Philippine Eagle Center, Davao

Part 6 of a series

DAY 2.

From one hill to another! After my 2-hour tour of the Eden Nature Park at the foot of Mount Talomo, we drived back to the lower elevations only to climb again in Malagos. From Downtown Davao City, Malagos is less than an hour away. To get there by means of commuting, you may take a bus going to Calinan. Buses going to Calinan depart every 15 minutes from the Annil Terminal located at corner Quirino St. and San Pedro Extension. Bus fare is at P30. From Calinan, you may take a pedicab going to the Philippine Eagle Center. The ride is about 10 minutes and will cost you P6. But since I had a dedicated driver, getting there was once again a breeze!

Before entering the Philippine Eagle Center premises, the Davao City Water District will collect an entrance fee of P5 for adults and P3 for kids since the PEC is located within the Malagos Watershed which is operated by DCWD.

Map of the Davao City Water District Malagos Watershed.

The Hydrological Cycle. Water from the Earth’s surface travels to the atmosphere through evaporation from lakes, rivers and oceans through transpiration of plants moisture on leaves and stems. These form clouds that condense/precipitate as rain or snow. The water percolates/seeps through the soil downward to groundwater/aquifer. The Davao City Water District draws drinking water from aquifers and surface sources for its consumers.

Oooh, a swimming pool. I’m not sure whether it’s operational or not but I did see two men cleaning it up so it must be functional.

SIDE COMMENT: There are a lot of stray dogs within the complex and they look scary. I hope the DCWD management does something about that. I, for one, am afraid of stray dogs having been chased by some of them in the past.

To the Philippine Eagle Center.

At the entrance of the PEC, you’ll be greeted by the Eagle’s Deck Cafe where you’ll be settling your entrance fees. Entrance to the center costs P50 for adults and P30 for children, 18 years old and below. Tour guiding and the use of kiosks are free of charge.

Left? Right? Left? Right? Majority of the signs point left so to the left I go.

A Brahminy Kite greets you at the start of the trail.

Pathways, made possible by donors.

The Philippine Eagle Center is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also houses 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of reptiles.

Can you see the grass owls?

Oooh, there they are!

Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, the Philippine Eagle Center offers the visitor a glimpse into the country’s forest ecosystem. While walking alone, I had a very eerie feeling. I really felt that I was in the middle of the forest. I was very vigilant and I’d jump if I see the shrubs moving, LOL! There are signs telling that snakes may be encountered anytime and in such situation, the snake should be given space. I was actually quite scared. The signs didn’t ease up the situation. But oh well, I had to be brave and I walked further into the forest.

Egg Incubation and Chick Rearing. Continued deforestation is endagering Philippine Eagle populations. There are no more than 400 Philippine Eagle pairs left in the world as of May 2008. The Philippine Eagle Center is addressing the challenge to ensure that the ever magnificent bird will survive so that future generations of Filipinos will be able to appreciate its beauty. One way to meet this challenge is through their artificial insemination program for captive breeding using state-of-the-art Cryogenic Equipment, donated by Caltex (Philippines), Inc.

The Mighty Pag-asa (Hope). Pag-asa is the first Philippine Eagle to have been bred (hatched and raised) at the Philippine Eagle Center. Pag-asa just turned 18 last January!

Another pair of eagles.

Crested Serpent-eagle. It is one of the most visible of all the Philippine raptors. They soar high above forest and forest edge giving distinctive plaintive whistling call. They hunt in the forest canopy for snakes and lizards. Often seen perching at forest edge.

Sir Arny, the most photographed eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center.

Wooo, a small bird! I need help in identifying this one. Bird-lover Vanjohnn, are you there?!

A butterfly.

Philippine Eagles are such alert creatures. This one didn’t wink an eye on me!

The end of the trail.

Here’s a tip for those of you who are planning to visit the Philippine Eagle Center in the future: Bring binoculars and/or telephoto lens for your camera. For some reason, the bird cages are located far from the trail. I believe this was done so as not to startle the eagles in their habitat.

The Philippine Eagle Centre is located in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District in Davao City.
For inquiries, you may send them an email at info(at)philippineeagle.org or you may call them at +63-82-2243021.

(…to be continued)