AS STEWARDS of this only home – Earth, we have this unwritten and inherent responsibility of conserving biodiversity for the generations to come.
To relive and strengthen this, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) offers a free bird watching activity every first Saturday of the month enabling individuals to witness first hand Davao’s rich biodiversity, thus developing in them the attitude and values of becoming a true steward.
Birdwatching or birding is a leisurely activity where a group of enthusiasts spot and observe birds through the lenses of their binoculars and field scopes. The free bird watching activity started last April of this year. The event is in partnership with partnership Wild Bird Club of the Philippines - Davao.
“Our ultimate goal is to promote biodiversity conservation, because we want to emphasize the PEF center more that an education facility, but also a place where you can experience biodiversity,” Rai Gomez, PEF Education Administrator, said.
Gomez added that participants will appreciate such activity as it intends to develop a favorable attitude and discipline towards enriching and protecting biodiversity.
“When you join and participate with the activity, you have to be quiet in order not to disturb the birds, you will definitely develop an attitude of appreciating it by just watching or taking photos instead of sling shooting the poor birds,” Gomez said adding that anyone interested is welcome.
She also encouraged parents to bring their children so that awareness is awakened at an early age.
“Saving Philippine Eagle is our flagship program but this is also for the whole biodiversity,” she said.
Gomez shared that some 60 bird species can be found in the PEF center, an indication that the forest here has rich and diverse biological species.
Most are not commonly spotted especially in urban areas while some are cryptic and migratory.
Inside the 8.4-hectare center in Calinan, Davao City, five kingfishers can be found, two of which are endemic in Mindanao, the Silvery and the Rufous-lored Kingfisher, which are both considered vulnerable and threatened species.
Among the other bird species residing in the center are White-throated Kingfisher, Red-keeled Flowerpecker, Colassissi parrot, Guaiabero parrot, and the Philippine Coucal.
“The activity will be within the center but during the Philippine Eagle Week on June 4 to 12, 2016 we are planning that there will be one session here and session in downtown Davao because we have specific areas there where birding is possible.
The first free birdwatching activity conducted last April 2 was able to gather a total of 38 participants composed of students, mentors and enthusiasts.
The activity started from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. Every session will have one staff from the Wild Bird Philippines-Davao who will facilitate and guide the participants, five staff members for the education, two for breeding, and three for research and conservation.
PEF will only allow maximum of 50 participants per birdwatching session.
“We have this now for free simply because we want to promote biodiversity conservation which is crucial as it will take our collective will and effort to keep these species of the edge of extinction.
Birdwatching is the best way to teach about awareness to our environment,” Gomez said.
With birdwatching made possible, now for free, there is tremendous potential that awaits Davao’s eco-tourism.