From Rolen Facundo

Palawan Frogmouth (Batrachostomus chaseni)

My first night shoot was a reminder of why I fell in love with wildlife photography. It forces you to become a student all over again! Before doing bird photography, my only experience with the night was astrophotography, where I could just set up my gear and shoot from the comfort of my balcony.

Bouncing back from a failed roadside spot, conquering a creepy trail, and hearing that scary call to finally cross the Palawan Frogmouth off the list. It turns out, some of the forest's best magic only happens when you're willing to walk through the dark to find it.

As I locked focus and began framing the shot, the bird gave us an incredible show. I was absolutely fascinated to witness firsthand just how much a frogmouth can rotate its head. It turned its head at an almost impossible, owl-like angle, staring right through the lens with those massive, yellow eyes designed to swallow the dark.

Puerto Princesa Palawan with Conrado Canaricio Tibor Jr.

April 2026

Canon EOS R5 | Canon EF 500mm f4 ISII USM + 2x TC @1000mm ISO3200 F/8 1/125 secs on a tripod