Welcome to This Week’s Budgie Bulletin!
We’re truly in the eye of the storm that is Mad-May. Last weekend, we had not one but two local shows, and this weekend brings the State Championships with the Logan Shield. And let’s not forget the two-day Pet Show, just to add to the excitement. In the budgerigar community, we never do things by halves
The North East show was a tremendous success, featuring 165 entries and an enjoyable day for all involved. Mr. Barista ensured the masses were fed, with some crafty burgers and a caffeine fix to boot. The following day, the Port Pirie Club hosted another outstanding event at Crystal Brook, with a similar number of birds benched. By all accounts, it was a wonderful show, filled with impressive displays and enthusiastic participation from the budgerigar community.
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| Many of the interstate clubs held their pre-selection shows in readiness for the State titles being held across the country this weekend. Congratulations to all the winners! |
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| Looking ahead, this weekend is packed with exciting events for budgerigar enthusiasts. On Saturday, the Pet Show will be running, and we encourage all members to drop by and support the BCSA. We will be down there setting up today between Noon and 6 PM, in readiness for what promises to be a great weekend.
Additionally, we have the all-important Logan Shield, the state selection show and a highlight of the South Australian budgerigar calendar. This event, focusing on Young Birds, serves as the State Championships and offers a thrilling opportunity for participants. Everyone is encouraged to attend and support, as the best young birds in the state vie for a spot on the 84-bird team heading to Launceston. We’re excited that we have more birds entered, and more exhibitors showing, than the year prior – a reflection of the growing hobby here in South Australia.
Reflecting on the enormity of the State and National titles, it’s noteworthy that the ANBC issued 147,180 rings in 2023, and of these, only 588 of these birds will make the cut to compete for 28 National titles on offer at the end of May. For the statisticians among us, this translates to approximately 1 in every 250 bred birds making the cut to compete in Launceston, and only 1 in every 5000 club-rung birds securing an elusive National title — the highest possible accolade in competitive exhibition budgerigars in Australia. Last year was the first time in the history of the BCSA, that South Australia came away with four class wins. We’re hoping that the depth of the birds on offer on Sunday will help us equal or better that in Launceston the following weekend. |
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We are just one day away from Adelaide’s Pet Show. We are providing a unique 20% discount code for entry into this year’s Adelaide event. You can use AZ4K48 when purchasing to get this discount. Feel free to share this code with your family and friends, as the more people we can get along, the greater the weekend will be, and our feathered friends will be the long-term winners. Click on the picture below for a link to the ticketing site.
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Lucky Sign-Up Prize
We’re thrilled to announce a special giveaway for those who sign up for our newsletter this weekend. Our friends at Two Cats Distillery are shaking things up by putting a cat amongst the budgerigars, donating a bottle of their exquisite Catnip Gin. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a real treat—it’s fantastic. Plus, the bottle features a unique and thoughtfully designed graphic, with the cat cleverly placed on the inside back of the label. Don’t miss your chance to win this exceptional prize!For those with a nose for gin, Catnip is a soft aromatic and floral gin that combines the sweetness of Raspberry, Toasted Coconut, Adelaide Hills Pink Lady Apples and Vanilla with the aromatics of Raspberry Leaf, Violet Leaf and Cat Mint. The pink colouration comes from the floral notes, provided by Hibiscus Flowers. If you haven’t already, get around this great local bespoke distillery here in Adelaide, and thank you to Two Cats Distillery for their support of the BCSA. Click on the bottle below to learn more. |
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This week features two online auctions, as well as the upcoming National auction and WABC Fundraising live events. These events present excellent opportunities for enthusiasts to find particularly some hard to come by variety birds.
The WA live event is this weekend, so please support them where you can, as 100% of the proceeds go to the WABC Nationals fundraising campaign. If you’d like to bid, please reach out to Les Woodcock, who can facilitate that.
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ANBC Nationals Live Auction:
The ANBC Nationals Live Auction is an exclusive, invitation-only event for sellers that stands as a premier occasion for budgerigar enthusiasts within the exhibition budgerigar circuit. Typically, participation is limited to previous national winners and Hall of Fame inductees, underscoring the auction’s prestigious nature. Unique to this event, birds are sold in pairs rather than as individual lots, highlighting the importance of breeding and lineage. A link to the auction catalogue is provided below for those who are interested in bidding. The event will be live in Launceston on Sunday May 26th.
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WABC Fundraising Auction:
The WA Budgerigar Council (WABC) is hosting its Fundraising Auction on Saturday, May 18th 2024. All proceeds from the WABC 2024 Auction are dedicated to supporting the fundraising efforts for the 2028 Nationals, which will be hosted by WA. The auction catalogue proudly features birds generously donated by esteemed breeders Les Trumper, Mick Gearing, Norm Wheatley, Alan Jaeschke, Noel Kerr, and Ron Minn. Doors open at noon, with bidding set to begin promptly at 1 PM WA time.For interstate bidders interested in participating, Les Woodcock is available to facilitate the process. Les offers assistance in transporting the birds to the airport at no cost to the buyer, although transportation from the airport to the buyer’s final destination will incur costs borne by the buyer.
To check out the birds on offer, use the link below:
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BSSA Online Auction:
Auction 13 is being hosted by the BSSA, featuring birds from Marie & Kerry Murphy, Graham McCallum, Doug & Ruth Lange, and Trevor Auld. 14 birds are on offer, and the event finishes up on Sunday May 19th.To check out the birds on offer, use the link below:
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Rob McLean Online Auction:
Rob has made 12 auction lots available in his first online event. The event finishes up tonight at 8 PM, so get on and take a quick look while bidding is still active.To check out the birds on offer, use the link below:
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With everything happening in budgerigars in Mad May, June seems so far away! The BSSA has their monthly meeting on Tuesday June 4th at 7.30pm at the Unley Community Centre, which is a Novice Come & Try night. On Wednesday June 12th, the North East has their annual tender sale, which is always well attended, and on Sunday June 16th, the Port Pirie Club has their aviary visit and meeting at Tiddy Widdy Bay, at the residence of Peter and Polly. Further details will be provided as they are forthcoming.
A reminder that this Sunday, as part of the Logan Shield, we will be holding a Special General Meeting (SGM), to vote on the constitutional change to allow Internet Banking. If you’re unable to make this, please ensure you get your vote to Chris Murphy, as there are certain requirements that need to be met for this to pass.
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48th ANNUAL ANBC Nationals hosted by the BCT
Act now—don’t miss out! We are just a week away from the Nationals, the premier event on the Australian budgerigar calendar. Register your interest today and secure your accommodation to ensure you are part of this incredible gathering. Year after year, these National events grow stronger and more innovative, and this year in Launceston will be no exception. The BCT are excited to unveil some fantastic new initiatives, including On The Perch. Don’t be the one who missed out on this spectacular opportunity! Get down and #discovertasmania
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48th ANNUAL ANBC Nationals – On The Perch
The BCT has unveiled details of their new Friday night Meet and Greet experience – ON THE PERCH.Get ready to experience a Friday night like no other! The Budgerigar Council of Tasmania (BCT) proudly presents “On The Perch,” an electrifying first in Australian budgerigars. This event is part of the exclusive Meet and Greet on May 24th at the 48th Annual ANBC Show hosted by the BCT, and it’s your ticket to the insider’s world of these charming creatures.
For the first time ever, “On The Perch” brings together a star-studded panel featuring ANBC’s very own Peter Thurn, Media Commentator Nic Hayes, and the ABC’s Kim Napier. They’ll be diving into the delightful and often surprising world of budgerigars, reflecting on the year’s most memorable moments and sharing uproarious stories that promise to keep you entertained.
Prepare for groundbreaking interviews with top fanciers, live and direct in this pioneering broadcast by the BCT. It’s more than just talk—it’s an interactive, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining peek behind the curtain of the budgerigar community.
Don’t miss out on this first-of-its-kind event! “On The Perch” is an exclusive feature of the 48th Annual ANBC Show, available only to attendees of the Meet & Greet. Seats are limited, so register now to secure your spot and be part of budgerigar history. Join us for a night where feathers will fly, and laughter will soar!
Act now to book your place at the Meet and Greet using the link.
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ANBC Commentary Around Media Interest
The ANBC released a press release to its members earlier this week. For those who missed it, it is provided below.In readiness for the 48th Annual ANBC National titles hosted by the BCT, there has been a significant ground swell of media interest in the event. Several radio interviews have been booked that want birds to be brought along, and there have been preliminary discussions with 7 Network’s Sunrise program around having coverage on the Friday and/or Saturday in the lead up to the event. The ANBC executive wants to clarify and reassure fanciers that while budgerigars will be featured in these radio and television interactions, the birds used will not compromise the integrity of the National event and the associated judging. Furthermore, these interactions will not breach the ANBC’s media policy.
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West Australian Budgerigar Council (WABC) Fundraising Raffle for 2028 Nationals
Our good friends over in the West are working hard to raise money to host the Nationals in 2028. Get behind them by supporting their Auction, or their Cash Raffle. Details are below, as well as a link to Les Woodcock, who can connect you with tickets.
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In The Media
The BCSA was fortunate enough to be interviewed by Kim Napier from ABC Tasmania in the lead up to the Nationals regarding the value of joining your local budgie club. “I joined my local club as a teenager,” Troy says. “I still remember the thrill of learning from experienced breeders , discovering the different budgie colours and soaking up their knowledge. You’re immersed in that village that it takes to raise a kid. I felt like I was part of something and looked forward to meetings every month. There’s a whole world to be discovered, with a passionate and committed network of people. Breeding budgies combines scientific interest, artistic expression, social engagement, and a therapeutic escape from the stress of daily life. It’s a rewarding hobby, and being part of a community offers social connections, plus the competitive aspect of breeding adds excitement and a real sense of achievement.”To listen to the interview, follow the link below:
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In closing, we wish all our members the very best of luck at the Logan Shield this weekend. As part of the proceedings, we need to hold an SGM to finalize the formalities of electronic banking. If you can’t attend, please pass your vote to BCSA Secretary Chris Murphy.
Additionally, please remember to arrive early on Sunday to help with the staging setup at the Enfield Community Centre. Your assistance will ensure the birds can be benched and judged smoothly. And if you have some time, don’t forget to visit us at The Pet Show!
Until next week.
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Show Dates for 2024
May
- Sunday, 19 May 2024, BCSA Logan Shield Interbranch, Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield
- Saturday, 25 May 2024, ANBC National Titles, Launceston, Tasmania
- Sunday, 26 May 2024, ANBC National Titles, Launceston, Tasmania
June
- Saturday, 22 June 2024, NEBS Fisher Annual Show, 49 LeHunte St, Kilburn
- Sunday, 30 June 2024, PPBS Hutchinson’s Annual Show, Crystal Brook Council Hall
July
- Sunday, 7 July 2024, BSSA Ron Norman Show, Westbourne Park Community Centre –388 Goodwood Road Westbourne Park
- Saturday, 20 July 2024, BCSA Auction & AGM, Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield
October
- Saturday, 26 October 2024 – Budgie Fest
- Sunday, 10 November 2024 – BSSA/NEBS Interclub 2024, Westbourne Park Community Centre –388 Goodwood Road Westbourne Park
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