The trip up Mt. Apo, west of Davao, to observe Philippine eagles was exciting and disappointing. It was exciting because we observed the nest over 3 days and confirmed that a chick had hatched within the past few days. Hurrah! It was disappointing because the tape recorder did not work and I was unable to get a recording of their vocalizations.
It sure was nice being back in the field! The eagles are magnificent animals, and the chick is so cute!
Here a few pictures, as a teaser:
I took this picture of the female by taking a picture of the view through the spotting scope. That's the best you are going to get!
That large tree near the bottom of the picture on the left is the nest tree. Note the clearing in the forest up on the ridge above the nest tree. In the picture on the right, that's the nest tree over my shoulder.
The nest is smackdab in the middle of the picture on the left. See it? :-) If you click on it and look at the larger version, you may be able to tell that the female is standing on the nest. Then again, maybe you won't...
I learned just yesterday afternoon that I leave tomorrow at 4 am to head up north to Mt Katinglad in Bukidnon Province to observe another nest and try to get a recording. I’ll be back on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday I return to Manila. Wish me luck!
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