AP PHOTOS: Crowds in India's northeast cheer bird and buffalo fights, back after 9-year ban

The tiny birds entered the ring as nearly 3,000 spectators applauded, some standing on trucks for a better view, while others clung to branches in trees. After a nine-year hiatus, bird and buffalo fights are back at festivals in India's northeast after the Supreme Court ended a ban on the tradition. Despite opposition from wildlife activists, animal fights were organized last week during Assam's Magh Bihu harvest festival, under a new state law that promises to make the contests safe for the animals. At a temple on the outskirts of the state capital, the bulbuls — songbirds about the size of a bluejay — fluttered up in the air and swooped down on their opponents, their owners holding a string tied around their legs. Some spectators made bets with each other. Three judges watch the birds’ technique, and give the winner's owner with a cash prize of 3,000 rupees ($35). Dijen Bharali, an organizer, said the fights are safe for the bulbuls. "The small birds get tired after the fight...