On the show bench, Con Orfanos took out first place with a Cinnamonwing Grey Green, John Mulley finished second with a Normal Grey, while Patrick O’Rourke rounded out the placings in third with a White Cap Grey. Congratulations to all three on their results.

There were a couple of other winners on the night too, with Vicki Sanford taking home the meat tray and BJ picking up the wine.

One of the main features of the evening was a PowerPoint presentation from Nigel Tonkin on The Standard of Excellence. The presentation was opened up for discussion and certainly got members talking, with plenty of responses and opinions shared around the room. It made for a good opportunity to discuss what we are aiming for on the show bench and how The Standard continues to guide both exhibitors and breeders.

The conversation also moved onto a few practical birdroom topics, including drinkers and the use of antibiotics, with members sharing their own experiences and ideas.

An important biosecurity point was also raised around the collection of cuttlefish from South Australian beaches. With the current concerns around avian influenza, members were reminded of the potential risks of bringing material collected from coastal areas back into the birdroom. It was a timely reminder that biosecurity remains an important consideration for all breeders.

All in all, another good night at NEBS with a nice mix of birds, education, discussion and social catch-up.

BSSA Auction 18 is now underway, featuring 19 birds from Dave Miller, Ken & Janet Harris, George England and Marie & Kerry Murphy. The offering includes Cinnamonwings, Normal Grey Greens, Dominant Pieds, Recessive Pieds, Normal Greens, Lacewings, Opalines, Spangles and more, with a good mix of proven breeding birds and younger stock looking for new birdrooms.

At the same time, the Sunshine Coast Premier Auction is attracting plenty of interest, with a broad line-up of birds from well-known breeders across the country. With varieties including Yellow Faced Blues, Spangles, Normal Greys, Clearbodies, Cinnamonwings, Crested birds and more, there should be something to catch the eye of most fanciers.

With both auctions running this week, it is a great opportunity to have a look through the catalogues, study the pedigrees and perhaps secure that next addition to the breeding team.