5401ceb2   
   On Sun, 19 Jun 2011 03:13:51 -0700 (PDT), Sir Toby Belch   
    wrote:   
      
   >**** Going through the old records and came across this gem from then   
   >newcomer Brian Anasta.   
   >   
   >Good Evening/Morning Everyone,   
   >   
   >As I guess many of you are aware of by now, I have a deep love and   
   >appreciation of nature, particularly the great diversity of birdlife   
   >around the world. I am particularly looking forward to arriving in   
   >Thailand with my camera and field glasses, to partake in my favourite   
   >hobby, and to enjoy the abundance of birdlife which is present in the   
   >country.   
   >   
   >   
   >As a prelude to my arrival in Thailand, and with the permission of   
   >the   
   >long term members of our   
   >Newsgroup Board, I would like to start an online series introducing   
   >you to some of the wonderful species which Thailand is famous for.   
   >Hopefully everyone here can then gain a deeper understanding of this   
   >magnificent wildlife and biodiversity, and come to discover and enjoy   
   >it like I have been for many many years.   
   >   
   >   
   >My online series will tonight begin with a summary of the Bar-Bellied   
   >Cuckooshrike.   
   >   
   >   
   >These birds are found quite extensively in Khao Nor Chuchi.   
   >   
   >   
   >Cuckoo-shrikes are small- to medium-sized birds. The bill is broad at   
   >the base, notched and slightly hooked, and rictal bristles are well   
   >developed. The wings are rather long and pointed, and the tail is   
   >moderately long, rounded or graduated. In most genera the back and   
   >rump feathers have very stiff shafts and soft tips, and are partially   
   >erectile. These spine-like feathers are easily shed and may act as a   
   >means of defense.   
   >   
   >   
   >Most species have brilliantly colored plumage; males are striking red   
   >and black, and females are yellow or orange and black or grey.   
   >Common,   
   >noisy and conspicuous, they usually travel in small groups or in   
   >mixed   
   >flocks with other cuckoo-shrikes or Pied Trillers. They feed mainly   
   >on   
   >insects including larvae.   
   >   
   >   
   >Tomorrow I will be introducing a very common, yet exciting bird of   
   >which many of you will probably be quite familiar with.   
   >   
   >   
   >Goodnight All.   
   >   
   >   
   >Kind Regards,   
   >Brian.   
   >   
   >   
   >*******Geez I miss those lessons Brian, what about a refresher course??   
      
      
   Yes well, later in life Brian took up with a bird down the Nana   
   entertainment plaza and apparently forgot all about the feathered   
   variety.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)