The Port Broughton Christmas Party for the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society was a great success, with an excellent turnout and a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the day. Members and visitors alike enjoyed catching up, talking birds, and sharing ideas, with many commenting on how relaxed and welcoming the event felt. From all the feedback we’ve received, it seems like everyone had a truly wonderful time, making it not only a successful day for the club, but also a memorable social occasion for our budgerigar community.

The BCSA committee met via Zoom for our latest meeting, where we worked through a number of important items relating to standards and varieties. The committee passed a motion to put forward to the ANBC Colours and Standards Committee that the existing Normal Yellow Faced Blue Series in Variety Group 3 be separated into two distinct series: Normal Yellow Faced Blue Series and Normal Golden Faced Blue Series. Under the proposal, the Normal Yellow Faced Blue Series would remain in Variety Group 3, while the Normal Golden Faced Blue, designated as its own “Series”, would be separated from the Yellow Faced Blue Series and moved from Variety Group 3 to Variety Group 2. This change aims to better recognise the differences between the two mutations and provide clearer guidance for exhibitors and judges.

The BCSA also passed a further motion to submit the eye position amendment document to Colours and Standards, as featured in last week’s Bulletin. This document seeks to clarify the monocular nature of a budgerigar’s vision, particularly in relation to head feathering and how it may affect the perceived eye position from the angle in the current Standard. The intention is to improve understanding of how the eye position is interpreted within the Standard, supporting both breeders and judges in their assessment of exhibition birds. The BCSA are firm advocates that all budgerigars should be bred, exhibited, and judged with their welfare and species-typical needs in mind. Budgerigar fanciers are to be firm advocates for animal dignity.

Looking ahead to the coming week, we also have an ANBC delegates’ meeting scheduled for Monday night, which will be held online. This will be an important opportunity for States to come together, discuss current matters affecting the fancy, and progress a number of items ahead of the 2026 National Titles. Delegates will be able to raise feedback from their respective councils and clubs, helping to ensure that decisions made at ANBC level continue to reflect the needs and views of exhibitors right across Australia.

Next week we also have the BSSA Christmas party at the Goodwood Hotel, and it’s shaping up to be a lovely way to round out the year together. Seats are still available, so if you haven’t booked yet, there’s still time to join in. Members are asked to bring a Kris Kringle gift to the value of $10, which will be shared around on the night as part of the festivities. It’s always a fun, relaxed evening and a great opportunity to catch up with fellow fanciers away from the show bench.

It is also recommended that all attendees consider making their general accommodation and travel bookings at this time to avoid disappointment.