Merbah Jambul competition

First time in a long long time.... in Malacca, a Jambul competition was organised base on the singing of these delightful bulbuls....



Only 39 birds competed. A poor turnout by any standards especially when a fridge, washing machine, stand fan & microwave oven are the prizes waiting for the top 4 birds.

Anyway, most who attended had fun.... tried some cheering which is synanymous with comps in Thailand. Didn't get anything this round, but some insights on how comps are judged (alternative system)....

Straw-headed Bulbul

Finally found the perfect cage for the Barau (Straw-headed Bulbul).... small enough not to take up too much space, big enough to be comfortable & accommodate an attached bathroom (aluminium container)


Would be good if I find some time to "socialise" them by way of taking them for car rides to hang under trees etc.

Good way to raise awareness among people of the plight of the Barau....

Collection to the library

I honestly do not know whether I have time for all these, but sort of makes the shelves look good ;)

Addition to the flock

New changes to the law.... although not yet gazetted, words on the street is abuzzed with talks of restriction on keeping the Red-whiskered Bulbul being lifted. In line with the rumours/talks, I have added 4 of these new birds to my collection. If the Government makes a U-Turn to their decision, then only Plan B kicks in ;)




In addition to the 4 new birds, it wouldn't be nice not to include a more matured specimen below ;)



Since I am at it, getting 2 new larger cages for the Straw-headed Bulbul appears to be the natural thing to do.... a friend has even suggested I bring them out to "chai" as they are quite vocal (the juveniles).

Sand Substrate

Experimented a little bit on sand substrate for an indoor aviary. Would like to see the advantages and disadvantages vs newspaper lining ;)

Here it is newly laid....


and the bird making foot prints all over ;)



Use sand substrate meant for aquariums that I bought from a local fish shop.

Bird traps.... other designs

One of the more spacious design, that has both the top and behind covered just in case the wild birds decide to attack from the rear.....



Added a layer of mosquito netting on top as the net looks too big for the Mata Puteh.... there is a small visiting flock.... but in the picture, I am trying to trap the house sparrows by placing some seeds in the trap. It is the lazy person's trap because if you place enough water and food in it, the bird won't die and can check on it every now & then ;)

Bird traps......

Bought a bird trap for fun.... different design from where I lives. Need to test it out in real life one day ;)

Travel North

Followed a friend North to Penang Island on a birding business trip. Made our way back slowly moving to Tasek Gelugor, then to Grik to view some Shamas there.

Had dinner in Lenggong before making our way back to Malacca. Was tiring but an interesting trip ;)

Huge Kelah......





A 9" Shama.....

Bird traps

Bought 3 different designed traps yesterday.

Fishing

Went fishing today.... been many years since I last fished. A friend told me about an abandoned golf course. And so we went there in the morning. Easiest catch in my life. Forgot to take pictures of the fishes but they are small, diamond shape and silver in colour with orange/reddish fins. I alone caught probably 20 to 30 of them.

Brought along 2 Mata Puteh to hang.... and was visited by some wild birds ;)









And a pic of one of the land owner's dogs taking a dip in the pool....

New Addition to the Family

When I first got this bird, it was fully covered for 3 days.... until a friend wanted to borrow a cloth cover.... sigh!
So, since yesterday, this new bird is left uncovered.



Then I bath an old bird and he sensed a new Shama in the house. And he does what most Shamas do when his territory is encroached....

(nearing the end of it's molt, his form is rising....