The majesty, vulnerability of the PHL Eagle captured in ‘Bird of Prey’ trailer

Fewer than 800 Philippine Eagles are alive today. The impact of this dwindled number is captured in the first trailer of "Bird of Prey", where its regal beauty can be clearly seen. 

Emmy Award winning wildlife cinematographer Neil Rettig describes Philippine Eagles as "masterpieces of nature" and he marvels at their beautiful crest, blue eyes, and powerful talons.

The Philippine Eagle is the world's largest and rarest eagle, the latter owed to rapidly expanding human population that has led to large-scale deforestation and fragmentation. 

Aside from preserving the image of the majestic creature, "Bird of Prey" additionally documents the efforts of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to protect it by restoring the Philippine forest and advocating against unnecessary shooting and trapping. 

"Bird of Prey" is directed by Eric Liner and produced by Liner and John Bowman with the help of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Working with Rettig as a cinematographer is fellow Emmy Awardee Skip Hobbie. Perfecto Balicao of the PEF served as a guide for the team.

"Bird of Prey" will be screened at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival at Missoula, Montana this February and at the The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC in March.  — Aya Tantiangco, GMA News

For more information on the efforts to protect and preserve the Philippine Eagle, visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Consider donating to the cause by visiting their official website.