Hello Paul,
I have been to Philippines three times (2014, 2015 & 2018). I
travelled a lot but mostly just Luzon and Palawan. Finding birds there is a lot
more difficult than here, mostly forest where viewing is difficult, rather than
mostly woodland (as in Australia) but worth trying. Waterbird viewing is
probably rather similar. I loved the place (mostly). Need to take care in travelling.
The books I have are: a very large old book Philippines Birds by
John E duPont 1971. You probably wouldn’t be able to get it and I wouldn’t
suggest it is easy. One other that you probably haven’t thought about: Birdwatching
in The Philippines V1 2008, 272 pages. This is mostly about places to go and
suggested lists, itineraries and travel advices. I don’t know if there is
a volume 2. Easier for travelling and accessible bird guides is: A photographic
guide to Birds in The Philippines. by Tim Fisher & Nigel Hicks. I have it
as two different editions 2000 & 2011. Small pocket guide to fit in a big pocket
or small pack. Would include a lot of the more likely finds but certainly not
complete. Probably about enough to get most ids but leave you with a lot of
question marks because it includes a selection of species. It shows far more
than what I managed to find. But you won’t find all the birds anyway. A
guide to Birds of The Philippines 2000 (reprinted 2013) R. S. Kennedy et al. Good
book. Probably the standard. In structure, size and style very much like the
equivalent to our national field guides.
There are several other books I have of the birds of south-east
Asia. Either about the birds or the places to go for the birds.
I suggest you might also like to check out Wild Bird Club of the
Philippines. https://birdwatch.ph/ebon/
Philip
Veerman
Kambah
ACT 2902
From: Birding-Aus
[ On Behalf Of
Sent: Monday, 7 July, 2025 2:16 PM
To:
Subject: [Birding-Aus] Japan/Philippines field guides
Hi all,
I have upcoming trips to Japan and Philippines and was
hoping for some guidance on field guides.
I still prefer books but open to apps also.
Japan: I have Mark Brazil’s Princeton guide, but it
covers all of East Asia and is pretty bulky: I’ll be cycling so want to
keep weight down.
I can see there is a Japan-only guide by Mark Brazil,
probably a pared-down version of the above, but the best price is can see on
Ebay is >$70, which is a bit steep.
Any suggestions for print or app?
Philippines: had a look on line; doesn’t seem to be
much in the way of bird guides. Not cycling, but backpacking and hoping to
travel light.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Paul
