Shama Meet - Melaka (2)

Today: 21st Sept 2008
No. of Shamas = 5
Mata Puteh = 4
Merbah Jambul = 1
Terkukur Pikat = 2
Merbok Pikat = 1

It is a natural extension to a "chai" place - new member, new things to do. One new Shama player came although number of birds reduced due to 2 members being busy (1 went to Genting, 1 went to K.L.). Brought my Jambul out today and ask a friend to get me a Terkukur to train as pikat just to join in the fun. I have no intention to go catch the wild terkukurs. Just want to train until I get a bird that sings when pegged to the ground. Today is a first outing for Zeus (Shama) to this place. He performed well initially but lost steam along the way. Maybe not in top condition yet. Will need to evaluate whether he is ready for the Batu Pahat comp on 5th Oct. Might have to leave him behind.

Apollo 9

Today found 2 primary tail feathers of Apollo 9 on the floor of the aviary. He must have molted them at the most 1 day apart. 1 measured at 8" and another at 8.2" The task now is to see whether with enough live food, it can grow back to his former 9" or longer. Last molt was just 3 or 4 months ago. very strange.

Development of SR

SR has become more hardworking at home. Am happy with his development. However still a bit shy at the Merbok field (only 2nd day, so can't blame him). Hope one day Suara Rakyat would "tekan" so that his voice would reveberate in the field hehehe! wishful thinking ;)

Shama meet - Melaka (1)

Today: 14th Sept 2008
No. of Shamas = 7
Mata Puteh = 1

This appears to be a very popular tree. We started by having the Shamas spaced out and they were calling beautifully. Nothing beats a Shama's song in natural open spaces in my opinion. And to have a number of them singing to each other in a spaced out setting is just wonderful. Towards the end of the session, we regroup ,mainly under this tree:


A close-up:


My Merbok which I have decided to name "Suara Rakyat" or "SR" due to many reasons. Mainly being a "permainan rakyat" which is a traditional sports of the people, I suppose, SR translates into the owner's hope that his Merbok's voice would one day be heard by all ;)
Not to mention the current political scenario, and the hope that "rakyat" would be heard. hehehe! anyway, this is suppose to be a fun thing. Lets leave the serious stuff behind ;)
Here he is raised to full pole vs half yesterday:


Still placed at the fringe of the field away from the fiercer birds:


Was introduced to this "jarum emas" today. Suppose to be good for the libido, against worms...... will try it on my Green Singing Finch later.