Manila Water Foundation (MWF), the City Government of Quezon City and the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines (WBPP) in Quezon City successfully hosted the first leg of the inaugural Quezon City Bird Race 2026 at the La Mesa Ecopark, united by a shared commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness.
Manila Water Foundation (MWF), the Local Government of Quezon City and the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines (WBPP) successfully hosted the first leg of the inaugural Quezon City Bird Race 2026 at the La Mesa Ecopark. The event, which integrates bird watching and bird photography, was attended by Filipino and international participants who are united by a shared commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness.
With the theme โThe Joy of Birding,โ the Quezon City Bird Race 2026 aims to promote appreciation for Philippine native and endemic bird species, ethical wildlife photography, and the protection of urban green spaces. According to the latest data from eBird, Quezon City is home to 77 resident bird species and 47 migratory species, underscoring the cityโs vital role as a haven and stopover for avian life amid an urban landscape.
During the first leg of the race, teams of birdwatchers and bird photographers ventured through the trails of La Mesa Ecopark for five hours, documenting a remarkable total of 60 bird species across 35 avian families. Among these were 17 Philippine endemic species found nowhere else in the world, highlighting the global significance of Quezon Cityโs remaining forest and wetland habitats. The race also recorded 36 resident species that form the ecological backbone of the park, as well as seven migratory species making seasonal use of the area.
With the theme โThe Joy of Birding,โ the Quezon City Bird Race 2026 aims to promote appreciation for Philippine native and endemic bird species, ethical wildlife photography, and the protection of urban green spaces.
One of the most notable conservation highlights of the event was the recording of seven sightings of the Ashy Thrush (Geokichla cinerea), a globally vulnerable species. The event likewise documented highly adaptable urban species such as the Yellow-vented Bulbul and Eurasian Tree Sparrow, alongside elusive single-record species including the Purple Needletail, Cinnamon Bittern, and Pygmy Flowerpecker,
The presence of these birds affirms evidence of the La Mesa Ecoparkโs diverse and well-functioning micro-habitats and is not merely a recreational space but a critical wildlife sanctuary that provides refuge for threatened forest birds.
The First Leg gathered more than 49 teams and over 100 individual racers, drawing birdwatchers, bird photographers, nature lovers, partners, and participants from the Philippines, the United States, and India. This diverse participation strengthened the growing community united by conservation, citizen science, and responsible wildlife photography, all advocating for what the organizers call โbiodiverCity,โ or biodiversity in the city.
Adding depth to the experience, WBPP also led a series of educational workshops throughout the event, including the Introduction to Philippine Birds, Birding 101 with a focus on wild bird photography, and post-processing techniques for bird images. These learning sessions reinforced the eventโs advocacy for ethical practices and environmental responsibility alongside technical excellence.
Complementing the race is the โBirds of Quezon Cityโ Photo Exhibit, currently on display at the La Mesa Ecopark Exhibit Hall until June 4, 2026. The exhibit features 33 photographs of endemic bird species captured in La Mesa Ecopark, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, and the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, offering the public a powerful visual reminder of the cityโs vibrant urban wildlife.
The Quezon City Bird Race 2026 is a three-leg bird photography and conservation initiative jointly presented by WBPP and the Quezon City Government.
More than a competition, the Quezon City Bird Race is a structured conservation initiative that celebrates Philippine birds, fosters ethical wildlife photography, strengthens camaraderie among environmental advocates, and raises public awareness on biodiversity conservation. The race features two major categories: Paramihan, recognizing the most number of bird species photographed, and Pagandahan, honoring the best bird photograph.
Manila Water Foundation continues to invite organizations, schools and companies to hold eco-activities in La Mesa Ecopark, at it remains steadfast in its commitment to showcase โbiodiverCityโ or biodiversity in the city.
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