The South Australian judges enthusiastically came together this week to workshop some exciting new variety and combination additions for future national events and to discuss the broader aspects of judging. The meeting was incredibly valuable, featuring robust conversations where experienced judges generously shared their insights and experiences with the newly appointed BCSA judges.

The event was highlighted by the presentation of judging certificates to the new BCSA judges who have passed their exams and the elevation of three judges to Major Award status. Topics such as coded rings, melanistic spangles, and other matters were thoroughly discussed. A group consensus on the optimal time spent on a bird to get it to perch was also debated.

Moreover, valuable lessons were collated on judging Best in Show and Best of Status at the State selection show, promising to enhance the quality of future events. The smiles in the photograph below capture the positive atmosphere of the day, where collaboration and teamwork thrived, showing that all of the judges came together to work harmoniously. Many would agree that the meeting was a resounding success, leaving everyone inspired and ready to implement the new ideas and improvements.

The success of the event led into discussions regarding increasing the frequency of the event from annually, because of the social nature of the day.

Looking ahead, tomorrow is the Newcastle Budgerigar Club Auction in New South Wales. The event is one of two major auctions in NSW for the year (the other being Hills). High quality budgerigars for sale have become customary at Newcastle, as has the social aspect of the event, with a pre-auction dinner on the evening prior at the RSL Club. Several South Australian fanciers will be heading interstate for the weekend, in search of that super outcross, or game changer for their stud. For those unable to attend, Newcastle has made a Zoom link available for anyone who would like to watch. You won’t be able to online bid, but you can certainly coordinate bidding and freight through the likes of Aussie Pet Connections, who will be onsite to support anyone looking to freight birds home from the event. The Zoom link and further details of the auction are provided in the Budgie Sales & Auctions section below.

Next week will also see the AGM of the North East Budgerigar Society here in Adelaide. As part of the event, an experienced breeder in Graeme Alchin is tipped to take the stand, for an interactive interview on breeding strategies, pairings, and everything that is budgies. No stone will be left unturned, as these experienced breeders share their years of experience with the cohort.

Looking further afield, the World Budgerigar Organisation (WBO) has released their proposed new 2024 ideal. The ANBC must vote on its acceptance by September 15th, so it was sent out to all states and zones for consideration yesterday. At the last WBO meeting in Belgium, numerous comments and suggestions were made about the previous revision of the drawing presented at the meeting. These comments were referred back to the artist, Roy Aplin, who made further amendments.

Additionally, the WBO Ideal Sub-Group provided more comments, which were also relayed to the artist. The proposed Pictorial Ideal is the final product of these collaborative efforts, and the WBO Ideal Sub-Group recommends this drawing. It has now been distributed for consideration across all WBO countries. The final image is shown below.

For anyone interested in finding out more details of the show, the link is provided below.

This exciting auction features birds for sale from a dedicated pet breeder, Simon Dale, in Springvale, Melbourne. Simon reached out to the BSSA to participate in our online auctions. Most of these birds have lineage tracing back to Christine Sabateen in South Australia. Christine was a beloved and highly respected breeder for many years.

As you explore the listings, you will notice that almost all the birds are crest-bred, with many exhibiting the distinctive tuffed/crested and frillback features. Although the majority of these birds are unrung, the vendor possesses extensive knowledge of their age and breeding performance, ensuring that potential buyers have valuable information.

The BSSA is passionate about encouraging more pet and colored hobbyists to become involved with our Clubs throughout Australia. Our guest speakers at Club meetings consistently provide fantastic and practical knowledge that benefits all hobbyists, whether they are exhibition breeders or pet breeders. We believe that this shared expertise can enhance everyone’s experience and contribute to the thriving community of bird enthusiasts.

Join us in this BSSA Pet Bird Auction 5 and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to the love and care of these extraordinary birds.

Date: Wednesday August 14th 2024
Location: 49 LeHunte Street, Kilburn

This event will feature the North East AGM plus interview with a Veteran breeder – this year will be Graeme Alchin nominated as the veteran.

Date: 25th August 2024
Location: Tony and Angela’s residence, 30 Globe Street, Auburn

Port Pirie Budgerigar Society kindly asks members to confirm their attendance for the meeting on the 25th of August. Accurate numbers are crucial for catering purposes. Those who attended last year will fondly remember leaving with full tummies thanks to Angela’s wonderful spread of food.

Please RSVP by the 11th of August to ensure we can plan accordingly. Your timely response is greatly appreciated. The day will incorporate a wonderful aviary tour of Angela & Tony’s property in Auburn, just outside of Claire.

Date: Tuesday September 3rd 2024
Location: Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street Unley

Get ready for a night of fun and excitement at the BSSA Quiz Night! This quiz will test your knowledge on the history of the club, The Standard, Matrix, Nationals, and the key people and their roles within the club. So, brush up on your Budgie and BSSA knowledge!

There are fantastic prizes up for grabs for the winning team, so bring your A-game. Teams will be allocated on the night, ensuring a great mix of members and a bit of friendly rivalry. We can’t wait to see the lively interaction and competitive spirit!

Mark your calendars, prepare your trivia skills, and get ready for an unforgettable evening!

Date: 15th September 2024
Location: 74 Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta

The Port Pirie Budgerigar Society of South Australia Inc. has organized a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts in South Australia. Members are invited to visit the extensive aviaries of Brian and Beverley Reichelt on the 15th of September from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at 74 Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta.

Following the aviary tour, there is an option to arrange a luncheon at the Arid Gardens, subject to the number of participants. Brian and Beverley’s operation features 78 covered aviaries housing approximately 240 birds, including Macaws, Amazon Parrots, Asiatic Parrots, Conures, African Parrots, and Budgerigars. This is a rare chance to see the latest colour mutations in parrots that are seldom viewed by the public. Recognizing that the travel distance may be a concern, we highly recommend carpooling to enhance the travel experience with conversation and camaraderie.

This special event is not limited to Port Pirie Club members but is also open to members of Adelaide clubs. Please notify Peter Glassenbury by the 30th of August if you wish to attend the aviary visit and the luncheon. Contact him at 0409 288 710 or [email protected] to confirm your participation and secure bookings for both the tour and the luncheon. This is an opportunity not to be missed!

If you can’t make it to Austria in September, one might be wise to consider registering for the 49th Annual ANBC National Titles in sunny North Queensland next year. You won’t need your passport to get there.

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join them in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show. This exciting event takes place at the Brothers Leagues Club, a premier venue perfect for our championship. For your convenience, accommodation is available at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, just 600 meters from the venue, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all attendees. Join them for the 2025 ANBC Nationals in Cairns for a spectacular showcase of the finest budgerigars, engaging activities, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the beautiful setting of Cairns. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable event!

Register using the link below.