Cage & Aviary Birds

A GROUP OF Bewick's swans (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) that winter at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucester have arrived three weeks later than they did 58 years ago, highlighting the impact of climate change on their migration. It is believed that their del

THIS IS THE 160th, and last, column I shall be writing under the heading “Birdkeeper at Large”. My first column was written some 13 years ago in 2010. With covid and avian flu there have been a number of changes over the years, not all of them in a p

“You feel they debunk the idea that birds don't experience self-delight.” – Bill Naylor marvels at the evident joy that rollers take in their own flight. See page 12. ■

RSPB SALTHOLME, NEAR Middlesbrough in the North East has announced that wading birds have bred in record numbers this year. Populations of lapwing have increased from 65 pairs in 2022 to 85 this year; avocet numbers have grown to 62 pairs, up from 37

■ JANUARY 2023 kicked off with voting opening for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. With 25 stunning nature photographs to choose from, our top bird photos included a crested guineafowl scratching another bird's head and ear, a flock of Caribbea

THE Yorkshire Canary Club is saddened to report that life member Sid Goacher of Swadlincote has passed away after a long illness. Sid became a member of the YCC in the late 1980s. He was a hard-working member of the club and was always there to help

■ SEARCHES for “pet Christmas presents” are up by 80 per cent in the past seven days, and “dog Christmas stocking” by 60 per cent, according to new data from Google Trends. It's time to pamper your pooches and care for your kittens! (Webbox) ■ Why Am

IT WAS AT my first ever National Exhibition that I originally met Dennis Webster. I knew practically no-one. Dennis knew practically everyone. People tended to come to him, I noticed. He it was who acted as my guide-cum-chaperone and brought clarity

Editor: Rob Innes. Tel: 01959 541 444 Email: birds.ed@kelsey.co.uk Deputy Editor: Laura Welch. Tel: 01959 541 444 Email (News): birds.news@kelsey.co.uk Email (Club News): birds.general@kelsey.co.uk Design: Focused On Desiqn Ltd Email: design@focusedo

PETER Bennett, a novice Fife fancier from Derbyshire, was the top Fife exhibitor at the 2022 National Exhibition at Stafford, when he won best novice and best Fife in show at the North Staffs & South Cheshire FFCC, against 860 birds. It was in 2016 t

AT THE time of writing, I'm packed and ready to leave for the airport on a judging trip to Germany for the German YCC open show on December 2. (NB: I added some photos taken at this event when I got back.) I love judging abroad. It's a privilege to m

ATREST, rollers are blue-headed, crow-sized birds with subtly colourful plumage. But when they take flight with their wings open and tail spread, they reveal a kaleidoscope of colour in shades of blue and mauve. This led one 19th-century naturalist t

GRENVILLE and Anita are a partnership to watch on the show circuit showing their colour budgerigars. They are active fanciers within both Cornwall BS and the Western Counties BS. Grenville has a life history with other birds as well as budgies. When

WITH the membership of the UK Budgerigar Club (UKBC) recently surpassing 750, the club's managing committee decided that the time was right to invite and now welcome two new members into the group. We are therefore delighted to introduce Steph Giles

FOR a variety of reasons, there are times when fanciers have to leave the hobby and as a consequence their stud is made available for sale. Their birds may be sold individually to all comers. This can be a lengthy process, with a number of visitors t

IN PREVIOUS articles in this series, I have written about the features required on a show standard Yorkshire canary and have detailed how to attempt to breed such a bird. In this final episode of the series, I think it may be useful, especially for t

HOW can we boost the numbers of Border fanciers? I have only been keeping Borders for about two years and, as I write this, am still engaged in my second show season. But I am hooked on this wonderful hobby. I just wish there was a way we could get t

I NEVER thought the day would come, but it did! What are you talking about, I hear you ask? Let me explain. Last month I received an email from a friend asking me if I could pick up some birds for him and keep them for a couple of weeks or so until I

FOR the August 2023 meeting, the plan was to have Rick Watts come and talk about his time in budgerigars, illustrated with PowerPoint images. However, that was not to be, as following a planned visit to the hospital Rick was advised that he could not

THE South of Ireland Gloster Association's 2022 show took place last December, on December 10, 2022 at the Scout Hall, Gallowshill, Kilkenny. The show was well attended with upwards of 200 Glosters by fanciers from all corners of Ireland. Although an

BEAUMARIS & DISTRICT CBS arrangements are in place for the forthcoming open show on January 6,2024. Cash specials total £700. Best in show £50 and other examples include £65 in the Irish fancy section, £65 in the Norwich section, £75 in the Fife sect

Includes sales held by clubs to benefit their members. For other sales, please book an advert CLITHEROE BS December 21, Whalley Methodist Church, King Street, Whalley, Blackburn, Lancashire BB7 9SN, 7.30pm. AGM. Please can all members attend. Enquiri