Located between China, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the 7,000-plus islands of the Philippines have almost 600-bird species of which an extraordinary 170-plus are endemic. Bird-Photo-Tours Asia’ Philippines expedition provides an opportunity to explore many of the most important birding areas of this vast archipelago. Our bird photography workshop will kick-off visiting the islands of Luzon, Negros and Bohol where we will search lowland and montane habitats for the special birds that each of these tropical islands has to offer. The group will then travel to Mindanao Island where we will search the forested slopes of Mount Kitanglad. This area is the most reliable location for the magnificent Philippine (Monkey-eating) Eagle. This gigantic raptor is often ranked as the world’s single-most desirable bird and we will spend time here looking for photographic opportunities to capture this magnificent bird-of-prey. Bird-Photo-Tours Asia will conclude its Philippines’ bird photography expedition on the island of Palawan and with its stunning beach scenery and treasure trove of endemic birds, there will be plenty more fabulous opportunities here awaiting the bird photographer.
Kingfishers: Spotted Wood Kingfisher / Northern Silvery Kingfisher / Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher / Blue-capped Kingfisher / Rufous-lored Kingfisher / Blue-eared Kingfisher / Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
Woodpeckers: Luzon Flameback / Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker / Northern Sooty Woodpecker / Buff-spotted Flameback / Spot-throated Flameback
Owls: Chocolate Boobook / Luzon Boobook / Philippine Scops Owl / Luzon Scops Owl / Negros Scops Owl / Everett’s Scops Owl / Mindanao Scops Owl / Giant Scops Owl / Spotted Wood Owl
Sunbirds: Flaming Sunbird / Maroon-naped Sunbird / Magnificent Sunbird / Bohol Sunbird / Apo Sunbird / Grey-hooded Sunbird / Lina’s Sunbird
Hornbills: Rufous Hornbill / Visayan Hornbill / Mindanao Hornbill / Writhed Hornbill / Palawan Hornbill / Samar Hornbill
White-eyes: Yellowish White-eye / Mindanao White-eye / Warbling White-eye / Everett’s White-eye / Lowland White-eye
Flowerpeckers: Whiskered Flowerpecker / Olive-backed Flowerpecker / Orange-bellied Flowerpecker / Fire-throated Flowerpecker / Palawan Flowerpecker
Fantails: Blue-headed Fantail / Visayan Fantail / Visayan Blue Fantail / Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail / Mindanao Blue Fantail
Flycatchers: Rufous Paradise Flycatcher / Cryptic Flycatcher / Blue Paradise Flycatcher / Palawan Blue Flycatcher / Palawan Flycatcher / Mangrove Blue Flycatcher / Little Pied Flycatcher
Pittas: Philippine Pitta / Whiskered Pitta / Steere’s Pitta / Blue-naped Pitta / Western Hooded Pitta
Eagles: Philippine Eagle / Crested Serpent Eagle / Changeable Hawk Eagle / Grey-headed Fish Eagle / White-bellied Sea Eagle
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-4 Mindanao Island, Province of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro [3N, 2D, 5S]. Ferry to Cebu, domestic flight to Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao Island. Photographic Targets: Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher / Rufous Paradise Flycatcher.
Day 4-6 Mindanao Island, Province of Bukidnon, Valencia City [2N, 1D, 3S]. Drive 2-hours to Valencia City. Photographic Targets: Sulphur-billed Nuthatch / Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail / Warbling White-eye / Philippine Bulbul / Yellow-bellied Whistler.
Day 6-9 Mindanao Island, Province of Surigao del Sur, City of Bislig [3N, 2D, 5S]. Drive 6-hours to Bislig. Photographic Targets: Eastern Grass Owl.
Day 9-10 Mindanao Island, Province of Davao de Oro, Compostela [1N, 0D, 1S]. Drive 3-hours to Compostela. Photographic Targets: Island Thrush / Short-tailed Drongo / Yellow-vented Bulbul / Negros Leaf Warbler.
Day 10-11 Mindanao Island, Province of Davao de Oro, Davao City [1N, 0D, 1S]. Drive 3-hours to Davao City. Photographic Targets: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter / Cryptic Flycatcher / Japanese Night Heron.
Day 11 Departures. Drive 2-hours to Davao Airport, Domestic Flights to international connecting flights.
[Key: N: Night / D: Full Day / S: Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping. Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
