Journal of the
PAID No. 903 No.
Topeka, KS Topeka, National Finch & Permit Permit First Class Mail Class First U.S. Postage Postage U.S.
Softbill Society Vol. 27, No. 5 Sep / Oct 2010 21 Oakcrest Rd S. Weymouth, MA 02190 MA Weymouth, S.
September / October 2010 September / October 2010
NFSS Mission Statement The National Finch & Softbill Society is dedicated to the introduction of the enjoy- Table of Contents ment of keeping and breeding Finches and Softbills to all interested parties, enhance the knowledge of our members in keeping and care of these birds, encourage breed- President’s Message Page 4 ing programs, and cooperate with organizations for the preservation of aviculture in this country. Go West, Old Bird! Page 6 Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society NFSS 2010 National Show to be Held in San Diego Publisher: The National Finch & Softbill Society - www.nfss.org Issue Editor: Tom Keegan Designer: J. M. Tavenner Legislation…Today and Tomorrow Page 7 NFSS Principal Address: 918 Georgia Avenue Etowah, TN 37331 by Laurella Desborough The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society is published bimonthly by NFSS. NFSS Board Of Directors Meeting Submitting Materials for Publication: All materials should be submitted to 2nd Vice Page 8 President Tom Keegan, 21 Oakcrest Rd., S. Weymouth, MA 02190, (781) 335-3927, 2n d QUARTER 2010 [email protected]. NFSS members are encouraged to submit articles and photographs. NFSS reserves the right to edit and/or reject all written, photographic, and advertising materials submitted for publication to the Journal. Deadline for time-sensitive submis- The European Goldfinch Page 10 sions: 15th day of Nov, Jan, Mar, May, Jul, & Sep for following issue. in Western Art and Culture by Paul Rodenhauser Editorial Policy/Disclaimer: NFSS-affiliated clubs have permission to reprint all articles and photographs with the following exceptions: All articles and photos labeled “All Rights Reserved” require the copyright owner’s permission and all “Reprinted by Per- Saving the Gouldian Finch: Page 20 mission of” articles require written permission from the originating source. Opinions expressed or facts reported in articles and published in the Journal do not necessarily Homeless Families Get New Designer Homes reflect the views of the Editor, NFSS, or its Board of Directors. Publishing of advertise- by Dr. Sarah R. Pryke ments in the Journal does not imply endorsement by NFSS. NFSS assumes no respon- sibility for advertisers’ claims or the quality of their products or services. Australia’s Save the Gouldian Fund Page 29 Journal and NFSS Dues: New memberships and late renewals (expired membership) Establishes Conservation Research Center received by the fifteenth of any month immediately preceding a journal issue will re- ceive six issues beginning with the issue immediately following the month they joined. For dues received after these cutoff dates, the first issue will be one issue later than that. NFSS Affiliated Clubs/Events Page 37 Cutoff dates to receive the next published issue are as follows: Dec 15, Feb 15, April 15, June 15, Aug 15, Sept 15. NFSS 2010 Panel of Judges Page 42 Cover: Photo of wild Gouldian finch provided by Save the Gouldian Fund. The 2010 NFSS Page 43 Advertising Rates Board of Directors & Appointed Officers Covers (color – inside & out) $90.00/Issue or $450.00/Year; Full Page (B&W) 60.00/Issue NFSS is proud to affiliate with: or $306.00/Year; Half-Page (B&W) $40.00/Issue or $204.00/Year; Quarter-Page (B&W) $20.00/Issue or $102.00/Year. Misty LaRue, 2154 Belcourt Drive, Villa Rica, GA 30180, The American Federation of Aviculture • www.afabirds.org The Avicultural Society of America • www.asabirds.org email: [email protected] The National Animal Interest Alliance • www.naiaonline.org
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 2 www.nfss.org 3 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 President’s Message Editor’s Message
American Cage Bird Show CANCELED! Where’s The American Cage Bird Show, by far More show info is at: the largest US bird show and where we mdallcanary.org/09Show/09Show.html my NFSS Journal? regularly hold an open in person Board Meeting, has been canceled for 2010 Membership Director Election because of a space conflict at the ho- I must bring one other important matter tel. Those of us looking to several days to the attention of all NFSS members. of nothing but birds and bird friends We must hold a special election for the now have open days on the calendar. position of Membership Director, cur- But not for long! Two shows, one on rently being filled by Tiffany Park on each coast, have been scheduled for a pro tempore basis. Tiffany will be the open NCBS dates. The Finch Soci- running in the election, but any other ety of San Diego County with the sup- Purple Honeycreeper Hen, photo by Tom Keegan member who is interested in running port of some of the WCZSS organizers for this position should contact me or First, please accept my apology for the tardiness of this issue. A number of things has scheduled a show in San Diego at Secretary Rebecca Mikel as soon as conspired to keep us from making timely progress on this issue, but the responsibility the Town and Country Hotel. We will possible. is mine. I will do my best to get the ship back on course! hold the NFSS board meeting during this show and under Sally Huntington’s Respectfully, We have two excellent articles in this issue from our friends affiliated with the Save sure hand will have a full agenda in- the Gouldian Fund in Australia. Special thanks go to member Bill van Patten for act- cluding an Afternoon of Aviculture and John Wilson ing as a liaison between this important group and the NFSS. In addition, we have aviary tours. There is an advertisement an extraordinary article on the European goldfinch in Western art and culture by President with updated information in this issue Paul Rodenhauser. Paul always pushes the limits of the Journal’s publishing domain, of the Journal. I hope that many of but I always get lots of positive feedback on his contributions. I hope that many you who were planning to attend the members will enjoy this article as much as I did. NCBS will arrange to join us in San Diego. I know it’s a long trip for our And, we can’t announce this enough… East Coast members and we’re for- tunate that the Maryland All Canary The NFSS will be holding its Annual Show and Annual Member Meeting in San Club will be holding its 2010 annual Diego this year. The NCBS show is not happening this year, but NFSS is marching show on the same dates as the can- on! See p. 30 for full details. Thanks to Sally Huntington and a crew of other volun- celed National Show- November 20th teers for pulling this together! Due to the late printing of this issue, there is not much with Laura Tinker judging. The show is time between readers receiving this Journal and the upcoming national NFSS event. at the Clarion-Aberdeen 980 Hospital- Please spread the word to everyone you know about this exciting national event! ity Way, Aberdeen, MD 21001. Tom Keegan Issue Editor
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 4 www.nfss.org 5 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 Go West, Old Bird! Legislation…Today and Tomorrow NFSS 2010 National Show to be Held in by Laurella Desborough San Diego Avicultural Society of America
ight now, there is nothing on One has to wonder IF the HSUS is be- the front burner at the state hind the many cable and other televi- and national level regard- sion programs where irresponsible ing proposed legislation that animal owners and breeders are being would affect bird owners. high lighted and shown to be negligent, RBut, what we are observing is animal especially in regard to exotic birds and rights organizations are positioning animals. These kinds of tv programs their people at the state level and the do not focus on the good caring and national level in order to be more ef- responsible animal owners and breed- fective in persuading legislators to sup- ers, but on the irresponsible ones, lead- port their future proposals. ing the viewers in the general public to come to the conclusion that there needs In California, for example, we have the to be laws and regulations put in place new California Animal Protection Cau- to control these irresponsible owners. cus, chaired by Senator Dean Florez, But, as we all know, laws do not force a good friend of the Humane Society individuals to be responsible, but they of the United States. This new caucus can and do negatively affect those will undoubtedly be sponsoring a vari- good responsible folks who work with ety of new bills that will affect animal birds and animals. owners, bird breeders, and agricultural animal producers. Meanwhile, across Anytime we see local, state or federal the country the HSUS hosts lobby days laws proposed about animal issues, we where their supporters visit state leg- need to check these proposed laws out islators to promote their agenda and to see if they are supported by the HSUS, “educate” the legislators about “good” which gives us a big clue that they are animal laws, meaning laws they want not necessarily laws that will benefit ei- to put in place to restrict, prohibit or ther the animals or their owners. eliminate an animal use. In most pro- posed laws birds are also considered to be “animals”.
At the national level, Congress also has an Animal Protection Caucus, which is also supported by the HSUS and likely will be presenting many bills strongly This year, NFSS will team up with the Finch Society of San Diego County and the influenced by HSUS on various animal West Coast Zebra/Society Show to host the NFSS Annual Show and annual society issues. Right now, HR 669 is still sitting meeting in San Diego on Nov. 18th, 19 & 20th. in the Natural Resources sub committee and can be moved out and become ac- See notice on p. 30 for more information and travel details. tive in the legislative process.
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 6 www.nfss.org 7 September / October 2010 Open Mouth Breathing NFSS Board Of Directors Meeting Wheezing 2nd QUARTER 2010 Clicking Sneezing Coughing • Software for FSS now available for Beta use. Nasal • Bank Balance: Discharge 1/1/10: $27,565.00 Tail-bobbing 3/31/10: $32,044.00 Excessive Beak Wiping • Total Membership: 565 • Total Affiliates: 41
• National Avicultural Recognition Award developed; to be awarded to FSS Air-sac Mit e Infestation? member who develops a program of avian breeding success of sequential gen- erations of a rare, endangered, difficult to breed, or CITES bird; Contact BOD members for further details. • NFSS expressed interest to AFA in assuming Red Siskin Project which would operate ,+% " $# ! under FSS; BOD rec’d a response and will submit a proposal to acquire funds. % ,+ # $ • NFSS Show Classifications submitted to NCBS BY 4th VP. ,+ • Regional Show Assignments announced. "! • Misty LaRue named as new Advertising Manager. • Michael Gravely and Bill Parlee will conduct audit of 2009 NFSS Financial records. 949-419-6230 [email protected] • New member survey available at www.nfss.org/thankyou.html.
• Decision made to not advertise in AFA Proceedings this year. Don’t let the mites bite • Bob Peers meets all criteria and is approved as new NFSS Panel Judge. • Patrick Vance, NFSS Panel Judge, retires as NFSS Panel Judge. ' ,+ Air sac mite treatment " & "# # ! *)/
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 8 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
Distelfink in Germany, and European Goldfinches are especially attracted to The European Goldfinch in Western Goldfinch in Great Britain. Reports sug- backyard garden birdfeeders contain- gest that the European Goldfinch is a ing niger seed. Art and Culture migratory species that tends to breed by Paul Rodenhauser, Albuquerque NM in the northern parts of its range and Despite a year 2000 report from France winters in its southern reaches, extend- alluding to a decline in the population ing to the southern shores of the Medi- of les chardonnerets elegants toward oday’s finch enthusiasts might the Carduelis carduelis carduelis group terranean; however, one source (Wiki- the end of the 20th century due to pes- be surprised to learn that the (European and western Asian birds) and pedia) states that breeding grounds ticides, chemicals in grains, and cap- significance of the European the Carduelis carduelis caniceps group are distributed more generally across ture (which is illegal), the Goldfinch Goldfinch has implications far (south-central sections of Asia and Sibe- Britain, Europe, North Africa, and west- in Europe and Asia is apparently not Tbeyond its attributes in the wild and its ria and Afghanistan to western Hima- ern and central Asia. A French source currently considered threatened, having place in aviculture. laya and Tien Shan). These estimated (oiseaux.net/oiseaux/chardonneret. recovered from widespread population ranges of distribution are apparently elegant) dated 2000, possibly more declines during the 1800s that resulted Although its popularity as a cage bird conservative. The average Goldfinch current and more accurate, portrays from live trapping for the commercial has reportedly declined in recent times, is 12-13 cm long, has a wingspan of the distribution of Carduelis carduelis to pet trade. Indeed, along with private we find that fascination with this color- 21-25 cm, and weights 24-29 grams. cover the entire region occupied by Brit- tutoring and selling short sketches to ful species extends into other fields of Longevity is eight years. ain, Europe, Asia and Scandinavia. Ac- newspapers, catching and selling Gold- interest in the course of tracing its in- cording to the French source they thrive finches helped Anton Chekhov (Wikipe- triguing history back through the medi- The European Goldfinch (Cardeulis car- across northern Africa and across most dia), the renowned Russian author and eval period. Not only has the European deulis cardeulis) is well known and ad- of South America, absent in only the prescient environmentalist, pay for his Goldfinch held a special place in the mired for its red mask, black and white northeastern crescent. They inhabit the education! Fortunately the Goldfinch hearts and homes of its Old World head, black and yellow wings, warm northern tip of Madagascar and they is now an abundant species with a aficionados, it has been immortal- brown upperparts, white underparts, are lightly scattered throughout Austra- widespread distribution. Its range still ized through legends associated with buff flanks and breast patches. Birds lia and New Zealand. In the course of includes the very forests in which Chek- Christ’s crucifixion and depicted in clas- in central Asia, the caniceps group of- its captivity as a songbird, escapes and hov searched for them. On a related sical paintings and illuminated manu- ten referred to as Siberian Goldfinch- deliberate releases are apparently re- but separate note, Chekhov expressed scripts throughout the Middle Ages and es, have a plain grey head behind sponsible for colonizing Australia and compelling concern through the voice the Renaissance years. The Goldfinch, the red mask and lack the black and New Zealand. of fiction about the future of the Russian without doubt the European variety, ap- white head markings of European and forests and their health. pears frequently in Pennsylvania Dutch western Asian goldfinches. Gender European goldfinches prefer to inhabit folk art in the form known as the Dis- differences are revealed by the male’s open woodlands, orchards, shrubby ar- telfink. Determining what country hasn’t darker, larger red mask extending to eas, parks and gardens. They nest in Place in Aviculture produced a postage stamp bearing the just behind the eye. The female’s mask the outer twigs of tall leafy trees. They Goldfinch’s appealing image would does not reach the eye. Males show Well known around the world the Eu- feed on small seeds and grains and be a major challenge. This fascinating more black color on the wings where- ropean Goldfinch has been bred and particularly favor dandelions, thistles, finch is also glorified in the realm of as females show more dark grey. The kept as a songbird because of its dis- burdock, lettuce, and sunflowers, all classical music. Goldfinch’s song is a pleasant medley tinctive appearance and pleasant song. species in the aster family. Insects are of trills and twitters and its call is de- Although the practice of keeping them part of the diet of their young. Could scribed as a silvery twittering. as single songbirds is now uncommon, General Characteristics the Goldfinch’s predilection for prickly European Goldfinch males are some- and Distribution thistles have reminded folks of the crown Cardeulis cardeulis cardeulis inhabits times crossed with Canary females to The Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is of thorns and resulted in its association most if not all of Great Britain the Europe- produce male mules with exceptional recognized worldwide as one of the with Christ? Like the American Gold- an mainland and Scandinavia. Names singing voices. While in Paris in May most colorful small passerines in the finch (Cardeulis tristis) familiar across for the species vary across Europe— 2010 I was eager to re-visit the Sunday finch family. The Latin name is from car- the United States and the Lesser Gold- Cardellino in Italy, Jilguero in Spain, morning bird market on Isle de la Cite’. duus, thistle. The Goldfinch exists in two finch (Cardeulis psaltria) in the Ameri- Chardonnet Elegant in France, Putter in The wide variety of cage birds repre- groups each comprising several races, can West and Southwest, European the Netherlands, Shcheg in Rumania, sented there during this visit included
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 10 www.nfss.org 11 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 several European Goldfinch/Canary captive European Goldfinches during An Icon in the Course of Goldfinch plucked out a thorn that was crosses singing serenely in the dappled aviculture’s darker times. Christian History digging painfully into Christ’s brow as early morning light. No European he was on his way to be crucified. An- Mignon’s still-life, which hangs in the Goldfinches—known, of course, as les For centuries European goldfinches were other states that European Goldfinches Staatliche Museen in Kassel, Germany, chardonnerets elegants in France— kept in special cages in which their sur- tried to remove the crown of thorns from depicts a bountiful harvest of fruit but were available at the bird market, how- vival depended on their ability to pull up the head of Christ. As a result of either also symbols of good and evil. The ever. Although it might be true that the a thread section by section, hold onto it of these associated versions, the red on squirrel has been regarded as a symbol European goldfinch’s overall popularity with one foot, and continue with this ac- their masks is considered to be Christ’s of evil since the Middle Ages and the in aviculture has declined, it’s availabil- tivity until they successfully pulled up the blood. Among other attributions they’ve walnut, which it is eating, as a symbol ity in the United States does not seem food attached to the thread. One thread been viewed as a symbol of Christ’s of Christ by St. Augustine, the shell rep- to be notably compromised. Mutations provided seed and another was the resurrection. Another legend tells of a resenting the wood of the cross and the include agate, isabella, pastel, yellow, source of water contained in a thimble. In humble European Goldfinch that flew to kernel, the life-giving nature of Christ. albino, opal and witkop. the sixteenth century this form of amuse- the sun and brought back sunrays on its The Goldfinch on the other hand isa ment was so common that Goldfinches wings to save a freezing world. How Christological symbol, particularly with Comments about European Gold- became commonly known as “dippers.” this relates to the former or another reference to the Passion. By virtue of finches in aviculture portray them as A well known oil on canvas from the theme is unclear. its position in the upper portion of the usually non-interactive with other spe- seventeenth century, “Fruit Still-Life with painting (sphere of salvation) a positive cies in a mixed aviary and usually Squirrel and Goldfinch” by Abraham Mi- meaning is inferred. The European Goldfinch in Art non-aggressive. Reports state that they gnon (1640-1679), presents a bountiful The tempura and gold leaf “Triptych should be kept only in large flights or display of harvested fruit between a squir- There are several explanations for the with Madonna and Child with the Cru- aviaries. Conditions for the confine- rel sitting in the lower left foreground and significance of the incorporation of the cifixion and the Annunciation” (ca. ment of Goldfinches in aviculture and a goldfinch chained to an arched semi- European Goldfinch as a legend in the 1340-1348) at the Walters Art Muse- their access to nutrition have improved circle in the upper right-hand corner. The fabric of Christian beliefs through the um in Baltimore, Maryland, is attributed exponentially in the modern era. One goldfinch is pulling up a thimble-sized ages. Although there are differences in to the Circle of Ferrer Bassa (Spanish, can only speculate on the mortality of receptacle from the edge of the shelf. reports of how and why the Goldfinch ca. 1290-1348) and the Circle of Ar- became implicated, its association with nau Bassa (Spanish, active ca. 1345- “Fruit Still-Life with Squirrel and Goldfinch” by Abraham Mignon. the crucifixion infused and informed 1348). The central scene of this alter the works of painters and illustrators piece depicts the enthroned Madonna in the Middle Ages and the centuries and Child flanked by angels. The Christ immediately following. The Goldfinch Child holds a European Goldfinch sym- therefore enjoys immortality through bolizing his resurrection. The bird is art. Mignon’s rendition is one of many tethered. Harkening back to the dark such works. ages of aviculture, tethering is in keep- ing with the reality of the times; that is, European Goldfinches have been the in the 14th century Goldfinches were subject of European Art and Chris- kept as pets by children. In the Rubens tian symbolism especially in classical painting of two friends playing, their paintings of the Madonna and Child. European Goldfinch is tied to a perch Research on thousands of sacred paint- with a string. ings has shown that if Mary and Jesus are holding anything it is more often a The tempura and gold painting, “The European Goldfinch than anything else. Journey of the Magi” (ca. 1435) by Ital- Readers for whom this is new informa- ian artist Sassetta (Stefano di Giovanni), tion might wonder why. now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is considered one of Sassetta’s most po- One legend that has been passed down etic works. The panel originally formed is based on the belief that a European the upper portion of “The Adoration of
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 12 www.nfss.org 13 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
“Triptych with Madonna and Child with the Crucifixion and the Annunciation”. the Magi,” now in a collection in Siena, One of the best known and most touch- Italy, which depicts the Magi presenting ing Classical paintings related to the their gifts to the Christ Child. A star and Christological theme is Raphael’s oil on a Goldfinch hovering in the lower right wood, “The Madonna of the Goldfinch” of “The Journey of the Magi” originally or “Madonna del Cardellino” as it is hung over the figures of the Madonna known in Italian (from c. 1505-1506). and Child in the lower panel. In this painting of the Virgin Mary, “The Journey of the Magi” by Sassetta. Raphael’s “Madonna del Cardellino” (“The Madonna of the Goldfinch”). Raphael’s
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 14 www.nfss.org 15 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
Christ and the young John the Baptist fit- to “Pientures Italiennes” section and sug- The Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi Child with a Dainthus. He also painted ted into a geometric design, St. John is gested that I search—I was able to locate (1678-1741) completed two versions the Madonna and Child with a Europe- offering Christ a goldfinch (which Christ “La Vierge et l’Enfant au Chardonneret” of “Il Gardellino,” “The Goldfinch,” a an Goldfinch, now in the collection at lovingly strokes) as a symbolic warning (Florence, ca. 1410-1414) attributed to concerto scored for recorder, oboe, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. of his future violent death. This painting “Maitre de la Nativite’ de Castello,” pre- violin, bassoon and continuo and also underwent a ten year restoration before sumably the teacher at an academy of scored for flute, strings and continuo. For additional information and examples its return to Palazzo Riccardi Medici, painters. The gallery label describes the The concerto is available for listening of the European Goldfinch in art, read- Florence, in 2008. Goldfinch, le chardonneret, as a symbol on the website of musician David Bel- ers are referred to www.godsbird.com. of the future sacrifice of Christ. lugi, www.davidbellugi.com. The engaging “Madonna and Child” Conclusion (from c. 1506-1518) by the Italian On my way to view the previously de- The degree of historical intrigue with painter Boccaccio Boccaccino hangs scribed painting I noticed a painting by the European Goldfinch, and the fact in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Giotto di Bondone (1265-1337) titled that this is not general knowledge, gallery label describing the painting “Saint Francois d’Assise Recevant les raises questions about the possible points out that a Goldfinch, the symbol Stigmates” in which two Goldfinches unappreciated significance of other of Christ’s passion, is perched on the Vir- were being fed by St. Francois d’Assise avian species in history and legend as gin’s hand. along with two geese, one rooster, and symbols or, as in the well known case several other birds in pairs. Another of carrier pigeons, in actual service. painting that caught my eye, “La Vierge Doves are deeply ingrained symbols of et l’Enfant a la Columbe” by Piero di peace for example and it was no sur- Lorenzo (Florence ca. 1461-1462) prise that one appears on the hand of featured the Madonna with the Christ the Christ Child in the di Lorenzo paint- Child holding a white dove. At Musee ing I encountered at Musée du Louvre. d’Orsay, I wondered about the sym- What is probably a surprise to most bolism of the medium sized white bird readers is the depth of significance of grasping a green lizard in Paul Gau- the European Goldfinch as a symbol in guin’s “Vairumati.” Christian legend and in art, even ex- tending to music and horticulture. It is Musée Picasso is currently undergoing also a species of major significance in renovation and will remain closed for aviculture, especially given its history two years. I was therefore not able to “Detail of Crivelli’s Maddonna and Child” [with goldfinch] as an object of amusement while strug- re-visit the museum to report details of (ca. 1480). gling to survive by pulling up threads Pablo Picasso’s European Goldfinch, attached to food and water. “Le Chardonneret” (image is copyright- There is also a connection between the ed, see www.moma.org or collection- European Goldfinch and horticulture. There are many depictions of the Euro- sonline.lacma.org). The camellia, Chardonneret, bears pean Goldfinch in classical and con- its name and the Dianthus, native to temporary art that are not necessarily “Madonna and Child” by Boccaccio Boccaccino. The distelfink, literally the “thistle-finch,” Europe but a common garden flower known to be symbolic or religious in is the German name for the European in North America, has been associ- nature that were not addressed in this Because I knew that the Musée du Lou- Goldfinch. Because distlefinks repre- ated with the European Goldfinch. Also essay. This opens the door for a sequel vre’s collection includes at least one sent happiness and good fortune and known as a pink or Sweet William, based on the European Goldfinch in example of the European Goldfinch in the Pennsylvania German nation they Dianthus barbatus was described in art in general. The door is also open art, while in Paris in May I dismissed all are frequently incorporated as central a 1913 dictionary under “Sweet Wil- for broad-based research on other resistance to braving the possible com- themes in hex signs and Fraktur (http:// liam” as were two types of birds, the topics related to birds in history, art, plications involved in finding it. With the en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distelfink) Willow Warbler and the European invaluable computer assistance provid- Goldfinch, which in Provincial English music, folklore, cultural practices, and other forms of distinction, some ed by the second person I approached Classical music is yet another art form in was also called Sweet Billy. Carlo Criv- of which will be specific to cultural at the information desk—the first pointed which the Goldfinch has been featured. elli (1435-1495) painted the Virgin and
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 16 www.nfss.org 17 September / October 2010 and religious contexts. Some findings Author Biography along these lines might be particu- Paul Rodenhauser, emeritus profes- larly discomforting, for example the sor of psychiatry at Tulane University way hummingbirds were tethered and School of Medicine, is currently en- treated as toys. This essay, which only gaged full-time in oil painting (avian touches lightly on the historical signifi- art), photography, pottery, creative cance and contemporary profile of the writing, and master gardening. His European Goldfinch, leaves the author EXOTICS RULE many avian companions at home in – and hopefully readers – with innu- New Mexico include society, Gouldian, merable questions. zebra, and green singing finches. OUR ANIMAL KKININGDOM Research for this essay was carried out largely online. The primary exception was my relatively limited personal recon- naissance at several museums in Paris. Have a good idea for an NFSS Where seemingly appropriate, referenc- es are included in the body of the essay; Journal article? however, more information can be ob- Contact editor Tom Keegan tained in almost all cases by simply typ- at [email protected] ing in the name of the subject on line.
We know exotics rule. In the grand scheme of things, we produce more food for more exotic animals than any other company in the world.
MAZURI® BIRD DIETS: • Natural Vitamin E and mixed tocopherols for preservation • Complete and balanced nutrition with no artificial colors or flavors MAZURI® BIRD DIETS: • Color enhancers for brightly-colored plumage Small Bird Maintenance Small Bird Breeder • Each bag is date coded for guaranteed freshness Parrot Maintenance and is produced in the United States Parrot Breeder ZuLiFe™ Soft-Bill Diet So for healthy birds and greater peace of mind, trust Mazuri® products. ZuLiFe™ Bird Gel
Take a walk on the wild side and visit us at www.Mazuri.com September / October 2010 September / October 2010 Saving the Gouldian Finch: h o m e l e s s families g e t n e w d e s i g n e r h o m e s by Dr. Sarah R. Pryke, Macquarie University, Australia
What happens when the demand for Obviously, something needs to be done suitable homes exceeds their availabil- now before we lose this species in the ity? The law of demand and supply also wild. But the success of any conserva- applies in nature, and the consequenc- tion strategy is ultimately dependent on es of enhanced competition for limited understanding the processes contribut- nesting sites can have far-reaching ef- ing to the decline – unfortunately, this fects. Which individuals will prevail? is something we know very little about. And what happens to the unsuccessful However, new research is providing competitors? Hole-nesting birds fre- some clues and helpful ways that we quently face a difficult task in finding can hopefully begin to reverse this dra- suitable accommodation: most of the matic decline. coveted nesting cavities are located in old trees, which as a result of recent changes in land management (or often The Problem – limited nesting sites ‘mismanagement’) are increasingly few Several theories have been proposed and far between. What can we do to Prior to the introduction of pastoralism in the nineteenth century, the fire regime in Australia’s northern savannas consisted of to explain the recent decline in Goul- a patchy mosaic of regular (early dry season), low intensity grass fires. More recently, however, with increased pastoralism change this? Using a simple solution, as dian finch populations and distribution. and reduced traditional land management, large areas are now susceptible to high intensity and late season fires. Although well as helpful donations from the pub- low intensity fires have a negligible effect on Eucalyptus demographics, high intensity fires typically destroy growing saplings One of the most obvious explanations lic, recent scientific management is dra- and older trees. Photo by Sarah R. Pryke. was trapping for the aviculture industry, matically reversing the housing short- which took place on a relatively large age for endangered Gouldian finches practises and wildfires, and since then Gouldian finches have enough to eat, scale, with thousands of birds being in the wild. have focused on how changed fire re- we are also investigating other impor- caught per day in some cases. Trap- gimes have reduced the availability of tant processes, such as whether they ping was banned in the early 1980’s he Australian Gouldian finch important perennial grasses, especially have enough places to successfully and probably made a significant con- (Erythrura gouldiae) is argu- in the late dry season when seed from breed. This is important because the re- tribution to the decline. Nevertheless, ably one of the most popular dominant annual grasses is no longer cent habitat changes and inappropriate since this practise ended, many other domesticated pet birds, bred available. Although this may explain fire regimes not only alter seed diver- finch species that had been trapped by aviculturists throughout part of the Gouldian finches’ decline sity, but also affect the availability and in similar numbers have successfully Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA. and decreased health, unfortunately, production of tree cavities. T recovered, while the Gouldian finch In stark contrast to the millions of birds the relative impact remains inconclusive has not. In the early nineties, another estimated to be living in captivity, wild at this stage. Given that the Gouldian One important difference that sets Goul- theory that received much attention populations have undergone significant finch has shown no sign of recovery in dian finches apart from all other Austra- was high infection rates by the air- population declines in the last 30-40 the past 10-15 years, it is perhaps sad lian finches is that they require an exist- sac mite (Sternostoma tracheacolum). years, and the Gouldian finch is now that little research has been conducted ing tree hollow (cavity) to breed – they However, air sac mite is a symptom, one of Australia’s most threatened bird on wild populations during this time. are unable to build their own free-stand- not the cause, of highly stressed birds species. In 1992, the Gouldian finch ing nest. This means that, unlike other in poor condition, which are thus more was classified as ‘endangered’, and However, this is where we come in – similar species, the number of available susceptible to secondary infection by has since declined further to the point over the last four years our research hollows in the environment determines, parasites. Around the same time, re- where the most recent estimates suggest team from Macquarie University has and thus limits, their population growth. searchers also started investigating the that there are less than 2500 birds re- taken a different approach to the prob- This becomes a problem for Gouldian various impacts of changed grazing maining in the wild. lem. Rather than only asking whether populations if 1) the number of hollows
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 20 www.nfss.org 21 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
Cavity production in Eucalyptus woodlands is strongly related to the size and age of the tree, often requiring at least 80-120 years depending on the species. In other words, trees planted now are unlikely to form suitable hollows for many decades to come. In fact, most established Eucalyptus woodlands pre-date European settlement, and thus hollow-bearing trees are ef- fectively a non-renewable resource. Photo by Sarah R. Pryke. or hollow-producing trees is limited, or preventing Gouldians from breeding by 2) if available hollows are being used occupying potential nest-sites. by other species. To do this, we identified all suitable hab- With this in mind, we therefore set out itats and then proceeded with the ardu- to study one of the largest known resi- ous task of climbing every single tree dent populations, situated in the Eastern looking for Gouldian and Long-tailed Kimberley region of Western Australia. finch nests, as well as unoccupied but One of the first things we noticed was suitable hollows. For each hollow, we that Gouldian finches were difficult to took detailed measurements of its attri- find. After spending several months sur- butes, such as depth, height, entrance veying as much habitat as possible, it size, orientation, and tree size. From became apparent that the number of this data, we could then determine how breeding Gouldians in an area tended many suitable hollows were available to correspond with how many suitable in the environment, what features Goul- hollows were available in that area. dians preferred in a nesting hollow, We also noticed that there were large what features Long-tails preferred, and numbers of Long-tailed finches (Po- whether they are likely to be competing ephila acuticauda) in the same areas, for the same hollows. which were using the same hollows for nesting. Therefore, one of the first The first thing we discovered was that priorities was to determine whether 1) availability of suitable hollows for nest- Gouldian finches are nest-site limited, ing varied considerably between dif- and 2) whether Long-tailed finches are ferent areas. This was because of the Gouldian finches are obligate cavity nesters, which means that they nest in tree cavities and are unable to build their own nests. Photos by Sarah R. Pryke.
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 22 www.nfss.org 23 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 different ages of the Eucalyptus trees in few trees with hollows that are suitable of nest-box musical chairs. The the area, as older trees tend to produce for breeding Gouldian finches. results were pretty astound- more hollows than younger ones. Tree ing. Long-tails were the clear age in turn is related to recent changes The second important aspect that we dis- winners, occupying more than in fire regimes. Prior to the introduction covered was that Gouldian finches are four times as many nest-boxes of pastoralism in the nineteenth century, very choosy about the hollows they will as Gouldians. As a follow-up, the fire regime in Australia’s northern sa- nest in, preferring very sturdy, deep hol- we then decided to see what vannas consisted of a patchy mosaic of lows with narrow entrances. In contrast, would happen if Gouldians regular (early dry season), low intensity Long-tailed finches will happily nest in a were given a head-start, al- grass fires. More recently, however, with very broad range of sites with little pref- lowing them to begin nesting increased pastoralism and reduced tra- erence for one type over another. How- before adding Long-tail pairs ditional land management, large areas ever, importantly, there is a significant to the aviary. Once again, are now susceptible to high intensity and overlap in the range of hollows used by Gouldians lost out. Gouldians late season fires. Although low intensity the two species, such that the hollows re- breeding in aviaries without fires have a negligible effect on Euca- quired by Gouldians are all potentially Long-tails produced over three lyptus demographics, high intensity fires used by Long-tails, but not vice-versa. times more fledglings than typically destroy growing saplings and This means that Gouldian finches not those with Long-tails, and this older trees. Cavity production in Euca- only have a smaller subset of hollows was due to the continued ha- lyptus woodlands is strongly related to to choose from, but that they also poten- rassment by Long-tail pairs the size and age of the tree, often requir- tially face competition from Long-tails for trying to take over their nests. ing at least 80-120 years depending on any hollow they wish to nest in. By filming nests of Gouldian the species. Thus, there are actually very finches in the wild, we also found very similar results with Long-tail finches are competitively dominant and outcompete Gouldian finches for access to limited nest sites. Photo by Mike Fidler. Long-tail finches outcompeting Gouldian finches and some- Building our specially-designed nest-boxes for Gouldian finches. Photo by Sarah R. Pryke. times even forcibly evicting Gouldians from their nests. Nevertheless, at this point we still didn’t have the full story. We knew Therefore, breeding Gouldian finches that Gouldian finches have to compete face two major problems: 1) the limited with Long-tailed finches over hollows to number of hollow-producing trees and nest in, but we didn’t know how this suitable hollows in the environment, competition would play out. Competi- and 2) intense competition for access to tion isn’t that bad if you’re always the these limited hollows (which are essen- winner. So who would win the fight? tial for successfully breeding). Togeth- We set about finding out by conduct- er, this is limiting the number of Goul- ing some experiments with captive dian finches that can breed, with only populations at the Save the Gouldian a small proportion of birds successfully Fund Research Facility in Martins- breeding and producing the young for ville, New South Wales. By creating future generations. an even playing field, we could test whether Gouldians or Long-tails were The Solution – artificial nest boxes more likely to win access to limited Faced with these problems, the big nest-sites. Multiple aviaries were set up question is – what can we do about it? to house equal numbers of Gouldian Even if we were able to stop the uncon- and Long-tail breeding pairs, and they trollable wildfires today, and replanted were each then provided with half the the whole area with Eucalyptus trees, number of nest-boxes as pairs, a kind
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 24 www.nfss.org 25 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
we can build, the more homes we can Author Biography provide for Gouldian finches, and the Dr. Sarah R. Pryke is a Research Fellow in more we can boost the population num- bers – hopefully one day back to their the Department of Brain, Behaviour and former numbers and range. All dona- Evolution at Macquarie University, Syd- tions to this project are invaluable and ney, Australia. will go a long way to reversing the de- cline in this endangered species.
For just $35 (AUD) you can provide a home for a wild Gouldian finch family. For further details and to sponsor a nest- box, please see the Save The Gouldian Fund website: http://www.savethegoul- dian.org/Nest%20box.html
A successful conservation strategy – providing homes for homeless Gouldian finches. Artificial nest-boxes have increased both the densities of breeding Gouldian finches and the number of offspring produced. Photo by Mike Fidler. because of the time taken for these trees just a few years, we have increased the to produce suitable cavities it would be breeding densities of Gouldian finches more than a century before there were by over 200% in nest-box enriched ar- enough suitable hollows in the environ- eas. By providing a high-quality preda- ment. It seems unlikely that the declining tor-proof nest-site, this has also nearly populations of Gouldian finches can doubled the number of offspring that wait that long. each breeding pair produces within a season. Not only is this a great result One short-term solution that we came for conservation, but scientifically, it up with was simply to provide more hol- has also provided evidence that hol- lows in the environment. Therefore, over low shortages in the environment were the last three years we have been hard indeed restricting population growth in at work building specially designed the first place. A secondary benefit of nest boxes (modelled on natural tree providing nest-boxes is that they allow cavities used by Gouldian finches) and us easy access to nests (and offspring), placing them in some of the suitable which means that we can collect more habitats utilised by the birds. By provid- data and thus greater scientific insight ing artificial nest sites, the idea is that into the Gouldian finches’ reproductive we can increase the number of suitable biology in the wild. Gouldian finch hollows (i.e. remove the constraints of the limited number of hol- You can help by sponsoring a home lows available in the environment) and for a wild Gouldian finch family reduce the effects of competition from We are currently raising funds to pur- Long-tail finches (i.e., provide enough chase materials for building more pur- boxes for everyone to breed). The results pose-built nest boxes. The more boxes of this study have surprised even us. In
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 26 September / October 2010 Australia’s Save the Gouldian Fund establishes conservation r e s e a r c h c e n t e r
The new STGF Conservation Research Centre on the main road in Old Wyndham Port. n 2007 the Save The Gouldian Fund decided to focus its research activities on the populations of Gouldian Finches at Wyndham and the surrounding area in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. This decision generated prob- lems that needed to be addressed. The scope and nature of the Gouldian Finch research planned for this remote area of Australia presented huge logistical problems.I To be effective we needed a permanent research facility in the area. Fol- lowing discussions with the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, the Save The Goul- dian Fund entered in to a 21 year lease on the old Shire Hall in old Wyndham Port. The old heritage building has been transformed in to the Save The Gouldian Fund’s Conservation Research Centre. Now, for the first time, researchers working in this remote, rugged area of Australia have a state of the art, modern facility to support their work. They have comfortable, completely self-contained accommodation; with bunks to comfortably sleep 20 people; a modern kitchen area; showers with hot and cold running water; state of the art laboratory facilities, internet access and secure garages to store equipment and vehicles; all within a large, securely fenced com- pound. Researchers from Macquarie University are currently using the Conservation Research Centre to carry out research on various aspects of Gouldian Finch ecology towards restoring the Gouldian Finch in the wild!
www.nfss.org 29 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 National NFSS Show in San Diego n o v e m b e r 18-20
Come help us build on our NFSS tradition! Due to some contract issues beyond the control of the National Cage Bird Show (NCBS), their 62nd annual show scheduled for November 2010 in Florida had to be canceled this year. The NCBS historically included the NFSS annual meet- ing, afternoon-of-aviculture event, the bird show itself and the banquet and awards presentations.
It looks like when one door closes another opens We can “put on a show of our own” in the spirit of those musical movies of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Instead of “getting the costumes from the barn,” we’ll get our birds from the aviary, the garage, the living room. . . well, maybe even the barn.
The Finch Society of San Diego County (FSSDC), known to be the oldest finch club in the United States will align with NFSS and be assisted by the West Coast Zebra/ Society Show (WCZSS) to host the 2010 Finch and Softbill annual show, events, banquet and meeting.
Where? The main ballroom of The Town & Country Hotel and Convention Center (http://www.towncountry.com/), San Diego California.
When? November 18-19-20 (Thursday-Friday-Saturday) 2010.
Hotel Info: We have secured special $99.00 group room rates. Telephone 800-772- 8527 and mention “Finch and Softbill Society of San Diego” for rooms between Nov 16 and 23rd for those who wish to extend their stay. The Town & Country Hotel and Convention Center is in the center of Mission Valley close to fabulous shops, tourist attractions non-compare, the historic mission San Diego de Alcala, the Coro- nado Strand, fine dining, “old-towne”, GREAT November golf weather, all only 10 minutes from the airport by hotel van or taxi.
Vendors wishing to rent a booth, contact Antonio Rodrigues at [email protected] Shirts Shopping (914-512-0632). Booth space is no-charge for a two night stay. Shopping atHats NFSS Caps Attending this show continues a tradition started October 27th 1984 in East Hart- ford Ct. when NFSS President Emeritus Wm. Parlee invited 23 exhibitors with 156 Cups NFSS.org/Shop entrees to the first show judged by Mr. Al Decoteau (MA) and Pres. Parlee (CT). A Bags Bali Rothchild Mynah owned by Natalie Molaver won ‘best in show’. The following Home & Office Gifts October judges Juanita McLain (FL) and Conrad Meinert (IN) awarded Mr. Wm Name Badges & Lumley’s Red Headed Gouldian Finch ‘best in show’ in Harrisburg Pa. from 23 Embroidered Apparel exhibitors and 141 entrees. In 1985, Mr. Parlee affiliated NFSS (then called NFS)
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 30 www.nfss.org 31 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 with the NCBS for their 38th annual show so more bird people could meet even more bird people. The first affiliated award went to Mr. Tom Rood (IL) NFS banded Normal Zebra Hen. By late 1986 NFS had 41 affiliated clubs including 4 interna- tional affiliates: The Zebra Society of England, the New Zealand Finch Breeders, the International Dove Society and the Australian Finch Society. Since then, Finch and Softbill aviculturists have been traveling annually to 16 different states (and Puerto Rico) to show and talk birds. By hosting this annual meeting, San Diego is continuing traditions begun early because four California Clubs: Fresno, Kern County, Capitol City and Golden Gate Avian were original affiliates of NFSS.
Take part in the four main events Event one: Aviary tours: Thursday 9am begins driven tours to three of the unique aviaries of greater San Diego. (1) To nearby Temecula, to The Hal Vokaty aviaries which rival and are the envy of many zoos. (Google “Hal Vokaty”) (2) Hidden Forest Aviaries of Mr. Gamini Ratnavira, wildlife artist in nearby Fall brook (Google gaminiratnavira.com) (3) Simply Finches, the aviary of Jim Lichtman in San Diego city.
Take Friday AM for touring, golf or shops.
Event Two: Afternoon of aviculture. Friday 1 to 5 PM: Speakers include (1) Michal Prochazka, MD (AZ) President, Pet DNA services of Ariziona. DNA testing in aviculture (2) NFSS President John Wilson will discuss details concerning Gouldian genetics. (3) Judges clinic open to 15-20 discussion of what the judges have seen this recent show season, and open question session for attendees.
Event Three: 6 PM Friday. NFSS annual general meeting open to all members.
Event Four: Saturday 9 AM to approximately 5 PM. The show itself, judged by Vince Moase of Canada. Followed at 7 PM by banquet, dinner and awards.
Come talk birds, see San Diego, talk more birds, take the aviculture tours, talk birds, enjoy warm weather, more talk birds, international dining, bird talk, dramatic shop- ping center, challenging golf course, all within walking distance of your room.
Visitors without cars will be assigned an FSSDC “host” for transportation to the avian tours.
Check website finchsocietyofsandiego.com or e mail direct to Sally Huntington at [email protected] (858-452-9423) or Antonio Rodrigues at [email protected] (914-512-0632) for further information on this anticipated occasion of aviculture.
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 32 www.nfss.org 33 ORDER YOUR NFSS JOURNAL BACKISSUES September / October 2010 DVD COMPILATION 19842008
YOU CAN ALSO ORDER ONLINE USING PAYPAL http://nfss.org/dvdorder.html P L E A S E P R I N T C L E A R L Y
FIRST NAME:______LAST NAME:______
MAILING ADDRESS:______
CITY / ST / ZIP ______
COUNTRY if outside USA: ______
DAYTIME PHONE# ( _____ ) ______(in case we have questions about your order)
EMAIL ADDRESS______
WOULD YOU LIKE US TO SEND YOU AN NFSS JOURNAL AND WEB ADVERTISER’S PACKET YES NO
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE DVD SUPPLEMENTAL YEARS 2009+ MAILING LIST YES NO
DVD Price includes domestic USA shipping by US Mail.
Foreign orders will require additional shipping charges to destination.
$20.00 per DVD Please send ____QTY of DVD’s @ $ 20.00 each =TOTAL$______
Please make checks payable to NFSS in U.S. currency
TOTAL ENCLOSED ON YOUR CHECK $______CK#______
MAIL YOUR ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT TO: NFSS DVD ORDER 918 GEORGIA AVE ETOWAH. TN 373311004
www.nfss.org 35 September / October 2010 September / October 2010 NFSS Affiliated Clubs/Events Liaison Officer - Alfredo Brugueras 174 County Road 2317 | Mineola, TX 75773 [email protected]
Alabama Central Alabama Avicultural Society, Inc. Montgomery. [email protected] www.caasociety.com Events: Show/Bird Fair, Sept 4-5, 2010, Quality Inn & Suites, 2705 East South Blvd, Montgomery, 1-334-288-2800 (reservations). Contact: Ted Sexton, [email protected], (334) 301-2920 or [email protected], (256) 892-3072.
California Central California Cage Bird Club, Modesto, www.mycccbc.org Event: Canary and Finch Show and Mart, October 30, SOS Club, Modesto. Contact: Janna Place, [email protected].
Finch Society of San Diego County, San Diego, www.finchsocietyofsandiego.com, [email protected]. Nation’s largest all finch/softbill club.
Florida Florida Finch Show Bird Club, Event: EXPO, Oct 24, 9-4, Central FL Fairgrounds, Orlando, 4603 W Colonial Dr (U.S. 50). Seminars, trick bird show, NFSS finch show (Judge: Jerri Wiesenfeld). $5 Admission covers all; reduced admission for NFSS members with membership card. Contact: Ron Castaner ([email protected], 561-792-6794) or Tim McCormick ([email protected]).
Treasure Coast Exotic Bird Club Inc., Stuart, tcexoticbirdclub.com Event: South East Regional Finch Show and Bird Expo, March 21, Martin County Fairgrounds, 2612 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart. Contact: Kathy Dwyer, We have a launch! [email protected]. Come visit and explore the ways to defy the myth Tri-State Avian Society, Tallahassee, [email protected] , www.tristateaviansociety.org Event: Spring Bird Fair, May 15-16, North FL Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Rd, Tallahassee. Contact: Barry Laster, ladygouldian.com [email protected].
Illinois is proud to offer these fine product lines The Avicultural Society of Chicagoland (TASC) , Lombard/St. Charles, 630-336-0197, TASCCHICAGO@ ● Dr. Rob Marshall Health Supplements aol.com, www.tasc-chicago.org. Event: Midwest Bird Expo 2010, May 22, 9:30-4:00, Kane County ● Mike Fidler & Birds R US™ Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road, St Charles. Huge event with vendors, speakers, education stations, wild ● Morning Bird - Bird Care Products animal shows, and so much more, www.midwestbirdexpo.com. Contact: Jason Crean, [email protected], ● Twin Beaks Aviary - Herb Salad & Hatched 630-985-8146. ● Skipio ● Pet Focus ● Poop Off Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club, Clarendon Hills, 708-258-0682, [email protected], www.gccbc.org. Event: Bird Show, Oct 30, Du Page Expo, 4050 E Main St, St Charles. Contact Shar: Toby, Sharlant2000@ yahoo.com.
Shipping from Heart of Illinois Bird Club, Peoria, [email protected]. Events: Bird Fair, Feb 28; Bird Show & Fair; Bird Fair, Oct 24. All events at Grand Hotel (Ramada Inn), 4400 Brandywine Dr, Peoria. Contact: Jody Lewis balu716@ Georgia yahoo.com, 309-645-7773. 770-939-4531
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 36 www.nfss.org 37 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
Mid West Bird Breeders & Exhibitors, www.midwestbirdbreederexhibitor.info. Lawrenceville Events: Show, Oklahoma March 20, Lawrenceville. Contact Lisa Grimes, [email protected]. Judge: Annette Howard. NFSS show in Oklahoma Cage Bird Society, Tulsa, 918-446-3999, [email protected]. Event: Oklahoma Cage Bird conjunction with the Gateway Parrot Club’s Parrot Festival, Sunday, Aug 29. Judge: Annette Howard. See Show, Oct 23, EconoLodge, Tulsa. Contact: Laura Bewley, 918-446-3999, [email protected]. Judge: Gateway’s listing (MO) for location details. Alfredo Brugueras.
Finch and Softbill Breeders and Exhibitors Club, Palatine, www.fsbec.finchfiles.com Event: TBA. Oregon Columbia Canary Club, Portland. [email protected], 503-266-7606 Event: TBA. Iowa Mid America Cage Bird Society, Des Moines, 239-851-8132, [email protected], www.MACBS.org. Pennsylvania Events: Bird Fairs, Mar 28, May 16 & Aug 22, Des Moines Botanical Center. Contact: John Thielking, Chester County Bird Club, Frazer, www.CCBirdclub.com. Event: Annual Bird Show & Mart, Oct 30, Exton. [email protected]. Judge: Conrad Meinert. Contact: Doris Rickards, 610-647-4632, [email protected].
Maryland Puerto Rico Baltimore Bird Fanciers, Baltimore, [email protected], www.baltimorebirdfanciers.org Events: Asociacion De Criadores de Finches, Inc, Caguas PR, [email protected] Events: Summer National Show, Bird Mart, May 15 and Bird Show & Mart, Oct 12, Tall Cedars Hall, 250 Putty Hill Ave, Baltimore Contact: June, Centro Comunal, Alturas de Villas del Rey, Caguas. Show Judge: Martha Wigmore. Winter Regional Joe Jones, [email protected]. Show, November 5-7, Centro Comunal, Alturas de Villas del Rey, Caguas. Judge: Armando Lee. Manager (both shows): Juan Alicea, [email protected], 787-479-7405. Note: The only finch species allowed for Massachusetts these competitions are Zebra, Society, Gouldian, Cutthroat, Cordon Bleu, Green Singer, and Brazilian Crested Massachusetts Cage Bird Assoc, Foxboro, 781-335-3927, www.masscagebird.org. Event: Annual Bird Cardinal Finch. Show, Oct. 16, Lowell Elks Lodge, 40 Old Ferry Rd, Lowell 01854. Contact: Tom Keegan, 781-335-3927, [email protected]. Puerto Rico Zebra Finch Club, Gurabo, [email protected], www.przfc.com. Event: Puerto Rico Zebra Finch Fall Show, Sept 10 – 12, Centro Comunal Santa Juana, Caguas. Contact: Jorge Mojica, [email protected], Michigan 787-550-3163. Judge: TBA. Great Lakes Zebra and Society Specialty Show. Event: Bird Show, Aug 21, Maplewood Community Center (Detroit Area), 31735 Maplewood, Garden City 48135. Hall open for entries on Friday, 8/20, 4-8 PM and Tennessee Sat 7-9 AM. Judge: Vince Moase. Contact: Rebecca Mikel [email protected] or Jim Heffernan tielnmore@aol. Heart of Tennessee Aviculture Society, Murfreesboro, www.heartoftnaviculturesociety.com. Event: Exotic com, 313-247-5900. Bird Fair and Show, Sept. 11 (9-5) & 12 (10-4). Show (NAPS, NFSS) Sat only. MTSU TN Livestock Ctr, Murfreesboro 37130. Contact: Wilma 615-396-8440, [email protected]. Hotel: Americas Best Value Inn, Missouri 1954 S. Church St, Murfreesboro 37130, 615-896-6030 (Block # 55042). Gateway Parrot Club, St. Louis, 636-343-8097, [email protected], www.gatewayparrotclub.org. Event: All American Hookbill Fair & Seminar, Aug 28-29, Doors open at 10:00 Texas AM, Machinists’ Hall Dist. 9 Building, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd, Bridgeton. Scheduled speakers: Jean Canary & Finch Society, Houston. 281-324-4100, [email protected]. Event: Canary & Finch Pattison & Michelle Karras. Contact: Christine Kinkade, 636-343-8097. Annual Show, Oct 9, Baymont Inn & Suites, 502 N Sam Houston Pkwy East, Houston. Contact: Helen Jones, [email protected], Judge: TBA. Greater Kansas City Avicultural Society, 1807 NE Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, 816-252-1120, [email protected], www.GKCAS.org. Events: SPRING BIRD FAIR, April 24, Hilton Garden Inn, 19677 Fort Worth Bird Club, Fort Worth, [email protected], www.fwbc.org. Event: Fort Worth Bird Show, E Jackson Dr, Independence and Annual All Bird Show, Oct 16, Coronation of Our Lady Church, 13000 Oct 2, Azle Community Center. Contact: Jerry Cason, [email protected]. Bennington, Grandview. Contact: Anthony Day Phone: 816-252-1120.
Texas Bird Breeders and Fanciers Association, Temple, [email protected] Event: Texas Bird Breeders New Hampshire Show, Nov 6, Mayborn Convention Center, Temple. Contact: Clarence Culwell, [email protected]. Birds of a Feather Avicultural Society, Manchester, 603-362-6106, [email protected], www.BOAF.com. Event: Annual Fall Exotic Bird Show and Mart, Oct 23, All Dogs Gym and Inn, Manchester. Virginia Contact: Ray Schwartz, [email protected], 603-362-6106. Peninsula Caged Bird Society, Newport News, [email protected], www.vapeninsulacagedbirdsociety.org. Events: Spring & Fall Marts & Shows, Columbian Center. Dates TBA. New York Contact: Deb Wilson, [email protected]. Empire Finch & Canary Club, West Hempstead, [email protected] Event: Annual Show, Nov 13, St. Mark’s Methodist Church, Rockville Center. Judge: Laura Tinker. Contact: John Lund, [email protected]. Washington Cascade Canary Breeders Assn , Seattle, [email protected], www.cascadecanary.com. Event: CCBA New York Finch & Type Canary Club, NYC, [email protected] Events: Feather Show June 27, Averill 42nd Annual Show, October 23-24, Monroe. Contact: Coleen Anderson, [email protected]. Blvd Park (Meeting Hall), Elmont. Contact: Stan Kulak, [email protected]; Annual Show, Sept 25, St. Jude Church (Gyne Hall), 1677 Canarsie Rd, Brooklyn.
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 38 www.nfss.org 39 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
Wisconsin Central Wisconsin Cage & Wild Bird Connection, Pittsville, [email protected], www.cwwcbc.us/bc/. Event: An- National Finch and Softbill Society nual Bird & Garden Fair, Saturday, May 15, 2010. Membership Application
Regional / National P L E A S E P R I N T A L L I N F O C L E A R L Y The American Dove Association, 205-995-8612, [email protected], www.DoveLine.com. Event: Primary Member First & Last Name ______National Young Bird Show (and annual meeting), Oct. 30, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville KY 40209. Primary Member’s Email Address ______(If dual membership) The Avicultural Society of America, www.asabirds.org/home.html Steve Duncan PO Box 3161,San Dimas, Dual Member First & Last Name ______CA 91773. The oldest aviculture society in the US,founded in 1927. Dual Member’s Email Address ______The National Animal Interest Alliance, www.naiaonline.org Dedicated to promoting animal welfare, supporting responsible animal use and strengthening the bond between humans and animals. Mailing address ______City ______State____ Zip ______Country ______Northeast Bird Group, New England/NY/NJ/PA, 781-335-3927, [email protected], www.northeastbirdgroup.com. Event: Summer Bird Fair, June 26, 4097 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. Area code ______Phone______(in case we have questions) [Show is Cockatiel (NCS) and parrot (SPBE) only this year]. New membership Application date ___/___/___ Check#______West Coast Zebra and Society Finch Show, Sacramento, CA. www.efinch.com/show Event: Fifth Annual Show, July 30, Sacramento. Contact: Jami Arndt, [email protected]. If Junior Membership (for children 616 years old) Date of Birth ___/___/___ Foreign Canadian Finch & Softbill Society, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, 905-723-1978, [email protected]. Event: If renewal, and you have it, list your NFSS#______If dual, 2nd NFSS#______Show Nov 13-14, Brampton Fairgrounds, 12942 Heart Lake Rd. Judge: John Harris (England). Contact: Vince Moase, 905-723-1978, [email protected]. Aviary Name______
Durham Avicultural Society, Ontario, Canada, www.birdclub.ca, [email protected], 416-282-5997 How did you hear about us? ______(Jacquie). Event: Annual Bird Show, Sep 18 – 19, Ajax Community Centre. Check here if you want us to send you an Advertising Packet? Essex-Kent Cage Bird Society, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 519-948-6398, [email protected], www.essexkentcbs.com. Event: 35th Annual Show, Sept 25/26, 2010, Fogolar Furlan Club, Udine. Judge: To order the NFSS @ 25 DVD online go to http://www.nfss.org/dvdorder.html Armando Lee. Contact: Julianne, [email protected].
Ottawa Bird Fanciers Society, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 905-723-1978, [email protected], www. ottawabirdfancierssociety.org. Event: Show Oct 2-3, St Ignatius Martyr Church, 518 Donald Street, Ottawa, ON K1K 1L7, Judge: Laura Tinker. Contact: Mario Gauci, 613-244-1678, [email protected].
Please print this application out and mail with check or money order [U.S. Funds] Make Check Payable to NFSS and Mail Application to:
NFSSNFSS Mem membershipbership P 918O Box 3230 georgia Santa ave., etowah,Clara CA tn 95055323037331
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 40 www.nfss.org 41 September / October 2010 September / October 2010
NFSS Panel of Judges - 2010 The 2010 NFSS 4th Vice President - Judges Panel/Standards/Research — Laura Bewley (pro tem) 3538 S. 65 W. Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74107 Board of Directors & Contact Laura Bewley at [email protected] Appointed Officers
Nizam Ali Annette Howard Bob Peers 135-11 114th Street 1271 Conser Drive 535 W. 61st St. Apt. D, President Band Secretary Executive Secretary South Ozone Pk, NY 11420 Salem, OH 44460 Westmont, IL 60559 Mr. John Wilson Ms. Paula Hansen Ms. Rebecca Mikel Phone: 781-835-8590 Phone: 330-337-7654 Phone/Fax: (630) 740-7389 San Francisco, CA 94110 2234 Juneau Court South 13779 US 12 E [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Salem, Oregon 97302 Union, MI 49130 Laura Bewley [email protected] Phone: (269) 641-7209 3538 S. 65 W. Avenue Sally Huntington Marion (Miki) Sparzak Past President [email protected] Tulsa, OK 74107 5634 Carnegie Street 945 Rosedale Avenue Mr. Bob Peers President Emeritus Phone: 918-446-3999 San Diego, CA 92122 Baltimore, MD 21237 535 W. 61st St. Apt. D, Mr. William Parlee FinchShop Manager [email protected] Phone: 858-452-9423 Phone: 410-687-8915 Westmont, IL 60559 860-569-0200 Ms. Sharon Dvorak [email protected] [email protected] Phone/Fax: (630) 740-7389 [email protected] (919) 266-4935 Alfredo M. Brugueras [email protected] [email protected] 174 CR 2317 Armando Lee Laura Tinker Region 1 V.P. (Northeast) Mineola, Texas 75773 2905 SW 38th Terrace 31 Grape Hollow Road 1st Vice President Ms. Elaine Ortman Treasurer Phone: 903-569-6979 Cape Coral, FL 33914 Holmes, NY 12531 Regional V.P.’s, Education Woodstown, NJ Ms. Lisa R. Murphy [email protected] Phone 239-242-7675 Phone: 845-855-2662 Mr. Bob Peers 609-202-7556 918 Georgia Ave. Fax: 239-242-0333 [email protected] 535 W. 61st St. Apt. D, [email protected] Etowah, Tennessee 37331 Clarence Culwell [email protected] Westmont, IL 60559 [email protected] 250 Horseshoe Drive Christine Voronovitch Phone/Fax: (630) 740-7389 Region 2 V.P. (Southeast) Springtown, TX 76082 Dennis J. Lewis 38 Liberty Street [email protected] Mr. Michael Gravely Advertising & Promotions Phone: 817-220-5568 7446 Glasgow Road Manchester, CT 06040 [email protected] Manager [email protected] Brooksville, FL 34613 Phone: 860-649-8220 2nd Vice President, Publications Misty LaRue Phone: 352-596-3376 —Journal and Website Region 3 V.P. (Mid-Central) 2154 Belcourt Drive Dr. Al Decoteau [email protected] Jerri Wiesenfeld Mr. Tom Keegan Mr. Jason Crean Villa Rica, GA 30180 P.O. Box 546 2379 Water Bluff Drive 21 Oakcrest Road [email protected] [email protected] Hollis, NH 03049 Brian Mandarich Jacksonville, FL 32218 Weymouth, MA 02190 Phone: (603) 878-3435 4743 E. Hedges Avenue Phone: 904-714-2133 781-335-3927 Region 4 V.P. (Midwest) Moderator, NFSS Forums [email protected] Fresno, CA 93703 [email protected] [email protected] Ms. Laura Bewley Mr. John Wilson Phone: 559-255-6508 (918) 446-3999 [email protected] Julie R. Duimstra Martha Wigmore 3rd Vice President [email protected] 618 North Nesmith Ave. Conrad Meinert 18913 Boston Street NW NFSS Finch/Softbill Save NFSS Webmaster Sioux Falls, SD 57103 1212 E. 300 South Elk River, MN 55330 Program/Census Mgr. Region 5 V.P. (Mountain) Barbara Jaquez Phone: 605-332-5054 Warsaw, IN 46580 Phone: 763-241-0071 Ms. Vonda Zwick Ms. Anna Sinclair [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 574-269-2873 [email protected] 611 Hingham Lane 719-634-6404 Birdmanofwarsaw@ Schaumburg, IL 60193 [email protected] Membership Director Cecil Gunby embarqmail.com Paul S. Williams [email protected] Tiffany Park (pro tem) 8121 Route 1, Hwy. 54 101 Linden Drive Region 6 V.P. (Pacific Coast) 850-321-6162 Sharpsburg, GA 30277 Vince Moase Eufaula, AL 36027 4th Vice President - Judges Mr. Doug White [email protected] Phone/Fax: 770-254-1261 1078 Roundelay Court Phone: 334-687-1713 Panel/Standards/Research [email protected] [email protected] Oshawa, ON Canada L1J7R7 [email protected] Ms. Laura Bewley NFSS Journal Editor 905-723-1978 (918) 446-3999 Region 7 V.P. (Caribbean) Currently Vacant Kenneth Gunby [email protected] [email protected] Mr. Orlando Rivera Contact 2nd V.P. Tom Keegan 3692 Mandarin Woods Dr. N [email protected] about journal matters Jacksonville, FL 32223 Liaison/Awards Director [email protected] Phone: 904-403-3078 Mr. Alfredo Brugueras Region 8 V.P. (Canada) [email protected] 174 County Road 2317 Mr. Vince Moase Legislative Liaison Mineola, TX 75773 (905) 723-1978 Mr. Roland Cristo (903) 569-6979 [email protected] [email protected] Are You Interested in Becoming an NFSS Judge? [email protected] Contact Laura Bewley at [email protected] www.nfss.org 43 September / October 2010
Purple Grenadier Hen, photo by Misty LaRue.
he NFSS Journal is always looking for high quality digital images of finches and softbilled birds. If you have a picture that you’d like to submit for con- sideration, please feel free to email it to 2nd Vice President Tom Keegan at [email protected].
The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 44