Dunedin Bird Club Newsletter Archive

Presidents Report

The September AGM & Club night was well attended thanks to all the members that turned up. This was numbers wise, one of our largest meetings for awhile, with several of the less regular members attending. Those present will be aware that there has been no change to the current committee, any members willing to give some of their time to help run the club, are asked to contact any committee member. The club night was an open forum, discussing preparations for the breeding season. Most of the experienced and established members, were in agreement as to the correct steps required to ensure the best chance of success, while also being prepare for any problems that may arise.

Mike Hannan (President)

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Articles

Tips on building a garden aviary

Tips on building an aviary.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The August meeting was as small a turn out as we have had for awhile, with several of the regular members unable to attend our meeting. Those present were given a overview or for many a review of the Grand National Show that was recently held in Gore. Israel was again to the fore with a running panorama of people & birds from the show curtesy of his camera/ video conveniently displayed for us on his TV. Many thanks to Israel yet again for his efforts both at the National and then our meeting, allowing us to be back at the show for a few moments.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Wild survival stories to be shared with public

'Public' wild bird recovery center to be set up.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The July meeting was an interesting evening for the regular members that make the effort to attend our monthly meetings, a little quieter compared to previous months with a few people missing for various reasons.

Those present were given a insight into another aspect of the birdkeeping hobby, the subject being Racing Pigeons. While the keeping of Racing Pigeons has many parallels with our own Cage birds, with feeding, medications & general healthcare being very similar. The birds are at the other end of the spectrum of birdkeeping, specifically due to them being free flying. This creates a different set of management problems compared to cagebirds, with Racing Pigeons facing risks outside the owners control such as weather, predators, diseases from other birds, obstacles and difficult to see wires etc. when flying. An example of this is that during the racing season a fancier can sent his team away and in the space of a week-end loose almost his entire team, comparable to sending your birds to a show to find that only 1 or 2 are returned the rest never to be seen again. Not a proposition most of us would cope with very well. The members were given the opportunity to handle the individual pigeons, with most being surprised that despite their size they are very docile and easily handled.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Feathered friends big attraction

Coverage of the Gore Grand National

Bird fans flock to display

Coverage of the Auckland Metro Show.

Street Parade revellers keep quiet for baby birds

Revellers at Saturday's Street Parade in Zurich revealed their softer side after complying with an aviary's pleas to keep the noise down so as not to disturb hatching birds.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The June meeting was a quiet compared to the previous month. We were back to a turn out of the usual members that attend most meetings. The focus for the meeting was a general overview of the Aviary management of some of the different types of birds by some of the experienced breeders keep. Monty Wright, Mike Fuller & myself being the main speakers.

The members are advised that the North Otago Club has decided to cancel its annual show. I believe this was a direct result of the North Otago Clubs attempt to engage as Judges, persons suspended by the Federation of Bird Clubs. All affiliated Bird Clubs agree to abide by the rules of the Federation, the organisation tasked with ensuring the well being of these Bird Clubs and their members.

I remind members of the upcoming Grand National Bird Show being held in Gore. The committee is hoping that local exhibitors will make the effort and support Southland club in the same way that they have continueously supported Dunedin.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

NZ move good for UK bird breeder

Article giving some background on an exhibitor for the Heartland Poultry Show

Ray's a keen canary man

Article giving some background on an exhibitor for the Heartland Poultry Show.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The May meeting was a excellent evening, with a great turnout of members. Everybody seemed to enjoy the relax social theme of the evening, with plenty of chatter on bird related subjects.It was also great to be able to have a cuppa as well as a yarn. The committee will endevour to organise other similar evening at intervals through the year.

I am pleased to say that our show this year was once again a resounding success. Even if you are not an exhibitor of birds, the show provides an opportunity to see a large number of birds of different types and varieties, which is a spectacle in its self. But it also allows you to catch up or meet other fanciers from around the area or in many cases from all over the country. Thanks to all the helpers who assisted with putting up, pulling down, benching & de-benching. As the old saying goes "Many hands make light work". I was surprised how quickly everything came together at the start, but also how amazingly quickly we de-benched & pulled down the show. We seem to get faster every year. A special thanks to the hardcore members that ran the show - in the office, selling birds etc, sitting at the door, giving help & advice. Our show would not be the event that it is without these people.

The committee are interested in any suggestions that club members may have, or in hearing from people who may be willing to assist in getting birds to some of the other South Island shows. The committee is hoping that local exhibitors will make the effort and support the clubs that have continueously supported Dunedin.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

Air NZ - Travelling with Pets

Info sheet from Air NZ on travelling with pets.

Innovation needed for birds

DOC discussion of the future of black stilts.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The April meeting, focused on photography with special attention being given to the different aspects involved with photographing birds. It was hoped that we might be able to inspire interest in our annual club photo contest held in October each year but it appears that only the committee members and the usual regulars bothered to show any interest. Thanks to Israel who once again went to extra effort to provide the required equipment and then at short notice also ran the evening. The committee are interested in any suggestions that club members may have, or in hearing from people who may be willing to assist in getting birds to some of the other South Island shows. The committee is hoping that local exhibitors will make the effort and support the clubs that have continuously supported Dunedin.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Aviary keeper Joy leaves the nest after 14 years

A brief look at the history of the TDC aviaries.

Hand reared Quail in need of a new home.

Kids use petition in bid to save aviary

School students sway the council.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The March meeting, which featured very interesting speakers on the unique subject of the Hyacinth Macaw, was one of the most enlightening I have had the pleasure to listen to. Unfortunately, only a moderate number of member attended. Those that were absent missed an opportunity that is unlikely to be repeated. Included in this newsletter is a report by Israel on this talk. The Club has recently received notification from the Management Committee of the Federation of Cage Bird Clubs. This is the governing body for all affiliated Bird Clubs in New Zealand. This was by email and also in a personal call to myself. It is regarding a serious breach of Federation rules & and advises the disciplinary action that has been taken. I have included a copy of the letter in this Newsletter so that members will be aware of the situation. If there are any questions or clarification of the facts required please contact myself in the first instance. I expect the members of the Dunedin Bird Club and for that matter all the Affiliated Bird Clubs in New Zealand to whole heartedly support the Management Committee of the Federation in this matter.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Talk On breeding Hyacinth Macaws

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The February meeting, which was to have be an Aviary visit at the Botanical Gardens, had to be cancelled at short notice due to the weather conditions. Unfortunately, not all members were aware of the cancellation. My apologies to those people, apparently you all carried on without us and had an enjoyable look around under improving weather conditions. Should we attempt this type of outdoor event again, arrangements will be made to allow for any change of plan. The committee are interested in any suggestions that club members may have or in hearing from people who may be willing to assist in getting birds to some of the other South Island shows.The committee is hoping that local exhibitors will make the effort and support the clubs that have continueously supported Dunedin.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Valentine's for the birds

Hand reared Quail in need of a new home.

Bird on mend after dart in head

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The December meeting which was our Christmas social get together, had a good attendance. Unfortunately I was unable to attend, but we have included a report written by Israel from our website. Thanks to Israel for his efforts arranging & running the evenings entertainments.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Owners sought for pet lorikeets

Christmas Social Get-together 2013

Write up of the 2013 Christmas social evening.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The November meeting had a very good attendance, it was great to see some members that don't usually attend being present. Nick Hurring gave an interesting talk on the Kereru recovery & rehabilitation project she coordinates in conjunction with DOC. Using her experience as a vet nurse to assist her to achieve the best outcome for the individual birds that are brought to her. Thanks to all the club members that attended and gave a good turn out for our speaker. A special thanks to Israel for his efforts arranging the technical requirements & making sure everything ran smoothly.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Charlie comes out of hiding

A look at Charlie's history.

Rare escaped bird on the loose in Egerton

A rare bird has escaped into the wild, but concerns are being raised about its survivability.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The October meeting had a good attendance, same members as usual being present. Monty Wright gave us all an interesting analysis of the different pictures entered in the club photo contest. Using his own experiences to emphasis what can be achieved and how to go about getting the desired results.

It was disappointing that more members didn't enter pictures, our members had the ideal opportunity to learn something helpful to improve their photography just by attending our monthly meeting. Photo contest results. Congratulations to Israel with 1st place.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

Club Photo Competition

Club photo competition write up and results.

Talking to Tim

A look at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens aviaries.

Project Kereru homepage

The website for Nik's Project Kereru.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The September AGM meeting had a reasonable attendance, all the usual members being present.

It was a little disappointing that more members weren't able to attend. Following the formal business Jim Hannah gave us all an interesting talk on his experiences in the hobby especially with regard to breeding Canaries.

Members have the opportunity to learn from the vast experience of the clubs longstanding fanciers by attending our monthly meetings.

The committee is now working on a selection of topics for future club meetings. Your pictures for the Photo contest, are now due in. Entries must be in by our September meeting.

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Articles

Out of the fire and into the firepan

A look at the native bird rescue operation run by the Evans at Otatara.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The August meeting had a reasonable attendance, all the regulars being present. Mike Fuller gave an informative talk on the successful management of a stud of Budgerigars and his methods for keeping them healthy and for getting them ready for the breeding season. Those present getting a few pointers and advice on preparations for the coming breeding season, this being relevant to all our different varieties of birds. With this in mind this month's speaker will be Jim Hannah with his specialist subject - Canaries. We can now expect that Dunedin Club members should be well prepare for the season ahead after having had these experienced members make themselves available with answers for any of their questions.

The committee is now working on a selection of topics for future club meetings. Your pictures for the Photo contest, are now due in. Entries must be in by our September meeting.

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Articles

The birdman of Gordonton

A backyard rescue operation in Gordonton, Hamilton.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a good attendance at our July club night. Monty gave those present an interesting talk on British birds, advice on how to identify the cocks from hens. Also an interesting overview of the introduction of numerous varieties over the last century or more by the then acclimatisation societies. Those that survived, those that became pests in certain areas and sadly those that failed to prosper.

At the end of the meeting most members stayed for a chat, and we were still home by 9.30pm

Members are reminded that our AGM will be held at our September 11th meeting. This should be of approx. 10mins. duration, all members are requested to attend. Any member willing to put their name forward to help on the committee please contact Ray Briggs. Reminder : Photo contest entries close @ the September meeting. All entries must be printed photo's, no email entries can be accepted. Newsletter : Due to a mix-up while the format of the Newsletter is being changed some members may have missed receiving the last newsletter. We apologies to those concerned and if this occurs again please contact Tim Cotter or a Committee member and we will rectify.

Cheers Mike

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Articles

How well do we all keep records?

Advice on record keeping practices.

Feathered friends getting friendlier

New birds at Bobs aviary at Otorohanga.

New aviary built by kindergarten

The children have built a new aviary at Dargaville Kindergarten for their resident cockatiel.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

The June meeting had a good attendance, all the usual members being present. The repair & maintenance of cages and Showcages was discussed. Those present getting a few pointers and 'trade secrets' on quick and easy ways to revamp their cages. We can now expect the Dunedin Clubs exhibitors cages to be some of the tidiest on the bench.

Oamaru show 22nd-23rd June was cancelled due to the weather conditions So far this season, club members have been very successful with their birds achieving top placings in the many varieties being exhibited.

Please remember to return your selection of preferred topic's for future club meetings. I refer to the questioner sent out with the last Newsletter. Start taking your pictures for the Photo contest, entries can be brought to the meetings but must be in by our September meeting. Reminder: Entries for the Clubs photo contest close & must be in by the September 11th Club night.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

With the newsletter currently undergoing an upgrade, there were no articles presented for this month.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a good attendance at the May meeting night. Alex a new face at the meeting, keeps a mixed collection of birds and was able to receive some advice from the members present. The bird club exists so members can exchange new ideas and give or receive advice. The Dunedin Club Annual show was again a great success, with large numbers of birds entered for Judging and on display. With plenty of variety for those wishing to buy. The evening meal at Mosgiel Tavern was well attended, and offered a good opportunity for club members and visitors to relax and chat. Thank you to all those tat attended the show, helped set-up or takedown, were available to do the various jobs or offer help were required.

Members will also be receiving a short tick the box questionnaire to read & return this will assist the committee to provide a balanced and interesting range of subjects at our monthly meetings. Please take the few moments required even if you don't regularly attend.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

With the newsletter currently undergoing an upgrade, there were no articles presented for this month.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a good attendance at the April meeting night.Those present were given an interesting & informative short talk on Gloster canaries by Monty Wright & Zebra Finches by Shane Wright members should now have a better understanding of these varieties when they see them on the show bench or at bird sales. Our short talks in the following months will cover Borders, Norwich, New Colour, British, Bengalese.

Our Young Bird show was well attended with large classes of birds on the bench. Congratulations to all winners. This is one of the highlights of the clubs social get togethers and was enjoyed by the large number of members present.

Members are reminded that all birds being shown in CYCR classes must wear closed rings issued by the appropriate Federation endorsed Specialist body.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Aviary Visit to Invercargill

We arrived at our pickup destination in Mornington for our departure at 8am.

We left on time and at Fairfield we picked up two couples, then on to Waihola where we picked up another person.

We arrived in Milton around 9am and then on to Gore for refreshments and then went to the Gore aviary to check out the inhabitants. After wandering around for a short time we got back in our van again and carried on with our journey, arriving at Invercargill around 11-35am.

First visit was to Vic Thompsons aviary, plus his hens and guinea pigs. (While we were there two more couples turned up) then on to his eel factory where we saw live eels of various sizes in big pens. Then he showed us where they were processed. We even had a taste (very nice if you like eel) It was amazing the number of countries that he exported them to.

After an interesting time there we travelled to Otatara to Russell and May Evans aviary and small bird hospital. They were looking after a young tui that had been injured plus there were some that were in various stages of recuperating. They work in with DOC re the native birds The two Kaka that they had were quite tame and they liked to preen your hair. We had our late lunch and a cuppa and a wood pigeon flew down on to Russells arm for some food, It wasn't too worried about us lot. Time was moving on, and while the others were going to go to East Road Pets and then on to town for tea, we opted to get Murray to drop us off at our sons house and get him to pick us up after their meal. It worked in very well as we arrived to a barbeque. And the others had a good meal It was a perfect day out especially when someone else did the driving and it was only $20 each.

We got in our door at 11pm.

Plan to get ailing birds in the air

Plans for the release of birds back into the wild in Palmerston North.

Ecosanctuary welcomes Roto offspring

Good news for & from Roto the Kaka at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

Group takes top award

A look at 2013 the Otago Ballance farm environment awards.

99 Colorful Facts About . . .

Random bird facts.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a reasonably small attendance at the March meeting night. This was disappointing considering we had a speaker & had introduced a series of short talks for the members benefit. Those present at the meeting listened to a interesting & informative overview of the different Penguin species their habitats, breeding cycles, environmental risks. This was followed by Richard Staynes with a short talk on Grass Parakeets, those present had the opportunity to see birds that a now rarely seen on the show bench or at bird sales. I gave a short talk on the various varieties of Budgies.

Our short talks in the following months will cover Borders, Norwich, New Colour, British, Bengalese. Other species will be by request if we have the available birds. But we will make every attempt to cover any others.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Bird rescue work a big thrill

A look at the Taupo & Turangi Bird Rescue Trust..

Gone to the birds

Ever thought of keeping peacocks? A look at Whitford Bird garden, a place well worth a visit.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a moderate attendance at the February meeting night. Those present took part in a discussion that highlighted the varying success of the different members over the recent breeding season. I gave a short talk on the various issues to be aware of in the management & mantainance of a collection of birds.

Our short talks in the following months will cover Glosters, Borders, Norwich, New Colour, Zebrafinch, British, Bengalese. Other species may be more difficult due to the lack of available birds. But we will make every attempt to cover any others at the members request.

I would also like to remind the members that this is your club, and if we are not offering you the kind of evening you want please let us know. The committee makes every attempt to provide an interesting evening. It would be disappointing and embarrassing for the club if we invite a speaker and find we only have 8-10 members attending the meeting.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Line Breeding

A look at the topic of Line Breeding.

Missing parrot checks in at airport

A missing parrot is found.

Brighter future for rare parrot

A successful breeding for one of the worlds rarest birds. Wikipedia entry for bird in question.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a good attendance at the December meeting/Quiz night. Those present took part in an array of interesting quiz's with plenty of light hearted rivalry between the different teams. We finished our evening with a generous supply of cakes and sweets. All those present seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly.

There is no aviary visit scheduled for this month. Hopefully we are able to finalise arrangements for a March visit.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Bronze-winged Crested Pigeon hen on her two eggs at the Dunedin Botanic Garden. Her chicks are on Cover Page photo. PHOTO: Tim Cotter.

Mutants

A contemplation of deformities in caged birds

Destined for Rainbow Springs

A new bird is making its way to Rainbow Springs.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

We had a reasonable attendance at the November meeting.Those present took part in an interesting general discussion, with several recurring problems being discussed and a few stories of previous breeding seasons being told. Breeding results overall seem to be fairly patchy with some members having early success.But this doesn't seem to be shaping up as a great season generally, with a large number of members having only a small number of youngsters to date.

The aviary visit to Hec Anderton was well attended with everybody having an enjoyable outing despite the weather being a bit off and on. After a good look around we all managed to congregate in the garage for a great morning tea. Thanks to Hec + Paul for making themselves available and to the members that attended.

Ray Briggs is working on the show schedule for our next annual show in May 2013 any member who can provide Patronage/Sponsorship or Donations please contact Ray.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Are Cages Evil?

A look at keeping birds in captivity. Article is presented in full in the articles section of the website (link above).

Peter Bracken's aviary could win him the `Why We Love our Aussie Shed' prize

A unique use for a garden shed!

Budgie regards from the Alice, as birds try to wet their whistle

A look at the wild budgie state in Australia.

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

There was a smaller than usual attendance at the October meeting. With only 15 members attending, perhaps it was the bad weather that was the cause. With regard to the monthly meetings, the Committee endeavour to provide a range of interesting topics for members entertainment, but struggle at times to come up with ideas. If there are any suggestions for new topics, or if you know of any interesting speakers or are willing to seek yourselves. Please contact a committee member anything will be considered.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

What's Coming Up

• November 14th - Club Night
• November 18th - Aviary Visit (was postponed last month)
• December 12th - Festive & Fun Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Some Setbacks Will Occur

Article is presented in full in the articles section of the website (link above).

Presidents Report

By Mike Hannan

This is my first Presidents report so I will deal with the formalities first. I I would like to acknowledge Colleen and Gaudin for their work on past committees. Thanks to the incoming committee for making themselves available and giving their time and to Monty for agreeing to staying on a while longer. A special thanks to Monty & Colleen for the guidance and patience they have shown myself and many others and for their efforts over many years to help make this a friendly and positive club.

Congratulations to Kath Tuna on being made a Life Member of the club. There was a good attendance at the AGM / September meeting. Tim Cotter was the speaker covering the use of medications for worming birds and protecting them against internal/external parasites also demonstating the use of crop needles very interesting and informative. A word of caution seek the advise of a Veterinarian or competent Bird breeder and use the correct dose of the correct medication or you may have tragic results.

Cheers Mike

Next Club Night

What's Coming Up

• October 10th - Club Night
• October 14th - Aviary Visit

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Zebra Finches in New Zealand - Blackface

This months main article was from a member of the Zebra Finch Society - will need to contact him to get permission to put it up on the website.

Cussing cockatoo violates noise law

Presidents Report

There was a good attendance at the August meeting considering the weather. Seeing I was the speaker for a start I can not say if it was good or not, but I hope that I helped some of you when showing the systems that I have used for years with a few miner tweaks. Israel set up his computer and showed us some of the little things to help us get up to speed. Thank you Israel. Everyone stayed and had a good talk to each other after the meeting which was great.

Seeing this is my last meeting as your president I wish to thank every one that has assisted this club to grow when a lot of other clubs are finding it difficult. I am sure that the new team can continue to do this as long as they get the assistance from others in the club. Thank you one and all.

Things have slipped a little on the Facebook site, but Sheryl has it back in hand. You should check out the site. www.facebook.com/dunedinbirdclub thanks Sheryl and others that have added to it.

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Smelther Clouds Kakapo Future

Article about the impact the Smelters decision may have on the Kakapo.

Try A Finch As A Pet Bird

The joys of having a finch as a pet bird :)

August 2012 - Online version

Presidents Report

It was a very interesting club night last meeting. Jim Hannah talked about lizard canaries and showed the different patterns that they were named after and how to mate them. I talked about the Norwich, and handed them around some people just to show how placid they are. Also I talked about how to mate them up.

Sheryls bunch of different coloured budgies was very interesting as Mike Hannan tried to sort out the expectations' that you would get when matting them together. This is very difficult when you are not sure what the back ground or parentage is. But it was a lot of fun and in all this was a very good night.

Those with Facebook should check out the site. Thanks Sheryl and others that have added to it.

With postage going up again we are considering sending out the newsletter to members that have email by this method. We will be polling members when we send out the new subs forms in September over this.

Over the last few years we have had outstanding support to run the show and the club from the Bendigo Valley Trust and Southern Victoria Trust. I wish to thank these organisations for this.

Cheers Monty.

Show Season 2012 - Monty Wright

What a great show our club members had down at Southland. They collected seven best birds which just show's the quality of the breeders in our club.

DeRooy won best Roller canary for the year. Her top bird sung a very high 69 points. Vinh Tieu took out the top Bengalese as well as best young bird of the year. Vinh also had second best Gloster which was no mean feet as there were 147 birds in this section. Colleen & Monty took the top award fro best Hookbeak.

Hec & Paul Anderton won best Novice Budgerigar. And the other club members that showed had success in Gloster, Lizard, Budgerigars, Mules, Zebra, & Foreign.

This club has collected at least a best bird in every show in the South Island this year. As your president this makes me very proud. It also shows how many good breeders that we have in the club and the wealth of information that they have is just amazing.

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Female kereru arrive at aviary

Good news for the breeding program at Kowhai Park.

Birds, Fanciers flock to show

News write up on the 37th annual North Taranaki bird show.

Bird Killer on the Loose

A wild heron is after the cockatiel at Natureland Zoo.

July 2012 - Online version

Presidents Report

It was the smallest turn out that we have had at a meeting for some time, just 14 members. Even so it was a very good night, we talked about some things that we could improve on for the show next year and the video that Mike Hannan showed us was just brilliant. It was made in Australia and was on finches, but they talked about everything from feeding to the building of aviaries right down to the perching. Most enjoyable.

Those with Facebook should check out the site. Thanks Sheryl and others that have added to it.

There is one more show to go before the National in Christchurch and our club needs to support these as this will give us good numbers for our show the following year.

With postage going up again we are considering sending out the newsletter to members that have email by this method. We will be polling members when we send out the new subs forms in September over this.

We have some members standing down from the committee in September so new members will be needed. All club members need to give this some thought as everything is running along well in this very strong club, but some new people are needed for these positions.

Over the last few years we have had outstanding support to run the show and the club from the Bendigo Valley Trust and Southern Victoria Trust. I wish to thank these organisations for this.

Show Season 2012: This club has excelled on the show bench this season with members taking top awards at every show. I would like to congratulate those members on their efforts.

Cheers Monty.

Next Club Night

What's Coming Up

• July 11th - Club Night
• July 14th-15th - Southland Bird Show
• July 26th-28th - National Bird Show at Christchurch
• August 8th - Club Night
• September 12th - AGM & Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

700 entries boost bird fanciers' 50th

ODT article on the Oamaru Show.

Feathered show-offs' big event

Article on the Palmerston North Bird Show

Bird show attracts young and old

Article on the Auckland Metro Bird Show

Club set to wing it with 50th jubilee

Announcement and advertisement for the Oamaru Bird Show

June 2012 - Online version

Presidents Report

This year photo competition turned out to have a very large number of photos from a good number of members. It was judged by Shelley Chalmers and she talked about how to improve when taking photos of birds. She was exceptionally pleased with the standard which was a big improvement on last year. Thank you for giving up your time Shelley.

The winner was one of our young members Hayden Fuller with a flying seagull. Sheryl has put some of the top photos on the face book and web site.

Sheryl has also got the Facebook site up and running and some members have contributed to this as well. www.facebook.com/dunedinbirdclub thank you all.

A video was shown as well for the night.

There are three more shows to go before the National in Christchurch and our club needs to support these as this will give us good numbers for our show the following year.

The committee has had quite a lot of discussion about the newsletter. With postage going up again we are considering sending it out to members that have email by this method. We will be polling members when we send out the new subs forms in September over this.

We have some members standing down from the committee in September so new members will be needed. All club members need to give this some thought as everything is running along well in this very strong club, but some new people are needed for these positions.

Cheers Monty.

Dunedin Bird Club Show 2012

This is now over for another year and what a cracker it was. There were 670 entrees which gave us over 600 birds on the bench. The support that we get from around the South Island makes this possible, but we must remember that we also have to repay that by sending birds to other shows. I must say that everyone pulled their weight and helped put the show up, run it and take it down. I must thank you all for this, it was a great effort and I as your president was very proud. Congratulations to those that achieved best bird, I know that we can all not have that success, but if they had no opposition they would not get the thrill. So the winners are all those that showed and learnt from the experience.

In every show there are little things that don't go to plan, but everyone chipped in and quickly sorted these out. This is one of the things that makes this club the envy of other clubs around the country. This is because we are friendly and assist everyone as much as possible. Once again thank you all. Monty

Next Club Night

What's Coming Up

• June 13th - Club Night
• June 16th-17th - North Otago Bird Show
• June 30th- 1st - July Timaru Bird Show
• July 11th - Club Night
• July 14th-15th - Southland Bird Show
• July 26th-28th - National Bird Show at Christchurch

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

A bird's eye view at show

Advertisement and Announcement fo the Auckland Metro Bird Show.

Why do parrots parrot?

Discussion of why parrots 'talk'.

Presidents Report

By Monty Wright

Jock Webster gave a very interesting talk about Topflite Seeds Company and the trials and tribulations of growing seeds in the south. He talked about the minerals that are in the ground and some that had to be added when planting the crops. Also how the seed is dressed (cleaned) and stored. The company had tried different species of sunflowers and how they had selected the seeds that they grow at present. Thank you Jock for all the information that you gave the club members.

The judges have been selected for next year's show which is on the 2nd & 3rd June at Forbury Park. Some of the dates for the shows have changed to those that are in the year book. This will allow each club to have a week off between each show which will suit all exhibitors much better than it was last year.

The AGM went very well with very little change, but please give some thought to putting up your hand next year, as we do have some people wanting to stand down. It is not an onerous job but does need some new people to learn the ropes for the future of this very strong bird club.

Cheers, Monty

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Linnet Mules

An article about the breeding of Linnet Mules for song.

Charlie moving to new perch

Article about a retiring Cockatoo.

Rogue magpie gets stay of execution after MP joins public outcry

name says it all.

Presidents Report

By Monty Wright

I talked about a new product that is being put out by one of the club sponsors Topflite. It is Soak and Sprout. I was given a small sample to try so I sprouted it and fed it to our mixed collection of birds. I showed members present the dry mix and after it had been sprouted. I was very pleased with the results, but felt it needed some smaller seed for the canaries and finches. But in saying that it all got eaten.

Richard Staynes showed a short video on Redrumps and followed this up with an excellent talk. Thank you Richard. Tim Cotter has taken some notes on this as well (See articles section of this newsletter).

Our show is straight after the next meeting and we need a hand to erect this on the Thursday morning at 9 am. If you are available please come along. We will also need some assistance Friday, as the birds start to arrive from 2. pm and have to be all benched. This is your clubs major show and we have people from all over New Zealand coming as well as two judges from over seas.

We will also need some people for the door and if you are available get in touch with Colleen. Your committee has done a lot of work to showcase this show to all the visiting club members.

Don't forget to visit the web site if you have a computer. Sheryl has just upgraded it.

Cheers, Monty

Next Club Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Gibbs bid sad farewell to feathers

The keepers of the Oamaru Aviary are retiring.

Want a dove, go see the Barnetts

Doves have made themselves at home in a paint show, looking for a new home.

New aviary on track but Natureland hit by drop in visitors

as named

Presidents Report

By Monty Wright

At the last meeting several members talked about the colour mutations in the birds that they brought along. We had budgies, canaries and zebra finches on the night. I would like to thank members for assisting with this. Margaret De Roy also had one of her canaries with her that had some feather disorder and several suggestions were put forward how it had occurred. Thank you Margaret for bring this bird because this is how we can learn from each other.

The picnic at Taieri Beach was very successful for the small number of members that attended. The club turnout was disappointing as the hosts Elva & John Barnes had put in a lot of work catering for us. We thank them for hosting the club. The committee have discussed this and may have to reconsider having a picnic in the future.

Everything is well under way for the major shows that we are having this year at Forbury Park. As I have mentioned it will be very large as we have the major NZ Budgerigar show and the Norwich and Border shows. We could still do with some new sponsors, so if you can assist with this please get in touch with myself or a committee member. Also if you wish to contribute that would be well received.

Cheers, Monty

Next Club Night

What's Coming Up

• March 9th - Club Night
• April 10th - Young Bird Show at Green Island School
• April 13th - Club Night
• May 7th-8th - Ashburton Bird Show
• May 11th - CLub Night

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Twenty years work for the love of bird

An article about the 'Bird Lady' of Whakatane Bird Rescue.

More of the Feathered Kind

More birds destined for the aviaries of the Ashburton Domain.

Bird lovers prepare for their 49th show

Article advertising Rotorua bird show and bird club.

Budgie Lumps

There is an entry on this Faq page about budgie lumps and treatment that readers may find interesting.

Presidents Report

By Monty Wright

We had a very good evening for the last meeting in December with some good fun. Thank you to all that set the questions and the members for taking part.

I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year and also bred plenty of birds. I am looking forward to seeing all the young ones at the young bird show in April. Murray Thomson a club Life member has moved back to town from Timaru and hopefully we will see him along at some meetings and club activities.

The committee has started to put things in place for next years show. As I have mentioned it will be very large as we have the major NZ Budgerigar show and the Norwich and Border shows. We could still do with some new sponsors, so if you can assist with this please get in touch with myself or a committee member. Also if you wish to contribute that would be well received.

Cheers, Monty

Next Club Night

What's Coming Up

• February 9th - Club Night (Scott Drummond as guest speaker)
• February 20th - Club Picnic at Taieri Mouth
• March 9th - Club Night
• March 12th - The Southland Avicultural Society are coming up to Dunedin to visit some local aviaries hosted by Otago Avicultural Society
• April 10th - Young Bird Show

Articles

The views expressed by contributors in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Dunedin Bird Club Inc., the executive or committee.

Alex, a parrot with the gift of gab, dies

as named.

Birds on Show

South Island Kaka now on display in a new aviary in Canterbury

Meet the locals who're ruling The Roost

Bird breeding center to open at Wellington Zoo.

Project Kereru success

as named.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Blog post about breeding season at Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

Abducted' cockatoo leery of cage

Bird-napped Cockatoo is now back home.

Lovebirds meet in mishap

Heart-warming story about two abandoned Morepork chicks.