Exploring Philippines 65 - Candaba, Pampanga (Post 4 - Candaba Swamp)

When Candaba swamp was featured in several local channels, I got curious about this place. Since then, I am always looking for the opportunity to visit and experience a bird sanctuary like the Candaba swamp.

From Angeles City, it took us more than an hour to reach the Candaba swamp. It was good that Cris knows the way even though it was also his first time to visit this place.  The swamp was a long drive from the town proper and we were quite excited as we came closer to the swamp. Since this trip was out of the blue, we don't have any idea if this was the right time to visit the swamp. I know that there is a particular time of the year when this place is overwhelmingly populated by migratory birds. But since, this was our golden opportunity for this trip, we just grabbed the chance.

The swamp is located in the middle of rice fields where Mr. Arayat is very much visible. At some point, its road is narrow where only one vehicle can pass and there are certain points where two vehicles can actually use the road.

When we went here, we happened to see only few visitors. Some of them were on foot, hiding behind the bamboo fences while another solitary man preferred to be alone with a pair of binoculars. Actually, binoculars are of great help when bird watching is your hobby. Plus a good camera lens that can do extreme close ups of a distant bird proved to be effective. Well, we don't have either of these gadgets. I guess we were simply here for the experience and fun.

Our first sighting were the herons which are the common birds especially in the rice fields. After some time, we saw some more birds but we don't have clues about their names. Hehe. I guess if it is not your department, it's really hard to tell one from the other. Anyway, we were not able to see those migratory birds and maybe it was not yet the right time to fully experience those migratory birds in their abundance.

As we explore the swamp further, we walked behind the bamboo fences that are being used for bird watching. Though we heard several bird calls, it was really hard to spot them in the middle of the swamp and you have to train your eyes to spot those birds beneath the grasses and trees.

Our trip to Candaba swamp was cut short because of an emergency that happened to the father of Cha. We were barely enjoying our little exploration when we heard the news and there was a need for Cha to go home asap.

Even for a brief moment and migratory season was not yet at hand, I was thankful for the opportunity to visit Candaba swamp. I must say that you really have to plan your visit to this place because of its distance and you'll enjoy it fully when it's the season for the migratory birds to stay.

I would like to thank the family of Cris Yalung for their hospitality and warm accommodation. Likewise, to Cris who really gave his time and effort to assist and show us around Pampanga.  Thank you very much Cris.

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