agusan marsh

Philippines Birding Trip Reports

maandag 23 februari 2009

Agusan Marsh, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao)

Abstract:Agusan Marsh is a vast complex of freshwater marshes and watercourses with numerous small shallow lakes and ponds in the upper basin of the Agusan River and its tributaries. The rivers rise in the hills of eastern Mindanao and cause extensive flooding in the marshes from November to March. The main habitats of the marsh include freshwater swamp forest (c.49%), secondary scrub (c.14%), herbaceous swamp (c.7%), freshwater lakes, pools and rivers (c.10%), rice paddies and other agricultural land (c.6%) and small settlements (c.6%). Some parts of the marsh have been converted into fishponds. The main economic activities in the marsh are fishing, aquaculture and agriculture (mainly rice and cash crops), but the region is sparsely populated because of the annual flooding of the Agusan River. Agusan Marsh is important for a variety of waterbirds, notably herons and egrets. Several threatened species have been recorded in or near to Agusan Marsh.

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao)
Good starting point for exploring the northeastern part of Mindanao.
Transport from Manila to Butuan City, Agusan del Norte:
- Airplane: Philippine Airlines (PAL): one daily flight Manila (NAIA, terminal 2) to Butuan City (1,5 hrs) vice versa;
- Airplane: Cebu Pacific: two daily flight Manila (terminal 3) to Butuan City (1,5 hrs) vice versa.
- Bus ("Bachelor Express"), several buses a day from Davao City (7-8 hrs), Cagayan de Oro (4-5 hrs) and Surigao City (2-3 hrs).

Accommodation Butuan City, Agusan del Norte:
Almont Inland Resort, National Highway, Butuan City.
(Many other options in Butuan City).

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao)
Transport from Butuan City to San Francisco, Agusan del Sur:
- Bus ("Bachelor Express"), several buses a day from Butuan City (or optional Davao City) to San Francisco bus terminal.

Accommodation San Francisco, Agusan del Sur:Sligo's Place, Barangay 4, San Fransico (near the San Francisco bus terminal).
(Few other options in San Francisco: for example Villa Teresita, Karaus, San Francisco).

Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao)Transport from San Francisco to Talacogon:
- Bus or jeepney (1,5 hrs), few buses and jeepneys a day from the San Francisco bus or jeepney terminal.

Accommodation Talacogon, Agusan del Sur:
Traveler's Inn, San Agustin, Talacogon (about 1oo meters for the Talacogon Bridge, opposite the sawmill).

Bunawan, Agusan del Sur:Transport from San Francisco to Bunawan:
- Bus (1 hr), several (NON aircon) buses from San Francisco/Butuan City to Davao City. Ask the bus driver to stop in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (at the waiting shed). Be warned: there is also a barangay called Bunawan in Davao City AND most of the aircon buses will not stop in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur!
Transport from the National Highway Davao City-Butuan City to Bunawan port:
- Tricycle or just walk for five minutes.

Accommodation Bunawan, Agusan del Sur:
Lake Mihaba Floating Eco-Tourism Center, Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

Agusan Marsh, Agusan del Sur:Transport from Talacogon and Bunawan into the marsh and accommodation at Lake Mihaba should be organized in advance!

Visited birding sites Agusan Marsh and it's near vicinity:
1) Almont Hotel & Inland Resort, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao);
2) Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao);
3) La Flora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao);
4) Maharlika, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao);
5) Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao);
6) Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao);
7) Lake Kawayanon, Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao);
8) Mount Magdiwata, Karaus, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).

Almont Hotel & Inland ResortLocation: J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao).
Abstract: Resort with a garden.
Remarks: This resort is situated about 15 minutes from the airport and five minutes from city centre, near the Gaisano shopping mall.

Lake Lumao
Location: Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: A lake surrounded with swampy vegetation.
Remarks: The lake is found at the western side of Talacogon proper (behind the town hall on a hill) and easy accessible from here.

La Flora
Location: La Flora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: Northern part of Agusan Marsh.
Remarks: Mixed agricultural land and marshland with several lakes and branches around the Agusan River.

Maharlika
Location: Maharlika, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: Northern part of Agusan Marsh.
Remarks: Mixed agricultural land and marshland with several lakes and branches around the Agusan River.

Zillovia
Location: Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: Northern part of Agusan Marsh.
Remarks: Mostly agricultural land and isolated marshland between Talacogon and Zillovia.

Lake Mihaba
Location: San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: Lake Mihaba is found in the south-western part of Agusan Marsh.
Remarks: Lake surrounded by marshland (mostly swamp forest), reed stands, patches of terminalia forest and a small floating community.

Lake Kawayanon
Location: Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: Lake Kawayanon is found in the south-eastern part of Agusan Marsh.
Remarks: The lake itself is surrounded by reed stands and some sago forest. A small floating community and swamp forest are found between the lake and Agusan River.

Mount Magdiwata
Location: Karaus, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao).
Abstract: Mount Magdiwata is an important land mark for the Municipality of San Francisco. This is the main source of potable water serving throughout the municipality. It covers 1658 hectares which is the habitat of several kinds of flora and fauna.
Remarks: Birding was mainly done around the boys camp and swimming pool site in degraded forest and plantations.

Fauna Agusan MarshBirds: Purple Heron, Black Bittern, Philippine Duck, Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, Purple Swamphen, Silvery Kingfisher, Rufous-lored Kingfisher and Mindanao Tarictic.
Mammals: Philippine Warty Pig, Golden-crowned Flying Fox and Philippine Large Flying Fox.

Visiting dates and weatherVisiting dates Agusan Marsh: 01/02/2009 - 01/07/2009
Weather: sunny and dry.


Birdlist
PODICIPEDIFORMES
Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis philippensis) [Esp]
01-03-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 H
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 2 H ■ heard behind the Floating Eco-Tourism Center
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 3+ H
CICONIIFORMESHerons, Bitterns (Ardeidae)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ S

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea manilensis)01-02-09 ■ San Agustin, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ flying over
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ HS
01-03-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-03-09 ■ Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 2 S ■ flying over
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ S
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ S
Great Egret (Ardea alba modesta) / Eastern Great Egret [6]
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 6 S
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta garzetta)
01-01-09 ■ Butuan Airport, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao) ■ 2 S
01-02-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 2500+ S ■ roosting
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 100+ S
01-03-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 25+ S
01-03-09 ■ Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 100+ S
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 100+ S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 50+ S
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 35+ SJavan Pond-Heron (Ardeola speciosa speciosa)01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ breeding plumage
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 20+ S ■ most of the individuals in breeding plumage
01-04-09 ■ Lake Kawayanon, Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5 S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ S ■ breeding plumageLittle Heron (Butorides striata carcinophilus) / Striated Heron [2,3,4,5,6 7]01-06-09 ■ San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ seen between San Marcos and BunawanCattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) / Eastern Cattle Egret [6,7]01-02-09 ■ Butuan Airport, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao) ■ 5 S
01-03-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ S
01-03-09 ■ Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 150+ S
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 100+ S
01-06-09 ■ San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ S ■ one group seen between San Marcos and BunawanBlack-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax)01-02-09 ■ Almont Hotel & Inland Resort, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao) ■ 1 H ■ one individual flying over around 5am
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ S ■ one group
Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ male
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ S
01-04-09 ■ Lake Kawayanon, Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 3 HS
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ maleCinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus)01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ male

Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis flavicollis)01-03-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 6 S
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ male

ANSERIFORMES Ducks, Geese & Swans (Anatidae)Wandering Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata arcuata)01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 25+ HS ■ small groups and a few individuals
01-03-09 ■ Lake Lumao, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ HS
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 25+ HS
01-04-09 ■ Lake Kawayanon, Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ HS ■ flying over
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 15+ HS
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 25+ HS

Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) [E]01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 15+ HS ■ small groups, pairs and a few individuals
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 3 HS
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ HS ■ flying around the Floating Eco-Tourism Center and Lake Mihaba

ACCIPITRIFORMESOspreys (Pandionidae)Osprey (Pandion haliaetus haliaetus) / Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus) [6]
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ flying over Lake Mihaba
Kites, Hawks & Eagles (Accipitridae)Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus intermedius)01-02-09 ■ Wawa Bridge, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 3 S ■ one pair and one individual
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5 S
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 2 S
Grey-headed Fish-Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus)
01-04-09 ■ Lake Kawayanon, Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ one adult individual flying over
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ flying off from a tree at the westside of Lake Mihaba
Pied Harrier (Circus melanoleucos)
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ one adult male flying over Lake Mihaba at 7am
GRUIFORMESRails, Crakes, Waterhens, CootsSlaty-breasted Rail (Gallirallus striatus striatus)01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 H
Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus torquatus) [nE]
01-01-09 ■ Butuan Airport, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao) ■ 1 S
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ HRed-legged Crake (Rallina fasciata)01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 HRuddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca fusca)01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 3+ HWhite-browed Crake (Porzana cinerea ocularis) [Esp]01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 2+ HS ■ heard and seen around the Floating Eco-Tourism Center
White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus javanica) / White-breasted Bush-hen
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ HS
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 15+ HS
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 25+ HS ■ heard and seen around the Floating Eco-Tourism Center
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 50+ HS ■ abundantPurple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio pulverulentis) [Esp]01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 H
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 15+ HS ■ heard and seen around the Floating Eco-Tourism Center
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ HS ■ heard and seen around the Floating Eco-Tourism CenterWatercock (Gallicrex cinerea)01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ one male seen at the westside of Lake MihabaCommon Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus lozanoi) [Esp]01-03-09 ■ Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 3 HS
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ HS
01-05-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 HS
01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 2 S ■ one individual seen around the Floating Eco-Tourism Center
CHARADRIIFORMESStilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae)Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus)
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 15 S ■ one group on a riverbank (Agusan River)
Plovers (Charadriidae)Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva)01-01-09 ■ Butuan Airport, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao) ■ 5+ SLittle Ringed-Plover (Charadrius dubius dubius)01-01-09 ■ Butuan Airport, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (Mindanao) ■ 1 S

Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae)Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)01-03-09 ■ Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ S ■ one group in a rice field
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 1 S ■ on a riverbank (Agusan River)
Swinhoe's Snipe (Gallinago megala)
01-03-09 ■ La Flora + Maharlika (Agusan Marsh), Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 10+ HS
01-04-09 ■ Kilobidan, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 5+ S
Long-toed Stint (Calidris subminuta)
01-05-09 ■ Agusan River, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 15+ S ■ a few small groups on the banks of Agusan River
Gulls, Terns & Skimmers (Laridae)White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)01-06-09 ■ Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (Mindanao) ■ 8 S ■ Lake Mihaba
COLUMBIFORMESDoves, Pigeons (Columbidae)