and Kentish plover 550. Other wetland bird species found include: little ring plover, Northern shoveller; terek sand piper; little egret; and gray heron.

The 27-hectare wetland area in Cabusao, Camarines Sur hosts 20 species of birds, 17 mangrove species, 11 grass, among other species, a recent DENR Bicol assessment report stated. A DENR Bicol team determined the bird species and its population over a period of active migration.

With the passing of said resolution both the DENR Bicol and LGU Cabusao have achieved the goal of establishing the said site as a critical habitat, Fragada remarked. (R.L.Mendones)