‘Avitourism’ is one of the new tourism activities that the province of Ilocos Norte hopes would bring in more travelers in the region. It’s an emerging sub-sector of the nature-based tourism industry, where individuals’ travel activities mainly revolve around birdwatching.
With many spots that migratory birds frequent, Ilocos Norte recently launched a birdwatching tour circuit in Paoay, which is seen to attract lovers of our feathered friends to safely visit the province as soon as they are able.
The newly developed roadmap to help local tourism bounce back faster promises to be a “safer eco-tourism” alternative that will surely entice both local and international visitors to spend a relaxing weekend in the north.
Aside from being a tourist draw, local tourism officials hope that these birdwatching or birding activities would double as eye-opener activities in the conservation efforts of natural heritage, particularly the migratory birds whose favorite “vacation spots” include the Paoay Lake Natural Park in Nanguyudan village.
Among the many birds that have been monitored to come to Paoay Lake (as per the Asian Waterbird Census) include the Little Grebe, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Philippine Duck, Tufted Duck, White-browed Crake, Common Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, and the Great Cormorant.
Migratory bird sites are often threatened by human activities, such as overexploitation and conversion of ecosystems for development purposes. This is why it’s important that projects like these are backed by relevant agencies such as the Department of Tourism, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as organizations of birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts.
In the Philippines, peak months for birds migrating to the South are usually from September to November, while those traveling North often occur between February and April.
Setting up a birdwatching tour circuit is something that other countries have done for years. Ilocos Norte’s blended natural ecology is what makes it ideal for these types of tourist draw, as it offers different bird species different types of habitat—from vast sand dunes to tropical rainforests.