BIG YEAR Davao, a thriving community of local birders, has officially joined forces with Malagos Garden Resort for its bird conservation program through an agreement signing held last February 6.
“Our main intention is to raise a wider awareness on biodiversity conservation through birding-related activities within and out of the resort. This a great complementation with the resort’s existing activities,” said founding member Julius Paner.
Big Year Davao was conceptualized in December 2018 by its eight founding members. The group’s name was inspired by a 2011 movie about “chasing lifelist in a year, usually done by bird enthusiasts all over the world”. So far, the group has spotted and identified more than 220 bird species in the wild across the region.
“Many of the birds in the Philippines continue to be threatened and no one seems to be doing about it. This partnership is a good start to give more attention to this pressing concern,” said seasoned birder Pete Simpson.
The partnership also expands Big Year Davao and the resort’s endeavors from regular birdwatching activity to environmental awareness and conservation of birds within Malagos in the city’s Baguio District.
“This partnership does not only showcase of our fellowship and passion for birding and local wildlife but also the potential to share this to our guests and raise more awareness in preserving the habitats of our birds and in taking care of the environment,” added Malagos managing director Charisse Puentespina.
Malagos is home to more than 60 bird species, including the White-eared Brown Dove, Brahminy Kite, Rufous-crowned Bee-eater, Guaiabero, Philippine Hanging-Parrot, Black-naped Oriole, Philippine Pied Fantail, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Asian Glossy Starling, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, and the evasive Southern Silvery Kingfisher.
