The road to Kuala Pilah is currently being upgraded. The Bukit Putus stretch (just after Seremban towards Kuala Pilah) has been a bane to regular users. It is a winding and twisting road with sharp and blind corners.
During my younger days when we went back for the school holidays from Kuala Lumpur we took the ‘Union’ bus (which has now become the ‘United’ bus) The bus would creak and groan when negotiating the sharp corners.This was much to the delight of the youngsters in the bus.On one occasion two of them got out of their seats and stood in the middle of the bus.They followed the swing of the bus cornering at each bend with much laughter, much to the consternation of the older folks. The only consolation were the ravines below which were not as steep or as deep as that of the old Karak -Temerloh road at the Genting Highlands stretch.
The
I used to ply from Bandar Pusat Jengka in Pahang, where I was stationed in the mid-seventies to
The ride at the
Upon reaching Kuala Pilah one has to turn left towards Bahau and enters into Pelangai about 6 km away. The birdhouse will be at Juasseh Tengah, just a stone’s throw after the PLKN (National Service) complex along the Pelangai -Pasir Ambor road.
There is a Juasseh Ulu which is further up along the road, and there is the town of
From the roadside, one could follow an access road to the land for a distance of about 200 metres, ascending slightly until the highest point is reached.It has been levelled where it was envisaged once, a bungalow was to be built as a week-end retreat. The surrounding land area was planned for a durian and petai plantation which is on hold but may yet be a reality after the birdhouse.
Our birdhouse consultant, Mr Tee had advised after seeing the land that we should exploit the high ground as it makes it easier for the birds. “The birdhouse should be at the highest point”, he repeatedly reminded Jordie, my partner.
The birds should be able to fly in and fly out without much difficulty or obstacles or big trees in the way.“You must give priority to the business” he said. The birdhouse at the hill top takes priority now. Silently and surely the message is clear - there goes the ‘dream bungalow amidst the greenery’ for the time being!
The site is fairly secluded which physically is expected of a birdhouse. It should be away from neighbours.We have to be fair as at certain times of the day there will be the duress calls of cracklings and shreikings natural to the birds but bothersome to humans.
I just often wonder how much neighbours have to put up with in cases where a birdhouse occupies one lot out of a row of shophouses. It seemed the local authorities in some of the towns are in the process of formulating some regulations over this.
We do not anticipate any problems over this as the nearest house is about 300 metres away. So it is ok, I gather.
We have to think of a another site for the ‘dream bungalow amidst the greenery’ though but it is not pressing, not at the moment!
8 comments:
Hank,
Well between the birdhouse and the bungalow on that stretch of god-forsaken place, the birdhouse might make you a multi-millionaire.
Wishing you the best of luck and be forewarned that the Eagles ( you forgot that Eagles are also aplenty there?) might just swoop in like buzzards who prey on your swiftlets. Just food for thought. You might have to consult the experts who normally trap the 'burung merbok' around Juasseh, Kolopilah!
Hal,
Thanks for the good wishes.There're 'enemies'like owls,rats and 'roaches' but not eagles.
Merbok trappers? no,it'll be apples n oranges. We have to fall back on those birdhouse owners on one to one basis or painstakingly surf the blogs for info.
Hank,
Another aspect which you should consult the experts. Whether the quality of the bird's nest would be the same as elsewhere. I was informed that it's a tough process to ensure the bird's nests are properly treated as the potential buyers would blacklist you if the bird's nests are of poor quality.
Internet is one source, but you must rope in ornithologists before it becomes another disaster. Your investment are probably in the region of more than 200k. Pls ensure it brings in at least 30% return after the break-even point. Otherwise just forget it!
Hal,
Buyers offer either bulk or graded price (graded A, B & C) Our consultant advised against graded price as the buyer would lump most into the lower grades when making their offer.
Yes, the cleaning process would be messy & time consuming. Selling them raw would rid us of this problem unless we go downstream to exporting ourselves which I don’t foresee yet.
Orthinologists? So far none of our discussions had touch on this except on general terms. It may be worthwhile to consider their opinions. I wonder if there are many of them around though.
Your comment on ‘merbok trappings’ brought back fond memories. I will have some things to say on this in my next posting.
Dear Hank,
It would be worth it to get second opinion from people who are from mutidisciplines which are not necessarily related.
Even those whom we think could not provide intelligent ideas could be more well-versed like the Punai hunters and Tiong trainers which abound in Kelantan and in Golok perhaps! Just find out from OP's in Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor two famous border towns.
Hal,
Yes, it is wise to be cautious.The beauty of the bird business is mainly on the 'experts' which may be difficult to come by.
Birdhouse owners however can fall back on relevent books specially written. One that is highly recommended is by Pak Hendry in B. Indonesia on Walits (the Indon terminology for swiftlets) There are a few more. I would definitely have to get them. In the meantime I would keep my ears open for info on other birds as added info.
Dear Hank,
I prefer to talk to you privately. Can we meet as soon as possible, not this week but say the week beginning 18 Aug 2008?
Hal,
Ok. We'll sms. The likely date is anytime that week, being school holidays.
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