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Tabunan, Cebu

Cebu has been massively deforested since the Spanish came over 300 years ago. It’s estimated that only x% of the forest cover remains, meaning that its endemic species are in a precarious position. Tabunan is one of the last patches of forest left, which is depressing since it’s only a few hectares in size. It’s also where the last confirmed sighting (2005) of the mythical Cebu Flowerpecker was. In the 20+ years since this record, many birders have claimed to have seen it, but none have provided any photographic documentation, leading some birders to believe that the species might actually be extinct.

Still, despite knowing that, logically, there is a smaller-than-miniscule chance of seeing it, when visiting Tabunan, one can’t help but think “I’m gonna be the one that finally photographs it!!” This lingering thought adds some excitement to birding in the area when looking for the three birds that can realistically be seen: the Black Shama, the Cebu Boobook, and the Cebu subspecies (for now) of the Streak-breasted Bulbul. Other than these, there aren’t too many interesting birds unless you’re intent on getting some Visayan subspecies. For those who find themselves in Cebu for a few days or those looking to clear out the Philippine endemics, Tabunan is the best place to go birding. But for birders who want to maximize their Visayas birding, place like Gawahon, Twin Lakes, or Aningalan might be better.

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