Raptor Watch

Today (24th March 2011, 5.45p.m.), when I was on my way back home from work, I identified 3 Honey Buzzards that was soaring somewhere near Tanjung Kling. They slowly circled and moved Southward towards the mainland. Eeek! aren't they moving in the wrong direction? Thought they are suppose to be on their way back :-D

A few moments later, came a huge bird from the horizon, flapping its gigantic wing. A spectacular White-bellied Sea Eagle, flew towards the coastline. Ah! it pays to just leave the binoculars lying in the car ;-)
Many occassions I have observed raptors but was never able to positively identify them safe for a few Brahminy Kites.

A couple weeks ago, another version of raptor watch.... real up close watching hahaha!
A Black Baza, accidently caught by a villager in a mist net somewhere in Ayer Molek.

Pairing Shamas

Looking at the male, the female would probably be killed by him if introduced now. Anyway the female is still in the midst of a molt. I will just leave them within visual contact untill cupid shoits the arrow ;-)

Looking at the future wife....




The future bride....

Destiny of venues

Now, I am a student of energy.... and an oddity that arose (bird related) which can be considered a nice coincident is how a place among the so many others attract certain activities. Like how some places attract food vendors, DVD sellers, prostitutes & millionaires.

I have recently taken over a venue to breed Shamas. And coincidently, many years ago long before I kept my first bird, that was the exact venue used by a breeder for the same purpose. He managed to produce 11" birds, so I heard.

That could very well be the first successful breeding in the country (to my knowledge). That to me is a very odd coincidence. I would think that my country is big enough to reduce the chances of that happening to...... lets say striking a jackpot in a lottery draw? I mean how many people could there be that is interested in Shamas. And from this group, how many would be interested to breed them? and from there, what are the chances of two people who does not know each other picks the same place. Or could it be the place that is doing the picking :-@

...... hairs standing to the soundtrack of "Twilight Zone", a retro tv series......

Shama pair no. 2

Shama pair no. 2
This male appears too aggressive, so both are separated at the moment. But eventually, I will try to match this pair.





A captive bred male, fathered by a 10"+ bird. Looks ok to me. Like they always say, beggars can't be choosers hahaha!



I am going to throw in whatever I got this season & hope for the best. Targetting at 4 pairs, the max number I can keep due to limitations of available licenses. And if nothing comes out of it, I may just have to stick to keeping birds only :-D

Apollo X

Was surprised by how much growing can be achieved in 2 weeks. Hopefully Apollo X & his partner will come into breeding form soon.

Death comes when least expected

Today, I have to contend wirh 2 deaths. One of my female Shama died suddenly. It was just 2 weeks ago that I consciously made an effort to slowly condition her to better form for breeding. By giving her more live food. Sigh! Kept for more than a year already beside my dining table.

Never mind, temporary setback.



Then later the day, got a call from a friend who is vacationing oversea. Seems his Bengal cat fell sick 3 days ago and his worker sent it to the vet. It died today of kidney failure according to the vet. I was there to visually identify the cat.



What a pity. A nice specimen.... althoughI am impartial to cats ;-)

Tokay Gecko

A late comer to the Tokay Gecko scene...... interesting reptiles ;-)
Nowadays, you would need a license to keep such specie.

This fella settles right in with no fuss. Eating almost immediately.



This fella is a little timid. But was snapping at me when I tried to catch it.




Hmmm..... what would the wildlife officer say when I present him a long list of animals to declare :-D

Pigeon food

Will be feeding my homing pigeons a mixture of wheat, chicken feed and maize. Hope it is enough as a balanced staple food ;-)





Then I worry about the loft later......

New Venture - homing pigeons

Well, it just wouldn't be me if I don't give racing pigeon a try :-D

So, here they are, my first 2 pairs of white homing pigeons. Very beautiful birds. Received them this morning via the express bus.
Actually its for a friend, but I would house them at home and make a 4' X 5' loft for them.
Never flew before according to their breeder...... so, can start training in a couple of months when they settle down ;-)

Shama pair no. 1

Just my luck that when I move this pair out, an egg was laid. For a long time when I did not disturb them, they did not produce. Have to choose during a molt to produce.... sigh!
Anyway, as with most first timers, I take a little consolation that the eggs may not be fertile (and proven with no activity in the incubator).
Thinking of getting a new incubator, but the seller is avoiding me like the plaque. Can't for the life of me understand why. The friend I recommend to buy from him just yesterday manage to get him on the phone at the first ring.... maybe my money not "halal" hahaha!

Socialising a dove

Out there, a dove may meet a lot of obstacles, therefore it seems a good idea to socialise it well to many types of environment e.g. a cloths line :-D
Passed my balancing act, passed my foraging on the grass test and passed my quickly walk away from humans test ;-)
This bird is ready for the wild yonder......