A melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, Davao City just recently celebrated its founding anniversary. But beyond just the people, the city also hosts a kaleidoscope of residents who live among the people, I’m talking about the many birds that either reside or are visiting the different areas of Durianburg.
Although not many people notice, Davao City is a bird watcher’s paradise with many endemic and migratory species frequenting the city’s forests, wetlands and even downtown area. These colorful citizens and visitors of Davao are the subject of the Birds of Davao photography and art exhibit recently launched at the Abreeza Mall.
The exhibit showcases the photographic works of avid bird watcher and photographer Martin Pineda and the playful art of Davao artist Kublai Milan. The exhibit also served as the launch of the Birds of Downtown Davao and Birds of Davao: Beyond Downtown books which features the many species of birds that reside in Davao City.
“The original plan was to have one book but with more photographs on hand, we went ahead and made a second book” shared the book’s editor Stella Estremera. The launch of the book is well-timed as it raises the awareness of Dabawenyos on the city’s environment. “I want to communicate to fellow Dabawenyos that these birds exist here in Downtown. They are just there, at Jack’s Ridge, at the Cleanergy Park, at the Shrine Hills, they are just here” said Martin in his welcome speech. “I hope that the book will plant the seeds of importance of preserving pockets of nature here in Davao.”
“In the second book, I’m taking you out of downtown and bringing the readers to places like Marilog, Mt. Apo, and Mt. Talomo. Instead of us cutting our trees, there is that prospect of ecotourism in the areas.”
Alex Tiongco, president of the Birders without Borders Phils. And Raptorwatch Network Phils also added “This is a culmination of efforts of people in Davao to inflame in their hearts the fire of conservation. There’s so many of them (birds) that we take it for granted. We live our ways as if they’re not there, in the efforts to make ourselves comfortable. That we take them for granted is why this book got to be.”
