Philippine Eagle

The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the two largest eagles in the world. It ranks second to the Harpy eagle of Central and South America, but only in regards to weight (averaging 8.0 kgs. vs. 9.0 kgs) and smaller feet and legs. It is undoubtedly the tallest, and holds the world record for wingspan in any eagle . . . it can exceed eight feet.

In 1992, the world's first captive-bred Philippine eagle was hatched at the Philippino Eagle Research and Nature Center - located in the mountains outside of Davao city. A perfect female this eaglet was the product of 14 years of learning and developing methods of captive propagation of this species. Her arrival produced a large spark of hope in the staff, and indeed all conservationists around the world. The staff promptly named her "Pag-Asa" - meaning "Hope."

The second eaglet arrived soon after. Also a female, she was named "Pagka-kaisa"-"Unity" - symbolizing the unity of man and nature.

Everyday, scores of people, tourists and Filipinos alike, take the tour of the Nature Center. Here one can find several different species of Philippine wildlife including the most endemic and endangered species. Many raptor species are also here. One may see the diminutive but fiesty Philippine serpent eagle, the fierce grey-headed fishing eagle, and the large white-breasted sea eagle-the size of a golden eagle.

As beautiful as these "smaller" eagles are, most visitors are eager to see the biggest of the big-the Philippine eagle, Pag-Asa and Pagkakaisa in particular. Crowds of school children gather in front of their large flight cages and listen to the guide tell them about the importance of the forests and the eagle. Adults and children alike are awe-struck when Pag-Asa sails to the front branch and slaps her seven-foot wings in a show of territoriality. Her crest raised, wings open, and long tail bobbing, she is the cause of many gasps, small shrieks and open-mouthed gaping from the crowds!

To see such a creature at close range-the lovely crest, the strong feet, dagger length talons (of three inches!), the powerfully narrow beak, the heavy brow and piercing stare is truly an unforgettable experience. To see one flying takes one's breath away. It is not difficult to see why Charles Lindbergh called it "Air's Noblest Flier." But perhaps even more fitting is the tagalong name for him-the people of the islands call him "Haring Ibon"-King of Birds.

A Rooster " Sunoy"

A rooster, also called a cock or chanticleer, is a male chicken, Immature male chickens of less than a year's age are called cockerels. The oldest term is "cock," from Old English coc. It is sometimes replaced by the term "cockerel" (which properly refers to a young male chicken) in the United Kingdom, and almost always by "rooster" (a relative neologism) in North America and Australia. "Cock" is in general use as the name for a male of other species of bird, for example "Cock sparrow." "Roosting" is the action of perching aloft to sleep at night, and is done by both sexes. The rooster is polygamous, but cannot guard several nests of eggs at once. He guards the general area where his hens are nesting, and will attack other roosters who enter his territory. During the daytime, he often sits on a high perch, usually 4–5 feet off the ground to serve as a lookout for his flock. He will sound a distinctive alarm call if predators are nearby.

The rooster is often (accurately) portrayed as crowing at the break of dawn and will almost always start crowing before 4 months of age. He can often be seen sitting on fence posts or other objects, where he crows to proclaim his territory.

Cocks can be both interesting and irritating! For tourists, cocks can be irritating in the morning, because they wake you up at a time that you prefer to sleep for some hours more. But, if the tourists have the possibility to see the cock fighting's, many tourists take the opportunity to see this 'sport' and - often - gambling-event. The camera will take the hot shots for the family or friends in their home country! That's the good thing cocks can give.

Cock fighting "Mga sunoy", as the people in de Visayas call cocks, can be found in all parts of the world. In many tropical countries, they are very popular in the life of families in the countryside. Many families have some of them on their compound. This is not specific in the Philippines, but common for many countries in Asia and Latin America.

Cock fighting ("sabong" in the Cebuano language) is in the Philippines popular as a way of gambling, but it is also seen as a national sport.