Discovery crew makes world-first with filming of the elusive Cebu Flowerpecker

CEBU, Philippines, April 9, 1998 [CNW] - Discovery Channel Canada and world-renowned Canadian bird expert TOM HINCE made history today on the island of Cebu in the Philippines where they captured on video, for the first time ever, the CEBU FLOWERPECKER, widely recognized as the rarest bird in the world. The four-inch bird, of which four individuals have been confirmed, was filmed as it fed on berries. Known to live only on this small island, the Flowerpecker was presumed extinct for nearly a century until its stunning rediscovery in 1992. Since then, broadcasters and scientists from around the world have been visiting the island since 1992 in an attempt to film the elusive species. Footage of the Cebu Flowerpecker was unveiled to the world last April 9, 1998 7 PM (ET) / 8 PM (PT) on the science newsmagazine@discovery.ca. Hince, dubbed the ``Wayne Gretzky of birding'' by Life Magazine, works as a birding columnist for @discovery. ca. He described his experience as ``one of the most exhilarating moments of my 30-year birding career.'' The Discovery film crew was in the Philippines shooting a documentary on the unique bird life of the archipelago for the Discovery Channel special.