Tuesday, August 16, 2005

About Malaysian Birds

I normally stay more in the north of West Malaysia, close to the city Sitiawan. This spot is going through a property boom, because it’s a bird's nest Eldorado. The prices for swift's nests are soaring and many houses are being turned into swift hotels. Up to $ 300 are paid for one kilogram of bird’s nest, because they are a rare delicacy.

Bird's nest may be served in a clear consommé savoury soup with minced chicken or ham and quail eggs, or a sweet soup with rock sugar. These bird's nests are not made from twigs and straw but are the dried spittle of swifts. Their gelatinous saliva contains pre-digested seaweed and adheres the nests to the walls. The problem for the house owners is, to get the swifts breading inside the house. These recipes are not shared.

On the other hand, lovebirds have to be careful sharing affection or it can get expensive too. Hugging and kissing in the public are considered indecent offences, carrying a maximum fine of approx. $ 600 or a year’s jail, or both. I’ve asked some Malaysians, whether they can at least share a cell. They’ve reckoned that this would only be possible when the offenders get married. A young couple, caught in a park in Kuala Lumpur, is appealing to the High Court. Maybe, lovebirds may soon be as welcomed as swifts.

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