Welcome Feathered Friends Community. Let's welcome Round 163 of the Show Me A Photo Contest or SMAP which is hosted by @nelinoeva. Find out more about the challenge here. Read up and join us in the fun.
The theme for this week is:
FREE THEME
I was walking downtown the other afternoon under the scorching sun with temperatures in the high 30's. I was in front of the Davao City Hall where most local politicians hold office. I was hugging the shades to avoid being under the sun, weaving through parked cars and pedestrians who were also struggling to stay under the shadows of buildings and trees. I looked up to check the sky and the sun's position when I suddenly saw this. I then knew I had my Free Theme SMAP entry.
I was surprised to see this here. I didn't realize there was a structure of the Philippine Eagle's head right in front of our city hall. I've passed here a lot of times and did not notice it. I stopped and took photos of it from different angles, unmindful of the people looking at me who probably thought I was a tourist or something though I assure you I didn't look like one.
There were even pigeons roosting around the structure, and a pair that looked like lovers.
The Philippine Eagle is our country's national bird. I am from the Philippines. I have written so much about this in past SMAP. But I don't think I mentioned that Davao City, the city where I live, is also where the Philippine Eagle Center is found.
The Philippine Eagle Center is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also houses 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of reptiles. Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, the Center offers the visitor a glimpse into the country’s forest ecosystem. Although the exhibits are used primarily to help educate the Filipino people on conservation, the facility is also considered a major tourist attraction in Davao City.
This explains why, of all places, should a Philippine Eagle be displayed here. It's a proud reminder of our city's role and commitment to conserve this endangered species. I haven't gotten around to visiting the Eagle Center. The last time we visited the place was in the early 2000's yet. But it's in my bucket list and I'll be sure to make a post about the visit, hopefully sooner than later.
Here are a couple more photos.
My entry to this Round is the first photo.
And that's it folks. Best if luck to all participants. Keep safe and have yourselves all a Blessed Sunday.
(All photos are mine.)