A typical Sunday turned into a memorable one when we had our field activity in the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS), for our Marine Vertebrate Class. Olango Island is 5 km southeast of Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines. The island is popular for its extensive intertidal mudflats, wide fringing coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. This low-lying limestone island, comprised of diverse coastal and marine habitats, is famous for its national bird sanctuary.
The Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for about 40,000 migratory birds that come from Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. As the winter climate of these countries approaches, these birds flock to the sanctuary to seek refuge. The birds stop by the island on their southward journey to Australia and New Zealand, and on their way back to their nesting grounds. The sanctuary supports the largest concentration of migratory birds in the Philippines with a total area of 1,030 hectares. Ninety-seven species of birds, 48 of which are migratory species, currently visit the sanctuary.
We were formally welcomed by the staff particularly Mr. Boy Sagarino, the resident tour guide of the sanctuary. He is employed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the government agency mandated to manage the area. He warmed us up with a brief lecture on the history of the sanctuary, and also shared some of his knowledge of bird identification.
President Cory Aquino declared the site as a protected area on May 14, 1992. The sanctuary is recognized as the 1st RAMSAR SITE (Wetland of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat) in the country since November 8, 1994.
After the briefing, we were all excited to go to the viewing deck, which was a 10-minute walk away from the main office. Along the concrete path which was perpendicular to the shoreline, we saw mangroves, invertebrates, and fishes. When we finally reached the viewing deck, we could no longer wait to peek through the telescope. Noy Boy amazed us with how easily he could spot a shorebird using just his naked eyes. He then quickly aimed the telescope toward the shorebirds for us. Our eyes widened as soon as we saw the flock of feathered creatures that we were soon to admire at close range. Here are some species of birds that we were lucky enough to watch:
At the end of every month, the OIWS staff monitors the bird community in the sanctuary. Our guide, Manong Boy, said that it takes a lot of skill to identify and quantify the species of migratory and resident birds in the sanctuary. “Counting is easy, but if you can’t identify the bird, then it’s useless”, he added. He shared with a grin that he would stay in the viewing deck for hours, dictating observations using an audio recorder.
The area that the bird sanctuary occupies is considered to be restricted in order to prevent disturbances that would affect the birds and the environment. The local government unit is assisting in monitoring the security of the area. However, a number of local residents still fail to abide by the rules and regulations of the sanctuary. It is not rare to see some locals collecting shells from the sanctuary for the purpose of selling them as decorative items. While we were there, a man carrying a sack passed by the viewing deck. We were curious enough to interview him and see for ourselves what was inside the sack. To our surprise, the sack was half full of bath sponges that he had been collecting for roughly five hours.
We are all part of wildlife conservation, more than we are aware! There is a need to maintain the present ecosystem and to prevent excess damage to the habitat through a sustainable, responsible utilization of the remaining resources.
Hours had passed, but the view by the deck and through the telescope still made our eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. While we were there, other visitors (including local residents, an English family, a French trio, Mexican bikers, a Korean couple, and a Chinese family) had already arrived and left the observation deck, but the time we spent there still seemed insufficient for us to digest the marvel of such a sight. That typical Sunday turned into a memorable one. These birds imprinted images in our hearts, each one carrying a message. We did not leave the sanctuary as mere tourists and observers; we left the site carrying with us the message that these creatures have shared.
If you would like to experience bird-watching in Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, going on a weekend would be ideal as it is very easy to get there. Here is a brief guide on how to go to there:
- From Cebu City, take a jeepney to Mandaue City (Park Mall) which is about Php10. In the jeepney terminal of Park Mall, ride a multi-cab (So-ong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City) bound for Mactan Newton which will cost you Php12.
- Disembark at Lapu-Lapu City Terminal. Go to the tricycle terminal for Dapdap or Angasil near Maria Cielo Beach Resort, which is a block away from the jeepney terminal. The tricycle fare is Php20.
- In Angasil or Dapdap, take a pumpboat for Sta. Rosa, Olango Island. The pumpboat fare is Php12.
- There are many tricycles available upon arrival to Sta Rosa wharf. Just negotiate with the driver to take you to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary and maybe fetch on your way back. The fare per person is Php20.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy the activity:
- Wear strong rubber shoes or footwear, since slippers are not advisable for wading or walking through the intertidal area. Wear light shorts and long-sleeved t-shirts. Avoid wearing colorful clothing as they may frighten the birds and cause them to disperse.
- Protect yourself from the sun. It is ideal to bring a wide-brimmed hat that can be fastened against the winds. If you have sensitive skin, don’t forget to apply sunblock lotion.
- Bring binoculars to better observe the birds. A spotting scope with tripod will provide you with a higher magnification and a clearer view of the subjects.
- Bring a camera, preferably with a telescopic lens, to take photographs of wildlife and its habitat. Your camera phone may also be used to take the traditional selfie, but make sure that the birds won’t get disturbed by your face.
- Bring food and water to the sanctuary, then bring home all your rubbish. Do not leave plastic waste and other trash because they are dangerous to birds and marine life.
Reference: DENR Checklist and Guide to Bird Watching in Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
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Prepared by: Mark Lennon Marcelino and Dominic Villareal
Photos by: Ara Dandan and Ken Wray
Submitted by: USC – Marine Biology Section