Friday morning began with our regular monthly spot on Tribe FM with Trevor Garard on The Generation Gap. As always, it was a terrific opportunity to speak about what has been happening across the South Australian budgerigar community. The discussion covered the many highlights from April, while also looking ahead to what can only be described as the madness of May. With shows, preparation, selection, and the build-up to Nationals all happening in quick succession, May is always one of the busiest periods on the exhibition budgerigar calendar.

Sunday saw the BSSA Stan Watson Show take place, attracting an excellent 242 local entries. The event also incorporated a Come & Try Initiative, aimed at welcoming people who are interested in learning more about the exhibition budgerigar hobby. These initiatives are incredibly important, as they give newcomers the chance to see the hobby up close, ask questions, meet experienced breeders, and gain confidence in taking their first steps.

Congratulations go to Jason and Wayne Weidenhofer, who were awarded Champion Bird of Show. Given we are now in May, we have erred on the side of caution and chosen not to include photographs of any winning birds. While the Stan Watson Show is not an official pre-selection event for the State Show, we believe it is best to be mindful during this important period of selection and the associated media blackout.

The 50th Anniversary National Titles are shaping up to be an incredible celebration of the hobby. With strong registrations, outstanding presentations, and the excitement of national competition, Southport is set to host a weekend that will be remembered for many years to come.

Looking Ahead

Attention now turns firmly to the Logan Shield, with entries closing this Saturday at 5 pm. We have already received an excellent number of entries (exceeding last year’s total of 353 entries), which is very encouraging and points to a strong day of competition across the benches. At this stage, Cinnamonwing, Dominant Pied and Normal Grey Green are shaping up as some of the most hotly contested classes. It is always great to see strong depth in these sections, and we look forward to seeing the quality presented on the day.

However, a few classes could still use some extra support. In particular, Dilute and Yellow Faced Blue would benefit from additional entries, so if you have suitable birds available, please consider putting them forward before 5 pm on Saturday. A strong spread of entries across all varieties helps create a better show, stronger competition, and a more representative State team selection process.

Once entries close, the stickers will be posted out as soon as possible. Members are encouraged to keep an eye out for this information and to check all details carefully once received. Please also note that the second revision of the show schedule includes an important update regarding bird holding arrangements. Birds will now be held at John Mulley’s prior to the event. Exhibitors should ensure they are familiar with this change and make any necessary arrangements in line with the updated schedule. With entries closing shortly and final preparations now underway, the Logan Shield is shaping up to be another important and exciting event on the South Australian budgerigar calendar.

Further into next week, attention turns to the NEBS Logan Shield Preparation Workshop. This practical, hands-on session is open to members of all budgerigar clubs across South Australia and provides a valuable opportunity to have birds assessed and prepared ahead of Sunday’s Logan Shield. Members are encouraged to bring birds along and learn from some of South Australia’s current and former State Team carers. The aim of the evening is simple: to help exhibitors present their birds in the best possible light on show day.

Whether you would like assistance preparing the mask and spots, want a more experienced eye to look over your birds, or are keen to better understand how to do the preparation yourself, this workshop will offer the right guidance in a supportive and practical setting. These sessions are especially valuable in the lead-up to a major event, as small presentation details can make a real difference on the bench. They also provide a great chance to ask questions, pick up tips, and build confidence before the Logan Shield.

The workshop will be held at Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13. All club members are welcome, and we encourage anyone preparing birds for the Logan Shield to make the most of this opportunity.

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.