Enjoying The Northern Delights
Cage & Aviary Birds|October 30, 2019
DAVE BROWN meets his biggest judging challenge so far at the Scottish ZFS show
Dave Brown
Enjoying The Northern Delights

JUDGING

AFTER a great time judging at the Welsh ZFS show (see October 9 issue), the next weekend saw me flying from Heathrow up to Edinburgh, following a kind invitation to judge the Scottish Zebra Finch Society (ZFS) show.

I was lucky on arrival (the afternoon before the show) to get a whistle-stop tour of some of the local sights, including the impressive 30m-high horse-head sculptures known as The Kelpies, which were built as a monument to the horse-powered heritage across Scotland. Stirling Castle and some amazing scenic views were also on the tour.

However, one of the greatest monuments of my weekend of sightseeing was the bar constructed in the garden of club stalwart Adam Fleming. This was a Wild West-themed saloon, complete with draught beer, wood-burning stove and comfortable booths, and it was really a sight to behold. I understand that some exhibitors had enjoyed a wild time there the night before!

The Scots are famous for their hospitality and all exhibitors (and judges) were treated to a colossal full cooked Scottish breakfast on arrival. Breakfast is free to all exhibitors, with the Scots recognising that charging exhibitors a few quid for a coffee and a curly bacon sandwich is not on when they may have driven literally hundreds of miles to support the event. A really decent gesture in my book. For those that still had room, a three-course lunch was also fitted into the day.

This story is from the October 30, 2019 edition of Cage & Aviary Birds.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 30, 2019 edition of Cage & Aviary Birds.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CAGE & AVIARY BIRDSView All
The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?
Cage & Aviary Birds

The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?

Intensively studied, the gem-like Anna’s hummingbird is a welcome visitor to the gardens of America’s most populous state: California. Bill Naylor investigates its life history

time-read
5 mins  |
December 18, 2019
The charm of the English Cinnamon
Cage & Aviary Birds

The charm of the English Cinnamon

Despite its long and complicated history, the true Cinnamon canary is still with us – in the hands of a tiny group of breeders. DONALD SKINNER-REID reckons it deserves wider appreciation

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2019
Spangles: a personal overview
Cage & Aviary Birds

Spangles: a personal overview

FRED WRIGHT relates a budgie story of over-exploitation, consequent problems and abundant potential for the future

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2019
New converts to old breeds
Cage & Aviary Birds

New converts to old breeds

Old and rare canaries have a reputation for adding fresh interest and challenge to the hobby. PETE HOOK and NICK JOY agree, and explain the birds’ charm to Dave Brown

time-read
3 mins  |
December 24, 2019
Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show
Cage & Aviary Birds

Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show

DECORATIVE AVIARY DISPLAYS from a CBS and an online bird keeping advice group were voted in the top three by visitors for the inaugural Stafford Aviary Competition.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Pieds with potential
Cage & Aviary Birds

Pieds with potential

More than just a lesser variety, the dominant pied will introduce challenge and change into most studs, reckons CLIVE WAKEMAN. Here he discusses pairings to try and others to avoid

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2019
Club News
Cage & Aviary Birds

Club News

Welcome to the club and show pages – the bit that’s all about you Results: convention, specialist & rare and Breeder of the Year

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Canaries Month by Month:
Cage & Aviary Birds

Canaries Month by Month:

With Christmas around the corner, BRIAN KEENAN is well into his winter programme, and reckons he might deserve a nice outcross

time-read
4 mins  |
December 18, 2019
Smart Choice, Docile Nature
Cage & Aviary Birds

Smart Choice, Docile Nature

Dave Brown welcomes the masked grassfinch to his birdroom and shares advice on this lovely Australian species

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2019
The truth about the ‘flying toad'
Cage & Aviary Birds

The truth about the ‘flying toad'

Odd local names and weird superstitions can’t hide the beauty and elegance of the nightjar, a species that has made a fascinating subject in a few zoo collections, reveals BILL NAYLOR

time-read
5 mins  |
December 04, 2019