Traveling without passports

For World Migratory Bird Day, Research Specialist Rjay Serrano shares his observations of migratory birds off the coast of Cebu.

During a visit to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, I had the privilege of observing migratory birds such as Whimbrels and Curlews through my binoculars. It was a humbling experience to witness these birds firsthand and reflect on the incredible journey they undertake. To escape the harsh northern winters, these resilient travelers fly across multiple countries and vast oceans just to find sanctuary in our local wetlands.

Their arrival at Olango Island is more than just a seasonal event; it is a powerful reminder of how our country is biologically connected to the rest of the world. These birds act as global ambassadors, proving that nature does not recognize political borders. Because they rely on a chain of healthy ecosystems to survive their long migrations, their presence is a direct indicator of our environment’s health.

When we protect the habitats of migratory birds, we are doing more than just saving a species. We are preserving the biodiversity that stabilizes our coastlines and supports our local communities. These photos, captured through my lens, represent a call to action.

On World Migratory Bird Day, let us remember that bird conservation is a shared global responsibility—one that ensures a healthy, balanced planet for us all.

Participate in citizen science

If you already use eBird, you can note migratory birds you see! By doing so you help track migration patterns, population trends, and changes in habitats across flyways.

Birds are our compass. Their health reveals the health of the planet and shows where action is most urgently needed.

📍Submit your sightings here https://ebird.org/news/global-big-day-2026

Support your local, and visiting, birds. Have your group or organization join us for a birdwatching activity and learn about bird species.

Or join a coastal clean-up to keep habitats clean and ready for both bird and human visitors.

LEARN ABOUT BIRDWATCHING
LEARN ABOUT COASTAL CLEAN-UPS

Haribon is the BirdLife International partner in the Philippines. The Partnership is a global network of 124 conservation groups, and together a global authority on birds. BirdLife is also a part of the EAAF Partnership. We work together across borders so that birds and all life can thrive.