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When birds go bad

For those of you who quite like a bit of You've Been Framed, here's an avian version for your pleasure...at times funny and at times rather scary! It serves as a warning. Even the most beautiful birds will defened themselves or their young when they feel threatened. If the birds are wild, it's best to admire them from a safe distance! No birds were harmed in the making of this video, but some small children very nearly were.

Something for the weekend

If you fancy taking a peek inside the building where we produce your Cage & Aviary Birds every week, then you can do so this weekend. 

The Blue Fin building, at 110 Southwark Street, is open to the public this Saturday and Sunday only, between 10am and 4pm, as part of London Open House. 

It's a unique chance to get a glimpse of the huge atrium inside the building, as well as taking a tour of some of the floors.

You can find out more about the building via this fact sheet.

Editor's letter (September 17 issue)

Like many publications, Cage & Aviary Birds is reliant on the post – any disruptions or delay has implications for our copy deadlines. We’ve limped along this past month or so, greeting each day wondering if we’re going to receive any mail at all, and if we do receive any mail, will it be horribly late and therefore too old for us to use?

This is all thanks to industrial action being taken by Royal Mail workers in a dispute over pay, jobs and services, which has been running on and off since early August.

Even though a great many of our readers and contributors use email, we’re still hugely dependent on the postal system for Bargain Box adverts, letters to the editor and club news. When there’s no post, we have no content, and there’s nothing more terrifying for an editor than a blank page and an imminent deadline!

This, too, has implications for those of you with subscriptions to Cage & Aviary Birds – our phone rang hot last week with numerous complaints of undelivered copies. Sadly, there’s not much we can do about that. Once the issue is printed and sent to the delivery office, it’s all in the hands of Royal Mail – and if your regional office is on strike then it’s likely your copy will be delivered late. 

We appreciate your patience during this frustrating time and hope you’ll bear with us.

To get up-to-date service information about Royal Mail you can check the website. Alternatively, you can also sign up for free email service updates.

World's smallest parrot caught on film

If you've read this week's issue (September 17) you will have seen our news story about the world's smallest parrot being caught on film for the first time.

You can watch the footage via the BBC Earth News website. 

in this week's issue (September 17)

Why we love the golden-breasted waxbill.

When to remove your lovebirds' nest-box -- and why you should do it.

Leading budgerigar fancier Ray Steele looks at why you should take the exhibition plunge.

How to tell a yellow canary from a buff one.

Microchipping birds: we investigate how it's done, why it's done and whether it's worth it.

Keep cockatiels? We list the ten tasks you need to do before winter.

PLUS, don't miss our open show calendar for the rest of the show season.

ON SALE SEPTEMBER 17.

On the plinth: parrot lover's time of reckoning inches closer

Remember our news story (September 3) about Richard Fisher, a primary school teacher, who's to spend an hour on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth -- dressed as a parrot?

Well, Mr Fisher's 60-minutes of fame is inching closer: he takes to the plinth as part of Antony Gormley's One & Other exhibition tomorrow night between 10pm and 11pm.

He's doing it all in the name of a good cause: raising funds for the National Parrot Centre, a rescue centre based in Lincolnshire.

To sponsor Richard you can visit his website and you can watch him perform his daredevil stunt tomorrow evening via the official webcam.

What's on this weekend?

Event: The South Eastern Budgerigar Club Silver Championship Open Show

When: Saturday September 12. Open to the public 2.15pm.

Where: The Weald Hall, Uckfield Civic Centre, Uckfield TN22 1AE

What’s it all about: The club's silver championship show promises a warm welcome to everyone.

To find out more: Contact Malcolm Parsons, tel: 01903 246297.

The sex life of Gouldian finches

A male Gouldian finch (Photo: Martybugs, from Wikipedia, under Creative Commons Share Alike 3.0 License)

If you've got seven minutes to spare, you might enjoy this video in which Mark Horstman reports on the extraordinary sex life of the Gouldian finch, where choosing the wrong mate can have very dire consequences.

Editor's letter (September 10 issue)

My Editor’s Letter about the importance of the work of club publicity officers (August 27) seems to have hit a nerve. Several of you got in touch to thank Cage & Aviary Birds for helping promote your club’s activities.

I wasn’t fishing for compliments when I wrote that piece, but merely wanted to put to bed the misguided belief that we played favourites and only looked after certain clubs because we liked them. The truth of the matter is that our publication is a two-way street: you tell us what’s going on and we’ll share your news with the rest of the birdkeeping community. How simple could it be?

Bearing that in mind, we were thrilled to hear that Wirral Bird Keepers smashed the record for building the world’s largest bird feeder, despite vandals’ attempts to spoil the day (see our news story, page 3). You can read more about the club’s track history in a piece by Brian Keenan (see page 20).

As I said in my original letter, proactive groups such as Wirral Bird Keepers can teach other clubs a lot about promoting the hobby and using the media to present birdkeeping in a positive light.

On a separate note, very many newly released bird books cross my desk on a regular basis, but few have made as much as an impression as the one that arrived from Australia recently. The Budgerigar by Dr Rob Marshall is an incredibly comprehensive book that covers just about everything you could possibly want to know about keeping, breeding and exhibiting these birds (see my review on page 18).

We’re delighted to give five lucky readers an opportunity to win a copy. If you wish to enter, make sure you fill out the coupon on page 5 and get it to us by the closing date.

The world's biggest bird feeder!

Congratulations to Wirral Bird Keepers who smashed the record for the building the world's biggest bird feeder. Members of the club achieved the feat on the August Bank Holiday weekend, raising more than £470 for Holylake Cottage in the process.

Sadly, the record-breaking attempt was made all that much harder by vandals who, on the eve of the attempt, cut the ropes holding the feeder up. But the resultant publicity, by various news organisations, including local press and radio stations, was a blessing in disguise, according to club secretary Brian Gregory. 

Despite the setback, the feeder was resurrected and eventually weighed in at 410kg, smashing the previous record by 313kg! You can read the full story in this week's issue, dated September 10.

To find out more about Wirral Bird Keepers visit the official website.

Book review: 'The Budgerigar' by Dr Rob Marshall

Dr Rob Marshall’s The Budgerigar is by far the most impressive avicultural book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing in my time at Cage & Aviary Birds. 

Coming in at a hefty 415 pages, with more than 2,000 colour photographs and illustrations, this isn’t so much a book as an encyclopedia. Indeed, the author himself describes it as a “definitive work” – and he’s not wrong.

This book is divided into 31 detailed chapters and includes everything a budgerigar fancier could possibly need to know about all aspects of keeping, breeding and exhibiting these ever-popular birds.

Dr Marshall, an Australian vet, has undertaken extensive field studies of wild budgerigars, specifically their natural breeding cycles, in order to “apply this knowledge for controlling the diseases of exhibition budgerigars and to improve their breeding performance”. As World Budgerigar Organisation President Gerd Bleicher writes in his foreword, “It’s the first book that looks at this little bird as a creature interacting with its harsh environment.”

The Budgerigar opens with a detailed look at the wild budgerigar and its relationship with its natural environment, including communication behaviour, moult cycle and wild diet. Dr Marshall explains how aborigines have long used their understanding of wild budgies’ breeding and feeding habits to help predict the weather and the whereabouts of fresh seeding grasses.

The next nine chapters are devoted to exhibition budgerigars, including the evolution of the ideal model, the birds’ anatomy (internal, external and feathering), the genetics of colours and varieties, and, crucially, how to produce winners.

There are other chapters on illness and disease (detection, response and management) as well as an in-depth look at stress, French moult, psittacosis, coccidiosis and megabacteria. To ensure these problems don’t get a foothold in your stud, Dr Marshall also devotes a chapter to “seasonal health programmes” jam-packed with practical information about cleaning flights, looking after your birds’ health needs during the breeding season and nutritional needs when weaning.

And if that’s not enough, you’ll find even more chapters about overcoming breeding problems (infertility, nestling deaths) and how to wean chicks safely.

If there is any quibble to be had, it may be Dr Marshall’s tendency to plug his own health and nutritional products in the latter chapters but, in the grand scheme of things, this is only a minor irritation.

Of course a book of this size and exceptional standard doesn’t come cheap. Many may balk at the price tag – around £75 (including postage) – but you’d probably not need to buy another budgerigar book ever again, because this one covers it all.

And if you’re worried that it might have a Southern Hemisphere slant, you’ll be pleased to know Dr Marshall did consult budgerigar breeders from around the world, including some of Britain’s leading exhibitors.

This is, without a doubt, the must-have reference book for any budgerigar fancier. • The Budgerigar by Dr Rob Marshall is printed in hardcover by Rob Marshall. ISBN: 9780646506686. Price: $AU114, plus $35 shipping charge. Bulk orders are cheaper. To order direct from the publisher, visit this website or tel: 0061 2 9871 7113 (have your credit card details ready). Or enter our competition to win a copy. We have five to give away. See page 5 of this week's issue, dated September 10.

In this week's issue (September 10)

Top tips on breeding, showing and muling a favourite British bird, the linnet.

Bill Naylor pays tribute to the beautiful and quirky white-crested jay thrush.

Bird curator Ian Hadgkiss shares his strong views on conservation and captive breeding.

We meet Dave Edwards, the organiser of the next Zebra Finch Society Club Show.

Nick West explores the musical world of roller canaries.

Judy Higgins explains what to do with your surplus budgerigars.

And we offer you the chance to win a copy of The Budgerigar, a superb book valued at around £59. We have five to give away.

This week's issue also comes with a handy 8-page supplement from The Birdcare Company PLUS a catalogue for the National Bird Show of the Year.

ON SALE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10.

The bittern is back

Just in case you missed yesterday's flurry of news stories about the remarkable comeback of the bittern, a bird declared extinct in 1880, here's a round-up of links:

• Shy bittern makes home on estate [BBC News]

• Bitterns boom after conservation success [The Guardian]

• Rare bird spotted breeding in Suffolk fens [Lowestoft Journal]

• Increase for the UK's most threatened bird [Country Life]

• Leading article: boom at the top [The Independent]

• Booming bird that's back from the dead [Daily Express]

Bird art to go under the hammer

Two striking posters of Australian birds by the late artist and designer Dame Eileen Mayo look set to be star attractions at a London auction this week. 

The two lots at the Christie’s sale of vintage travel posters feature the Banksian cockatoo and the emu. 

The works are expected to fetch £1,500-£2,000 each. The sale is on September 9. Contact Nicolette Tomkinson or Sophie Churcher, tel: 020 7752 3206.

What's on this weekend?

EVENT: Croydon & District BS open show – the “Champagne Classic”. WHEN: Sunday, September 6. WHERE: Centenary Hall, Wheelers Lane, Smallfield, nr Horley, Surrey. WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: It’s the club’s silver Jubilee year. Birds accepted 7-8.30pm (Sat), 8-9.15am (Sun).

OPEN TO PUBLIC: 2pm. Adults £1.50, U-12s free

TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact show secretary, tel: 01732 845717.

Editor's letter (September 3 issue)

One of the more common questions I get asked as editor of this title is whether I can name any famous people who keep birds. Aside from the stock response of Geoff Capes, I’m usually at a loss.

We know that American actress Angelina Jolie reportedly keeps an African grey and only recently someone tipped me off that Craig Phillips, the chap that won the first Big Brother back in 2000, was looking to purchase an owl. (Craig who?)

A friend in Sydney recently emailed me to say that the Premier of NSW, Nathan Rees, had admitted on radio that he has kept parrots and lovebirds for most of his adult life. Apparently he made the admission when the presenter of the morning breakfast show confessed he was not going to allow his daughter to get a pet bird.

“I have a couple of little ones (budgies) on the nest at the moment, and if you’re interested they’ll be ready in four weeks – and I’ll throw in the cage,” the Premier reportedly said.

Now, I’m not sure what kind of popularity Mr Rees enjoys, but surely a man in his position endorsing the keeping of birds can only be a good thing. Of course, we know John Randall (Conservative MP for Uxbridge) keeps birds, having featured him in an article in these fair pages several years ago, but can you imagine how the profile of this hobby would be lifted if a Cabinet minister confessed he kept budgerigars or canaries? 

Better still, imagine if the Prime Minister came out and said he was building an aviary in the back of Number 10!

So, if you know anyone who could be a poster boy – or girl – for the hobby, do let us know. We birdkeepers need all the good publicity we can get...

In this week's issue (September 3)

The celestial parrotlet: could it be the next big thing for breeders and exhibitors?

The Fischer's lovebird is under threat: here's what you can do to help ensure its survival.

Are zebra finches ideal birds for beginners? Two fanciers take opposing sides in our monthly hot debate.

Judy Higgins explains why breeding budgerigars is a lifetime commitment.

We introduce a new weekly series celebrating avicultural favourites: this week it's the Bengalese finch.

Plus lots, lots more, including a comprehensive round-up of all the open shows happening in October.

ON SALE SEPTEMBER 3.

Animal hypnosis

If you've ever wanted to know how to hypnotize a bird, well, just take a look at this video! I'm not sure why exactly you would want to do it, but I think I'd feel more comfortable trying it on a pigeon or chicken than an alligator!

What's on this weekend?

EVENT: Somerset BS Gold Patronage Open Show.

WHEN: Sunday August 30.

WHERE: Bridgwater Sports & Social Club, Bath Road, Bridgwater.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: President Tim Potter has donated £200 from his annual bingo evening to the club’s cash prize fund. A special enhanced prize list and trophies will be open to paying club members.

TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 01278 455621.

Editor's letter (August 27 issue)

One of the most important roles in any bird club is that of publicity officer. You need to be enthusiastic, well organised and confident, but you also need to be imaginative in order to come up with good ideas to promote your club. And you need to know what the media wants – and how they prefer it to be delivered.

I mention this because recently a reader grumbled to me that the only way his club could gain coverage in the pages of Cage & Aviary Birds was if he changed its name to Wirral Birdkeepers, or the Budgerigar Society of Ireland. I told him this was rubbish.

The reason those two clubs get coverage in our pages is not because we favour them over any other club, but because they continually let us know what is going on. Both clubs regularly send out press releases by email and make themselves available, either by email or phone, if we need to find out more. And they send pictures and a report after the event for inclusion.

Other clubs could learn a lot from the ways in which these organisations promote themselves.

The Wirral Birdkeepers are to be particularly commended for being so incredibly pro-active and imaginative in spreading the word about their activities. This coming weekend they’re attempting to break a world record (see News, page 3, in this week's issue) and attracting all kinds of media coverage, including local radio and press, as a result. This is brilliant for them, but also brilliant for birdkeeping as a whole, because it presents the hobby in a positive light.

 

So instead of complaining that Wirral Birdkeepers gets too much attention in Cage & Aviary Birds, how about taking a leaf out of their book and telling us all the great things your club is doing to promote the hobby? You know our address...

'Missing' species: have you seen them?

If you've read this week's issue (dated August 27) you will know that BirdLife International is on the lookout for 47 species of bird that have not been seen for up to 184 years. 

Here's the list in full:

Africa: Alaotra Grebe; Archer's Lark; Liberian Greenbul; and Slender-billed Curlew. Asia: Banggai Crow; Blue-fronted Lorikeet; Crested Shelduck; Himalayan Quail; Javan Lapwing; Negros Fruit-dove; Pink-headed Duck; Rueck's Blue-flycatcher; Siau Scops-owl; Silvery Wood-pigeon; Slender-billed Curlew; Sulu Bleeding-heart; and White-eyed River-martin. Australasia: Beck's Petrel; Makira Moorhen; New Caledonian Lorikeet; New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar; New Caledonian Rail; and Night Parrot. Caribbean: Bachman's Warbler; Ivory-billed Woodpecker; Jamaica Petrel; Jamaican Pauraque; and Semper's Warbler. Central America: Guadalupe Storm-petrel and Imperial Woodpecker. Europe: Slender-billed curlew. North America: Bachman's Warbler; Eskimo Curlew; Ivory-billed Woodpecker; Nukupuu (Hawaii); Oahu Alauahio (Hawaii); Olomao (Hawaii); Ou (Hawaii); and Poo-uli (Hawaii). Oceania: Nukupuu; Oahu Alauahio; Olomao; Ou; Pohnpei Starling; Poo-uli; Red-throated Lorikeet; and Samoan Moorhen. South America: Antioquia Brush-finch; Blue-eyed Ground-dove; Eskimo Curlew; Glaucous Macaw; Hooded Seedeater; Kinglet Calyptura; Rio de Janeiro Antwren; Spix's Macaw; Tachira Antpitta; and Turquoise-throated Puffleg.

In this week's issue (August 27)

Want to breed top-quality canaries that will do well on the show bench? We have some handy tips on how you can boost your odds of achieving exhibition success.

We meet top Dutch budgerigar breeder Jac Cuyten.

Paul Cotton explains the essentials of purchasing healthy lovebirds.

Our weekly British bird file tells you everything you need to know about keeping, breeding and showing blackcaps.

Vet Brian Stockdale explains how and why birds can favour a gender bias, while vet Kevin Eatwell takes us through the diagnosis of a parrot that had gone very quiet and lost weight. 

Plus all the usual news, and show reports from across the UK and Eire.

ON SALE AUGUST 27.

Skateboarding budgie

How's this for a clever budgerigar?

He can also play basketball, football, rugby, tennis and American football.

For the full story and more pictures see this week's issue (dated August 27) on sale Thursday.

Park celebrates captive-breeding of a beach stone-curlew

How's this for a pair of feet? 

They belong to a beach stone-curlew chick (Esacus neglectus), the first to be bred in captivity.

The bird was hatched at the Territory Wildlife Park (TWP) near Darwin, Australia. The park was also the first to keep this scarce species - it is listed as Near-threatened on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - in captivity.

TWP assistant curator life sciences, Damien Stanioch, said: “Beach stone-curlews are choosy about their habitat and will only live and nest in areas with the right balance of mangroves, sand and rocks to assist survival of the chick. This newborn chick represents a great success in the breeding and research programme at the park.”

The beach stone-curlew has become rare on the eastern coast of Australia. It lays only one egg on the beach, just above the high-tide mark. This habit has left the species vulnerable to habitat loss and predation, since it needs undisturbed open beaches, exposed reefs, mangroves and tidal sand.  

Mr Stanioch said: “Beach stone-curlews have to contend with a great deal of environmental pressures. They must not only fend off birds of prey, egg-stealing monitors and other predators, but must lay their egg between the king tides to ensure an incubation period of 30 days.

“We didn’t really know whether they would successfully breed in captivity, given that the parents themselves were hand-raised to help them adjust into a captive environment.”

The chick is expected to live in the family unit for about 18 months – as in the wild, helping to raise the next season’s chick before becoming independent.

We first reported on this story in our August 20, 2009 issue.

What's on this weekend?

EVENT: Southern Classic Budgerigar Silver Championship Open Show.

WHEN: Saturday August 22. Open to the public at 2.30pm.

WHERE: Lancing Parish Halls, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8AJ.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: This show offers a warm welcome to experienced show-goers and newcomers alike.

TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact Malcolm Parsons, tel: 01903 246297

Editor's letter (August 20 issue)

Having recently survived a major refurbishment of my flat, I know how difficult it can be to find a suitable place to keep things in storage while the builders are hard at work. Bird clubs up and down the country that stage annual shows will know what I’m talking about. Where, for instance, do you put all that show staging when it’s not required?

Regular contributor Jim Addison shares a funny tale about this very subject which is bound to resonate with many of you. In Jim’s article “So where do you keep yours?” (see this week's issue, page 10), he recounts how one set of club staging has lived in an old folks’ home, a greenhouse and various attics. If only staging could talk, what a tale this particular lot would have to tell – especially as it seems to have been on the move for about 40 years!

If you have a similar tale to tell about your club’s difficulties in keeping the staging safe when it’s not needed, or, better still, a solution that might work for others, then do write in and let us know. 

In other news, it’s great to see some interesting captive breeding successes being recorded in zoos and bird parks this year. In this week’s issue we report on a world first – a beach stone-curlew in Australia – and a surprise shy giant wood-rail here in the UK (see page 3 in this week's issue for both stories).

Finally, if you don’t mind the odd tipple, don’t forget to enter our competition to win a case of 20 bottled beers from around the world. We have four to give away, and each case is worth £29.95. To enter, turn to page 5 of this week's issue, fill in the entry form and send it to us by the September 30 closing date. Good luck!

Police smash canary-fighting ring

Regular readers of our print edition may remember that we ran a story in our August 6 issue about a canary-fighting ring being smashed in the US. 

Yes, you read that right: a canary-fighting ring. 

Police confiscated more than 150 canaries and saffron finches that were apparently being primed for bird fighting, along with $US8,000 in cash, after a raid on a suburban house in Shelton, Connecticut on July 26. A total of 19 people were charged with cruelty to animals and illegal gambling.

Here's how one US TV station covered the story.

In this week's issue (August 20)

Madagascar lovebirds are dying out in captivity but we meet a breeder who is bucking the trend.

We meet a woman who has opened her home to unwanted parrots as part of Birdline UK's volunteer rehoming scheme.

We also meet a South African birdkeeper who keeps kookaburras.

In this week's British bird file we take a look at an old favourite, the blackbird.

Judy Higgins introduces the yellowface albino budgerigar.

Plus all the usual news, letters, club and show reports from across the country.

And don't forget to enter our competition to win one of four cases of world beers, valued at £29.95, courtesy of Beer Here.

ON SALE AUGUST 20.

For those who love lovebirds

I often get asked for tips and advice on keeping lovebirds, particularly by bird lovers who are new to the hobby and didn't really know what they were getting themselves into. They're beautiful little birds so you can understand how they would appeal so much to new fanciers, but they can also be quite vicsious little things! Here are a few short videos, though, that cover some of the basics. If you're thinking about getting a lovebird for the first time, the advice in these videos should get you off to a flying start.

What's on this week

EVENT: Welsh Zebra Finch Society show WHEN: Sunday, August 16 WHERE: Barry Comprehensive School, Port Road, Barry. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: The society prides itself in the engraved crystal glass trophies it awards to all section winners. Entry is set at 50p per cage and refreshments will be readily available to entrants. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 01446 711243 evenings or weekends.

Editor's letter (August 13 issue)

How ironic. I have followed the worldwide spread of avian flu with keen interest, for obvious reasons, over the past four or more years, so when swine flu came along, I breathed a sigh of relief. I imagine many of you did likewise. At last, our birds were seemingly off the hook, and pigs were in the firing line.

So imagine my shock and horror to come down with a suspected case of swine flu last week. I say “suspected” because I will never know if it was the real deal. GPs are refusing to see patients with flu-like symptoms (to stop the spread of the virus in waiting rooms – or “petri dishes” as I like to call them) so there’s no chance of having a swab taken to confirm the presence of H1N1.

Indeed, it looks like the only way you can confirm if you are infected with H1N1 is if you are admitted to hospital with respiratory problems or die of the disease. Fortunately, my dose wasn’t that serious.

My symptoms included a high fever, aches and pains, a thumping headache and a throat that felt like I’d swallowed a dozen razorblades. It was “cured” by lots of bed rest (try five days), about two boxes of paracetamol, countless Strepsils and a sympathetic partner who provided lots of soothing drinks, hot soup and the odd bit of toast.

Funnily enough, the box of Tamiflu I acquired after filling out the NHS Direct assessment form online remained unopened. It’s only effective if you start taking the anti-viral medication within 48 hours of the first symptoms appearing, and I got my script a little too late. I expect at some point in the future it may come in useful – particularly if it turns out that my latest illness wasn’t swine flu at all.

Tamiflu is being issued free of charge, but you’re only entitled to one box – ever. I’d hate to think I wasted it!

In this week's issue (August 13)

A fond look at how the zebra finch became a popular caged bird in the UK.

How to produce live food on a budget.

9 products to keep your parrot happy.

Why black beaks aren't good news when it comes to baby budgerigars.

A quick overview of that lovely British bird, the black redstart.

 

We meet Yorkshire canary fancier Stephen Nicholl.

ON SALE AUGUST 13.

Fly like a bird

Check out what some of our boys overseas did to their helicopter! This very special Mi-24 helicopter is presently flying in Afghanistan , where it is no doubt causing quite a stir.

What's on this week

EVENT: Hastings BS Open Show WHEN: Sunday, August 9 WHERE: Village Hall, Main Street, Northiam, Rye. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: Visitors and competitors alike are welcome to Hastings BS's big show of the year. The club's members will also be on hand to offer newcomers practical advice on keeping and breeding budgerigars. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel" 01424 714397

Editor's Letter (August 6)

The now-defunct National Cage & Aviary Birds Exhibition, which ran for 60 years, holds a very special place in birdkeeping history. Sadly, I never got to attend this landmark event, because by the time I joined the staff of Cage & Aviary Birds, in May 2005, the last 'National' had been held (in 2003) and the 2004 event cancelled. For various reasons ­ political, financial and legal ­ it has not been held since. And yet the importance of the event, upon which the whole of the exhibition fancy once revolved, has not gone unnoticed by Yours Truly. I still meet fanciers who tell me about the National and how much they miss it. We still hear the odd rumour or two about clubs or various individuals wanting to resurrect it. Unfortunately, IPC Media, the company that publishes Cage & Aviary Birds and staged the National, is no longer in a position to run such a large event (the cost, alone, would be astronomical in today's current market), which is why under my editorship I have done what I can to support the Parrot Society's (PS) quest to develop a national cage bird exhibition to move on from where we left off. Initially, many fanciers viewed the PS's Bird Show of the Year with some scepticism, if not a little touch of hostility. But with nothing else to fill the void in the birdkeeping calendar left by the National, more and more clubs, societies and avicultural firms have got behind it. Last year's event had a real buzz about it ­ and this year's, to be held in October, looks set to be even bigger and better. Here at Cage & Aviary Birds we are more than happy to lend the word 'National' to the show's new, extended name ­ The National Bird Show of the Year ­ and hope that those of you who haven't attended in the past will do so in the future.

In this week's issue (August 6)

Hot news on this year's Bird Show of the Year! We reveal that it is to adopt a new name – the National Bird Show.

Leading Java sparrow fanciers offer their expert tips on how to keep and breed these star hardbills. By Brent Jackson.

Are exhibition budgerigars big and ugly? In Hot Debate, Jim Wright says Yes and Roy Stringer says No. Who do you agree with?

Top budgerigar showman Ray Steele asks, is it in our birds' best interest to try to emulate their wild conditions in captivity?

If your canary breeding season has gone awry, don't miss Brian Keenan's article on how you can kick-start it.

Plus there's a young lady on page 16 we think you ought to see!

Forget pigeon racing...

I've often wondered what would win in a running race between a penguin and an ostrich. After viewing this video evidence, I have to say I'm still none the wiser. I should also point out that the whole 'ostriches sticking their heads in the sand when there scared' thing is a myth!

What's on this week

EVENT: Southend & District B&FBS 53rd Open Championship Show WHEN: Sunday, August 2 WHERE: Hadleigh Hall, John Burrows, Recreation Ground, Rectory Road (off A13), Hadleigh, Essex SS7 1NA. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: Entry 50p per cage (25p for juniors and sales). Judging commences at 9.30am; doors open to the public at 2.30pm TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact Ghalib Al-Nasser. tel: 01787 282332, al-nasser@cbb4u.co.uk

Editor's letter (July 30 issue)

Saving the Gouldian finch in the wild is a big and expensive exercise. That’s the expert view of Mike Fidler, the British aviculturist and Gouldian lover, who went to Australia and set up a special conservation fund to save one of the world’s most endangered birds.

Mike, who has penned this week’s cover story, is co-founder of the Save the Gouldian Fund (STGF), which has been up and running since 2005. Many of you will already be familiar with the STFG’s work given that numerous bird clubs in the UK provide financial support. But for those of you who haven’t heard about it, the STFG is tasked with promoting awareness and funding scientific research into the decline of this beautiful Australian native species, whose numbers are estimated at just 2,500 mature birds in the wild.

One of the driving forces behind the STFG’s establishment was Mike’s desire to give something back to nature but also to reverse birdkeeping’s negative image. “With STGF we have a genuine chance to save the Gouldian,” he writes. “And if we do that, what better publicity could aviculture get?”

Indeed.

You can read all about the STFG, including its aims and ongoing research activities, on pages 14 & 15 of this week's issue. If you feel inspired to do your bit, then visit the Save the Gouldian Fund website to make a donation or send a cheque/money order (preferably in Australian dollars) payable to Save The Gouldian Fund to: SAVE THE GOULDIAN FUND, PO BOX 147, COORANBONG, NSW 2265, AUSTRALIA.

We plan on covering more of the fund’s work in future issues, so if you have any questions for Mike, do let us know and we’ll forward them on for a response.

In the meantime, if you keep Gouldian finches, why not pen us an article about them and share your experiences with other fanciers. You don’t need to be the world’s best writer as we’ll edit it here to read correctly, plus we’ll pay you for your efforts. Drop me an email to find out more…

In this week's issue (July 30)

Mike Fidler describes the splendid work of the Save the Gouldian Fund to conserve the dazzling Gouldian finch in its Aussie homeland.

We ask whether the much-reviled sparrowhawk is really guilty of the many crimes that it's accused of.

Brian Keenan shares his memories of an amazing day judging 600 Yorkshire canaries in Istanbul.

Asian starlings and mynas are profiled by experienced fancier Rob Monk.

Champion showman Bernard Howlett starts a new A-Z series on his favourite birds - British. Bernard kicks off with the lively accentor or dunnock.

And our news team lifts the lid on another wacky "birds for sale" internet scam - Pekin robins like you've never seen! 

Don't miss it...

Full details of the Budgerigar Society's 2009 show announced

THE BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY’S CLUB SHOW 2009 On Saturday and Sunday 26th & 27th September, at The Dome, Doncaster Now is the time when exhibitors, and non-exhibitors, BS members and non-members who like shows, look forward to the Show Season. Hopefully prominent in their thoughts (with their own local show) will be THE National Budgerigar event – The BS Club Show. This year, the Club Show Committee have introduced a number of changes which we hope will both enhance the event, and encourage more fanciers to exhibit -- and perhaps enter birds in our Sales Classes, which is always a very busy and successful market place! More of this later. Main Arrangements:- THE JUDGES selected for this great event are:- Bob Allen (Western Counties B& FBS) Roy Aplin (Western Counties B & FBS), Ray Brown (Yorkshire BS), Eric Evill (South Midlands BB), Marlene Ferguson (Scottish BS), Bob Francis (BS President) , Don Havenhand (Yorkshire BS), Keith Leedham (Midland Budgerigar Association),Michael Little (Northern BS), Robert McLean (Scottish BS), Gren Norris (Lincolnshire & East Anglia BS), Pat Norris (Lincolnshire & East Anglia BS), Bob Travnicek (United States of America), Trevor Treheege (Former Trainee judge of the Year),Gary Warren (Welsh BS) These will be augmented by four extra judges, engaged to speed up the selection of birds for the section line-ups. Those four judges have been selected from next year’s list of colour judges for next year’s show. • ENTRIES CLOSING DATE. Many fanciers have, over the years, said that they are reluctant to enter birds because of the gap between entries day and the Show date,the closing date for entries will be Tuesday 15th September. There will also be space on the entry form for exhibitors' email address so that they can sent confirmation of receipt of entries • STEWARDS The Budgerigar Society’s Team of Stewards has an enviable reputation for its hard work and efficiency, throughout the show from the erection of staging on the Friday to its dismantling on the Sunday night. Would you like to be part of this ‘happy band’ ? If so, please contact Pete Smith, 32 Wakefield Road, Snydale, Pontefract, West Yorks WF7 6BT Telephone:01977 780102 Email wfpete70@aol Or Dave Hislop 389 North Drive, Cleveleys, Lancs FY5 3PF Tel: 01253 855894 Email dave.Hislop@btinternet.com Preferences will be given to stewards prepared to help in addition to Saturday morning. The stewards list will close at the end of August, or when sufficient numbers have been reached. • BOOKING IN ARRANGEMENTS Birds will now also be accepted on the Saturday morning of the show, to make it easier for many fanciers who do not like their birds to spend more one night away from home --and of course to reduce accommodation costs to those exhibitors. Exhibitors will be asked, on their entry form, to specify whether they will bring their birds on the Friday night or the Saturday morning. This will allow the Show Management team to anticipate the number of stewards they will need for checking in duties on each day. We would ask fanciers to let us know of any subsequent change to that declared booking-in date, by phone to Dave Hislop or Pete Smith – phone details will be in the schedule Fanciers bringing their birds on the Saturday morning are particularly asked to be prompt. Birds will be received on that day from 7:30am to 9:30am ( Friday times are 2pm to 10pm) JUDGING commences at 10am prompt SEMINARS COMMENCE 10am SHOW OPEN TO PUBLIC It is envisaged that the show will be open by 3:30, on completion of judging. Fanciers will appreciate that this is the start of a new procedure and we would ask them to understand that there may be some variance on this – a little time either side. To help to achieve this timing, arrangements have been put into place to minimize the time taken in judging, as stated in the judging paragraph above. For this same reason, for example, there will be no individual introduction of the judges as they appear to take part in judging the major specials, because of the additional time that this ceremony takes. We feel that this will not detract from the overall spectacle of Best in Show ,etc judging. Obviously, all such procedures will be reviewed for future events. • CAR PARKING Exhibitors with 20 or more birds to bench will be provided with a facility to enable them to get closer to the hall for unloading and loading their birds. • SALES CLASSES. There is NO separate admission charge for entry in to the Sales arena this year. The £3 bird per Sales bird entry fee will remain. Notices will be displayed to confirm that birds can only be sold to BS/ or Area Society members, because of DEFRA regulations, so members are asked to advise their local fanciers who are not currently members of at least their Area society that this regulation will be followed. • ADVERTISING RATES: Area/Specialist Societies will be charged £15 per half page, £25 per full page, offering a considerable reduction on the commercial rates. • SPECIAL AWARDS remain in the excellent hands of Ken Whiting, but have been amended. The awards will be crystal for Best in Show, Best Young Bird, Best Any Age, Best Opposite Sex Any Age & Best Opposite Sex Young Bird, Smaller Crystal awards for Any Age and Young bird in each section. All such items to be engraved and in presentation boxes. Juniors will receive sports vouchers and a framed certificate. Judges and speakers’ memento to be a framed coloured certificate. • Prize money to remain the same, for Section Awards down to 5th place in each section ( Juniors down to 3rd). • Admission charges are also held at £6. Catalogues will be on sale at £5 -- by post £6. • Sections down to 20 as before for the Premier Area Breeder Competition; • PHOTOGRAPHY; Fanciers are again asked to note that there is no photography allowd until the show open and No flash photography by any other than the official show photographers". • The Australian Finch Society Club Show, held in conjunction with our 2008 , for the first time, proved such a success for both organisations that the format is to be repeated this year, enhanced by more varieties catered for by the Australian Finch society. • The Rare Variety & Colour BS have offered to present a display of birds of the different varieties on that society’s stand. Hopefully all our visitors ( aspiring judges) will take the opportunity to study and compare the different varieties that appear on the judging/show bench. DEFRA regulations will, of course, be fully complied with. Further details will be reported as and when they are finalized, and all aspects of “CLUB SHOW WEEK-END”, including details of the Seminars, The Annual Dinner Dance, Bowling night and all such peripheral events will be covered in those reports All in all, NOW is probably the time for local and Area Societies to arrange Coach parties to the show. Make this marvellous event part of your society’s activities and help to draw fanciers to you local societies as well as this national event !! And, for the future ………….Show Date for 2010 - 2nd/3rd October Show Date for 2011 - lst/2nd October Finally, a rather important, if disturbing issue:- DO YOU WATCH AND ENJOY RED NOSE DAY, INCLUDING THE VARIOUS AUCTIONS WHICH TAKE PLACE ? DO YOU FIND THE (USUALLY) EXORBITANT PRICES PAID UNREASONABLE, because most folk cannot afford the top prices offered - or is it OK to help a “GOOD CAUSE”? There had been some controversy this year over the Auction of Promises, which has stood the BS Club Show finances in good stead, thus allowing Entry fees, Admission charges, etc to be kept down.. Apparently, some members who witnessed this popular feature have criticised the large sums that some of the items raised, feeling that this may give an undue message about the cost of the fancy for ordinary and possibly new members. This reaction is rather disappointing, and the committee feels that the fanciers who have expressed such concern have missed the point of the whole exercise. The Auction of Promises is, very much like so many similar events that most of us have witnessed on the television and other large events (e.g “Red Nose Day”) – a charity auction, at which the money raised often bears little relationship to the commercial value of some of the goods on offer. It is an entertaining way for such benefactors of the society to make their donations and give financial backing to an event which incurs such considerable costs. To describe such transactions as a ridiculous amount of money being spent ignores the fact that such ‘good works’ give a lot of folk a lot of pleasure and therefore do not deserve to be criticized so strongly. This ‘criticism’ out of the way, I feel that I must stress that the Show committee is greatly encouraged by the letters received from members. It is good that so many of our fanciers have the welfare of the society at heart to the extent that they take the trouble to ‘put pen to paper’ to express their thoughts. We urge such members to keep their contributions coming – on all matters pertaining to Club Show week-end Dave Herring BS Publicity Officer

Handy links

Here are three web links we’ve added to our Bookmarks list recently - all essential for the serious bird person, we reckon.

www.worldbirdnames.org/ Website of the International Ornithological Congress. Sounds heavy, but lets you download a checklist of all the world’s bird species, with recommended scientific and English names, which keeps up with the latest changes in taxonomy. Could save you a lot of money on a big fat book!

www.jncc.gov.uk/page-4341 Tells you what all those Schedules of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 mean. Up to date, too.

www.iucnredlist.org/ Tells you the official threat category (Endangered, Vulnerable, etc) for any species you choose - not just birds.

Rare laughingthrush on video

In the July 2 Cage & Aviary Birds, Nick West described how aviculturists are saving the extremely rare blue-crowned laughingthrush. By coincidence, only last month, a birdwatcher filmed a flock of these lovely birds in the wild, probably for the first time. This hand-held footage (with sound!) was taken near the village of Wuyuan in south-east China - just about the only place where this incredibly rare species (here called Courtois's laughingthrush) can be found outside aviculture. 

What's on this week

EVENT: Hull Budgerigar Society Annual show WHEN: Sunday, July 26 WHERE: Milburn Liesure Centre, Wheeler Street, Anlaby Road, Hull. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: More than 400 birds are expected from all over the UK. There's a tombola and raffle, a bar and refreshments of tea, coffee and cakes. Show opens to the public at 1pm. Admission is £1.50 per adult. OAPs and children 50p. TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact Colin Brockwell, tel: 01482 532039.

Editor's letter (July 23 issue)

It's that time of year again, when budgerigar clubs up and down the country begin holding their club shows. Indeed, some, such as South Hampshire BS and Darlington & Spennymoor BS, have already held theirs, and there’s a handful more scheduled for this coming weekend.

As ever, the subject of exhibition budgies will no doubt raise its (big ugly?) head, whether at the shows themselves or via my email inbox. During last year’s show season I received many emails (none of which were for publication) which claimed that the breeding of budgerigars had gone too far. 

Some questioned whether it was detrimental to the fancy to keep breeding big, brow-headed birds that look nothing like the wild budgerigars from which they descend. 

Others claimed that the quest for size meant that the birds’ feathering had altered to the “point of no return”.

Personally, I do not think it is the Editor’s job to decide what a show budgerigar should look like – that is the role of the Budgerigar Society. Still, I thought it an interesting topic to debate: are exhibition budgerigars big and ugly? Regular contributor Jim Wright and editor-at-large Roy Stringer have agreed to battle it out – in a most gentlemanly manner, of course – in our next Hot Debate, which runs in the August 6 issue.

Obviously, it would be great to hear what you, the reader, think of this issue, whether you breed and keep budgerigars or not. If you’d care to send your thoughts, in roughly 50 words, to us by next Friday (July 31), we’ll choose a selection to run on the page. Please send to the usual address or email us with ‘Hot Debate’ in the subject line.

In the meantime, best of luck on the show bench!

In this week's issue (July 23)

Geoff Masson explains the intricate delicacy of helping to breed hornbills in captivity.

Pauline James meets a breeder of white-fronted Amazons.

Brian Keenan looks at colour feeding canaries.

Judy Higgins provides some hot tips on keeping budgerigars on a tight budget.

Vet Neil Forbes issues some advice on avoiding tick-related diseases in your birds, while vet Kevin Eatwell takes us through an ill parrot's diagnosis step-by-step.

Plus lots, lots more!

ON SALE JULY 23.

Free range roosters that like to shop

How's this for a quirky story? Four roosters have set up home on a building site in Brisbane, Australia. And if that wasn't surreal enough, the funny foursome cross the road every day where they amuse themselves in a local shopping centre. You can read the full story via the Pine Rivers Press.

Event of the week: Darlington & Spennymoor BS Open Show

EVENT: Darlington & Spennymoor BS open show.

WHEN: Sunday July 12.

WHERE: Greenfield Comprehensive School, Newton Aycliffe DL5 7LF.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: Everyone interested in budgerigars will receive a warm welcome at the open show, whether they’re showing birds or not. John Alcock, Peter Hutchinson and Adrian Richards will be on hand to take care of the judging duties.

TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact the show secretary, Ian Clarke. Tel: 01325 311562.

Editor's letter (July 16 issue)

If we ever run short of letters to print in our newspaper, we have a sure-fire way of generating a response: simply get someone to take a pop at sparrowhawks. 

Yes, our mail bag has been bulging at the seams ever since one correspondent wrote in to tell us he blamed the sparrowhawk for the decline in the songbird population (“Hawks to blame?” June 4).

So many of you jumped to the sparrowhawk’s defense I’ve been unable to publish every letter, particularly as some ran to pages and pages. (Please note, a letter’s more likely to be published if it’s less than 250 words.)

There’s obviously something about birds of prey that gets people all worked up. While most of our readers aren’t falconers, I get the impression that most of you admire these birds for their beauty and majesty. How many of us haven’t been awe-inspired when seeing such birds up close and personal, whether in the wild or at flying demonstrations at local festivals or falconry centres.

Indeed, these birds are so popular, more than 10,000 people turned up to last weekend’s International Festival of Falconry in Reading (see page 3 of this week's issue.)

But despite their adoration, many birds of prey continue to be killed in the wild even though it is illegal to do so. Recently the RSPB asked bird enthusiasts to sign an online pledge to demand an end to this illegal killing. In just two days more than 10,000 people had added their names (see Week in Numbers, page 5, in this week's issue).

The illegal trade of these birds (and their eggs) is also on the rise, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which published a Guide to Falconry Species last week. The guide aims to curb the illegal trade by making these birds clearly identifiable to the public, poachers and law enforcement officials around the globe.

In this week's issue (July 16)

How to spot whether you have a winning bird in your exhibition stud of budgerigars.

Our parrot columnist Dot Schwarz reports on last month's International Parrot Symposium in Dublin.

Bill Naylor salutes the diamond firetail finch from Australia.

Brian Keenan argues that the Yorkshire canary fancy needs a whole new approach to judging.

Terry Gonsolvis tells us how he breeds zosterops (white-eyes) and bulbuls.

British bird fancier Roger Tippett pays tribute to the redpoll.

Plus lots, lots more.

ON SALE JULY 13.

6,000 visitors

Overnight we clocked our 6,000th visitor to this blog. 

Please note that about 5,000 of those visits have been made by Cage & Aviary Birds staff since we launched this humble little blog back in January. 

Well, you've got to keep track of what your colleagues are doing...

Rare parrot flies north in search of food

Photograph reproduced from Wikipedia under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License. 

Birdwatchers in mainland Australia are being treated to a rare sight: flocks of swift parrots have been spied in south-east New South Wales.

The species, which breeds on the island state of Tasmania, is endangered with only about 1,000 pairs remaining in the wild. The birds normally migrate between Tasmania and the west of the Great Dividing Range (the mountain range that runs along the eastern seaboard), but scientists believe the drought has forced them to migrate further north than usual in search of food.

You can find out more via this story on the ABC news site.

Club fundraising: Andy sacrifices 15 years' worth of flowing locks to boost club coffers

Left: Andrew Parsons, with 15 years worth of long, flowing golden locks. Right: Andrew Parsons, after his sponsored haircut!

You've got to hand it to Andy Parsons of Clwyd Budgerigar Society. Although he doesn't look too happy in the shot on the right, he should be. Thanks to his recent sacrificial sponsored haircut, he helped raised around £200 for club coffers.

If your club is doing anything unusual to raise club funds then do let us know -- we'd love to cover it here, on the blog, and in our newspaper, giving you two bites of the cherry, as it were.

Either leave us a comment below or email us at the address in the menu bar on the right.

Event of the week: The International Festival of Falconry

Looking for something to do this weekend? Then don't miss the second International Festival of Falconry taking place at the Enfield Estate, near Reading, Berkshire, today, Saturday and Sunday.

Organisers, the UK Hawk Board (the umbrella body for UK falconers), and sponsors, Emirates Falconers’ Club, are expecting more than 10,000 people over the weekend. 

The event will bring together people from 50 nations representing Europe, Arabia, Central and Southern Asia and South America. There will be displays, parades and opportunities to learn and share knowledge about falconry and a wide range of falconry-related activities including breeding, training, desert culture, wildlife conservation and leather craft.

Some of the highlights:

Royal Gift: His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan will present Prince Andrew with the gift of a gyrfalcon at the festival on Sunday. Grand Parade: Each day the Festival will close with a grand parade, where representatives from the different nations will participate in traditional costume, with their hawks, falcons and eagles in a heart-stopping display of common purpose and love of sport. Children’s day: 500 local school children will visit the festival today and watch displays and receive tuition. The BBC’s Springwatch presenter Chris Packham will give a presentation about falconry in the main grandstand at 12.15. UNESCO: The Emirates Falconers’ Club is spearheading the international submission to UNESCO for falconry to be recognised as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. The festival will give the club the opportunity to engage with the attending UNESCO delegation and showcase the many facets of falconry on display.

For more information, including ticket prices, visit the official website.

Editor's letter (July 9 issue)

Hands up if you love fundraising! Hmm... thought so. And yet raising money is a key part of keeping bird clubs afloat – and never more so in these tough economic times. 

You can always raise your annual subscription to ensure your club stays out of the red, but it’s not always a popular move, which is why you need to find new, imaginative and fun ways to boost the coffers.

Clwyd Budgerigar Society is one club that has done just that. If you’ve read our news story on page 3 of this week's issue, then you will already know that it recently raised a welcome £500 through two key sponsored events. Andrew Parsons had all his hair shaved off while Fran Smith agreed to stay silent and not smoke for 30 minutes.

Last week we also reported on Wirral Birdkeepers’ unique fundraiser (“Wanted: 130kg of birdseed”, July 2) in which it plans to smash the record for building the world’s largest bird-feeder in August.

These kinds of initiatives are prime examples of thinking “outside of the box” to not only generate much-needed funds but garner some much-needed publicity too. Local newspapers and radio stations love covering these kinds of events (as do we at Cage & Aviary Birds), so it’s a great way of getting your club mentioned in the press. Such mentions can help to win the public over to your cause, as well as spreading the birdkeeping message and, who knows, you may attract a few new members to your club, too.

So, if you’re looking to raise club funds, think about doing something a bit different such as a sponsored event or breaking a world record. And, as ever, let us know about it so we can publicise your endeavour in our pages.

In this week's issue (July 9)

Nick West looks at efforts to save one of the world's most recognisable birds, the toucan, in British aviculture.

Rosemary Low visits the World Parrot Trust, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and interviews the curator of Paradise Park in Cornwall.

Our companion parrot columnist Dot Schwarz explains how she cooks for her birds - and why.

Jeff Hulme explains how he cage breeds linnets.

Brian Keenan shows you how to prepare your young canaries for the show bench.

Graeme Hyde highlights the gorgeous-looking wood duck from Australia.

Plus, don't miss your chance to win one of 10 DVDs we're giving away, courtesy of DVD Productions.

ON SALE JULY 9.

The sparrowhawk debate

I've got sparrowhawks on the brain at the moment. Not literally, but we've had so many letters about them recently that we decided to do some investigating to discover the truth about them. No doubt it will just generate more letters! So are sparrowhawks really destroying our songbird populations? Or are they being needlessly persecuted? Everyone has their own opinions on this, what seems to be the hottest of hot topics in the bird world at the moment. Keep your eyes peeled for our special report in an upcoming issue of Cage & Aviary Birds and maybe we can put the matter to rest once and for all!

A tea-light holder with bird feet

How's this for a freaky, avian-inspired, tea-light holder? Designed by Michael Hilgers on behalf of Rephorm, its bright orange feet appear to grip the balcony railing like a living bird.

There's a similar solar-powered light and an ashtray available.

But according to the official website shop, only the ashtray can be purchased. It retails for €34.90.  Just in case you were thinking of adding one to your real collection of living, breathing feathered friends.

Sometimes Superb dancing is not enough

I was enjoying the Red-capped manakin's dancing last week. This week, it's the dance moves of the Superb bird that are impressing. As you can see from this video, though, some females want more than just fancy footwork.

Editor's letter (July 2 issue)

In recent issues we’re reported on bogus adverts for non-existent African grey parrots (“Fancier falls for parrot scam” June 4 and “Reader pursues the birdman of Cameroon” June 25). And in this week’s news section we highlight a similar scam that involves toucans (“Reader lifts the lid on internet advert scams”, page 4).

Typically, in these kinds of scams, contact between the seller and purchaser occurs via email. The seller then requests a payment up front, usually by money order or wire transfer. The location of the birds is usually somewhere in the United States or the UK, but then the scam artist will concoct some kind of story about the birds currently being in Africa, which means the money will now need to be wired to Cameroon.

In some instances, the “seller” will send pictures of the birds in question, but often these are stock shots or photographs stolen from other websites.

Now, if a stranger asked me to send £400 to Cameroon, I’d be suspicious, but a surprising number of people fall for the scam. So how do you spot one?

First, be wary of ads that offer birds, usually large parrots or hard-to-come-by exotics, at strangely low rates. 

Second, watch for a limited grasp of written English. 

Third, be suspicious if the seller is out of the country, and especially if they claim to be doing missionary work in Cameroon or similar. 

Four, pass it up if they request that you pay for the bird in advance using a money order, because once cashed it can be almost impossible to trace and you’ll never get your money back. In fact, if they want money up front and you haven’t seen the bird at all, then it really is a case of buyer beware.

In all cases, when buying birds through advertisements, you need to exercise a degree of caution. And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

In this week's issue (July 2)

Top breeders of Gloster, Fife and coloured canaries share their tips for surviving the moult.

In our monthly Hot Debate two canary stalwarts take opposing views as to whether specialist societies are killing our hobby.

Nick West reports on efforts to save the rare blue-crowned laughingthrush.

Dave Brown takes a look at the crested zebra finch.

Judy Higgins explains how to make pedigree certificates for your exhibition budgerigars.

Plus lots more!

ON SALE JULY 2.

New birds please

I'm feeling very Wimbledony! Is that a word? Yes! If you're fed up of wathching humans play tennis, though, here are some rather sporty birds in action. This is actually an advert for something, which I am certainly not endorsing - mainly because I've never heard of it before. But the cartoon is pretty nifty.

Birds perform Jacko dance moves

Michael Jackson is no more. But his dance moves live on in a unique tropical bird - the Red-capped manakin. The little birds, found in lowland forests of Central and South America, have got some serious moves. During courtship, the males moonwalk along branches. If that doesn't get the women, nothing will!

An apartment block for birds

If you thought humans were the only ones to live in communal apartment blocks, think again.

Editor's letter (June 25 issue)

I’ve heard some interesting stories in my time, but when lovebird expert Dirk Van den Abeele got in touch recently to tell me about a lovebird hen that managed a virgin birth last Christmas I was lost for words. Apparently the hen had magically hatched an egg without ever having had contact with a male bird.

Initially I did wonder whether he might be pulling my leg, because I’d never heard of such a thing before. But, as as Dirk explains in his feature “A Christmas miracle?” (see page 11 of this week's issue), the process is called parthenogenesis and, while rare, it’s not unheard of.

If nothing else, this story just goes to show that birds are endlessly fascinating, and just when you think you have a handle on them, they do something so unusual or surprising that you realise you could never possibly know everything there is to know about them. Perhaps that’s what makes them such popular creatures, loved by so many, birdkeeper and non-birdkeeper alike.

Talking of surprises, I have to say this month’s article on fancy pigeons is sure to become a talking point. Is it just me, or do the legs on those striking pigmy pouter pigeons look a little too human? I’m sure there are supermodels out there who would kill to have a set of pins like the ones in Graham Bates’s piece entitled “Little smashers” (see page 13 of this week's issue).

Once you get over the quirkiness of their appearance, these do sound like terrific birds which are a pleasure to keep and a good challenge to breed if you’re looking to exhibit them.

And if that’s not enough quirkiness for you in one issue, don’t miss Jim Wright’s look at the half-sider budgerigar bred by the Freakley and Ainley partnership (see page 20 of this week's issue). We’ve published pictures of this particular bird before, but it still provokes a strong reaction.

Enjoy the issue!

In this week's issue (June 25)

Nick West looks at the liocichla family of birds and discovers these Asian babblers need our avicultural help.

Judy Higgins unravel the genetics behind breeding crested budgerigars.

Vet Alan Jones explains how birds are sexed and why it can help with a diagnosis.

Brian Keenan offers advice on how you can help your first-round canary chicks get through the moult.

Rosemary Low argues that the African grey parrot has not been saved by the EU import ban.

Hawk Eye suggests that the bird world could learn a lot from the horse world in terms of curbing indiscriminate breeding.

PLUS: Don't miss our four-page falconry supplement and your chance to win a pair of tickets to the International Festival of Falconry!

Less bikinis and swim shorts, but more birds

There's too much rubbish on TV these days. Pop Idol, Popstars, American Idol, Big Brother. Yuck! I eagerly await a reality TV that involves the search for someone talented enough to produce an original TV show. Bring back Baywatch!!! Anyway, I have, therefore, turned my attention to a much better type of TV - London Zoo TV. I'm now well clued up on my Burrowing owls and tropical birds. If you've never been to London Zoo then it's definitely worth checking out the videos on its website. And even if you have visitited the zoo, the videos will still be well worth a look. You never know what you might learn!

Is there a bird under there?

Working on this magazine, we get to see all sorts of birds, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. With some of the mutation breeds, I often wonder how the birds manage to see through their thick, bushy feathers. Where are their eyes?! Here's an interesting bird - a type of mutation parakeet. I don't see too many cuddly-looking birds and, by the look of it, this bird doesn't see too much of anything!

What's on this week?

EVENT: London & Counties BS Seminar and Young Bird Show WHEN: June 21 WHERE: Centenary Hall, Smallfield, Surrey WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: The seminar will be given by Ron Pearce and Marcel Buhler, and judging of the Young Bird Show will be by Alan Joyce. Entries will be taken on the day. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 01903 297975 or email: malcolmparsons@btopenworld.com

The world's first known nut-eating dinosaur?

Because you can never have enough stories about the possible links between today's birds and yesterday's dinosaurs, National Geographic has published the results of yet another study that explores this issue.

According to the story by Christine Dell'Amore, a 110-million-year-old skull, found in the Gobi Desert in 2001, had a beak-like jaw powerful enough to crack nuts. Scientists now believe the creature, Psittacosaurus gobiensis ("parrot reptile of the Gobi"), ate like a parrot because a large number of stomach stones found with the fossil suggests that it must have eaten hard, fibrous nuts and seeds.

The short video below gives a little glimpse at what the skull looks like -- now imagine a parrot this size (the creature is believed to be 3-foot-long) perching on your shoulder! 

Editor's letter (June 18 issue)

In this week’s issue we’re kicking off with a new 10-part series looking at the Avicultural Society’s efforts to save certain exotic species in captivity.

  These efforts by Britain’s birdkeepers to breed birds as diverse as toucans to bulbuls have taken on special significance thanks to the ban on wild-caught bird imports to the EU. When this “temporary” ban was introduced back in late 2005, many of us laboured under the misapprehension that as soon as it was lifted, we’d be able to replenish stocks. 

The cold hard reality hit when the ban was extended indefinitely in July 2007. With no new birds coming into the country, we would have to make do with those birds already in our care.

Now, three-and-a-half years after the ban was first introduced, it’s no exaggeration to say that the situtation for some of our exotic species is becoming “make or break”. 

It’s clear from talking to those who breed exotics in the UK that more co-operation and communication is needed between birdkeepers, whether professional or otherwise.

Indeed, we have been surprised, and in some cases shocked, at the responses we have received when approaching certain birdkeepers for their help in compiling the articles that comprise this series. In one instance, we were told that the birdkeeper in question simply wasn’t interested in taking part; another wanted to know what was in it for him before rudely hanging up the phone.

If this is the response we get in our efforts to help promote these species, is it any wonder that our birds are at risk of dying out in aviculture? Thank goodness, then, that many co-ordinators of the Special Interest Groups went out of their way to help. We hope you enjoy reading about their efforts in the weeks to come...

In this week's issue (June 18)

7 cost-effective ways to protect your cockatiels from the summer heat.

Saving exotic species in aviculture, the first of a new weekly series.

Understanding sex-linked varieties of budgerigars.

A two-page planting guide for your aviary.

The joy of free-flying macaws in the mountains of Utah.

Plus much more!

ON SALE JUNE 18.

Novel cuisine

Here are a couple of, erm, unconventional dishes to tempt the gourmet in sunny Iceland... Click on the link above, then scroll down to the lovely Puffin picture, then scroll down a bit more.

Bird crime expert to appear on national TV

The National Theft Register's John Hayward will be starring on tomorrow's Crimewatch UK Roadshow. No, John hasn't been committing a string of armed robberies or anything like that. He will, however, be offering top tips on how to protect your pet birds, particularly parrots, from would-be thieves. The show kicks off at 9.15am on BBC1 and will be available watch on bbc iplayer for a week following the show's screening.

What's on this week

EVENT: Welsh Budgerigar Society Specialist & Rare Variety Show WHEN: Saturday, June 13 WHERE: The Memorial Hall, off Chemical Road, Morriston, Swansea. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: The society is hoping for a very good turnout for this competition, which will be judged by Clifton Wixon and Terry Tuxford. Admission is £1, with birds accepted from 8.30am until 9.45am on the day. there will also be a talk by Ron Payne at 10am. TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact the show secretary. Tel: 01495 226332.

How the US papers got ‘parrot fever’ all wrong

The way in which an outbreak of parrot fever in 1929-30 was reported in the press should serve as a cautionary tale to the media and the scientific community, a historian has claimed.

Jill Lepore, chair of the History and Literature Program at Harvard University, says that the public is “easily confounded” by messages about public health and that the scientific community and media have a duty to act responsibly.

Writing in the June 1 issue of The New Yorker, Ms Lepore traces the history of the furore over a psittacosis outbreak that gripped the USA in January 1930.

She says it began when one Simon S. Martin bought a parrot for his wife for Christmas. The bird died, and soon Mr Martin, his wife and daughter became seriously ill. They were diagnosed with “parrot fever” and within 48 hours, epidemiologists from across the USA had arrived on the scene, and newspapers were running the story.

On January 6, Dr Charles Armstrong, from the Hygenic Laboratory in Washington, was appointed head of the investigation. Lepore claims that, for the sake of Armstrong’s research, it was a case of the bigger the outbreak the better; a nationwide sweep was conducted to find purchasers of recently imported parrots. But by January 15 newspapers had grown sick of the story and had turned it into a national joke.

In a radio interview last week, Ms Lepore said: “They sold lots of newspapers by blaring headlines that reported deaths that turned out to actually have been due to pneumonia, for instance.

“And [they] reported death counts and issued post mortems where no autopsy had been conducted. But within days, newspapers suddenly turned around and were telling parrot jokes.”

Ms Lepore says a pro-parrot lobby formed which insisted that the parrot fever had been brought about by the imagination of a journalist. But, in late January, scientists too began dying and Charles Armstrong himself was admitted to the hospital with a fever – although he later recovered.

Later, in a report, he wrote that there had been a total of a 169 cases of psittacosis nationwide and 33 deaths.

“It’s a great cautionary tale about how easily confounded the public is about messages that are sent by the scientific community and public health community and from the media,” said Ms Lepore.

“The parrot fever outbreak made a good story, the parrot fever jokes made good jokes, but neither of them actually bore much resemblance to the facts of the matter.”

Click to listen to the radio interview.

Editor's letter (June 11 issue)

Welcome to this week’s vermin-themed issue, which we hope will provide every birdkeeper with some useful tips and advice for keeping those unwanted furry creatures, whether rat, cat or fox, away from your precious birds.

We know how heart-breaking it can be to spend so much money and devote so much time and effort to breeding and nurturing your stock only to find they’ve been decimated overnight by intruders of the four-legged kind. (Unfortunately, if it’s the two-legged kind you should probably call the police.)

Long-time contributor Bill Naylor offers some great tips for vermin control in our Birdkeeping Know-How section (see page 10 of this week's issue), including how to make sure your birds are protected from those predators that don’t immediately jump to mind, such as weasels, mink and blood-feeding ticks.

We’ve also rounded up eight products on our Marketplace page that will help keep the rats and cats at bay. 

And it that’s not enough, the DIY pest-control supplies company PPC Supplies has also very kindly agreed to give away five of its best-selling non-toxic rat killing kits to five lucky readers. Each kit is worth £34.99 and comes with everything you need to get rid of rodents in the birdroom or aviary. To enter, simply fill out the coupon on page 5 of this week's issue and send it to us by the June 30 closing date.

On that note, we hope everyone’s having an enjoyable, successful and vermin-free breeding season! And if you’ve got any great tips on how to get rid of rats and other foes, why not share them with us all? We’d love to hear them.

Bird trade and import ban research

A university student has begun a study of the wild bird trade to find out how it affects bird conservation. Cage & Aviary Birds reader Phillip Greenwood, 32, from Wales, is studying Wildlife Management and Conservation as a mature student. His Masters degree thesis will focus on the trade in wild birds, including attitudes to the current EU ban. Mr Greenwood said: “I chose this topic because I wanted to know more about how the pet trade operates and how it influences conservation. My two main areas of interest are aviculture and the ornamental aquatic trade, particularly those species still harvested from the wild. “With ‘sustainability’ be-coming a global buzzword, I wish to see if it is also applicable to the pet trade.” He added: “I have a strong personal interest, because for about 12 years I had a large, productive, mixed collection of exotic birds, which I found incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, and also kept tropical marine fish. “I am curious about how some species are ‘ranched’ in the wild and offer a sustainable income for indigenous people.” Now Mr Greenwood hopes that birdkeepers will be able to help him understand the subject better by taking part in an online survey. Some of the questions that he asks in the survey are: ■ With the ban on import of birds, do you think that it should also be applied to all wild- caught animals? ■ Do you agree with the ban on importing wild birds? ■ If you do not agree with the ban on wild birds, why? ■ What changes, if any, would you like to see take place in aviculture in relation to animal trade or conservation? Mr Greenwood said: “Getting the thoughts of other birdkeepers, bird-lovers and conservationists on the topic will be a huge help. “The thesis has no bias, it has no agenda to fill, and I am certainly not anti-pet-keeping. Hopefully I can derive some interesting insights into the topic.” To take part in the survey, visit www.animalcareresearch.org.uk

In this week's issue (June 11)

Why the glorious goldfinch makes a first-class aviary bird, perfect for muling and hybrids.

A look at parrot diets in the wild and how we can use this information to ensure our own birds get the foods they require.

Introducing Isabel satinette canaries and their amazing colour combinations.

Top tips on keeping rats, cats and other vermin away from your birds. We also have five non-toxic rat removal kits, valued at £34.99, to give away to five lucky readers!

How to help your lovebird chicks fledge successfully.

And for something a little different, don't miss our new weekly series in which 1960s celebrities pose with budgerigars! This is the first time these amazing photographs, taken by an ex-Hollywood photographer, have ever been published - and they're brilliant!

ON SALE JUNE 11.

RSPB Scotland helps convict Maltese hunters

We've been keeping an eye on the hunting situation in Malta recently. The hunting of birds has become a huge problem there and a crackdown on those hunting illegaly was promised this year. It was interesting to hear, then, that the RSPB Scotland has played a part in convicting two men who murdered a protected lesser spotted eagle. The RSPB’s head of investigations in Scotland, Bob Elliot, was over in Malta helping the society's partner, BirdLife Malta, when he witnessed the men commit the crime. The hunters' attempt to hide the evidence was also caught on camera. Mr Elliot said: "I have been staggered at the sheer scale of the slaughter in Malta, which must have the highest number of incidents of anywhere in Europe.” So, hopefully, this latest conviction will send out a clear message that the senseless murder of rare birds will not be tolerated. You can find out more about how the RSPB Scotland helped to convict the hunters by clicking this link, where you will also find a video showing some of the destruction such bird killers have caused.

What's on this week?

EVENT: Trent Valley BS annual young stock show. WHEN: Sunday June 7. Show entries accepted 9.30-10am. WHERE: Village Hall, Willington, Derby. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: Budgie breeder Jeff Attwood will be guest judge, with club members hopeful of a very decent turnout. Judging begins 10am and Jeff will give a talk and seminar at 2pm. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 01283 215255 or 01332 862551.

Editor's letter (June 4 issue)

A few weeks ago I asked whether birdkeepers were interested in conservation (Editor’s Letter, May 21). And I’m pleased to see that the response has been positive, as the letters we have published in this week's issue will attest. Thank you to those who took the time to write; I hope others will follow suit.

This favourable response is in stark contrast to a show I attended last year in which one particular reader hounded me on the topic, insisting that it had no place in the pages of Cage & Aviary Birds and that he would cancel his subscription if we continued to run news stories of this nature!

Obviously, our editorial interests will always lie with captive birds. But we think it’s important to see the links between the birds we keep and their wild cousins. Surely we can learn from each other. If we know how birds behave in the wild, it might help us to understand their needs that little bit better in captivity; and in captivity we can study birds at close quarters to find out more about their habits that may help scientists out in the field.

My only concern is the ongoing belief that releasing captive-bred birds into the wild is a solution for dwindling populations. While it might sound like a wonderful concept, the very real fact is that captive-bred birds are generally conditioned to human contact, which would put them at risk if they were let out into the wild. And there’s also the issue of habitat loss. We could run the world’s most successful breeding programme of, say, red-tailed cockatoos, but if there’s no natural habitat and sustainable feeding grounds for them in the wild what would be the point?

There are obviously ways around this – running breeding projects with minimal human intervention and protecting habitats wherever possible. But this will only work if we all agree to work together, regardless of which “side” we are on.

Serial letter writer becomes a published author!

Regular readers of Cage & Aviary Birds' letters page will be familiar with the name Patricia A. Greenburgh.

Ms Greenburgh pens us regular letters about all manner of bird-related topics, all tapped out on a what appears to be a manual typewriter. She is so prolific we cannot hope to publish all her letters due to space restrictions, but they are welcome nonetheless.

We were delighted when Ms Greenburg informed us earlier in the year that she was having her first novel published. Miraculous and the Silver Man is about a Roman warrior who is cursed by his cowardly enemy and forced to roam the streets of Bath as a ghost. Here he meets the young David -- known as the silver man -- who helps him turn his fortune around.

The book (ISBN 978-1-84748-459-8) is priced £5.99 and is available through WH Smith and Amazon.co.uk here in the UK, and Barnes & Noble in the USA.

We wish Ms Greenburgh much success with her book, but hope it doesn't stop her from continuing to write to us on a regular basis!

In this week's issue (June 4)

We take a look at a foreign songbird rarely seen in British aviaries: the Taiwan yuhinas.

Richard Lumley and John Hartin battle it out in our Hot Debate, which asks "are continental exhibits really that good?"

Jim Theaker sings the praises of the British magpie, which is often given a bad press.

Pauline James offers some possible causes and cures of feather-plucking in lovebirds.

Kate Gammond warns that the breeding season can bring a drastic change of mood to your parrots.

Peter White introduces the Manila parrotfinch, an enigma in the wild and a rarity in aviculture.

Brian Keenan takes a hard look at the future of the Yorkshire canary fancy in the UK.

Lee Marshall offers some advice on broadening your budgerigars' diet.

Plus, don't miss our Open Shows calendar for June 2009 to January 2010, a must-have to plan your exhibition year.

ON SALE JUNE 4.

Eddie the eagle, move over

Sometimes in life you see things that just leave you speechless, which isn't very handy when it comes to writing a blog! But I stumbled upon this video the other day and, well, I really have no idea what's going on in it or why it was made. It is just brilliant, though. So check it out...a skiing ostrich!!

What's on this week?

EVENT: Scottish Northern BS Young Bird Show WHEN: Sunday, May 31 WHERE: Longmore Hall, Keith, Banffshire. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: Club officials hope their Members Young Bird Show will prove to be a popular event, especially as it will be followed by a bird and equipment sale at 1pm. New members are more than welcome to join. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 01340 820043

The magic of canary flight

We see birds flying about us all the time, whether in cage, aviary or the wild, but how many of us have seen them flapping their wings in slow-motion?

This above clip shows a succession of canaries doing just that. It's quite surreal to see these beautiful feathered creatures flying against an inky background -- and if you'll forgive the cliche, it's the closest thing to poetry in motion you're ever likely to witness.

Watch, enjoy and marvel.

[Thanks to our sub-editor Margaret for the tip-off]

Editor's letter (May 28 issue)

The practice of selling birds at auction is a thorny topic in birdkeeping circles. This is because poorly organised auctions, in which birds are sold in questionable conditions (cages too small and dirty, for instance), reflect badly on the fancy. And this, in turn, gives those that wish to ban birdkeeping perfect ammunition to fire in our direction.  

Hawk Eye touches on this controversial topic in this week’s column (see page 17 of this week's issue). He reckons that many birdkeepers regard auctions as “nasty affairs that we’d be better off without”. But he feels that few people voice their opinion because they fear being labelled an anti.

Sadly, keeping quiet in this instance doesn’t help our cause – or our birds – very much, which is why it’s pleasing to see that the Bird Strategy Group is prepared to tackle the subject (see page 2 of this week's issue). The group plans to look at ways in which auctions can smarten up their act and will most likely include these measures in its revised Avian Welfare Strategy. As ever, we will keep you posted on the group’s findings…

Another topic that frequents these pages more than any other is the problem of birds “going light”. It’s pleasing to have avian vet Brian Stockdale clear up the myths and misinformation about this health issue in this week’s Vet Clinic (see page 8 of this week's issue). This is required reading for anyone who keeps birds that have lost weight without an obvious reason.

And finally, if you love garden birds as much as the ones you keep, you might be interested in our reader offer in which you can purchase a bird feeder for a reduced rate. If you subscribe to Cage & Aviary Birds you can knock a further 10 per cent off the price. Full details are on page 17 of this week's issue.

In this week's issue (May 28)

Leading partnership Marshall & Shotton answer our queries on yellowface budgerigars.

Rosemary Low meets a remarkable woman who has created a haven for parrots and war veterans.

Dave Brown introduces us to a young zebra finch fancier with success on his mind.

Barry Mills describes how he prepared and paired off the canaries in his stud this spring.

Test your knowledge with Walter Lodge's quick bird quiz.

A leading avian vet explains all about 'going light' and what it means for our birds.

Plus all the usual news and views from across the birdkeeping world!

ON SALE MAY 28.

What's on this week

EVENT: Walk With Birds WHEN: Wednesday, May 27 at 10.30am. WHERE: East Linton, East Lothian, Scotland. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: A walk from East Linton to Hailes Castle to see and hear the newly arrived warblers. TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact Lesley Johnson. Tel: 01875 815142, lesleybird1 @ hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk

Editor's letter (May 21 issue)

More birds than ever before are threatened with extinction, according to the latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species released last week. The total number of Critically Endangered bird species now stands at 192, two more than the last update in 2008 (see our news story of page 2 in this week's issue).

When I hear these kinds of statistics being quoted I generally feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. And then I wonder how this kind of news ties in with birdkeeping. Are our readers interested, or would they rather just read straightforward avicultural news and the latest club and show reports?

It’s a funny question – and one to which I haven’t quite received a satisfactory answer. I tend to think that birdkeeping can no longer be seen in isolation, and that to be taken seriously in today’s modern world, and not hidden away behind closed doors as it so often is, it must be seen to be actively helping its wild counterparts.  

And if birdkeepers love all birds, regardless of whether they’re captive or wild, surely they must also care about the conservation status of wild species? And isn’t there a case to be made about giving something back to the conservation of those species?

The Parrot Society UK is one body that seems to embrace this view, having donated many thousands of pounds over the years to worthwhile conservation projects, one of which has recently reaped a prestigous international award (see our news story on page 5 of this week's issue). But how many other clubs and societies donate money to causes that help save wild birds?

What do you think about this topic? Are you concerned about wild bird conservation, or do you feel that those sorts of stories have no place in our pages? I would love to open the debate and eagerly await your views...

In this week's issue (May 21)

Bob Baggs looks at the increasing popularity of an African group of birds known as pytilias.

Ray Steele explains how inbreeding can produce quality 'strains' of budgerigars.

Paul Cotton reveals six curious things you might not know about lovebirds.

News editor Duncan MacRae visits a special aviary designed to impress Elizabeth I.

Brian Keenan poses some tough questions about the future of the Yorkshire canary.

Willy Newlands highlights a fascinating pheasant from Afghanistan that he feels deserves more attention in Britain.

Plus lots more!

ON SALE MAY 21.

Lucky ducks

A banker in Washington, USA, came to the rescue when a brood of ducklings hatched on the ledge of a building recently. Joel Armstrong caught eight of the birds as they leapt to the ground, then he lifted the remaining few to safety before escorting them to a nearby river. And apparently he did the same thing last year! Check out the video here.

Mockingbirds can remember if they've seen you before!

A new study reported in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that mockingbirds can attack people who have threatened them in the past, proving that they are able to recognise individual humans. 

According to an article published in today's Guardian:

Mockingbirds can remember people who have threatened them and even start dive-bombing them if they see the person again [...] An urban population of the songbirds ignored most passers-by, but took to the air when they recognised people who had approached their nest days before. When the birds spotted a previous offender, they started screeching and set off to harass the person with swooping dives, at times grazing the tops of their heads.

You can find out more here and here.

Snowball on TV

You might be familiar with Snowball, the medium sulphur-crested cockatoo who's made a name for himself as a bit of a dancer. Now it seems he's become a bit of a TV celebrity in America, putting in an appearance on the The Late Show with David Letterman. 

It's worth watching just to see him do a little poo at the end -- the bird that is, not Letterman!

Editor's letter (May 14 issue)

Judging by the number of people overloading their trolleys with bedding plants and all manner of terracotta pots at my local garden centre this past weekend, now is the time to get busy in the garden. If you’re thinking about putting up a new aviary we’ve done some leg work for you and listed eight ready-made ones on the market, or if you want to cut costs and build your own, then Mark Perry provides some hot tips. Even regular contributor Bill Naylor’s got into the act, showing you just how easy it is to build a pond that your birds will love. And if that isn’t enough, our resident team of experienced fanciers has also provided some handy tips on buying aviaries, building aviaries, fitting aviaries out and stocking them with birds. We hope you find our focus on aviaries helpful and inspiring – let us know how you get on! In this issue we’re also running a competition to win the much-anticipated book, Birds of the Horn of Africa, the first-ever field guide that details all the bird species that live in the north-east of the African continent. Anyone interested in foreign birds will appreciate this newly published title by A&C Black. We have five copies, valued at £29.99 each, to give away. 

Last, but by no means least, I was very sad to learn of the death of Ron Evans, the IOA president. I was fortunate to meet Ron on several occasions, most recently at last year’s Bird Show of the Year, and he greeted me like an old friend, hand outstretched with a beaming smile on his face. He was always frank in his views but never at the expense of his good manners. The fancy will be all the poorer without him, and I offer my condolences to his family at this difficult time.

In this week's issue (May 14)

Learn how to keep and breed the bronze-winged mannikin with Phil Mead.

Gary Bralsford tells us all about his experience with the exotic tropical mockingbird.

We focus on aviaries: how to build your own; 8 ready-made ones you can buy; and tips from our experienced team of fanciers. 

Nigel Beevers takes a look at French moult in budgerigars.

Bernard Williams finds the British fancy going strong in Gozo and Malta.

And a coloured canary fancier braves our 60-second interview.

Plus lots more!

ON SALE MAY 14.

Corvids' intelligence is something to crow about

If we ever needed proof that birds are brainy, then the Behavioural Ecology Research Group at Oxford University have supplied it. They now have video evidence that the corvids in particular have fantastic memories, the ability to employ complex social reasoning and a remarkable aptitude for crafting and using tools. Just click here to see crows, scrub jays and magpies show us how it's done.

What's on this week

WHEN: May 10, 8am-10am. EVENT: Wildlife Guided Walk. WHERE: Regent's Park (Nature Study Centre), London. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: Guided walk looking at common and unusual birds in the Park. Binoculars and good footwear essential. All walks are lead by Royal Parks wildlife officers. Booking essential via the park office. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 020 7486 7905.

True blue?

If you've been reading the mag, you'll probably have read about the "blue sparrow mystery". A guy in Sydney, Australia, spotted what he described as an unusual-looking bird in his garden. It looked just like a sparrow, he said, but it was blue. Surely this can't be right...can it? Experts are baffled. Could it be a new type of bird? Or is there a perfectly logical explanation? Perhaps it's the lighting, some say, or maybe it's been eating some sort of blue food that has affected its colouring. Click here to see the photo yourself and tell us what you think.

Editor's Letter (May 7)

Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man. So goes this old Jesuit motto which implies that the best time to indoctrinate a person in a lifetime of religious belief is when they are young. No doubt it works for other interests as well, such as a love of reading and an appreciation of Nature. And how many of today’s fanciers can trace their interest in birds to their time as a youngster? Recently we’ve run several news stories in which youngsters have been found to harm birds (“Lads caught on camera”, April 23, and “Crossbow youths target geese”, page 4 of this week's issue). When kids are allowed to run riot, have no role models in their lives and nothing constructive to do with their time, is it any wonder these incidents happen? Furthermore, I’m no psychologist, but if a child has no respect for himself (through lack of parental care), then how can we expect him to respect other creatures? On this issue I usually feel that teachers get a bad press, but now I’m not so sure. Walking to work across the Millennium Bridge I run across countless school groups making their way to the Tate Modern. Recently I got caught behind a whole gaggle of youngsters, not more than six or seven years old, several of whom erupted in squeals of fear when they saw a common gull sitting calmly on one of the bridge’s suspension arms watching them walk by. I’m not a particular fan of seagulls myself, but he was a beautiful creature, a juvenile I suspect, with pristine white feathering and lovely brown tinges to his wings. I had hoped the teacher accompanying the children would have put their fears to rest by explaining that the bird was beautiful, something to be admired, rather than feared. But no. “What a yukky and horrible bird,” he told the children, as he ushered them out of harm’s way. A simple “He won’t hurt you – and isn’t he gorgeous?” might have made the difference between a youngster who may grow up detesting anything with feathers and a future birdlover...

Is this the best advert on television?

It's official: I've been living under a rock this past month. Apparently this advert for Robinsons Be Natural squash is all over the TV but I've never seen it. Thank goodness then, for art editors who tip you off, and the ever-brilliant YouTube for hosting it.

What a fantastic ad! The detail in it is astonishing.

The boots designed for bird feet by the door.

The "human" clock that says "hello, hello".

The pigeon reading the news about a cat who's a criminal.

The packet of worms in the fridge.

My only quibble? Why isn't the greenfinch reading Cage & Aviary Birds? Guess you can't have everything.

In this week's issue (May 7)

Dave Allen answers our questions on what it takes to become a judge of lizard canaries. Willy Newlands and John Newsome take sides in our hot debate on whether pheasants are falling out of fashion. Eric Peake tells us all about the song thrush that captured his heart. Pauline James takes a look at white-faced mutation cockatiels. Judy Higgins reports on budgerigars that pull out chicks' down or feathers -- and how you can eliminate the problem from your breeding room. Plus lots more! ON SALE MAY 7.

A new lovebird

In last week's issue we ran a cover story about a new lovebird -- the pale fallow taranta -- of which there is believed to be only two in the world. The birds, a mutation of Agapornis taranta, were bred in Germany. We have since discovered the breeder has a website, which features some great photographs, including a sequence of pictures showing a young pale fallow from chick to fledgling. You can also view a short video of some of his lovebird chicks.

Birds are stars of Kenilworth attraction

If you're at a bit of a loose end this weekend, then you might want to get yourself down to Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire. Its stunning Elizabethan garden has finally been recreated, after five years of hard work and it's opening to the public tomorrow (Saturday, May 2). The best part of the garden has to be its fabulous aviary, which is currently home to six Lizard canaries, two Guineafowl and three pheasants. One of the pheasants has already laid eggs. To find out more, contact English Heritage on 0870 333 1181 or e-mail customers@english-heritage.org.uk

What's on this week

EVENT: International Dawn Chorus Day WHEN: Sunday, May 3 WHERE: Events will be held throughout the UK. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: A worldwide celebration of nature's daily miracle, sponsored by wildlife trusts and comprising hundreds of events events across the globe. More are being announced in the UK on a daily basis so there is bound to be something in your area. TO FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.idcd.info, tel: 0121 454 1199 or email: neil.w@bbcwildlife.org.uk

Taxidermy pigeon lights

A chandelier made from 20 stuffed pigeons. Image courtesy of Treehugger.

We all know pigeons, of the feral variety, get a bad press, with many regarding them as no more than "rats with wings".  But even if you think the only good pigeon is a dead one, would you consider having them stuffed and turned into lighting fixtures to hang from your ceiling?

Me neither.

I first discovered this bizarre, and somewhat morbid, concept in a recent issue of the Sunday Times Style magazine. Apparently the taxidermy lights are the brainchild of the designer Alex Randall of Jericho Hands (who undertakes commissions just in case you were thinking of turning your award-winning exhibition budgerigar into something similar).

Kenya Cretegny, who has a set of taxidermy pigeon lights hanging in her boutique on Marylebone High Street, describes them as "something that's really edgy but also beautiful and soft". 

I love birds, but I think this is pushing things just a little too far, don't you?

You can see more images of other "taxidermy lights", including a duck and a squirrel, on the Treehugger website. Be prepared to be awe-struck.

Editor's Letter (April 30)

Most of us probably don’t think twice when we pick up the paintbrush to redecorate the birdroom or paint a cage – we simply want to get the job done as quickly and cheaply as possible. But if you read David Alderton’s special report in this week's issue on the safety of the paint we use for these relatively routine jobs, you might think twice about what you dip that paintbrush into. Without wishing to scaremonger, David points out that some paints contain up to 10,000 different chemicals, some of which can be harmful to human and bird health. In fact, come next January, the EU is bringing in new controls on paints to help minimise these health risks. You can find out more, including where to source bird-safe paints, in David’s report. This issue also includes a report on a new mutation lovebird, the pale fallow taranta (see our cover story). According to the author Dirk Van Den Abeele, who is president of the Belgian Lovebird Society, there are only two of these birds in existence, which were bred by a fancier in Germany. Regardless of whether you agree with the creation of new mutations (I know some people believe there’s no point in trying to improve on nature), this is a fascinating account of lovebird genetics. Finally, if you like pottering around in the garden (as many birdkeepers do), don’t miss your chance to obtain a free herb garden pack – there’s one for every reader. Each pack comprises six popular herbs (parsley, basil, thyme, coriander, oregano and chives), an instructional DVD that shows you how to create your own herb garden, and a three-piece tool-kit (trowel, fork and planter) to get you started. To claim yours, just add £2.65 towards postage. Full details are on page 18 of this week's issue. Please allow 28 days for delivery.

In this week's issue (April 30)

Introducing the pale fallow taranta lovebird, a rare mutation bred in Germany. Great advice on hand-rearing British birds if the parent birds refuse to do it. A look at crowned pigeons that will dazzle in the aviary. Meet the man who kept the Norwich canary fancy alive in County Antrim. Plus, we have a free* herb garden pack for every reader (simply pay £2.65 postage), which includes six popular herbs, an instructional DVD and a three-piece tool kit. ON SALE APRIL 30.

New Scottish TV drama

I can't take my eyes off of the RSPB's Loch Garten osprey nestcam. It's better than Eastenders! The female, EJ, is a regular to the area and she arrived back in Loch Garten on March 25. Only this year, she's got herself a new mystery man! Odin turned up on the scene on April 3, untagged and unannounced. The RSPB say they have no idea where he came from or how old he is but is treating EJ right and obviously knows how to romance the ladies. When I first began watching the nestcam not much was happening, as you might expect. EJ was snuggling up on top of her newly laid eggs. There was no sign of Odin, but it was only a matter of time before he made an appearance. I was multi-tasking at the time and, not being a woman, I'm not very good at it. But I think Odin took over nest-guarding duties to let EJ get out and stretch her wings. They were both shuffling around in the nest before one of them took to they skies. They really are amazing birds. The RSPB reckon the couples' eggs should hatch in about 5-6 weeks, so stay tuned.

Free advice is one click away

I've just hear about a veterenary website that has recently been revamped and had a cage & aviary bird secton added to it. The site, which also covers birds of prey and backyard poultry, is by no means a replacement for proper veterinary treatment, but it can offer good advice on your ill or injured birds. Vet Help Direct can also help you find a vet near you, as well as help you get your birds sorted out with insurance. As always, when it comes to sick or injured birds, you should give your local vet a call. They can often just give you advice and peace of mind over the phone free of charge. But this website is worth a look.

What's on this week

EVENT: Spangled Budgerigar Breeder's Association Spangle Day and AGM. WHEN: Sunday April 26. WHERE: Ellesmere Town Hall, Shropshire. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: The morning session will be devoted to the spangle, birds accepted 10-10.30am and judged by the Association's president, Eric Peake. All members, fanciers and guests are welcome. The afternoon session, from 2pm, will be the AGM. TO FIND OUT MORE: Contact Ghalib Al-Nasser. Tel: 020 8289 8879, email al-nasser@ntlworld.com

Should the Budgieman budge?

Here he is! The one and only Budgieman! He performed regularly outside the Tate Modern in London until the council told him to clear off, saying he needed a licence to perform. I shall say nothing more, other than ask you to watch him in action.

Editor's letter (April 23 issue)

I wasn't too sure whether to laugh or cry when I first heard about the “budgieman” – real name Don Crown – late last week. 

I had never seen his performances, complete with catchy tunes and a small collection of talented budgerigars, out the front of the Tate Modern – despite the fact that the Cage & Aviary Birds office is close by.

But the magic of the internet soon solved that, and not long later I was watching videos of him on my computer, some of which we’ve now posted on this blog for everyone else to enjoy.

The fact that Mr Crown is no longer allowed to “busk” at this popular tourist site (see our news story in this week's issue) should worry all birdkeepers, for no matter what you think of performance artists, “budgieman” did a lot to broaden the appeal of birdkeeping – and his absence means visitors to London will no longer get to experience the joy of seeing budgerigars close-up.

It’s particularly sad that children will no longer get to see the show, because part of budgieman’s magic was inviting youngsters to interact with the birds – no doubt many returned home to badger mum and dad for a budgerigar of their own!

A quick glimpse at the “fan mail” section of his website demonstrates his popular appeal. “We were totally amazed at the birds, you and the act in general, it was the most down to earth and one of the most rewarding things we have seen,” writes a visitor from Australia. “Our son and daughter-in-law were entranced as we were, and as previous owners of budgies we know how many hours you must have spent in training them, but how happy they seemed.”

Fortunately, not all is lost, as budgieman plans to continue visiting schools with his ensemble of talented budgerigars, providing the sort of positive PR that our hobby so desperately needs.

In this week’s issue (April 23rd)

Phil Mead tells us how to breed the purple glossy starling, that iridescent marvel from tropical Africa. Top avian vet Neil Forbes explains how he treats leg-injuries in parrots – and how we can learn to prevent them. British bird great Bernard Williams reports on a tricky season with chaffinches. David Shelbourne profiles Jo Brauns, a Fife canary superstar from Belgium. And we report on some disturbing proposals to change the law on birdkeeping in the USA. There’s all our usual news and views from the fancy, our club and show round-up – and a draw for free tickets to Chester Zoo.

Owl saves exotic parakeets

New York state has enlisted the help of Hootie, a battery-powered owl, to deal with its monk parakeets problem. While the birds look beautiful, they have taken to building nests at the top of utility poles in Queens and Brooklyn. This is a major problem, as when the nests get wet they can explode. So it seems Hootie is a much more humane way of getting rid of the birds! One worker said: “These birds don’t go easy. They hover right around you, and if they have eggs in the nest, they’ll attack you." Hootie has been doing the business, though...when his batteries aren't run down!

Parrot refuses to sing for his supper on reality TV show

Never work with children or animals. That's what they say. I always feel that's pretty harsh but,of course, it's only a matter of time before the saying really does ring true. The other day on Britain's Got Talent (another of those mind-numbing reality TV shows aimed at making fools out of desperate people and lining the pockets of Simon Cowell) a parrot fancier appeared on stage accompanied by her best pal, African Grey Harry. Harry is quite the singer, apparently. And, moreover, he's one hell of a dancer...or so bus driver Louise Moores proclaimed to the world. All that was left to do was to get Harry to prove it. Easy, right? Harry remained silent, staring back at the audience and judges in apparent confusion and disbelief. I know how he feels!

I write about birds!!!!!!!!

I have a lot of bother explaining to people what exactly my job entails. Last night was a prime example of this. I met a guy who asked what I do for a living. "I'm a journalist," I replied. "I work for a magazine publishing company." "Oh, that's great," he said. "What kind of things do you write about?" "I write about birds," I said. "Birds? What, like FHM or Nuts or something?" "No, not those kind of birds," I said. "I write about proper birds." "Oh, proper birds. So, Esquire or Arena then?" "Emm, no," I said. "I write about proper, proper birds." I started flapping my arms and whistling. At this point, he left to talk to someone else. Where am I going wrong?!

Editor's letter (April 16 issue)

Is it a coincidence that we have three letters in this week’s Cage & Aviary Birds talking about the price of birds? 

Given the current economic climate, perhaps not. But all our correspondents raise valid issues of concern, not the least George Woods (see our Letter of the Week), who claims that we are selling our birdkeeping heritage down the river – or, to be more precise, to fanciers on the Continent – all in the name of making a quick buck.

The price of birds has always been a thorny topic, because there have always been – and always will be – people in the hobby who don’t do it for the love, but for the money. You may not agree with the idea of treating birds as commodities, but as long as such dealers are not breaking any laws, whether relating to animal welfare or wildlife, then there’s little that can be done. A bird is only worth as much as a person is prepared to pay for it, so if fanciers in mainland Europe are happy to stump up enormous prices for British-bred birds, then good luck to them.

But – and it’s a big but – if the methods being used are dubious (or, as Mr Woods puts it, “disgusting”), then we need to question what’s going on. If readers have thoughts on the issue, or, better still, evidence that laws are being broken, then please let us know. Dodgy dealings in which birds are harmed or badly treated have no place in the hobby, whether here in the UK or abroad.

Finally, on a brighter note, our classified sales executive Wayne Lashley is in training for the London Marathon, to be staged on April 26. He’s raising funds for Action Medical Research, a great charity that funds pioneering medical research. If you’d like to help him reach his ambitious £2,000 target, then please feel free to sponsor him. I am sure he would appreciate the support.

In this week's issue (April 16)

Judy Higgins explains how to produce top-quality budgerigars in vibrant colours, such as violet and olive green.

Duncan MacRae investigates the success, or otherwise, of a program to breed black-cheeked lovebirds in captivity.

Bill Naylor salutes the beauty of goldfinches.

Brian Keenan warns us of the dangers of mite in the canary birdroom.

Pauline James meets a successful breeder of brown-throated conures.

Plus our usual round-up of news, club news and show reports.

ON SALE APRIL 16.

I'll just have the salad, please

I was just reading an interesting article about some of the most foul food in the world and was surprised when I spotted that birds eggs had made it into the top 10 most disgusting delicacies. These are no ordinary eggs, though! Apparently, 100-year-old eggs are considered to be quite the tasty treat in China. According to the article, they are created by taking a normal egg and coating it in lime, ashes, and salt before burying it for a few months. Once the egg is dug up, its "yolk will have become greenish-black, while the albumen, formerly white, will now be dark brown in colour". Yummy. Coming in at number 1 on the list is bird's nest soup. Again, people get stuck into this one in China and other parts of South East Asia. And it really is made from birds' nests! Not just any old nests, however. These are the nests of Oriental Swifts, which are not made with twigs and leaves, but with a cement-like substance secreted from the birds' salivary glands. I think I'll stick to chicken nuggets and spaghetti hoops.

Happy Easter

We've got a lovely four-day break to enjoy here in the UK, so until next Tuesday may I take this opportunity on behalf of all the staff at Cage & Aviary Birds to wish you a happy Easter. We hope it's a chocolate-filled one.

What's on this week

EVENT: Breakfast with the Birds WHEN: Saturday April 11, 7.30am WHERE: Birkenhead Park, The Wirral, Merseyside - meet by the Swiss Bridge. WHAT'S IT ABOUT: An early morning ranger-led walk around the Victorian park looking a various nesting birds and new arrivals. You can also have breakfast at the Cappucinos cafe. Booking essential. TO FIND OUT MORE: Ring the visitor centre, tel: 0151 652 5197 or see www.wirral.gov.uk/news

Editor's Letter (April 9)

Back in February art editor Kevin Pruitt and myself dedicated a chunk of time to putting together an entry for the 2009 Newspaper Awards. While there are loads of different awards for magazines (such as the PPA Magazine Awards) and for journalists, these are the only industry awards that are dedicated to newspaper and news media production, and so they are a rare chance to receive some acknowledgement from our peers. Cage & Aviary Birds has achieved some success at these awards in the past. We won the Special Interest Newspaper of the Year award in 2000, were commended in the Special Interest Newspaper of the Year category in 2003 (the winner was Antiques Trade Gazette) and gained another commendation for Most Outstanding Use of Colour in 2007 (the winner was the Guardian). Last year, we didn’t enter, only because as a new editor I simply overlooked it (too busy trying to grapple with everything else, I suspect), but this year I was determined not to miss out. Thank goodness we made the effort, because last week we discovered that we have been shortlisted for the Most Outstanding Use of Colour – the same category in which we were commended two years ago. We are up against Angling Times, Church Times, Fishing News, Garden News and MCN. The winner will be announced on April 22. Wish us luck! On another topic, it’s interesting to see the subject of the Budgerigar Society’s open show date raise its ugly head again (see the letter from Ray Fox in this week's issue). Funnily enough, the latest issue of The Budgerigar contains a form of proxy for members to have their say on a range of resolutions being decided upon at its upcoming AGM. If the BS can send a form like this with its magazine, why couldn’t it have done the same with its vote for the open show date? Or am I missing something?

Best buddies

Who says birds and cats don't get on? Though judging by this cockatoo's amorous behaviour I'm amazed he wasn't eaten alive!

In this week's issue (April 9)

We answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about keeping and breeding British birds. We offer an easy way for birdkeepers to cut costs: join a Local Exchange Trading Scheme. We do a brief round-up of anti-mite and anti-parasite products on the market. We meet Galway budgerigar fancier Declan Mullally. We continue our interview with one of the Border canary fancy's all-time greats, Charlie Norfield. Our companion parrot columnist discusses harness training your bird. Plus much more! ON SALE APRIL 9.

The amazing lyrebird of Australia

I wish I'd found this video in time for April Fool's Day.

We all know the lyrebird is an amazing mimic, but see if you can spot the fake sounds in this clip.

Will National Pet Month tickle the fancy?

National Pet Month is in full swing having been launched on April 4. I've been hearing about hundreds of events taking place all over the UK aimed at promoting pet welfare, such as free vet checks, discounted microchipping and educational days at primary schools. But I've heard very little about any bird specific events. Cats and dogs are all well and good but they're rubbish compared to birds. So come on...are any bird clubs getting on the National Pet Month bandwagon to help promote bird welfare and birdkeeping in general? If not, why not?! It would be great to hear what you're up to and it may even inspire others to join in the fun. If you or your club haven't got anything planned as yet, but you'd like to get involved, then check out the National Pet Month website for advice and ideas.

Up-coming hot debates - have your say

Those of you who read our paper edition on a regular basis will know that we run a monthly "hot debate". In our most recent issue (April 2) two canary fanciers take opposing sides in regards to the question "should canaries be closed-ringed?"

In the months ahead we have several great debates lined up, and we'd love you to have your say on them. Your comments can either be left in the form below, emailed to us (with "hot debate" in the subject line) or popped in the post (the address is in the menu bar on the right).

Here's a rundown of the debates we have planned for May, June and July:

• Have pheasants fallen out of favour? Have your say by FRIDAY MAY 1.

• Are continental exhibits really that good? Have your say by FRIDAY MAY 29.

• Are specialist societies killing our hobby? Have your say by FRIDAY JUNE 19.

Let us know what you think, or if there's a particular topic you'd like us to concentrate on then drop us a line and we'll see what we can do...

Belfast Zoo's latest developments

EVENT: Belfast Zoo's annual photographic competition. WHEN: From April 3 to September 25. WHERE: Belfast Zoo, Antrim Road, Belfast. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT: The zoo is looking for visitors who are budding or amateur photographers to take pictures of its creatures. Stunning birds on show include Cabot's tragopans, great Chinese cormorants and East African crowned cranes. Cash prizes are on offer for the best snaps. TO FIND OUT MORE: Tel: 028 9077 6277, email: events@belfastzoo.co.uk

Photo of the day

It's not often I get to escape the confines of the Blue Fin Building for a lunch break, but after being immersed in a ton of paperwork and having spent an hour on the phone to a contributor, I decided to get some fresh air.  I popped down to the river, which is a brisk three-minute walk away, and soaked up a little Spring sunshine. I snapped this picture on my BlackBerry, if only to prove that London does look rather wonderful when the sun comes out - if only it would happen more often!

Editor's letter (April 2 issue)

Sparkie with June Holmes, archivist at the Natural History Society of Northumbria. Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Museums.

Hands up if you remember Sparkie, the talking budgerigar from Newcastle, who became a national star in the 1950s. I bet there’s quite a few of you, right? For those who haven’t heard about this amazing bird, let me fill you in briefly. Sparkie had a staggering vocabulary of more than 500 words (and, I believe a nursery rhyme or two), recorded several LPs, fronted advertisements for Capern’s birdseed and went on to win the BBC International Cage World Contest for talking budgerigars in 1958. Now, almost 50 years after his death, Sparkie is set to become a star all over again thanks to an opera staged in Berlin that celebrates his remarkable life. The opera, Sparkie: Cage and Beyond, was written by British composer Michael Nyman, and premiered at the Berliner Festspiele music festival last weekend. To make matters all the more interesting, Sparkie, who was stuffed and mounted following his death in 1962, was in attendance, having been flown out under the care of an archivist from the Natural History Society of Northumbria especially for the event. Next month he will go on show at the newly redeveloped Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. In the meantime, if you visit this post you will also be able to hear an original recording made by Sparkie. Fascinating stuff. On another subject entirely, we’ve got some great giveaways in this issue, so be sure to take advantage of them.

First up is a draw to win one of five beautiful bird books, each valued at £35 (see page 5 for details), courtesy of A&C Black Publishers. And second, is a pack of 10 vegetable and salad seeds, worth £19.30, that can be yours simply for the cost of £1.99 postage (see page 16 for details) – there’s one pack for every reader. Don’t miss out!

In this week's issue (April 2)

Pauline James outlines the 10 commandments for colony breeding lovebirds.

In our monthly hot debate we look at the issue of whether canaries should be closed-ringed.

We meet Joe Nevin, a top budgerigar breeder from Ireland.

Rosemary Low tells us about the troubled Carnaby's black cockatoo from Australia.

Hawk Eye has a pop at the bird organisations that he believes have lost sight of the 'bigger picture'.

Fife champion Terry Kelly explains how to pair up your Fife canaries.

We have a free* gift for every reader: 10 packets of salad and vegetable seeds, valued at £19.30 (*you simply pay £1.99 postage)

PLUS: Don't forget to enter our draw to win one of 5 beautiful bird books, valued at £35 each.

ON SALE APRIL 2.

Birds in slow-motion

Birds in motion are always beautiful, whether they're flying, landing or scooting between perches. But have you ever seen birds in slow-motion?

Thanks to the wonders of YouTube now you can appreciate the beauty of birds as they do their moves slowed down in ultra-slow motion.

Here's some videos to whet your appetite. First, a heron beating its (enormous) wings:

Now a sparrow landing on a bird table:

And, finally, a starling getting ready to head for the sky:

[Via Cute Animal Blog]

Talking budgerigar honoured in Berlin opera

Sparkie, the North East's most famous budgerigar, has inspired an opera, which premiered at the Berliner Festspiele music festival last night.

Sparkie: Cage and Beyond was was written by British composer Michael Nyman.  It celebrates the life of this remarkable budgerigar, which was capable of speaking some 553 words and 353 phrases.

At the height of his fame, Sparkie won the BBC International Cage World Contest for talking budgies in 1958. He also made several LP records featuring his amazing vocabulary and numerous commercials for birdseed proprietor Capern's.

He died in 1962, and was mounted on a perch for display in the Hancock Museum in Newcastle, where he has resided ever since. But last Saturday he made a special journey, and was flown to Berlin in the care of an archivist, so that he could be present at the opera's debut.

• Click to find out more about this remarkable bird.

• Click to listen to a recording of Sparkie.

Please note, visitors will be able to see Sparkie at the Great Nor