Of Cats & Dogs

Learning never cease. That is the wonder of life. What did I learn today - difference between a Bengal Cat and a Leopard Cat. ;-D

Saw some for sale in a shop today and called a friend over. As of the moment, deal not done yet. Maybe by end of the day. As for me, cat is not up my league. Maybe a dog.... one that can flush out birds in the bushes ;-) wondering... just wondering... whether a Jack Russell would be that ideal dog......




- Time you enjoy wasting wasn't wasted -

Sightings of Sparrowhawks

This year the Japanese Sparrowhawks appear to be early in their annual migration. I was in Umbai savouring their specialty there which is grilled fish (ikan bakar) with a friend and his wife when we saw a total of three birds. Actually we were there to confirm early sightings of them by some Tekukur trappers. The Sparrowhawks are not due until at least mid to end of September. So, this year they are very early.

Maybe, just maybe it is the early sign of monsoon too this year. With the current widespread of flooding all over Asia, it could have been a triggering factor. Anyway, that's the job of the meteorologists or scientists, or whoever is in charge ;-)

The Sparrowhawks are both welcomed and loathed visitors depending which end of the bird keeping fraternity you are on. They are the worst enemies of the Tekukur trappers and bird keepers who wants to sun their birds in the open. To others, it marks the beginning of an adventure ahead ;-)

Leucistic Shama pt.2

It may appear common, but rest assured that the leucistic Shama is far from common. I have only encountered 3 so far. I have known of trappers who have not seen one before.
Well, the point is, it has become increasingly difficult to decide which Shama to let go to accommodate this new addition. I think one of the female can go free :-( In Malaysia, we can only keep as many as our license permits. And the issuance of this license has been frozen for years. Was thinking of breeding a hybrid (last resort), as a legal way out :-(

But the leucistic Shama is in my plan too. With the long tailed & the Straw-headed & the sparrows hahaha! there seems to be no end......






The above is a Shama with white throat, short tail but nice long body. Have been with my friend for 2.5 years. Will be interesting to breed Shamas for colour. Then they may fall under the grey area of the law (pun intended).... muahahaha!

- Time you enjoy wasting wasn't wasted -

Leucistic Shama

Wow! A new word for me...... leucistic (thanks to Jeffrey for shedding some light to the term), an accurate description for this Shama. He dropped his tail feather today. Hopefully it's the beginning of a molt and not some creature pulled out his tail. He is one of the type that has a wild nature. Going to be difficult to tame & start singing :-(

Slightly shorter than 6". Hopefully he will grow a 6.5" tail after this. Sort of to balance a little bit. Otherwise, not so nice leh ;-)











A difficult Shama to photograph due to it's wild nature too.

Now, getting boring, so what next? thought of free flying a lovebird. Maybe I should stick to existing stock and free fly a Hill Myna instead hahaha!

- Time you enjoy wasting wasn't wasted -