Although our birding time in Bohol was limited to just two days, the island holds a remarkable number of endemic species. One of our main targets was the Northern Silvery Kingfisher, and fortunately, we were able to observe it on the first day, just like the broadbill.
An Unexpected Location
What made this encounter particularly surprising was the location.
The bird was found along a small stream beside a roadside cliff, with cars passing frequently. It was hard to believe that an endangered kingfisher could be living in such an exposed and seemingly busy environment.
Comparison with Other Silvery Kingfishers
We had previously seen a silvery kingfisher on Mindanao, but this one showed cream-colored tones, giving it a noticeably different appearance.
It also felt slightly smaller in impression, although that may simply be a matter of perspective.
A Challenging Photography Session
The bird was extremely wary, making photography quite difficult. We stayed in position for about two hours, waiting patiently for an opportunity.
In the end, the total time we were actually able to photograph the bird was only around ten seconds.
A Short Moment, but a Special One
Despite the brief window, it was an incredibly satisfying experience. Moments like this — where patience is finally rewarded, even for just a few seconds — are what make birding so memorable.
Reference Southern silverly kingfisher