Md Desa biking to sell bird's nests

FOR 67-year-old Mad Desa Ahmad, no distance is insurmountable so long as he has his trusty old bicycle.

The retired Water Supply Department employee of Seberang Perai, Penang, is prepared to pedal more than 100km to sell abandoned nests of the Baya Weaver bird which he collects.

He would hang more than 10 nests of the Baya Weaver on his bicycle each time he goes out to sell his unique ware, a business that started as a hobby more than 15 years ago.

The uniqueness of the nest and its scarcity has made it a coveted decorative item. The nest comes in many shapes and sizes and each is sold for between RM20 (around $8) and RM50. Mad Desa, who enjoys cycling, told Bernama he is prepared to ride from his house in Taman Semarak, Kulim, to Selama, Perak, to look for the nests. "I only collect the abandoned nests on trees such as the coconut and mangrove and will not touch the nests with nestlings," he said, adding that there is an abundance of these nests in Selama.

Mad Desa said he would spend the night anywhere, including putting up at the houses of relatives, when he is out looking for the nests. He said riding long distances is not a problem because, apart from enjoying it, the activity gives him a lucrative income.

A bird nest fan, G. Mohan, 35, said his family was fascinated by the uniqueness of the nest.

He also said that observing the nest served as a lesson for human beings on how such a tiny bird can build a "home" all on its own.

Bernama