Port Pirie Harry Johnson Show
All eyes turn north this Sunday for the Harry Johnson Young Bird Show, held in Crystalbrook and hosted by the Port Pirie Budgerigar Club. With 155 entries across a range of classes, this event is set to be one of the largest regional bird shows this year. Fanciers are travelling from across South Australia to compete, support, and spectate – showcasing the strong sense of community that underpins the hobby.

Expect a great turnout, strong competition, and plenty of opportunities for breeders to catch up and compare notes.

Lower Murray Bird Club Expo
Always a favourite, and also this Sunday, the Lower Murray Bird Club Expo will take place and promises to deliver another great bird day out. This event has become a staple in the South Australian bird calendar, and it never fails to impress with its friendly atmosphere, diverse displays, and enthusiastic attendance. Event coordinator Colin Elix rang earlier this week to confirm vendor numbers are looking fantastic, and they’re hoping to build on the success of last year’s incredible event, which drew people from all corners of the State.

Bird lovers from all walks of life gather for this event, whether they’re experienced breeders, new pet owners, or families simply looking for a fun day out. There’s something for everyone, from budgerigars and parrots to canaries and finches. If you’re in the area or up for a day trip, it’s well worth a visit.

Geelong Auction, Victoria
Interstate action heats up with the Geelong Budgerigar Auction, also happening this Sunday. This year’s event includes a major feature: part of the Peter Tyack stock reduction sale. Peter, known nationally for his success in the Albino class, has bred top-tier birds and built a reputation for consistency and quality. This is a rare chance to secure stock from a proven line and bolster your stud with birds carrying championship credentials.

Expect strong bidding interest from across the eastern states, with many fanciers keen to pick up genetics that have been winning on the show bench at a National level.

Stan Watson Show Entries Now Due
Don’t forget – entries for the prestigious Stan Watson Breeders Show are now due, and close on Monday April 28. This event recognises the very best in breeder excellence and continues to attract top-tier competition from around the state. If you haven’t yet entered, now’s the time to finalise your paperwork and secure your place at the premier BSSA Young Bird event. ANBC Judges Coordinator James Bader will be flying in from Victoria and will act as the Major Awards Judge for the event.

Logan Shield Schedule Released
The eagerly awaited Logan Shield Schedule has now been released. This competition is a major point of pride in the South Australian exhibition budgerigar calendar, acting as the State Championships and lead in event to the Nationals in Cairns. If they haven’t already, clubs and individuals will now begin assessing and preparing their entries and working towards what promises to be another thrilling event.

BSSA Auctions Return – Including A Pet Bird Focus
The BSSA’s online auctions are back in full swing, with Auction 10 already attracting strong interest. Alongside the main auction, there’s a Pet Auction focused on crested birds, offering a chance for pet lovers and breeders alike to purchase some beautiful and unique birds. This round features birds from respected breeders and includes a strong selection of crest-bred, tufted, and full circle crested birds. Keep an eye on the closing dates and make sure your bids are in early!

BSSA Committee Meeting Monday Night
The BSSA Committee will convene this Monday night to discuss a series of important items. Topics on the agenda include updates on the upcoming BSSA Stan Watson Show, plans for the James Bader presentation, and ongoing matters relevant to the SA budgie community.

Colours & Standards Motions
The Colours and Standards Committee is currently reviewing proposed changes to the classification of cheek patches and feet colour in dilute varieties, amongst other items. Responses from delegates and judges are due back shortly. If you haven’t yet submitted your thoughts, now is the time to provide your feedback and help shape the future of colour classification standards.

ANBC Seeking Media Content
The ANBC is currently collecting media stories and content for Media Stable, in an effort to increase national media exposure for the budgerigar fancy. If you’ve got a unique story, a breeder profile, or a local highlight worth sharing, this is a great opportunity to help spread the word and promote the hobby to new audiences.

Free Aviary Give Away
Lastly, Peter Glassenbury has kindly offered a free aviary to anyone in the budgerigar community who may be interested. The aviary measures 2270 mm in length, 1540 mm in depth, and 1850 mm in height, and includes a single door located on the 1540 mm end. It is in good condition and remains very useable. The pickup location is in Para Hills, Adelaide. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Peter directly on 0409 288 710 for further information or to arrange collection. This is a generous offer and a great opportunity for anyone looking to expand or upgrade their setup.

Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)

The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below. The key takeaway for bird owners is the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures.

✅ Keep sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean
✅ Ensure footwear is clean before entering bird areas
✅ Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds or eggs

Staying vigilant with hygiene practices is essential in protecting your birds and preventing the spread of disease. Note that poultry and bird sales, shows, markets and auctions or other gatherings within the control and restricted areas are prohibited until further notice.

Details:  Medium size mobile flight cage valued at $2800.00 plus accessories.
Size: 1950-L x 950-W
Stainless Steel 316 grade cage fronts.
2 x slide out litter trays
8 x Hardwood perches
1 x Main Door
1 x Smaller Feeder Door
2 x Drinkers
1 x Transparent Seed Hopper.
Freight will be paid by NQBZ Inc. to winner.

Raffle to be drawn on Presentation Night in Cairns.  25th May, 2025.

Tickets are $10.00 each.
Please ring Michelle Fidler on 0457088108 or Bruce Schuster on 0426731339.

ANBC Trivia

In the lead-up to the Nationals, the ANBC has been sharing Throwback Thursday trivia each week—have you been keeping up? Are you a true budgie buff with the knowledge to answer these fun and challenging questions? It’s a great way to test your memory, learn some history, and get into the Nationals spirit!

This week’s question relates to the Hall of Fame Breeder’s Excellence Division cohort. Do you know which two classes none of the Hall of Famer’s have ever won?

To answer the trivia question from last week, in 1983, 1987 and 1998, the Hall of Famer’s contributed to just one collective Logie amongst them at the ANBC Show. Those Hall of Fame breeders were Kelwyn Kakoschke (1983), and Henry George (in 1987 and 1998).

Contrast that with the record in 2015, when the Hall of Fame Breeder’s Excellence Division cohort took out 13 of the Logies!