It was a privilege to be a part of the Budgerigar Society Millennium Convention and to get the opportunity to meet with so many fanciers from both home and abroad. It was reported that more than 20 countries were represented during this weekend in June and certainly the majority of fanciers I spoke to were full of praise for the event.

This was also the weekend in which Eric Peake unveiled an update of the Budgerigar Society ‘Ideal’. This had been undertaken on behalf of the BS by adding feather texture to the previous outline thus giving a more representative and real looking bird. The new ‘Ideal’ depicts a Light Green cock and a Skyblue hen on the same picture. As a judge at this event I was presented with a framed print of the new ‘ideal’, a lovely memento, which I will always treasure.

The guest speakers at the Convention were all well received. These included the veterinary skills of Dr John Baker, Kevin Eatwell and from America, Prof. Branson Ritchie. They formed a learned panel, which answered a variety of questions on Budgerigar health and well-being. In his own lecture, Prof. Ritchie spoke of his research at the Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, particularly of his work with polyomavirus and psittacine beak and feather disease and their associated vaccines.

Other Speakers

Well known the world over, Jeff Attwood talked about the development of mutations, while Gerald Binks spoke of breeding exhibition budgerigars in quantity and quality. Harry Harrison showed the benefits of being both a professional lecturer and an avid budgie man as he expertly gave his account of the effect of dark factor normals on his superb Lutinos. Finally there was a presentation by Frank Silva, the current World Champion, who stunned his large audience with slides of some of his superb birds.

The Millennium Show was a little disappointing with fewer birds benched than anticipated but nevertheless the quality was there to be seen, especially in the Light Green cock of Gavin Carter who took Best In Show. This was an Any Age, Owner Bred event and included exhibits from Belgium. Doug Ball – a former World Champion – took the Opposite Sex award with a Normal Cobalt hen. Despite the show being so early, the majority of exhibits were is superb condition and showed evidence of expert preparation.

Specialist & Rares Struggle

In contrast to the Millennium Convention the Specialist & Rare Variety Open Show held the first weekend in July saw its exhibition entries fall by more than a half. A combination of things could have caused this including the poor breeding season, resulting in less Young Birds being available and more fanciers continuing their breeding activities. Another effect may have been the success of the Convention and fanciers not being able to afford two weekends away so close together. Alternatively, the new venue may have displeased some – personally I thought it was fine.

I am sure that those who did attend had a superb time. I find there is a little bit extra camaraderie amongst the breeders of the varieties catered for at these events and despite the low numbers actually on the bench, the show was a success. A full report together with photographs will appear in Budgerigar World in due course.

Mistaken Identity

Sincere apologies to Ken Gray from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. The photograph, which accompanied his article ‘The Slate Mutation’ in last months Budgerigar World, was in fact that of Ken Gray from Salisbury in Wiltshire. The Clacton Ken Gray is perhaps best known for his work with Rainbow budgerigars and his book, ‘Rainbow Budgerigars and Constituent Varieties’. This publication is still available from the author and to contact him, telephone 01255-427972.

What Bird Is This?

I recently received a terribly out of focus photograph from Fred Lancaster who lives in Anglesey. He paired an Opaline Grey cock to a Grey Green hen; both birds having common descendants. From this pair he bred a cock budgerigar that has a clear ‘hot’ yellow body colour, a blue cere and dark flights and tail. It also has a very white cheek patch and no distinct iris ring. The bird is now moulted out and its appearance has not changed. Has anybody any idea what this variety of budgerigar might be?

New Sponsor For The Budgerigar Society

George Buckton, one of the country's leading manufacturers of quality birdseed has signed a new sponsorship deal with the Budgerigar Society. The agreement, commencing this month, will extend for a two-year period.

George Buckton will have a strong presence at all the Budgerigar Society's shows throughout the year, providing prizes and free seed give-aways. It will also play a role in attracting new members and supporting the society magazine.

Derek Black, managing director of George Buckton said, "We are delighted to be linked with such a specialist organisation, which stands testament to our expertise in the industry and ability to provide premier products."

Grant Findlay, president of the Budgerigar Society said, "I am confident that we have found the best bird seed supplier to support our organisation's ethos and to satisfy the needs of our members. We have established an extremely strong relationship with George Buckton and are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership."

Certainly George Buckton had a splendid stand at the Millennium Convention however, it was unfortunate that when fanciers enquired about the make-up of the various mixes nobody seemed to know.

 ©Terry A Tuxford 2000