PHILIPPINE hawk-eagle rescued in Aurora. (Bjohn Angara FB)
BALER, Aurora – A Philippine hawk-eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) was rescued after colliding with a tree while diving for prey here on Saturday.
Cesar Santiago, a farmer, found the weakened raptor in a rice field after in Barangay Suklayin.
Santiago said the bird appeared to have struck its head against a tree during the swift dive, causing it to weaken and enabling him to catch it by hand.
He brought the eagle to his home and secured it in a cage before promptly reporting the incident to the Baler Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
MENRO chief Maria Liza Costa dispatched staff member Rabbi Jan Angara to respond.
The eagle was subsequently turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper assessment and care.
The DENR said the bird would be brought to a veterinary facility on Monday for examination.
Once confirmed to be healthy and strong enough, the eagle will be released back into the wild. (PNA)