Nineteen (19) species of waterbirds were recorded during the recently conducted Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) held in the four AWC sites within the AOR of CENRO Catanauan, Quezon, particularly, Brgy. Patabog in Mulanay, Brgy. Silongin in San Francisco, Brgy. Luctob in Macalelon, and Brgy. Alibijaban in San Andres, all in the Province of Quezon,

Common species recorded in Brgy. Patabog were Common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), while in Brgy. Silongin and Luctob, most of the birds recorded were Little egret (Egretta garzetta) and Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Moreover, there were Nankeen night herons (Nycticorax caledonicus) sighted in Brgy. Alibijaban. Species of egrets such as Little egret, Intermediate egret (Ardea intermedia) and Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) were sighted feeding in Alibijaban Wilderness Area and in the dry-up inland wetland located at the southern part of the protected area. The team also recorded a rare sighting of a Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) roaming in between rocks on the mudflats of Brgy. Silongin. Additionally, a lone Great frigatebird (Fregata minor) was sighted flying during the sundown in Alibijaban.

A total of 411 bird individuals of 41 species and 23 families were sighted and counted by the team. Seventeen (17) of which are terrestrial, nineteen (19) are waterbirds, and five (5) are wetland dependent. One of the species observed are Philippine ducks whose conservation status is Vulnerable, while all the rest of the observed species are categorized as Least Concern.

The population observed and recorded during the census proved that the above-mentioned sites are favorable habitats of waterbird species, except Brgy. Silongin in San Francisco, Quezon because of human interruption and coastal settlements.

The conduct of AWC is important, as waterbirds represent one of the most visible indicators of the health and diversity of wetland ecosystems. Some of these birds are more terrestrial while the others are more aquatic. Their adaptations vary depending on their environment. The loss of inter-tidal habitats or reduction in its size is one of the common issues faced by the waterbirds (Szabo et al., 2016).

AWC is an integral part of the global waterbird monitoring programme coordinated by Wetlands International. The census aims to obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands during the non-breeding period of most species (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of populations. This is also conducted to monitor the annual status and condition of wetlands and to encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst citizens. Global and local actions are needed to preserve the habitats and stopover stations of waterbirds.###