Mactan diver rescues wounded forest eagle

It should have been soaring in some forest but a wounded eagle was rescued yesterday by a nature-loving resident of Lapu-Lapu City.

Emeterio Bonghanoy, a scuba-diving instructor, said he found the wounded bird near his house in barangay Maribago about 2 p.m. It had bruises on its body and one of the talons on its left foot was missing. Bonghanoy said he believes the bird was struck down by a slingshot.

The bird was identified by wildlife conservationist Lisa Paguntalan as a Philippine crested serpent eagle, which is endemic to the country. It is a medium-size eagle, generally brown with yellow spots and a crest on its head. Bonghanoy turned over the eagle to SPO2 Rodito Viovicente of the Lapu-Lapu City Police, who contacted the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources.

“I pity the bird because it seemed to be already weak. I gave it to the police so they can surrender it to the DENR. As a scuba diver, I, too, protect marine life,” said Bonghanoy. The DENR 7 has a mini-zoo in its regional office in Banilad.

Last Wednesday, a different hawk was spotted perched on a tree near the Capitol for five hours, drawing the attention of passersby, until it flew away. The owner said he acquired the hawk in Masbate province. CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA