This is definitely one of my highlights in Davao trip. The Malagos Garden Show has been something I’ve been dreaming to see as I’ve only seen this in advertisements and articles in the Animal Scene Magazine. I’ve also known about this as the star of the show: Dr. Bo Puentespina happens to be a relative of my uncle. (So I guess love for birds runs in the family)

The Malagos Garden resort is a resort perfect for nature lovers who want an escape from the city life and just be one with nature. One can take the time to go around and experience the greens and animals surrounding the really large garden. We only had half a day to spend there so when I was there I just rushed from one Aviary to the next trying to engulf as many sights as I could.

Around 10:20 am Ate Ria told us to gather in the arena where there were several places we could sit while comfortably seeing everything on the stage. I chose to settle down on a seat right in the middle while being a little bit further to the back. I’ve been to other bird shows to know that being far has a wonderful advantage. Of course by then I was ready with my phased-out lens: 90-300mm f/4.0-5.6 and my handy-dandy CD-R King tripod.

Then the bird show begun.

Malagos Garden Resort Bird Show

The Garden show was one thing I was really looking forward to on this Davao trip. It’s one way for people to learn more about the environment, gain more awareness of birds and their importance to our community, and just enjoy the beautiful display of birds and their funny antics.

In the show there was a fish eagle swooping down from its high perch. Dr. Bo then started some introductions about birds and their names. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bo and I do hope to meet him again someday. I definitely envy his work. Imagine, working all day with birds! Maybe someday I can too.

In one part of the show we had a Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis holospilus) swoop down to catch a rubber snake. Then we also met several birds of prey such as the Philippine Eagle Owl (Bubo philippensis) and the Philippine Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis). 

Aside from the beautiful display of predators, raptors, or birds of prey, we also got to see our friend Psittaciformes perform a wonderful show of learning ability. We had a female (the red one) Eclectus cook up a healthy meal for us while the male (the green one) Eclectus roast chicken for us (cannibalism!).  We also had a Slender Billed crow (Corvus enca) pick up some cash donation however it was still obviously on training because after the task it decided to take a break immediately.

Eclectus bringing in the veggies

Cannibalism!!!

As if those were not enough, we also had the Green winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus), not to be mistaken for the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), swoop down with a beautiful display of plumage. This large hook-bill also presented to us its awesome basketball skills.

In cases of emergency one must raise the red flag, and this is exactly what our Cocky little umbrella cockatoo did. You do what you gotta do Mr. Cockatoo.

So apparently the red flag was raised because the cutest little volcano was performing a little eruption. As if reacting to the eruption, a flock of avian friends, such as the ostrich and ducks started running away from the volcano.

Umbrella Cockatoo Raising the flag

Volcano replica

The show went on showing the Cockatoo’s ability to throw trash, go scooting, and many other tricks. Finally I also saw homing pigeons take flight, beautiful sight.

When the show was over I had the wonderful opportunity to have my picture taken with the lovely birds.  Malagos Garden resort truly is beautiful and for anyone who is into birds but can’t handle the long trips or grueling wait then this resort is for you.

Below are more pictures of the group with the birds. I finally got to see a Black Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) which is known to ‘play drums’ on tree trunks.

Always remember: the bird show is only done every Sunday 10:30am. So don’t miss the show! Or you can reserve for a show if you’re a large group visiting the resort.