Photos

Valley of pigeons, Cappadocia

Interesting place to view birds. Saw a few Hawks (might be Northern Goshawk), a large sparrowhawk (compared to Japanese Sparrowhawk), many Magpies, and in the picture fluffed up sparrows and pigeons which villagers keep for its droppings to use as fertiliser.

Back safely in his cage

I do not know the correct English term for the "terap", "getah" or "gam" I use. It is made from the latex of a tree locally known as "Terap". Properly conditioned, it does not harm the bird nor does it damage its feathers. Mine wasn't as well made as it should. Nonetheless, it does its job with minimal damage to the Shama's feathers.

Above is a photo shot of it moments after recapture. That is how it should work.
The bird is a first molt Shama purportedly from Pulau Rimau. Forgot to measure its tail, but look at the most, 6".

Trapping an escaped Shama

Was having breakfast with my kids today when I got a call from my mom....
a bird has escaped from the green cage.... gosh! that is a friend's bird.
Well, I had lost a few birds when they escaped, usually when I am not home. The crucial thing to protect them from is the cats and other fierce wild birds (i.e. crows and magpie robins). If things are peaceful, they usually make their way home.

So, hurrying up the kids through their breakfast, I made it home & realised it wasn't the bird from the green aviary, but the metal green cage. Its a relief, I don't mind that much losing my own birds, but other people's bird is always a burden :(
Finally spotted it on a Mata Kuching tree and devised a simple contraption with sticky latex that I usually have handy at home.