Pursuing the Philippine Hornbill through Jungle, Swamp and Kidnapper

The southern Mindanao region of the Philippines is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with as many as 200 endemic species of the country’s 614 total. It is also inordinately dangerous to birders, particularly in the Sulu area, where murderous Islamists, having degenerated into kidnap gangs, hold sway.

At least two birdwatchers enthusiastic enough to challenge the…