THERE is a quiet rhythm to life in Taloto, set not by clocks or alarms, but by the flutter of wings and the chorus of blended voices. Here, right across from three giant Acacia trees with expansive canopies, our yard has slowly transformed into a personal sanctuary where nature performs its daily concert, and I hold a front-row seat. How enviable is that!
Our side yard is the best area for foraging – an edible, wild haven. It is anchored by the sturdy trunk of a dwarf coconut palm, a tall, heavy-fruited papaya tree, and our prolific MacArthur palm, which together serve as an open buffet for local wildlife. I tell you, all the birds congregate in this area. It has become our little natural feeding station where the menu changes with the fruiting seasons, and the regulars know exactly when to show up, haha!
If you step around to the front yard, the scene softens into lush green Bermuda grass mixed with undesirable weeds (though part of the ecosystem), framed by a variety of plants and a few flowers. It is an unpretentious green patch, but it provides just enough ground cover for smaller creatures to explore.
Through the lens of my mobile phone, I’ve had the privilege of capturing this vibrant ecosystem. It’s a fantastic study. Each bird brings its own unique rhythm, color, and voice, fueling my curiosity!
The performers on stage
On the side yard’s ever-fruiting palm, the adult Asian Glossy Starlings (Lansiyang) reign supreme. Their feathers gleam with a dark, iridescent sheen under the sun, but it’s their striking red eyes that always catch my attention. They are social, noisy, and bold, often arriving in small groups to claim the best fruit clusters before anyone else can get to them.
The jovial neighbors
No day in Taloto is complete without the lively chatter of the Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pirokpirok). Easily recognizable by their crests and bright flashes of yellow beneath their tails, they are regular visitors to our fruit-bearing papaya tree and perpetually-fruiting MacArthur palm.
The flying jewels
The tiny Olive-backed Sunbird (Tamsi or Pipit) perches on the coconut fronds. Small and delicate with a curved beak and a bright yellow chest, it darts quickly between leaves. Because of its tiny size, it moves with speed, hovering briefly before zipping off to the next branch in a flash.
The rustic ensemble
Down low, near the grassy edges, the Chestnut Munia (Pulang Maya) settles. Wrapped in rich hues of deep mahogany and black, these small seed-eaters turn the garden floor into a quiet workshop, foraging with a delicate grace.
The garden dancers
Performing in the side yard amidst the snake plants is the energetic Pied Fantail (Maria Capra). True to its name, it usually flutters its fan-like tail with dramatic flair, so catching it held perfectly still among the snake plants was serendipitous.
The faithful chorus
No Boholano garden is complete without the humble Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Mayang Simbahan). Perched quietly, watching the world pass by like me, their familiar, rhythmic chirping offers the comforting background beat to my daily coffee.
The star of the shot
And today, without my planning it but to my total delight, I finally snapped shots of a Black-naped Oriole, also known as Antolihaw. Darn! After so many attempts in July, I finally got it! The bird was perched directly on hanging clusters of palm fruits in various stages of ripening. The berries are too tempting for the Antolihaw to ignore, huh! Seeing that bright yellow body made every failed photo attempt over the past month entirely worth it.
A green bustling metropolis
By late afternoon, the three giant Acacias across the house become a bustling metropolis. Scores of birds gather in the high branches, silhouettes singing against an orangey sky, framing the rhythm of peaceful bird life in Taloto.
Nestled quietly in Tagbilaran, Taloto is a coastal barangay that in previous decades carried a gentle, laid-back charm – a place where old trees still hold their ground and nature feels close. Today, sadly, it is becoming a commercial hub, with concrete structures slowly replacing the greenery that once defined the area. That makes this small backyard patch even more important to preserve and appreciate.
To more satisfying birdwatching!
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The author owns and manages Belinda Communications Consulting. You can reach us via email at belca.87@gmail.com. Engage with us on X @ShilohRuthie./PN
