#4: Aurora with a BLAST!
This trip had been planned for a long time but never pushed through because, the last time we tried, a typhoon arrived and forced us to divert to Infanta and Subic.
Day 1 - Departure night
We decided to leave the night before and sleep somewhere near Palayan to cut travel time and avoid being too tired. It was perfect, leaving Manila at 9 PM and arriving just before midnight, then getting a good 5‑hour sleep before the next day’s drive. The Airbnb was quite creepy since it felt like the only occupied house in the area, but at least there were guards roaming around for security.
The next day, we grabbed drive‑thru pandesal (the only pandesal drive‑thru I’ve ever seen) and McDo coffee before heading to Maria Aurora, a short 1.5‑hour drive that turned out to be a great decision.
Birder Kap and Otoy greeted us upon arrival. Birder Kap is the only official guide in Maria Aurora, and this hyper‑energetic Kapitan deserves all the credit for birdwatchers visiting the area. We walked and passed by the “Golden Gate.” Almost immediately, we saw our target bird, the Luzon Redstart, even before reaching the big bridge going up.
Moving ahead, we climbed around 400 steps gradually, but the area was quiet. We only managed to see a Scale‑feathered Malkoha, Elegant Tits, Blue‑headed Fantails, and several raptors near the parking area. Among them were the PSE, Gray‑faced Buzzard, and Oriental Honey‑buzzard. But as we were heading back to the car, we heard a familiar call. Rufous Hornbills were nearby. We hurried to get a glimpse, but the angle was tough. We only managed a photo after they flew, crossing the rocky river for about a minute.
After a quick lunch along the road, we started roadside birding. It was a bit quiet on the way to town. Upon reaching it, Kap asked us if we wanted to take a chance and look for the Eastern Grass Owl in the fields. We tried, but since there was no cropping, the owl didn’t show. Back in town, which was very small, the only choice for dinner was Andok’s. So, Andok’s it was.
Day 2 - long day
Call time was a bit late at 5:30 AM because we were exploring a site in ASCOT. This required special permission since it’s a school, and only Kap could get access.
The cold breeze welcomed us as we arrived. We immediately heard busy birds everywhere: several Luzon Hornbills, Balicassiaos, Coletos, and egrets. While walking, I spotted a river stream that looked like a perfect place to take a dip, very New Zealand vibes.
Heading back to the trail, we saw a Japanese Sparrowhawk (very snubbish), a Gray‑faced Buzzard, and a Brown‑breasted Kingfisher. On the trail was a small river crossing, and boom, I dipped my shoe. The place felt like a relaxing Garden of Eden with Ashy Minivets and Philippine Hanging Parrots around. My shoe had to hang outside the car, and my socks were placed on the wipers to dry. This place has potential and is worth revisiting.
Afterward, we returned to Aurora National Park for more roadside birding and found a nice, busy area. A great catch was a male Philippine Trogon, although it stayed for only 10 seconds. A busy flock also passed through, which included the Black‑naped Monarch, Golden‑crowned Babbler (one of our targets), Elegant Tits, Yellow‑wattled Bulbul, and Gray‑faced Sunbird. Nothing beats sitting pretty while birding.
We wrapped up and drove to Baler so Amo could get a glimpse of the surfing town. Great views, a great sunset, and a great dinner.
Some landscapes with the 600mm while enjoying the view.
Day 3 — Departure Day
Kap told us he would bring us to Otoy’s place, a restricted area. The weather was very cold at 17°C. We drove through a newly opened road that was less zigzag and faster for the route back to Manila.
After a quick coffee stop, we headed to the “Loghouse,” an overlooking spot with mountain range views that is less known to birders. It was very cold and very birdable. From the parking area, we strolled down with Senator Amo and saw several species, including Flaming Sunbirds, Black‑naped Monarchs, and Rufous‑headed Tailorbirds.
Heading back near the Loghouse, we heard Trogons calling. From a good vantage point, we spotted both a male and a female. A perfect way to end our birding sortie in Maria Aurora, fun‑filled and always energetic.
Maraming salamat, Kap and Otoy. Till the next birding adventure.
Truly enjoyed this trip!
Maraming Salamat ulit Kap and Otoy!
Special shout out to Sir Val of Sony Philippines for lending this huge 600mm beast! This was truly a wonderful experience and to be holding it for almost 2 months, truly it made magic to each photo! Thank you SONY!
