On February 10th, Ed Santos, a fellow bird nut, went to Tanza on a spur of the moment because of a new bird seen there. According to Desmond Allen's book, the Eurasian Oystercatcher is a vagrant and has been seen in the Philippines a few times only. Since I was already in Coron by then, I could only grit my teeth as I admired Ed's photos (and pray that the bird stays there until I get back). I was finally able to return to Manila yesterday, February 28th. I messaged Alfie of DENR to ask if said bird was still there. He said it was so I made arrangements to visit today. Sharing five shots of this rare migrant.
Eurasian Oystercatcher, First Lifer in the Philippines for 2023
Thank you Lord for the opportunity to photograph this beautiful bird.
Big congrats vice!!!