Tibsoc Bird Watching Site in Barangay Tibsoc in San Enrique, Negros Occidental is a gem where mudflats come alive with thousands of migratory shorebirds. Each low tide transforms the area into a vibrant and open air sanctuary that is nature’s own grand spectacle of wings and water.
A Flood of Feathered Visitors
At low tide, a sweeping 500 meter mudflat unfolds toward the sea stretching nearly two kilometers south from San Enrique river mouth to the border of Pontevedra. Dedicated bird watchers can walk across sandy paths bridging mangroves and mud to access the site. Ordinary sandals or booties often suffice. Tidal timing is essential since low tide opens the field but high tide can quickly envelop the area and trap visitors.
The Migratory Marvel
Tibsoc is a critical stopover in the 110 km Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands which is a haven for migratory birds such as Black-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Asian Golden Plover, and endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank. A visit in mid February revealed over 43 bird species in one morning alone highlighting the site’s significance for bird diversity and migratory patterns.
Community Stewardship & Conservation
Declared a “Wetland Reserve Area” by the DENR, Tibsoc benefits from active mangrove protection efforts led by local cooperatives. The Provincial Government has even awarded it as the “Most Environment-Friendly Coastal Barangay” multiple times which is a testament to the mindful stewardship of its natural heritage.
How To Get There?
Location: San Enrique, Negros Occidental, Visayas, Philippines
- By Car: From Bacolod City, drive south along the Bacolod to South Road passing through Bago, Valladolid, and Pulupandan until you reach San Enrique. Once in San Enrique, head toward Barangay Tibsoc, where the bird watching site is located near the coastal and mudflat areas. Travel time is about 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
- By Commute: From Bacolod City, take a Ceres bus bound for San Enrique or any southern route passing through the town. Ask the driver to drop you off at San Enrique proper. From there, ride a tricycle or habal-habal to Barangay Tibsoc where the bird watching site is located.
Tibsoc Bird Watching Site in Negros Occidental may lie off the usual tourist path but for bird lovers, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. It stands as proof that even the humblest mudflat can become a stage for nature’s greatest migrations that are quietly powerful, beautifully wild, and deeply enriching.
