8 Brahminy Kites rescued in Cagayan town

One of the rescued Brahminy Kites is being released back to the wild in Baggao, Cagayan after it was treated for its wounds. PHOTO FROM BAGGAO MENRO

TUGUEGARAO CITY-Environmentalists in Baggao town, Cagayan province have recently freed two Brahminy Kites (Haliastur indus) that had been entangled in fish traps.

Frederic Naismith Tomas, Baggao municipal environment and natural resources officer, said the two birds of prey were treated for their wounds before they were released to the wild on Saturday (Feb. 27).

The kites are medium-sized raptors that have been feasting on fishes on ponds and lakes. They are mistaken for eagles but are different due to their large chestnut-red with white breast and head with black stripes.

Tomas said six other kites were rescued the following day after these were also trapped in fishnets while looking for food.

“Because they feed on fish aside from dead animals and insects, they would swoop low over water, the ground or tree tops and snatch live prey,” Tomas told the Inquirer.

Hunting food makes these birds vulnerable to getting trapped in fishnets, he said.

An environmental worker holds a kite saved from a fishnet and treated of its wounds. PHOTO FROM BAGGAO MENRO

Tomas said environmental workers would treat the wounds of the kites for days before releasing them.

TSB