Candaba Marsh is 32,000 hectares of wetlands,a complex of freshwater ponds,swamps,and marshes with surrounding areas of grasslands and rice fields. It has been declared as a bird sanctuary by the local government and as such is the first protected area in the Philippines where migratory and endemic birds flock by the thousands.

It is a wintering area for migratory birds,usually in the months of October to April when the marsh regularly supports thousands of birds. There are about 60 bird species in the area,including the Philippine Duck,Garganeys,Northern Pintails,Nothern Shoverlers,herons and egrets. New species for the Philippines,such as the Eurasian Spoonbill and the Black-browed Reed Warbler were recently recorded,making Candaba Marsh a growing area for bird enthusiasts.

The entire area is usually flooded in the wet season (from June to October) and dries out in the months of November to April. The best time for birdwatching is from September to March,with the best hours at 5:30 to 9:00 A.M. and 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. Local residents are undergoing training to become bird watching guides,although Manila-based guides can be provided for by tour operators offering birdwatching programs.


Getting There:
Candaba is located about 60 km north of Metro Manila. There are various exits from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) that can lead to the site:
1.    Sta. Rita passing through the towns of Pulilan and Baliuag
2.    Pulilan passing through the town of Baliuag,via the Cagayan Valley Road,turn left at Baliuag Flyover corssing towards Bahay Pare and Visal San Pablo
3.    Either San Fernando or San Simon exits – both pass through Mexico and Sta. Anna,straight towards the town proper of Candaba

Upon reaching Bahay Pare,one can reach the birding site located about four km away.

For private or rented vehicles,it is a bit tricky to reach the site due to the absence of directional signages. One may have to ask locals in Candaba for directions to get to the birding area.