Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://balita.ph/2008/12/18/migratory-birds-start-to-flock-in-cordillera-mountain-ranges/
Migratory birds start to flock in Cordillera mountain ranges
December 18, 2008 2:44 pm by pna
BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 18 ? Thousands of grayish-white and brightly-colored migratory birds from temperate countries near the north pole have started to flock at their usual sanctuaries within the Cordillera mountain ranges in Luzon, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
DA-Cordillera regional director Cesar Rodriguez warned native hunters, known in the area as "mang-iikik", not to hunt the birds nor go near them as "they might be carrying bird flu virus."
Most of the birds have originated from Vietnam, China and Russia.
Studies show that these foreign birds prefer the mountains in the Cordillera highlands at this time of the year because they offer them wild fruits like berries, thick forests and the temperature from eight to 10 degrees Celsius which is ideal for their nesting and breeding.
The ideal sanctuary for the migratory birds in the Cordilleras has been observed to be far better than their original habitats. Their original habitat during this time of the year are almost covered by snow with the temperature below zero.
According to Rodriguez, various government agencies have conducted information and education campaign to local officials and residents for the past four years on how they refrain from disturbing the birds and "be good hosts for their foreign guests."
In Pampanga, the DA official said, mostly in the part of Candaba town where herons and other migratory birds also flock for their favorite snails and small fishes, the residents have proven to be conscious on environmental protection that they organized clubs for bird watching.
"Maybe, we can also adopt that worthwhile tourism-related activity in the region," he said. (PNA)
FFC/AAG
Migratory birds start to flock in Cordillera mountain ranges
December 18, 2008 2:44 pm by pna
BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 18 ? Thousands of grayish-white and brightly-colored migratory birds from temperate countries near the north pole have started to flock at their usual sanctuaries within the Cordillera mountain ranges in Luzon, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
DA-Cordillera regional director Cesar Rodriguez warned native hunters, known in the area as "mang-iikik", not to hunt the birds nor go near them as "they might be carrying bird flu virus."
Most of the birds have originated from Vietnam, China and Russia.
Studies show that these foreign birds prefer the mountains in the Cordillera highlands at this time of the year because they offer them wild fruits like berries, thick forests and the temperature from eight to 10 degrees Celsius which is ideal for their nesting and breeding.
The ideal sanctuary for the migratory birds in the Cordilleras has been observed to be far better than their original habitats. Their original habitat during this time of the year are almost covered by snow with the temperature below zero.
According to Rodriguez, various government agencies have conducted information and education campaign to local officials and residents for the past four years on how they refrain from disturbing the birds and "be good hosts for their foreign guests."
In Pampanga, the DA official said, mostly in the part of Candaba town where herons and other migratory birds also flock for their favorite snails and small fishes, the residents have proven to be conscious on environmental protection that they organized clubs for bird watching.
"Maybe, we can also adopt that worthwhile tourism-related activity in the region," he said. (PNA)
FFC/AAG