The 2025 Nationals were truly spectacular, setting a new benchmark for excellence! Budgies were all over the media, thanks to some great work by our friends at Media Stable. Over the weekend, 28 Logies were awarded, including six first-time winners stepping into the spotlight — congratulations to these new champions! Special recognition goes to South Australia’s own The Holmes Family, who claimed four Logies, and Chris & Eli Rogers from NSW with two. And let’s not forget, South Australia’s own John Mulley, as one of the National judges presiding over the event.

Victoria delivered a powerhouse performance to claim the shield at the 49th Annual Trill Expert ANBC National Titles with an impressive 595 points. They led the field ahead of New South Wales with 529 points, South Queensland on 447, South Australia with 398, North Queensland at 361, Western Australia with 348, and Tasmania scoring 259.

A historic moment was marked by the induction of two exhibitors — The Rowe Brothers and The Holmes Family — into the ANBC Breeders Excellence Division Hall of Fame. Following the event, the Boal Family and Geoff Russell are now knocking on the Hall of Fame door with three wins each in Yellow Faced Blue and Black Eyed Self varieties respectively. Other notable breeders sitting on three class wins coming into the weekend include SA’s own Peter Glassenbury (Black Eyed Self), Dave Bishop (Lutinos), Norm Wheatley (Recessive Pied), and Keith & Carol Cough (Fallows). With six wins, Western Australia’s Norm Wheatley is poised — a Logie in any variety in 2026 will secure his Hall of Fame induction.

Sheppard & Flanagan added win number 37 to their extraordinary Logie tally with a victory in the Clearwing class, inching closer to Henry George’s all-time record of 41. Hall of Famers Peter Thurn (13) and Jeffrey Leong (15) also added to their tallies.

South Australia’s The Holmes Family made history with the Individual Points Record at any Nationals — a record previously held by the legendary Henry George since 2015. With the addition of the Holmes Family and the Rowe Brothers to the Hall of Fame, every class has now been won at least once since 1983 by one or more of the Hall of Fame Inductees.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this weekend one for the history books. The future of the budgerigar fancy has never looked brighter! A special thank you goes to the 34 exhibitors who participated in the recent Logan Shield State Selection Show — kudos to our Class Winners who we can now reveal: the Holmes Family, Dennis Lomman, D & R Lange, Michael Smith, Gina & Ian Wise, Graham McCallum, George England, Tony Van Den Brink, The Longbottom Family, and Vicki Sanford. Your birds were a testament to your breeding programs, and we thank you for making your birds available to represent South Australia on the National stage.

Top 5 results from the Nationals (birds photographed on the ANBC Website) include:
Holmes Family –  3^rd Normal Green, 1^st & 3^rd Normal Grey Green, 5^th Normal Grey, 3^rd Golden Faced, 4^th Black Eyed Self, 4^th Dark Eyed Clear, 1^st Cinnamonwing, 4^th and 5^th  Spangle Double Factor, 4^th Normal Spangle, 1^st Dominant Pied, 3^rd & 5^th Recessive Pied, 1^st Australian White Cap & 2^nd in the Hens Class.
Dennis Lomman – 5^th Yellow Faced Blue Class.
Malcolm Loveridge – 3^rd Albino Class.
Graham McCallum – 4^th Opaline AOSV Class.
Shiralee Reardon – 4^th Dominant Pied & 3^rd in the Hens Class.

Each year the BSSA invites a special guest speaker from outside the budgie hobby to speak at their Club Meeting. Over the past two years, those speakers have been David Pace & Brian Reichelt. Colin promises as interactive presentation, with a focus on the challenge of the small backyard that many of us are coming up against in recent times, with shifts in urban planning.

In other news, the schedule for the NEBS 50th Annual Show has just been released, with entries closing in just over two weeks. The judging panel features Kelwyn Kakoschke, a founding member of NEBS, alongside Life Member Ian Marshall and former President Ian Wise. This promises to be a spectacular event—be sure to prepare your birds and get involved!

Also, keep an eye out this week for the latest edition of Chatter Magazine, which is currently being finalised and will be hitting inboxes and for those who’ve ordered a hardcopy, your mailboxes too.

Finally, a reminder that Expressions of Interest for the BCSA Auction in August close today. Further details are provided below.

Successful interstate events like Budgies in the Bool, Newcastle, and Riverina have shown how impactful a great pre-auction gathering can be. We’re looking to bring that same energy to South Australia this year, creating an evening where members can connect, catch up, and celebrate the hobby. Mark your calendars – Saturday 2nd August, and let’s make it a weekend to remember!

Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)

The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below, updated on May 26th. The key takeaway for bird owners is the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures. The good news is that it looks like the controlled area has reduced, which means that they’re getting on top of things. Vigilance is still required:

✅ Keep sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean
✅ Ensure footwear is clean before entering bird areas
✅ Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds or eggs

Staying vigilant with hygiene practices is essential in protecting your birds and preventing the spread of disease. Note that poultry and bird sales, shows, markets and auctions or other gatherings within the control and restricted areas are prohibited until further notice.

Join Us for the BSSA June Meeting Featuring Special Guest Colin Elix!

On Tuesday, 3 June 2025 at 7:30 pm, the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) invites you to the Unley Community Centre for a special presentation by Colin Elix, President of the Lower Murray Bird Club. Colin will share his expert insights on “Keeping Birds in a Small Backyard”, addressing the growing challenge many face with shrinking urban spaces and changing planning regulations.

Known for his engaging and interactive style, Colin’s talk promises to offer practical tips and inspire bird enthusiasts of all levels. This annual tradition of welcoming guest speakers from outside the budgerigar hobby continues after memorable talks by David Pace and Brian Reichelt in recent years.

Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or simply love birds, don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. Everyone is welcome!

Don’t Miss the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) Tender Sale!

On Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 7:30 p.m., the North East Budgerigar Society will host its highly anticipated Tender Sale, expertly coordinated by John Mulley. This popular event is always well attended and offers an excellent opportunity to secure quality local breeding stock at competitive prices.

If you wish to make birds available for sale, please notify John Mulley by Wednesday, 4 June to ensure your birds are included.

Whether you’re looking to expand your aviary or find great bargains, the NEBS Tender Sale is the place to be. Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and acquire top-notch budgerigars.

Join the Port Pirie Club for a Special Meeting and Aviary Tour!

The Port Pirie Budgerigar Club warmly invites members to a unique gathering on Sunday, 15 June 2025, at 10:30 a.m. This special meeting will be held at the beautiful residence of Malcolm and Jill Loveridge on Marina Parade, Moonta Bay.

Enjoy an exclusive tour of their impressive aviary, where you can see their carefully bred birds up close and gain valuable insights into aviary management and budgerigar care. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Please note that numbers are required for catering purposes, so kindly RSVP in advance to secure your spot.

Don’t miss this chance for a morning of learning, sharing, and community by the bay!

Don’t Miss the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) 50th Anniversary Show

Celebrate a milestone with the North East Budgerigar Society’s 50th Anniversary Show on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the Hectorville Community Centre, SA. Open to all financial members of any bird society, this all-ages show welcomes adult and young birds alike, competing under NEBS rules and recognised by the BCSA Status Movement System. Exhibitors can enter for just $1 per bird (max $20), with powder-coated cage fronts required. Entries close on Saturday, 14 June, so don’t miss your chance to showcase your birds in this prestigious event. Judging starts at 9:30 a.m., with public viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by presentations. Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or junior exhibitor, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect, compete, and celebrate five decades of budgerigar excellence with fellow enthusiasts. Plan ahead, check the hot weather policy, and get ready for an unforgettable day!

Join the Port Pirie Club for the 2025 Any Age Hutchinson Show

Celebrate the Port Pirie Hutchinson Annual Show on Saturday, 29 June 2025, at Crystalbrook. This eagerly awaited event welcomes exhibitors of all levels to showcase their finest budgerigars in a well-organised and friendly competition. Open to all financial members, the show offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, share breeding achievements, and enjoy expert judging. With categories for novice, intermediate, and junior exhibitors, everyone has a chance to shine. Mark your calendar, prepare your birds, and join the vibrant Port Pirie community for a memorable day of budgerigar excellence and camaraderie. Don’t miss out on this highlight of the local aviculture calendar!