Alimukon (also spelled as Alimokon) is the local name of the Buff-eared Brown-dove, a Philippine dove species endemic to West Visayas, Tablas, Sibuyan, and Cebu.

Last 2016 was my first encounter with the Alimokon during a trip to Negros Occidental with my dad. Our primary goal during that sortie was to photograph the endangered endemic Flame-templed Babbler, often considered one of the star birds of Negros. Although I don’t remember much during that foray, I was able to recall the frustrating and slippery trek to our hide coming from the bottom of the mountain. It took us quite a while to reach our hide and the situation at our destination wasn’t any better. The hide was filled with swarms of insects flying around our eyes. But the harsh conditions were instantly withdrawn once the Flame-templed Babblers showed up and feasted on fruit near us. While the Flame-templed Babblers allowed me to take multiple photographs of the species, a single Buff-eared Brown Dove showed up and quickly diverted my attention. Because it was my first time seeing such a species, I wanted to make sure that I would have a captivating photograph of the Alimukon. I waited a while for the Dove to climb onto an open perch with a clear background so that I could photograph it in a much brighter light. Once it did, I started holding down my shutter button and savoring the moment.