3 Years Around the World

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Four Kings Club

Day 606: May 29, 2026 – Coron, Palawan, Philippines

At our port stop in Coron, Philippines I got in two full days of birding with my birding buddies Danette and John, including an area designated as a Kingfisher Reserve. It’s part of a jungle forest that weaves in and out of a residential area. There is a bird hide for viewing, but the birds are wild and free, so spotting them is not guaranteed. The tour company awards a Four Kings Club certificate to anyone able to spot four of the resident kingfishers. We did, plus heard a bonus fifth one calling!

Capayas Four Kings Club Certificate
Four Kings Club: John, Danette and Basia, with our birding guides Chin and Chris
Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
Ruddy Kingfisher
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Photo credit: John B.
Blue-eared Kingfisher
Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

This shot of a Malkoha is my favorite shot from this excursion. When I first saw him from a distance, I thought he was sitting on an orange flower or leaves. It turned out he was actually drying out his orange feathers.

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Palawan Sunbird
Brown-throated Sunbird
Western Hooded Pitta
Blue Paradise Flycatcher
12 responses to “Four Kings Club”
  1. Shannon Clubb Avatar
    Shannon Clubb

    i love seeing your birds…. they are so magnificent

    Reply
  2. Elaine Smith Avatar
    Elaine Smith

    These lifers are such an exceptional bunch. Great birds, great photos as always!

    Reply
    1. Basia Avatar
      Basia

      They are beauties, aren’t they!

      Reply
  3. Cathy Avatar
    Cathy

    Many of those kingfishers look like characters out of a cartoon, the colors and the beaks and expressions! All exotic, especially the Malkoha—wow!

    Reply
  4. Tina Boulton Avatar
    Tina Boulton

    These are incredible shots. Makes you want to become a birders.

    Reply
    1. Basia Avatar
      Basia

      Yeay! I’ve converted another person to birding… 😄

      Reply
  5. Cathy Curtis Avatar
    Cathy Curtis

    Some very beautiful birds!!

    Reply
    1. Basia Avatar
      Basia

      Thanks CC! I’m hoping you’re seeing some of these in our port as well.

      Reply
  6. Stuart J. Somerville Avatar
    Stuart J. Somerville

    Beautiful birds!

    Reply
    1. Basia Avatar
      Basia

      Thanks Stuart!

      Reply
  7. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    All of these birds are gorgeous, but I agree that the Malkoha gave you a special look. Meanwhile, I am resigned to hearing birds without seeing them — yesterday a Least Bittern and last night a Great Horned Owl.

    Reply
    1. Basia Avatar
      Basia

      Oh my gosh Judy, you would be going crazy here. Although hearing any kind of an owl is always a treat for me.

      Reply

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