DENR-11 starts bird counting activity
DAVAO CITY — The Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has started its bird watching/bird counting activity in three municipalities of the region.
In line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds, the bird watching and bird counting is being conducted at Malalag Bay in Malalag town, Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.
This activity aims to obtain information on the population of migratory birds at wetlands in the region as well as to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.
DENR-XI regional executive director Jim O Sampulna said that the bird counting will last until January 29, 2012.
The municipalities of Malalag, Carmen and Banaybanay are the only three identified temporary habitats of migratory birds in the month of January after crossing the continents.
Residents of this region are however warned not to enter into this venture as this bird maybe carrying the dangerous avian flu virus.
Last year, Sampulna said that a total of 7,836 migratory birds were counted by the three teams from PAWD.
There were a total of 3,705 birds found in Malalag, while 1,566 birds were counted in Carmen and 2,565 birds in Banaybanay.
These migratory birds are composed of different species like Godwit, Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Black-winged Stilt to name a few.
AWC is an annual event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January. The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries.
According to the National Wetlands Program, many species of waterbirds fly in droves during winter to go to warmer and more hospitable tropics.
After winter following weeks of hopping from one country to another, waterbirds go back the same way feeding on marine species of animals and plants found along the shores. (CLC/DENR-XI)
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