PANGASINAN – The Department of Tourism Region 1 said that about 150 types of bird species were seen and heard in various sites visited in the province during its Birdwatching Exploration Tour.
Bird-watching is the activity of watching and studying wild birds in their natural surroundings.
On August 11, the DOT Region 1 started its 3-day Pangasinan Bird Watching destinations in Bani, Alaminos City, Mangatarem, Lingayen and Balungao among others to identify the bird species.
The exploration team was composed of representatives from the DOT Reg. 1, Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 and Birdwatching Experts Mr. Ivan Sarenas and Mr. Michael Calaramo of Northwestern University.
The exploration team started from sunrise to sunset, visiting different birds sanctuaries in the area, including Bangrin Marine Protected Area II and Bani Communal Forest, Municipality of Bani; Bued Mangrove Park in City of Alaminos; Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape in the Municipality of Mangatarem; Lingayen Baywalk (Limahong Center) and at Barangay Estanza Sand Bar in the Municipality of Lingayen; and Mount Balungao in the Municipality of Balungao.
The explorers had to hike through protected landscapes and wetlands, but the outcome was worth the effort as they were able to validate sightings and presence of endemic as well as migratory bird species in the area.
The team also found that there were at least more than hundred types of bird species in the areas it visited.
The DOT’s initiative on bird exploration is supported by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the DENR Region 1 and Northwestern University, and Laoag City.
The project is in cooperation with the Local Government Units of Bani, Alaminos City, Mangatarem, Lingayen and Balungao through their respective tourism officers.
Bird watching may relax your mind as it allows one to connect with nature in a meaningful way.
This kind of relationship with nature reduces stress and improves your health.
On Tuesday, August 16, the Birdwatching Exploration Tour will be in the Provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur.