The adventures of Pioneer Girl travelling with enthusiastic Camper Barn Owl Guy

Started as a blog about my trip from Pittsburgh to California in a Ford Pickup, hauling a 30' refurbed trailer/camper. Ah, California Dreaming, 'n all that. Found that adventures can be long distance or in your own neighborhood... I look for my own twist on local sites, don't take the known for granted...and always find something new. It's easy, just open your eyes..

Friday, January 6, 2012

Why the Caged Birds Sing in Thailand

Red-Whiskered Bulbul photo Phi Phi Island

January, 2012 - I have seen time and time again outside of shops, homes, cafes, bamboo cages and with lovely warbling birds..the red-whiskered bulbul (nok krong hua juck).   They have a beautiful singing voice.   Being a wildlife enthusiast myself, I do have mixed feelings about caging these lovely species.  The Thai's do have a bird trade and some have a particular kind of bird trap to catch these fruit eating birds.  While here in this culture, I look beyond my own personal feelings about caging birds (we actually had an exhausted trained carrier pigeon on our balcony last night...cats going crazy, but he would not move...he continued on his journey by morning)



Bird Singing Contest outside of Nichada
The Thai's hold bird singing contests (or golden voice contests) and we did come upon one outside of Nichada, where I am staying. I took this photo from the motorbike but we did decide to stop to see how the competition is conducted (mostly in rural communities by the way).  Lots of whistle blowing, and bets being made, the referee listens and counts each note apparently.  We never figured out the rules but it was fun to watch.  


So I guess the caged birds sing because they and their owners love for them to sing...and perhaps bring some extra Bahts..  I can also tell you that morning, noon, and night the trees sing out full of mynas, oriental turtle doves, peaceful doves, barbets and so many others in the canopy below us.   Keep singing..for now this bird is still free.....xoxo PG
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1 comment:

  1. afilakJanuary 7, 2012 at 3:01 AM

    I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
    When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,
    When he beats his bars and would be free;
    It is not a carol of joy or glee,
    But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core,
    But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings –
    I know why the caged bird sings.

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