The Bird House Cafe in Subic Bay

Last week, when the city was abuzz with all the Christmas parties and just when everyone was busy completing their Christmas lists, Mickey and I snuck away and left the city to celebrate my birthday out of town.  It was a no-brainer, there are a few places in the Philippines that is a favorite and the fastest to access for me is Subic Bay. Having gone here many times, we have seen most of what the city has to offer.  But for this birthday weekend, we were lucky enough to have met some fine feathered friends.

Visiting The Bird House Cafe for the first time was a unique experience.  It is hard to miss, the cafe is designed like a huge red birdhouse with tinted glass windows all around and is located just outside Magaul Bird Park.  When we arrived, we first peeped through the glass doors and saw these colorful budgies freely flying around the cafe.  Mickey and I absolutely love animals, and any chance to interact with them is always a delight.

Once inside, we were given a quick briefing on how to interact with them so that they don't get nervous around us:

• Speak in normal tones.  No loud talking or shrieking as it would scare the birds away.
• Place the bird seed on your palm and hold it up over your head, until they land on your hand.  Slowly bring them down so you can get a closer look as they feed.  I noticed that the birds would take bird seed and look at you each time, as if saying "don't try anything weird or I'll fly away!".  I think with most animals, it is important to build trust first with so that they'll get comfortable around you. 
• The birds eat lightly off your hand and would lightly grasp your hand with their feet as the feed. 
• We were asked to always look before we make a step, because there might be a bird walking in front of us.
• Of course, when birds eat, they also poop.   Mickey and I each had a small poop bomb on our arm while we were there, but we don't mind it at all.  It's all about getting closer to these beautiful budgies and getting to know them a bit better.  Just wipe the poop bomb away and wash/sanitize your arm after. 
• I noticed that when we first came in, they were all too quiet, we left with them all chirping loudly.  I wanted to take them all home, or probably, honestly, just set them free.

Although it's a pet cafe, I had some hesitations eating inside, just take your food outside and enjoy nature.  If you want a quick interaction with the budgies, I think that would be a better option.  Mickey and I share a common love for animals.  I wouldn't be surprised if one day, we end up volunteering for them.