Some people find it very strange that I like birds as pets, the fascination started when I took part in a Children’s Art competition organised by the Jurong Bird Park. One of the prizes I received was a book on the different species of birds at the Park.

That’s when I learnt about Parrots. I still remember clearly the species that caught my attention: Blue Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlett Macaw, African Grey, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and Parakeets/Budgerigars. On my birthday, I convinced my mum to buy me a Budgie and I aptly and boringly named it Tweety.

In Mong Kong, one of the themed streets was Hong Lok Street (Bird Street雀仔街) although correct me if I’m wrong but all the bird stores now sit in Yuen Po Street Garden, still in the same vicinity.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is where songbird owners gather to pageant their feathered friends in their intricately crafted cages. The garden encloses some 70 bird stalls selling cages, birds, bird feed, crickets, worms and toys.

Brian and I didn’t spend too much time here, because the smell of bird poo was making me a bit sick. But still glad I got some nice photos in. The only thing which made my heart sink is the number of birds they packed into a cage. I know it’s a shop, but I just think that regardless, they should be given a more humane living condition albeit temporary.

Yuen Po Street Garden (Bird Street)
Directions:
- Get off at the Prince Edward MTR stationTake exit B1 and walk East
- Turn left at Sai Yee Street, then turn at first right into Flower Market Road.
- After walking the length of Flower Market Rd, on the left you will see Yuen Po Street
Opening hours: 7 am – 8 pm daily