Canarem Lake: A sanctuary for thousands of birds

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of birds have found a feeding and resting ground at Canarem Lake Bird Sanctuary in Victoria, Tarlac, where a recent bird-watching activity recorded 3,907 birds, highlighting the wetland’s importance as a refuge for migratory and resident species.

Among the birds observed was the vulnerable Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), with 269 individuals counted.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the provincial government of Tarlac and the local government of Victoria, conducted the activity in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day.

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The bird count documented 48 species, including 22 migratory, 21 native and five endemic species, reflecting the variety of birdlife that depends on the lake.

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Dominating the count was the wandering whistling-duck (Dendrocygna arcuata), with 2,693 individuals recorded, accounting for more than two-thirds of all birds observed during the activity.

The Philippine duck, meanwhile, stood out not because of its numbers alone but also because of its conservation status. The species is classified as vulnerable and is protected under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09.

A sanctuary worth protecting

For DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo, the presence of the Philippine duck and the diversity of other birds recorded at Canarem Lake demonstrate the importance of maintaining the wetland as a place where wildlife can feed, rest and find shelter.

“Recording bird species and their populations supports effective management initiatives for Canarem Lake. Activities such as bird watching and tree planting raise public awareness and encourage stakeholders to take an active role in protecting biodiversity,” Pablo said.

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Beyond documenting bird populations, the activity also brought attention to the role of habitat conservation in sustaining the lake’s ecological value.

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As part of the celebration, the DENR, through its community office in Tarlac, joined participants in planting 50 fruit-bearing seedlings around the lake.

When fully grown, the trees are expected to provide additional food resources for birds and other wildlife, contributing to efforts to maintain the sanctuary’s ecological health.

Keeping the wetland alive

The conservation effort extends beyond a single bird count.

Jowell Dellosa, head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Tarlac, said the DENR would continue promoting biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration and responsible environmental stewardship.

These initiatives, he said, are intended to help ensure that wetlands such as Canarem Lake remain viable habitats for wildlife for generations to come.

The bird-watching activity also reflected the message of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day celebration, themed “Every Bird Counts.”

Observed globally, the occasion draws attention to the journeys of migratory birds and the environmental challenges they encounter, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring bird populations and protecting the ecosystems on which they depend.

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At Canarem Lake, the count of 3,907 birds offered more than a record of the sanctuary’s feathered inhabitants. It also provided information that can guide conservation efforts to protect the wetland and the wildlife it supports.