This week in South Australian budgerigar circles, we’ve seen significant discussions and exciting developments across two major committee meetings—the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) and the Budgerigar Council of South Australia (BCSA). These meetings reflect the ongoing efforts to strengthen the hobby, improve events, and ensure a thriving future for budgerigar enthusiasts in the state.

BSSA Committee Meeting – A Bus Trip on the Horizon
The BSSA kicked off the week with its committee meeting on Monday evening. One of the most exciting topics discussed was the prospect of a bus trip to the Melton Auction in 2025. The Club is considering hiring a bus for a group excursion, not only to attend the auction but also to include aviary visits along the way. These kinds of social outings foster camaraderie and engagement within clubs, making them an essential part of the community. Kudos to the BSSA for bringing this initiative to the table! Let’s hope it gets the participation it needs to make it viable for the Club.

BCSA Committee Meeting – A Packed Agenda
On Wednesday, the BCSA convened for its first meeting since November, with plenty to cover. One key discussion revolved around applications to the BCSA for permission to house multiple breeders’ birds at a single location, while maintaining the exhibitor’s original exhibition status. The Council had some robust debate around the topic, and is generally supportive of this approach, but formal applications will need to be submitted for records once this has been ratified.

Another major discussion point was a proposed motion to the ANBC to introduce a new angle in The Standard. This additional angle would highlight the shield or ‘shoehorn’ created around the secondary wing cut-off while ensuring the bird’s eye remains clearly visible. The visible eye is important, and helps to offset any possible welfare concerns for the modern look of the exhibition budgerigar.

Changes to the Logan Shield Judging Process
Exciting reforms were proposed for the Logan Shield competition. The traditional 1-12 judging system may be adjusted to a 1-9 format, streamlining the process. The event would also mirror the National Championships the following week, removing visible status identifiers such as Novice or Intermediate. The goal is to expedite judging while ensuring the best birds are selected and promptly placed into carers’ hands in preparation for the National Championships in Cairns.

Another interesting concept discussed was a revised Hens Class judging format. Instead of just two judges, a larger panel would assess the hens, and birds placed 4th through 9th would be reallocated to their respective classes. This would happen before any other judging. By way of example, a Normal Light Green that placed 5th in the hens class would be reassigned to Class 1. While the bird would not earn points in both categories, it would remain eligible to represent South Australia as a Normal Green. Due to staging constraints, only the 6 birds placed 4th through 9th would be affected; the remaining hens would stay in their existing Hens class.

Improving the Logan Show Logistics
A new staging, dismantling, and bird collection process was also put forward to improve the Logan Show’s efficiency. The proposed system would ensure all birds are collected before trophies are presented, avoiding conflicts and making the process smoother. Delegates from Port Pirie were particularly engaged in this discussion, acknowledging its importance given the travel distances involved.

Committee Changes & Club Updates
The BCSA meeting also saw committee reshuffling:

• Beau Schutz was elected Treasurer.
• Brice Wheaton was elected Assistant Show Manager, with a transition plan in place.
• George England stepped into the role of Auction Coordinator, supported by John Mulley and Troy Holmes.

Additionally, the North East Club announced that in 2025, the Lloyd Edwards Show will be cancelled in favour of focusing on the 50th Anniversary Fisher Show in June.

Budgie Fest and Membership Growth
An open discussion took place regarding Budgie Fest and how its success can be leveraged to boost membership in the exhibition side of the hobby. The Council is exploring ways to integrate key activities and lessons learned into other avicultural bird expos around South Australia.

Refining BCSA Ring Distribution Procedures
A formal process document is being developed for the BCSA ring distribution system. This documentation will ensure consistency and clarity, particularly as the process differs slightly from those in other states. The process itself won’t change – rings will be sent to the respective Club ring registrar – the process document will simply outline this.

This week, we have two online auctions underway on the 32 Auctions platform. We have the BSSA Auction 2 for 2025, as well as the Philip Anderson stock reduction sale. Details of each of these is provided below.

BSSA Auction 2 for 2025 🦜
Date: Ends February 23rd 2025
Lots Available: 17 individual lots

This event features birds from respected South Australian breeders, including Ian & Gina Wise, Ken & Janet Harris, Bob Simpson, Marie & Kerry Murphy, and Jane Kelb. Available varieties include Spangles, Recessive Pieds, Cinnamon wings, Lacewings, Dominant Pieds, and Whitecaps. In total, 17 high-quality birds are up for auction. The bidding remains open until February 23, 2025, with extended bidding if needed.