Philippines returns to world’s largest bird fair after 15 years

Bird Finders Philippines at the Global Bird Fair 2024 held at Lyndon Top, Rutland, United Kingdom. (Photo courtesy of Bird Finders Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines made a comeback after a 15-year hiatus in the largest bird fair in the world last July 12 to 14, 2024 in Lyndon Top, Rutland, United Kingdom.

The British Birdwatching Fair which began in 1989 is held annually and is considered the largest bird fair in the world, attracting birdwatchers, bird photographers, and bird enthusiasts from around the world. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later returned as Global Birdfair in 2022.

According to Alain Pascua, co-founder and president of the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines, the country can continue its participation in the birdwatching community through support.

“The Philippines’ rich avian biodiversity and the dedicated efforts of Bird Finder Philippines position the country as a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts worldwide. With continued promotion and support, the Philippines can soar to new heights and gain a place of prominence in the global birdwatching community,” said Pascua in a statement.

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The Philippines participated in the 2024 fair through Bird Finder Philippines, an initiative specializing in bird photography tours and bird watching. The country first joined the bird fair in 2009, represented by the Department of Tourism and Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

The Philippines is home to diverse species of birds. Last March, the spoon-billed sandpiper, the world’s rarest and most threatened migratory shore bird, was spotted in the country for the very first time at Balanga, Bataan.

READ: World’s rarest, most threatened migratory shore bird spotted in PH