Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Get Close with Birds of Prey in Manila Ocean Park




Birds of prey or raptors are avian predators or flying predators that use their powerful talons, hooked beaks, and acute sense of sight to hunt and feed on their prey which includes fish, small mammals and reptiles. 

There are two orders of raptors which are the Falconiformes and the Strigiformes.


Falconiformes are diurnal avian predators which mean they hunt their prey in the daytime. Among these are the eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys, and vultures.


Strigiformes are in the other hand nocturnal which means they hunt and feed on their prey during night time. Most common animal in this order is the owl.

Would it be a great if you get to interact with these magical birds? You can actually do so! 

Manila Ocean Park's newest attraction called the Birds of Prey Kingdom features one of the most stunning coastal raptors in the country, The Brahminy Kites or commonly known as Lawin. 

A little trivia about these birds: They can commonly be seen in Bohol, Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Marinduque, Guimaras, Leyte, Lubang, Sarangani, Masbate, Tawi-Tawi and other parts of the country.

A Brahminy Kite or Lawin has a pure white head and chest contrasting with chestnut back, wings, tail, and black primary feathers. These bird feeds on dead animals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and also fish. 


Last January 15, I was very fortunate to be able to experience interacting with them. It was a bit scary since they would be flying above you. But the birds are very comfortable with humans around them. 

One of the exciting traits of this attraction is you are able to have a picture taken with these birds while feeding them. This is a great experience and also educational for the children since you will be able to show the children these wonderful creatures up close and personal and also share to them that if we take care of our environment, we will be able to see them more. 

Thanks to Mac for this photo! too bad the bird was looking the other way
If you want to experience this wonderful attraction you can visit Manila Ocean Park to see these wonderful Birds of  Prey in action. 

Hey! I love this pic!

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

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