INTRODUCTION
To add valuable data to the Philippine migration route, a small group was organized to
explore the northern part of mainland Luzon to look for possible raptor migration route.
The group is composed of three (3) birders/raptorwatchers from the Wild Bird Club of
the Philippines.
The team is composed of:
1. Adri Constantino
2. Jun Osano
3. Jude Sanchez
There were 3 objectives:
1. To find possible entry/exit points for raptors coming in from and going out to
Taiwan. Sanchez Mira and Claveria were the initial target sites of the group
based on the topography of the area.
2. If a possible route is located, find a vantage point for raptor observation. Look
also for accommodations near the identified observation point.
3. Identify and talk to locals about raptors sighted in the area.
THE TRIP
The group left Manila for Cagayan on March 5. The group decided to spend the night in
Laoag, Ilocos Norte because it was already getting dark and no one is familiar with the
road conditions in Cagayan. The group was met by fellow WBCP member from Laoag,
Richard Ruiz. He showed us his birding sites in the city.
Wednesday, March 6, the group left 6:30am for Cagayan. Along the way we stopped by
Pansian resort in Pagudpud to check out the Patapat-Kalbario National Park. According
to Adri, the place is good for birdwatching. Future explorations are needed in this area to
open up a new birding site in this part of Luzon. After taking pictures and GPS
coordinates of the area, the group proceeded to Claveria, Cagayan.
The northern section of Kalbario-Patapat National Park
The southern section of Kalbario-Patapat National Park
GPS Data
Elevation
Coordinates
Location
: 0-5 masl
: 18°33.575’N 120°55.050’E
: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
THE ACCIDENTAL SITE
This first site was not part of the original plan. It was discovered by the group as they
passed by the boundary of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan. Right after the ridge, a wide vista
presented itself. There was almost a 180 degree of the northern most ridges and peaks of
the Cordilleras. The vantage point was so perfect the group had to stop and check out the
area for possible raptors. True enough, less than a minute after stepping out of the
vehicle, raptors were seen thermalling above. Two serpent eagles calling each other.
Soon after Buzzards and a Falcon were also seen. One even made an eye-level flyby.
With the group celebrating, pictures and gps coordinates were taken. The location of this
site is Santa Praxedes.
The discovery of a good observation point.
Looking down to the valley below. The northern peaks of the Cordilleras is in
the background.
The observation point, in yellow circle, as seen from the valley.
GPS Data
Elevation
Coordinates
Location
: 240 masl
: 18°34.425’N 120°58.550’E
: Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan
THE FIRST TARGET AREA (CLAVERIA)
We arrived at our first target area, Claveria, Cagayan, a little past 9am. Pre-trip planning
identified 2 possible observation points. The first order for the group was to find the first
possible observation point which is a house on top of a hill and check out if it is good for
observing. The located the house and talked to the caretakers. The elevation of the house
is only 60 meters but the view is 360 degrees. On a clear day, observers can see the
islands of Babuyan on the north, Ricefields of Sanchez Mira and Claveria on the East and
the mountains of Cordillera on the West and South.
The view to the north of the whitehouse. Babuyan islands could be seen in
clear weather.
The view to the south of the whitehouse. One of the northern peaks of
the Cordilleras.
The observation point is also a house-for-rent which could accommodate 12-15
observers. The surrounding area is good for birdwatching (no bins needed). Some of the
birds that visit the area are Rufous and Tarictic Hornbills, Scale-feathered and Redcrested Malkohas, Serpent-eagles, Buzzards and Kites.
The team poses together with the caretaker and the former hunter.
GPS Data
Elevation
Coordinates
Location
: 60 masl
: 18°36.125’N 121°4.405’E
: Claveria, Cagayan
THE CARETAKER AND THE FORMER HUNTER
The caretaker showed us around the house from the first floor up to the attic. All levels
of the house have balconies with perfect observation areas. After touring us, we started
interviewing her about raptors. We told her why we were there and what we want to do in
Cagayan. We showed her the Kennedy and happily pointed to us different birds that can
be seen in Claveria and Sanchez Mira.
What she told us next shocked us. She told us that her husband was a hunter during the
raptor migration. They would hunt for this birds during arrival and departure when the
raptors are at its weakest. She tells us a story about how his husband and fellow farmers
would hunt for raptors every night for 2 months. She even mentioned plenty of birds have
tags/bands on their legs and after killing the birds they just throw it away. She said that if
we want more detailed story we have to wait for his husband who was out just to get
something.
The Caretaker shows how band/tags are removed from the raptors.
When her husband arrived, we asked her to cook for us our lunch. The husband, Jerry,
told us about his experiences with hunting raptors. Hunting teams were composed of 3
farmers. One to hold the flashlight, another to look for the felled raptors and last the
shooter. In one night there are at least 12-15 teams. He also said that on a good night the
kill could peak at around 4,000 raptors. Hunting goes on for 2 months.
The team interviews the former hunter. Without hesitation he readily points
out to the raptors that they hunt.
We asked Jerry if he could bring us to their hunting ground. He agreed and after lunch we
took off for Sanchez Mira.
THE SECOND TARGET SITE (BANTAY KALBO TRAIL)
Before we proceeded to Sanchez Mira, we asked Jerry to bring us to a place midway
between Claveria and Sanchez Mira. Basing on the topography and location, this spot
was identified during the pre-trip planning for a possible site inspection. The site is a
small promontory situated in the boundaries of Sanchez Mira and Claveria. Eventhough
it’s elevation is only 50m, on a clear day, it has clear and unobstructed views of the
Babuyan group of islands and the towns of claveria and sanchez mira. It is the site of an
abandoned PLDT repeater station. The name of the place is Bantay Kalbo Trail.
The trail leading to the promontory. It’s a short 10 minute walk from the
parking area.
From the summit looking towards Sanchez Mira (east)
From the summit looking towards Claveria (west)
GPS Data
Elevation
Coordinates
Location
: 50 masl
: 18°37.565’N 121°5.825’E
: Claveria, Cagayan
THE KILLING FIELDS
When we arrived at Sanchez Mira, Jerry pointed to us their “hunting grounds”. He told
us that the place would darken as thousands of raptors arrive to roost for the night. It is a
sign that the farmers in the area will start their hunting early in the evening.
The view from the starting point of the killing fields.
The place is a vast valley with mainly ricefields dotted by islands of coconut trees. It is
surrounded by mountains in the east, west and south. North is the shoreline towards the
direction of Taiwan. Looking at the place, one could eerily compare it to the Vietnam
war movie, The killing fields. In this case, around 1-5 raptors would die every minute for
the duration of the night.
The trees where the raptors roost.
As we drove around the whole area, Jerry would point to favorite trees of the raptors.
Some are leafless but will be filled with raptors when they roost for the night. Reaching
the end of the area, we told Jerry to text us immediately when the first wave of Raptors
arrive. (Jerry already texted us the arrival of the first wave last Saturday, March 17, 2013)
Another area where the raptors roost.
GPS Data
Elevation
Coordinates 1
Coordinates 2
Location start
Location end
: 0-5 masl
: 18°36.430’N 121°10.055’E (start of the road)
: 18°33.725’N 121°6.825’E (end of the road)
: Brgy. San Andres, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan
: Claveria, Cagayan
OBSERVATIONS
1. The accidental site, the Claveria whitehouse and Bantay Kalbo Trail are good
observation points. Bantay Kalbo, being the most favorable among the 3.
2. The caretaker-(ex)hunter has slowly, if not totally, stopped hunting. This is
mainly because the owner of the house instructed him to stop hunting.
3. Autumn migrating raptors make landfall in different towns of Northwestern
Cagayan. It is only in Spring migration that they converge in big numbers at the
Sanchez Mira fields.
4. The Claveria whitehouse is the best accommodation for birders who will go to
cagayan. It can sleep 10-12 pax, the view is 360 degrees and birdwatching can be
done just by the windows and balconies of the house.
5. Felled raptors are sold at the market place for 70 pesos each. 100 pesos if it is
dressed.
6. According to Jerry, this is not done by just a few farmers but almost the whole
community.
7. There will be 12-15 hunting parties every night. One hunting party will be
composed of 3 persons: the spotter, the retriever and the shooter.
8. Data about the number of teams and number of raptors killed are based on first
hand info by the hunter. Veracity has still to be confirmed.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines should send a raptor observation party
during the spring and autumn migration seasons. This should be a sustained effort.
2. A massive information/education campaign is needed for the Northwestern towns
of Cagayan. Short and Medium term plans should be in place.
3. A committee should be formed specifically for the campaign. Assistance should
be sought from foreign raptor group partners.