Every weekend, 33-year-old Indonesian motorbike mechanic Albi Albar Ramli switches gears from fixing engines to training a vibrant flock of macaws. His whistle signals the birds, who return within three minutes—a testament to his passion and skill in preparing them for obedience competitions.
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Photos show how an Indonesian motorbike mechanic became a macaw trainer
Photo by Abc News
Key Takeaways:
- Ramli is a motorbike mechanic who also trains macaws in Indonesia.
- He transports eight macaws to an open field each weekend.
- A whistle signals the birds to return within three minutes.
- He was inspired by social media videos of macaws flying back to their trainers.
- The group practices for upcoming bird obedience competitions.
The Unexpected Journey
Ramli’s fascination with birds began in 2018 when he kept small parakeets at home. As a full-time motorbike mechanic, he initially considered birdkeeping a hobby. Over time, that hobby tugged at his curiosity, especially when he discovered videos on social media featuring larger, more elegant macaws returning faithfully to their trainers.
Saturday Mornings with Macaws
On weekend mornings, the 33-year-old balances two macaws on his hands, their brilliant feathers capturing the sunlight. Six more macaws wait inside wooden boxes strapped to his motorbike. Together, they travel to a nearby open field, where fellow macaw enthusiasts gather.
A Vibrant Community
What began as a modest pastime for Ramli has blossomed into a lively local community event. The vacant lot transforms into a hub of brightly colored birds, all of which fly freely before returning to their owners. Ramli finds camaraderie in this gathering, as each participant shares a deep appreciation for the intelligence and beauty of these birds.
Training with a Whistle
A key element of Ramli’s approach is teaching his macaws to come back within three minutes whenever he blows a whistle. This practice not only displays the birds’ agility but emphasizes the trust forged between them. “They always return,” he says, proud of his birds’ response to his gentle call.
Preparing for Competition
Ramli’s dedication is driven in part by upcoming competitions. These events test obedience and cohesiveness among macaws. With every weekend session, Ramli polishes his training methods, helping the birds grow more confident in flight and more reliable in returning on command.
Table 1: Quick Facts About Ramli’s Macaws
| Number of Birds | Average Return Time | Training Method |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 minutes | Whistle-based cues |
A Lifelong Passion
From small parakeets to spectacular macaws, Ramli has nurtured his enthusiasm over the years, inspired by social media and driven by hands-on day-to-day experiences. The sight of these dazzling birds flying overhead, only to obediently flutter back at the sound of a whistle, continues to ignite his passion—and captivate onlookers in his Indonesian neighborhood.
