Impressive budgies on show
More than 200 budgerigars were on show last Sunday for the Baw Baw Budgerigar Society’s inaugural championship show in the Exhibition Hall The birds were judged across four divisions – beginner, intermediate, open and champion.
Each section had 27 classes within the adult, young and UBC (unbroken cap) classes.
More than 30 exhibitors from as far afield as Kilmore brought budgies for judging.
Tony and Sylvia Appleton from the Eastern Districts Club scooped the pool with best young bird, which went on to be grand champion and champion UBC in the champion class. The Baw Baw Budgerigar Society congratulated them on their achievements with some beautiful birds.
John Rowe from the Baw Baw club had the best adult bird in the champion class. Other notable winners were Mark Brennand in the beginner class from Melbourne and the Rowe brothers.
Many members of the Baw Baw club were also successful with their exhibits, with some winning for the first time.
The three judges, from Budgerigar Clubs of Victoria, commented favourably about the quality of the birds being exhibited and in particular the number of beginners who were willing to show their birds, which bodes well, not only for the future of breeding, but the increase in the involvement of new participants in the hobby.
There were also several people locally, including Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent and his wife Bronwyn, who came through to view what the show was all about with the club receiving some inquiries from prospective new members.
There were many comments about the colours and varieties of birds and questions about the four classes. Mr Broadbent showed a keen interest in the birds and asked how the winners were selected. Budgerigar Council of Victoria president Colin Flanagan also attended the presentations.
Overall the day was a great success for the club, which thanked all sponsors and donors of the show and for goods donated for the raffle.