Practice Drive to Baras Bird Sanctuary

We were at Tacurong City last October 1 doing some field work. Since we finished our work early and we have nothing better to do, I asked my companion to teach me how to drive a four-wheel vehicle. Yes, I still don’t know how to drive one. Well, I never got the chance to learn since we don’t own any car. And it’s my thinking that when I have already bought one, learning how to drive would not be a difficult thing to do.

But that day, I must have felt so bored that I asked Romeo to teach me. We don’t know any open and wide space in Tacurong City where we can practice so I suggested the road going to the Baras Bird Sanctuary located at Bgy. Baras. The dirt road going there is straight and wide and there are few vehicles plying that route, just perfect. I’m good at playing racing video games that dot the video game arcade centers at NCCC Mall, Davao so it’s no wonder that I did not have any difficulty driving for the first time. If the road is straight and wide that is! I had a difficult time steering the curved and narrow road entering the bird sanctuary so I let Romeo do it for me.

Upon arrival at the place, we were greeted by the caretaker and I noticed that there are only about five other people there. The only mode of public transportation that will ferry you there is a “habal-habal”. It kind of reminded me of our trip at Lake Agco Resort. Entrance fee is only P10.

At the visitor’s lounge, stuffed birds are perched on bamboo rails.

The place is located near a river and is home to more than 10,000 birds – most are Black Crowned Night Heron and Cattle Egret. The two bird species are pictured below (not taken by me): 

The sanctuary’s area is about 2 hectares and we took a tour around it. I can’t say that the place is serene as the chirping of the birds filled the air. But its melody is music to my ears. I never thought that I will be able to again bird watch just less than 2 months after our visit to Malagos Garden Resort.

The birds are perched on madre de cacao trees.

I was also amused by this wild boar…

… and iguana.

We stayed for about 30 minutes. I wanted to stay longer but Romeo already liked to leave. He can’t stand the smell emanating from the bird droppings and we were already feeling itchy! It’s glad that we have a rubbing alcohol in the car.

I again practice-drove from the sanctuary up to the spot before the national highway. Overall, I earned a mileage of 15 kilometers. Hmmm… Not bad for a beginner.