White-headed Nuns, anyone?

[MariusStegmann]

Yes, the swee's are really something. I don't keep them because we need permits from Nature Conservation to keep South African bird species. They breed best if you have them in a aviary with running water. They are found in the mountainous regions of the Western Cape, where they are lot of water streams. They even eat watersnails as live-food.

[MariusStegmann]

I wonder if you mean the same birds that I refer to as Cape Sparrow.
They are the most common birds in the Cape. We call them Mossies. If a bird breeds easily, we say:" They breed like mossies"

[w.l.]

Of course I mean the same birds!
They are beautiful, aren't they? Well, at least for someone who doesn't see them every day. In fact, I've never seen one. I think they are one of the most beautiful sparrows.
But the only sparrows ever imported here are the Sudan golden ones, which I bred this year. All that ever comes from southern Africa (Botswana, I think) is serins.

[MariusStegmann]

It shows you that which is common place for someone, could be very pretty to another person. The only "mossie" that I would like to keep is the Red-headed one.

[w.l.]

That should be asn easy wish to fulfill!
These red-heads were even available cheaply here in the past.
I don't really like them. Too big and plump.

[MariusStegmann]

w.l. I resist the temptation to keep South African birds, because of the permit problem. I would also be unable to legally sell them. I was offered Swee's for R130 a pair. Which is probably about 10 $. I declined because I don't want Nature Conservation officers near my aviary. They don't know the different bird species and some of them can't really speak english. They will fine me for instance for black rumped waxbills /Red-eared waxbills, that I am legally allowed to keep, because they don't know the difference between it and the common waxbill.

[Snow finch]

I sure wish I could get my hands on some I used to have a pair but they faded away after time. And there are no birds around to replace them they are one of my favorites

[w.l.]

MariusStegmann

In my country of origin, Hungary, I wouldn't be allowed to keep any native finches.
No permits are available, we are not even allowed to import and keep captive-bred ones in mutations not occuring in nature from other European countries!
Mind you, they are all "true finches" I am not too interested in anyway.
I prefer estrildid finches, especially those from your part of the World.
If I were to visit your country now, I'd probably spend quite some time trying to see them in the wild, too. When I did visit Africa in the past, I was not keeping finches so paid no specific attention to them.

[MariusStegmann]

w.l. Ok, I stop moaning about permits. I inquired about my country's rule about importing birds from the East. They changed the rules and made it almost impossible to import birds. And it is not due to fears of bird flue and other diseases. I can export though, providing if I have the right permits.

[w.l.]

What is the import ban due to then?

Interesting that you can export though - does it mean exporting native species, too?
I haven't heard of imports coming from South Africa proper, only from Botswana, and with Mozambique mentioned as a new possibility.

[lovezebs]

MariusStegmann

That seems to make no sense at all.
Sometimes I wonder if the people making these laws, even know what on earth they are doing.

Regarding Nature Conservation people, who don't even know the difference between the species...... How do they justify handing out fines then?

[w.l.]

lovezebs

I had to remember you today, when for the first time in 2 years or so, the Black-headed Nuns you have chosen as your favourites appeared in the local market numbering over 100! Price is $4 each.

FB_IMG_1483173647716.jpg

[MariusStegmann]

w.l. The people that I spoke to that used to import says that the SA authorities are just full of sh#*. That is the only reason they can give. One can understand when a country like Australia puts a total ban on bird imports and exports, it is comprehensive, with no exceptions. Some people that I know, export Silver / blue starfinches to the EU. So exporting is possible.

[w.l.]

MariusStegmann

Well, so maybe only export of non-native, captive-bred birds is allowed?
I think that's the case in my native country Hungary, too.

[lovezebs]

w.l.

They are beautiful looking birds, but as always I am coflicted about wild caught birds.... One side of me (the greedy child) would be: WANT WANT WANT.... The other side (the logical adult), would grieve their loss of freedom, and crowded conditions..... So, what to do??? A moot point really under the circumstances, eh?

Did you bring any of these pretties home with you?