Zamboanga City Watershed, Zamboanga City (Mindanao)

Upper Baluno

Abstract:
Zamboanga City Watershed is only a few kilometers north of Zamboanga City at the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula in southwestern Mindanao. It has the largest block of old growth lowland dipterocarp forest remaining in this part of Mindanao. It has a rolling terrain with moderate to steep slopes. This watershed is the only source of potable water for Zamboanga City, and the Tumaga River also provides industrial and irrigation water for the area around the city. Many threatened and restricted-range endemic species have been recorded in or near this area, including recent records of Mindanao Bleeding-heart, Philippine Dwarf-Kingfisher, Philippine Leafbird and Little Slaty Flycatcher, and Zamboanga Bulbul, which is confined to western Mindanao and Basilan. Most of the recent sighting are made in Pasonanca Watershed, the western and southern part of Zamboanga City Watershed.

Zamboanga City
Transport to Zamboanga City.
Air transport from Manila to Zamboanga City (june 2009):
- Philippine Airlines (PAL); NAIA, terminal 2 = three daily flights (1 hour and 40 minutes) vice versa;
- Cebu Pacific (CEB); terminal 3 = two direct daily flights (1 hour and 35 minutes) vice versa.
Air transport from Cebu City to Zamboanga City (june 2009):
- Philippine Airlines (PAL); NAIA, terminal 2 = one daily flight (1 hour and 20 minutes) vice versa;
- Cebu Pacific (CEB); terminal 3 = one direct daily flight (1 hour and 20 minutes) vice versa.
Air transport from Davao City to Zamboanga City (june 2009):
- Philippine Airlines (PAL); NAIA, terminal 2 = one daily flight (1 hour and 10 minutes) vice versa;
- Cebu Pacific (CEB); terminal 3 = one daily flight (1 hour and 20 minutes) vice versa.

Land transport from Zamboanga City to Zamboanga Watershed:
Most of the birding sites are not accessible by public transport. Entering the watershed and visiting the birding sites is only possible with a hire 4x4 van/car.

Accommodation Zamboanga City:
Marcian Business Hotel, Mayor C. Climaco Avenue (GL Building), Zamboanga City (Mindanao).
Many other good options in Zamboanga City.

Visited birding sites in Zamboanga Watershed and around Zamboanga City:
1) Canucutan;
2) Upper Baluno;
3) Camp Susana;
4) Boalan wetlands;
5) Brea;
6) Bog Lake;
7) Zamboanga City.

Canucutan
Location: Canucutan, Upper Pasonanca, Zamboanga City (Mindanao).
Abstract: Lowland dipterocarp forest around the Muruk Outpost (DENR).
Remarks: This site is relative easy accessible by motorcycle from downtown Zamboanga City. Turn left at the first junction after passing the Butterfly Garden at the Jardin Complex in Pasonanca. After passing a small village and crossing the river (no bridge) you will reach the entrange gate of Muruk Outpost.

Upper Baluno
Location: Upper Baluno, Baluno, Zamboanga City (Mindanao).
Abstract: Old growth lowland dipterocarp forest near Baluno Ecological Research and Training Center (BERTC).
Remarks: Birding was done from the dirt road between sitio Upper Baluno and sitio Zambales. Sleeping accommodation was find in one of the barracks of the BERTC.

Zamboanga Bulbul (Upper Baluno).

Mindanao Hornbill (Upper Baluno).

Camp Susana
Location: Camp Susana, Upper La Paz, La Paz, Zamboanga City (Mindanao).
Abstract: Old growth lowland dipterocarp forest (800 m).
Remarks: Staying at a local family or camping is necessary. Birding was done from a path/dirt road between sitio Camp Susana and the next sitio. The path starts near a group of huts and a sari-sari shop (at kilometre marker "km-11"), two small ponds (Silvery Kingfisher?) are found alongside the path.

Mindanao Pygmy Babbler (Camp Susana).

Boalan Wetlands
Location: Boalan wetlands, Boalan, Zamboanga City (Mindanao).
Abstract: Fishponds and coastal shrub.
Remarks: This site is found east of downtown Zamboanga City near the highway.

Black-winged Stilt (Boalan Wetlands).

Brea
Location: Brea, Lumayang, Zamboanga City (Mindanao).
Abstract: Lowland dipterocarp forest around ZCWD-Brea Outpost.
Remarks: This site is found northeast of downtown Zamboanga City.

Silvery Kingfisher (Brea).

Bog Lake
Abstract: Lake with swamp and phragmites vegetation.
Remarks: This site is found near the golf course.

Javan Pond-Heron (Bog Lake).

Fauna Zamboanga City
Birds: Black Bittern, Philippine Duck, Barred Honeybuzzard, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Pink-bellied Imperial-Pigeon, Mindanao Bleeding-heart, Blue-naped Parrot, Blue-crowned Racquet-tail, Black-faced Coucal, Philippine Trogon, Silvery Kingfisher, Philippine Dwarf-Kingfisher, Rufous-lored Kingfisher, Mindanao Hornbill, Rufous Hornbill, Sooty Woodpecker, Mindanao Wattled Broadbill, Steere's Pitta, Black-and-white Triller, Zamboanga Bulbul, Yellowish Bulbul, White-eared Tailorbird, Little Slaty Flycatcher, Blue Fantail, Rufous Paradise-Flycatcher, Streaked Ground-Babbler, Pygmy Babbler, Rusty-crowned Babbler, Philippine Oriole and Philippine Fairy-Bluebird
Mammals: Philippine Macaque and Mindanao Pygmy Squirrel.