Crows attack kite flying over beach in Davao Oriental

What started as a relaxing beach outing turned into an unexpected wildlife encounter after a murder of crows repeatedly attacked a kite being flown along the shoreline in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

According to Kuya Kim's report in "24 Oras" on Wednesday, Ginalyn Bulabog and her companions were enjoying a day at the beach when they decided to take advantage of the strong winds and fly a colorful kite.

"Kaya naisipan naming magpalipad ng saranggola kasi ang lakas ng hangin," Ginalyn recalled.

However, moments after the kite soared into the sky, dozens of crows suddenly appeared and began circling and swooping toward it.

"Ang dami talaga ng uwak. Hindi na namin mabilang," she said.

The birds appeared unusually aggressive, prompting the group to wonder why the kite had become a target.

"Parang galit na galit sila sa saranggola," Ginalyn said. "Kung saan pupunta 'yung saranggola, doon din sila. Parang sinasabayan nila. Parang may binabantayan sila na bawal puntahan ang saranggola."

One possible explanation, they suspected, was that the kite may have drifted too close to coconut trees where the birds had nests.

Known scientifically as members of the Corvidae family, crows are considered among the most intelligent birds in the world. Studies have shown that they can recognize human faces, remember them for years, and even use simple tools to obtain food.

Wildlife Biologist Julia Lynne Allong said the crows' behavior was likely driven by territorial instincts rather than the kite's bright colors alone.

"Bright moving objects are easier to notice, but behaviorally mas important usually ang movement, shape, and location," she explained. "Kung lumilipad ang saranggola near a nesting area, mas likely silang mag-react."

She said that crows are highly intelligent and social birds. When one crow detects a potential threat, it can issue warning calls that attract other members of the flock.

"Crows are very alert and social birds kapag may isang uwak na nakikita na kakaiba or may possible danger it can give warning calls and other crows nearby may respond," the expert said.

"Puwede silang dumami into a group response para silang may alert system na kapag may unusual object or big flying animals in the area, nagtutulungan silang paalisin ito." —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA News