One of the standout moments of the day was the chance to get up close to Tony and Angela’s stunning collection of budgerigars and parrots. The meeting provided an opportunity for bird exchanges, with members excitedly swapping birds from the Western Auction, as well as preparing for the upcoming North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) Mega Event next week. The joy of sharing birds and knowledge was felt by all who attended.

As always, the food was absolutely delicious, and there was no shortage of refreshments to keep everyone happy throughout the day. The variety and abundance of food ensured that everyone could relax, chat, and enjoy the company of fellow bird lovers. According to Sue Adams, it was truly a feast for the senses.

A special highlight of the meeting was Vicki’s engaging talk on Rainbows, which was well received. Vicki brought along around 15 birds to showcase, including some exquisite Golden faces and a couple of stunning composite whitecap rainbows. The vibrancy and beauty of these birds were truly awe-inspiring, and Vicki’s insightful talk added an educational touch to the meeting that was much appreciated by all. It was a real treat to learn more about these remarkable birds.

The warmth and energy were palpable, and many attendees stayed well into the afternoon, with people not starting to leave until around 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm. This reflected just how much the cohort valued the camaraderie and sense of community at the heart of these aviary visits. The lively conversations ranged from upcoming events to helpful bird care tips, ensuring that there was something for everyone to take away.

One of the main topics of discussion was the much-anticipated Balaclava Show, clashing with the AFL Grand Final Day. The committee expressed their hope to see as many members as possible participating in the event, as they aim to elevate it to a “status movement” show. The club is dedicated to growing and supporting agricultural shows and community events like this at every opportunity.

Looking ahead, the Port Pirie Budgerigar Club has an exciting line-up of aviary visits planned for 2026, and members are looking forward to the following events:

• Longbottom Family Aviary Visit – March at Spalding
• Shiralee Reardon’s Aviary Visit – June at Penrice in the Barossa
• Tony & Angela Van Den Brink’s Aviary Visit – August at Auburn
• Doug and Ruth Lange’s Aviary Visit – October at Maitland (includes a mini show)

These visits will offer members the chance to learn from some of the most experienced breeders and exhibitors, expanding their knowledge of budgerigar care and breeding in a hands-on environment.

The meeting also included a bit of fun with some fantastic prizes. Michael Smith won the much-coveted meat tray, while young Harry Longbottom, who was too young for the whisky, was delighted to receive the fruit basket instead. Peter Glassenbury was the lucky winner of the bottle of Honey Whisky, a treat for any whisky connoisseur.

All in all, the August meeting was a resounding success, filled with the kind of warmth, friendship, and community spirit that makes the Port Pirie Budgerigar Club such a special group. We can’t wait for the upcoming events and look forward to seeing even more members getting involved as the year progresses!

• Crop feeding techniques for stronger, healthier chicks
• Nest box design that works in practice
• Feeding strategies for success at every stage
• Pairing and pair bonding to enhance fertility
• Egg management to maximise outcomes

This is a unique chance to learn from some of the most knowledgeable breeders in the fancy, with practical advice you can apply straight to your own birdroom.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and take your breeding results to the next level.