We kick things off on Friday morning with our monthly BCSA segment on Tribe FM, joining Emcee Blaze and Trevor Garand on The Generation Gap program at 9:30 am. We will be talking through everything that happened during April, as well as taking that all-important look ahead to a packed month of May. Friday morning will also see the ANBC Gazette released for the month of May, as well as the media blackout on budgies begin in the lead up to Southport.

Then on Sunday, the calendar really comes alive, with three events running in parallel: the BSSA Stan Watson Show, incorporating a Come & Try event; the Port Pirie Harry Johnston Show at Crystal Brook; and the Lower Murray Bird Expo, where both the North East Budgerigar Society and the BCSA will have a presence.

At the Ascot Park Scout Hall, the BSSA Stan Watson Show has attracted an outstanding 242 entries. George England will be honing his craft as Major Award Judge, and, in the words of BSSA President Chris Murphy, “this number (of entries) is a fantastic reflection of the hobby in South Australia.”

Benching will run from 9.30 am to 10.00 am, with judging to begin promptly at 10.30 am. Exhibitors are encouraged to aim closer to 9.30 am where possible to help the day run smoothly. Staging set-up will begin from 8.15 am, and BSSA would greatly appreciate assistance from anyone able to lend a hand.

The BSSA Come & Try event will run from 12 noon to 1.30 pm, so as to not interfere with the judging. Lunch will not be a formal sit-down meal, but will be available when exhibitors are ready to take part. BSSA is not advertising a “bird giveaway” as part of the Come & Try event; however, if you have suitable birds available, or birds you would be happy to sell at reasonable prices, please bring them along and see Sue Adams or Ian Jenke.

Further north at Crystal Brook, Tony Van Den Brink will take on his first show as Show Manager for the Port Pirie Harry Johnstone Show. The club has received a strong entry of 105 Open, 14 Novice and 12 Intermediate birds, making 131 entries in total. Benching begins at 9.30 am, with judging commencing at 10.15 am. Tony will be onsite from 7.45 am to begin staging set-up for those who are willing and able to support. And, because no good country show is complete without food, Angela has prepared pizzas, feta and spinach rolls, lemon biscuits, chocolate chip biscuits and Anzac biscuits. Safe to say, nobody will be going home hungry.

Back east, the North East Budgerigar Society and the BCSA will be represented at the Lower Murray Bird Expo, held at the Murray Bridge Racing Club. Running from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, the event promises a fantastic morning for bird enthusiasts and families, with a wide range of birds on display, trade stalls, expert advice, and an avian vet onsite. There will also be café refreshments, a BBQ, plenty of parking, a free children’s raffle at 12 noon, and the adult monster raffle at 12.30 pm. Entry is just $2 per adult, with school children admitted free.

Further into the week, on Tuesday night, the BSSA will be coming together for a Zoom presentation by Lindsay Nutley, the self-confessed “unconventional aviculturist”. Born in Emerald in Central Queensland, Lindsay’s first foray into birds was the humble budgerigar. From there he progressed to lovebirds, quails and his long-time passion: Finches. After a large break from birds during his 20’s and 30’s, he revisited birds in a big way, building a large aviary complex in Northern NSW. Here he focused on specific varieties of finches with a particular focus on conservation programs.

Work commitments led Lindsay to leave Australia 13 years ago to be based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In Vietnam he has explored several ways to maintain his interest in aviculture, albeit sometimes in unusual ways. Lindsay is a committee member of the Avicultural Society of South Australia where he currently co-edits the magazine with Richard Chilton and is also an avid member of the Queensland Finch Society and their Finches Conventions. Join the BSSA for a Video Link chat with Lindsay to talk about his experiences with aviculture and what he has planned next.

Harry Johnston Young Bird Show, PPBS
📍 Crystalbrook

The Harry Johnston Show Schedule has been released ahead of the May 3rd event, marking an exciting chapter for the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society under the guidance of new Show Manager, Tony Van Den Brink. The Harry Johnston Show continues to hold strong significance within the region, and this year’s event shapes as another well-supported and competitive outing in the lead up to the State Titles.

Stan Watson Breeders Show, BSSA
📍 Ascot Park Scout Hall

With $1500 in prize money on offer,  The Stan Watson Breeder’s Show Schedule for 2026 is one of the key lead-up events on the South Australian show calendar, held on Sunday, 3rd May at the Ascot Park Scout Hall.This show is a major opportunity for breeders to present their owner-bred birds ahead of the Logan Shield, with a strong focus on preparation, presentation, and competition across a wide range of classes. As a recognised BCSA status movement show, it plays an important role in show preparation and providing valuable experience for both seasoned exhibitors and those newer to the show bench.

Lower Murray Bird Expo
📍 Murray Bridge Race Course

The Lower Murray Bird Club Inc. Bird Expo returns on Sunday, 3rd May 2026 at the Murray Bridge Racing Club, promising a fantastic morning for bird enthusiasts and families alike. Running from 11:00am to 1:00pm, the event features a wide range of birds on display, trade stalls, and expert advice, including an avian vet onsite. Enjoy café refreshments, a BBQ, and plenty of parking. Don’t miss the free children’s raffle at 12 noon and the adult monster raffle at 12:30pm. Entry is just $2 per adult, with school children free. Whether you’re a breeder or just curious, all are welcome!

BSSA Monthly Meeting – Lindsay Nutley Presentation
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street Unley

Each year the BSSA have a guest speaker from the Avicultural world to talk to us about their passion for the birds they keep and breed, so we are very excited to hear about Lindsay Nutley’s experiences with his finches.

NEBS Monthly Meeting – Logan Shield Readiness Workshop
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Av.

The next NEBS meeting will take on a practical, hands-on format, with an open workshop designed to help members from all clubs prepare their birds for the upcoming Logan Shield State Show. Breeders are encouraged to bring along birds for what promises to be a highly valuable session, with the aim of presenting the strongest possible South Australian team. Experienced exhibitors will be on hand throughout the evening to assist in preparation. This includes spot trimming, managing pin feathers, and general grooming techniques ahead of the State Titles on May 17. It’s a great chance to learn, share knowledge, and get your team show-ready in a supportive, hands-on environment.

BCSA Logan Shield
📍 Klemzig Community Centre, 242 North East Road, Klemzig

The Logan Shield Schedule for May 17th has been released, turning attention firmly toward the State Titles. This event remains the pinnacle of the South Australian show season, serving as the selection platform for the team that will represent the state on the national stage. With the 2026 Trill™ Expert ANBC Championship Show on the Gold Coast marking the prestigious 50th anniversary, there is an added sense of occasion and motivation for exhibitors to present their very best.

50th Annual Trill™ Expert ANBC National Championships
📍 Southport Sharks, Gold Coast, QLD

The pinnacle event on the exhibition budgerigar calendar, hosted by the South Queensland Budgerigar Breeders Association. Festivities run from Friday evening through Sunday, including the National Auction.

Combined Bird Expo
📍 Port Pirie Basketball Stadium

The Port Pirie Bird Club Inc. and Port Augusta Bird Society Inc. proudly present their Combined Bird Expo on Sunday, 24th May 2026 at the Port Pirie Basketball Stadium, Grey Terrace. Trade stands open from 10:00am, with the expo running from 11:00am to 1:00pm. This is a great opportunity to explore a wide range of birds, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and pick up quality stock. Food and drinks will be available throughout the day. Exhibitors must register prior to the event, and the UBSSA Code of Practice will be strictly enforced. For more information, contact Brian on 0418 896 995.