| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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| Sunday delivered the kind of day that reminds everyone why aviary visits are the heartbeat of this hobby. Beau & Kate Schutz opened the gates to their spectacular property in Cherry Gardens and welcomed close to 50 people, with the weather turning it on and the birds looking every bit as good as the turnout suggested. Although the lamb spit may not have eventuated, the BBQ did run hot thanks to Con and BJ, who kept everyone fed while the conversations rolled on. Everything from breeding plans, show prospects, a few “just wait until you see the next round”, and the steady hum of people learning simply by standing in front of quality birds and talking through what they’re seeing. Days like this don’t just build knowledge, they build community. And it was great to see so many new faces there too. A massive thank you to Beau & Kate for opening their doors to our South Australian cohort. |
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On Monday, the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) committee met to work through several key topics for the year ahead. A major discussion point was recognition of interclub results within the BSSA’s own points system, ensuring the club’s awards model continues to reflect participation across the wider scene. The meeting also explored possible venues in the southern suburbs that could support a smaller, scaled-down version of Budgie Fest, a promising step towards creating more accessible, promotional-style events that bring the hobby to new audiences while still giving members something to rally around.
Midweek saw the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) committee come together with a strong focus on engagement and event planning. The Mega Auctions were a key topic, along with ideas for incentives to lift meeting attendance and keep members connected through the season. The committee also confirmed the cancellation of the Lloyd Edwards May Show, making space in the lead-up to the Logan Shield and helping avoid calendar congestion at a time when exhibitors are narrowing teams, managing condition, and trying to keep birds settled and consistent.
Looking Ahead
Next week brings more important pieces of the puzzle:
- The BCSA quarterly meeting of delegates will take place, providing a chance to align across clubs, share updates, and keep planning on track as the season builds.
- We’ll also see the upcoming release of Chatter Magazine, a highlight on the calendar and a great read for anyone wanting to stay connected to what’s happening in South Australia and beyond.
Plenty happening, plenty to look forward to — and the best part is, it’s being built together.
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| Check out the collaboration between our partners Hentley Farm, and Budgie Fest’s own artist, Dr. Daniel Connell! |
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| The BSSA Auctions are back for 2026! Along with an Auction from the NSW partnership Whitney & Harris. |
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BSSA Auction 1 for 2026🦜
End Date: February 22nd 2026
Lots Available: 10BSSA Auction 1 for 2026 is live and the BSSA are back! Featuring 10 birds from vendors Kerry & Marie Murphy, Chris Murphy, and George England, this auction runs from February 16 to February 22. Featuring Cinnamonwings, Normals, Dominant Pieds, Lacewings, Recessive Pieds and more. |
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Whitney & Harris Auction 2026🦜
End Date: February 22nd 2026
Lots Available: 11The Whitney & Harris Auction 2026 is your opportunity to secure quality exhibition budgerigars from a proven NSW partnership. Running from February 16 to February 22, this exclusive online auction features 11 carefully selected birds. Varieties include Opaline, Cinnamonwing, Dominant Pied, Lutino, Lacewing and more. Pickup available at Quirindi, NSW or birds can be transported to Tamworth Airport by the seller. |
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Tuesday, 3 March 2026
BSSA
Member on the Couch Session – Avian Gastric Yeast
Facilitated by George England
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley |
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| Wednesday, 11 March 2026
NEBS
Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – Understanding the Difference
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville |
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| Sunday, 22 March 2026
PPBS
Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family
📍 Spalding
A fantastic opportunity to view quality birds up close and connect with fellow fanciers in a relaxed setting. |
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| Sunday, 29 March 2026
BSSA
BSSA Murphy Classic
📍 Ascot Park Scout Hall
One of the highlights on the BSSA calendar — don’t miss this competitive and well-supported show, specifically for Juniors, Novices and Intermediates. |
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| Tuesday, 7 April 2026
BSSA
Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced
Presented by Wayne & Kelwyn
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley
An informative evening focusing on these increasingly popular varieties. |
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| Wednesday, 8 April 2026
NEBS
Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
A nostalgic and educational session revisiting birds and stories from years gone by. |
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| Sunday, 12 April 2026
BCSA
BCSA Judges Meeting
📍 Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield |
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| Saturday, 18 April 2026
BCSA
BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations
📍 Venue Athelstone Football Club – Max Amber Community Hall
A major milestone for the Budgerigar Council of South Australia — more details to be announced soon. This will be a celebration not to be missed! |
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| The ANBC has received advice from Mantra Sharks, the venue for the 2026 SQBBA Trill National to be held on the Gold Coast, that accommodation is already filling quickly. Zones are therefore encouraged to make early arrangements for their carers and preparers, to ensure suitable accommodation is secured.Please contact Mantra Sharks, Gold Coast, on (07) 5603 3200 to confirm and book your accommodation requirements. Don’t forget the DISCOUNT CODE 15% SSANBC26 – this code is not available for online bookings.
It is also recommended that all attendees consider making their general accommodation and travel bookings at this time to avoid disappointment. |
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| Have you signed up to the ANBC Gazette? It is packed full of information, and spans the continent, with cutting edge news from Vets, nostalgic reflection on some of the older Clubs, fanciers in focus, and more. Its free, and it’s a great resource. We encourage anyone with a passion in budgerigars to sign up. |
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| As we wrap up another busy week in budgies, it’s clear the momentum continues to build across our clubs. From engaging meetings and educational discussions to strong planning behind the scenes, the dedication of our cohort never goes unnoticed. With key events fast approaching in March and April, now is the time to stay involved, support your local club, and keep your breeding plans on track. Whether you’re preparing birds for the show bench or simply enjoying them in the aviary, every contribution strengthens our community.
Until next week. |
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March 2026
- Tuesday 3 March 2026 – Member on the Couch Session – Avian Gastric Yeast (Facilitated by George England) – Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley.
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 – Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – The Difference (NEBS) – Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville.
- Sunday 22 March 2026 – Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family – Spalding.
- Sunday 29 March 2026 – BSSA Murphy Classic – Ascot Park Scout Hall.
April 2026
- Tuesday 7 April 2026 – Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced (Wayne & Kelwyn) – Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley.
- Wednesday 8 April 2026 – Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis (NEBS) – Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville.
- Sunday 12 April 2026 – BCSA Judges Meeting – Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield.
- Saturday 18 April 2026 – BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations – Max Amber Community Hall, Athelstone
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