Journey to meet NEcija’s ‘Haring Ibon’
THE majestic Philippine Eagle, or “Haring Ibon,” is declared as the National Bird of the Philippines. Listed among the world’s rarest avian creatures, it remains in the roster of critically endangered species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Mark Kenn Brito is among the members of Haribon Foundation who volunteered for a five-day expedition in the Central Sierra Madre mountain range to conduct a field observation of the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophagajefferyi).
Below is a detailed account of his journey in meeting Luzon’s King of Birds—more fondly known by the local community as Gab-E (Gabaldon Eagle).
Day 0—Meeting and travel
On Day Zero, I (Mark) spent the whole day processing my travel insurance and medical clearance. At around 10 p.m., I met with Haribon bird expert Kahlil Panopio at the bus terminal in Cubao and left for Nueva Ecija by midnight.
Day 1—Arrival and the treacherous trek
Upon arrival in Nueva Ecija at around 4:30 a.m. we were joined by two local guides after an early breakfast. At exactly 8 a.m., the trek began following the usual route the locals traverse for bamboo harvesting.
Amid multiple river crossing and the extreme heat, the magnificent landscape and hillside sceneries made the treacherous trek worthwhile.
At a top-over, one of the guides smelled the scent of a Cloud-rat, or a Kurimaong—a type of forest rodent that can only be found in the Philippine forest. After the five-hour climb, our team reached the campsite wherein Mark was introduced to other expeditioners of the Nueva Ecija Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), and other local guides.
Thanks to the clear weather, unique bird species were spotted around the area including a Luzon Water Redstart foraging on the riverside, a Coleto perched on a branch, and a pair of Scale-feathered Malkoha.
The highlight of the day though was none other than the brief welcome of the Haring Ibon. Flashing its beautiful plumage, almost all-white underparts, and display of flight, it confirmed why it was proclaimed as the king of the Philippine jungle.
Day 2—Rainy and foggy day
The alluring songs of the mountain birds woke me from a deep slumber. Promptly, I went outside the tent with my binoculars only to be greeted by thick fog and raindrops. The rain poured all day making it impossible for any raptor observation that day.
Day 3—Strenuous hike and the human footprint
The sun finally shone on the third day. After having an early breakfast, packing lunch, a quick briefing and setting groups, the teams set out for the climb.
The first group was tasked to conduct a campsite observation of the Haring Ibon from afar, while the second team, where I was a part of, was in charge of in-site observation at the nesting site.
Leaving at around 7:30 a.m., a steep mountain terrain awaits our group. Along the way were massive blocks of mixed boulder and timber due to landslide reportedly caused by illegal loggers. Fallen trees included the endemic red lauan, identified by a forester from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Reaching the nesting site at noon, the group cautiously surveyed the area for possible sightings of the eagle parents. Raptors are naturally territorial and aggressive so caution must be observed when within their vicinity. The surrounding area of the nest was ringed with discarded timbers and tree stumps.
Atop a tree identified by a DENR forester as tanguile, the nest of the Haring Ibon rests. The tanguile tree had an approximate height of 65 meters and a basal area of 52 meters. Found inside a canopy of pandan vines, the nest was measured and documented. Bird leftovers such as feathers and food were taken to be used as specimen and for DNA sampling. Location details and status were also recorded such as the vines, orchids and type of trees surrounding the nesting site, and presence of wildlife.
Two hours passed and the raptors were nowhere to be seen. As the time of descent slowly approached, I took one final look into my binoculars and there I caught one last sight of the magnificent pair. The Haring Ibon couple seemed to have been watching us while perched on a pine tree beside a nearby hill.
As the team took footages, the other raptor was circling above us. I was struck by amazement of such majestic beauty and behavior of what was said to be a display of courtship.
Day 4—Descent
After three days of field observation, the time has come for us to dismantle the tents, pack our bags and bid the mountains goodbye. Under a perfect weather, we began to descend at 8 a.m. On our way down, we crossed river streams and spotted a musang (civet cat).
Reaching the jump-off point at noon, we were welcomed once again by the hospitality of the people of Nueva Ecija. A group of eco-warriors invited us to stay for the night at the guest house of a local cooperative before heading off to Metro Manila the next day.
Conquering the unpredictable horizons of the Sierra Madre and meeting the King of Birds is an unforgettable experience that filled me with superb information about biodiversity.
Faithfulness, loyalty, trust, and resiliency are just some of the traits that I was inspired to learn while observing the great raptors. Without a doubt, the Haring Ibon is indeed the King of the Philippine jungle and an apt representation of the Filipino people.