Wings Over Malaybalay

Hello Feathered Friends Community, Greetings from the highlands of Mindanao, Philippines! I'm thrilled to make my entrance into this wonderful community with a collection of random shots I captured at the Provincial Government Zoo Park, tucked within the lush grounds of Kaamulan Park in the cool mountain city of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.They say Malaybalay is a city of cool places and warm people and I couldn't agree more. But on this particular visit, it was the feathered residents that stole the show entirely!

Our first feathered stars are none other than the Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax), also proudly known as the Philippine Hornbill — one of the most iconic birds of the Philippine forests. That brilliant red casque sitting atop its beak is truly something to behold up close! You can spot them perched confidently in the large open aviary, looking every bit the royalty they are.

Here's another angle of our hornbill friend, partially hidden among the palm tree, a reminder of how they naturally love dense forest canopies in the wild.

Next up, this breathtaking close up of a Peacock (Pavo cristatus) showing off that legendary iridescent plumage. Those iconic eye-spotted feathers shimmer between gold, green, and blue nature's own artwork on full display!

A quieter but equally elegant visitor the Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), caught in a candid moment having its meal. That striking black-and-white contrast with the vivid red face patch makes it look like it's dressed for a formal dinner!

Clinging dramatically to the side of its enclosure, this gorgeous Green winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus) gives us full drama in red, green, and blue. One of the largest macaws in the world, and every inch of it commands attention.

This brooding, dark beauty is the Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) one of the most striking parrots on the planet. With its smoky charcoal plumage, dramatic crest, and vivid red cheek patches, it looks like it belongs in a gothic fairy tale!

Bright as a flame, the Red Lory (Eos bornea) perched here is one of the most vividly colored parrots you'll ever see. A splash of pure red accented with green wings this little one absolutely lights up the room.

And a lovely pair sharing a branch, these appear to be Blue backed Parrots (Tanygnathus sumatranus), a species found right here in the Philippines and surrounding islands. Two peas in a pod, or should we say, two parrots on a perch!

Hanging on the bars like it owns the place meet the Yellow crested or Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), full of personality and absolutely not shy about it. Cockatoos are known for their intelligence and boldness, and this one is giving us both in one shot

And saving one of the best for last the majestic Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), with its striking white head and rich chestnut body, staring right into your soul through the fence. This raptor is considered a sacred bird in many Southeast Asian cultures and is often associated with the Hindu god Vishnu.

What an incredible collection of feathered friends calling Kaamulan Park home! The Provincial Zoo of Bukidnon may be a humble facility, but the biodiversity it shelters is truly world-class. Each of these birds tells a story of the rich natural heritage of the Philippines and our neighboring regions. If you're ever in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, this is an absolute must-visit — cool mountain air, warm local hospitality, and birds that will absolutely take your breath away. Until the next shot — keep looking up, Hivers!