Manly Warringah Avicultural Society in Allambie Heights | Community organisation

Manly Warringah Avicultural Society

Locality: Allambie Heights

Address: 104 Allambie Road 2100 Allambie Heights, NSW, Australia

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25.01.2022 Terrific results for the endangered Carnaby's black cockatoos, where the introduction of artificial nesting hollows in an area of WA bushland, has almost tripled the number of cockatoos being bred.

25.01.2022 Another terrific meeting at the MWAS last night. Great discussion on softfood, including what works and doesn't work for our birds. There were plenty of insights from our more experienced members, who were only too willing to share their tips and secrets. Also, a shoutout to our Secretary, Sue Heffernan, who recently broke her hip and has had a hip replacement. Best wishes Sue on a speedy recovery. We miss you!

24.01.2022 Innovative next boxes are helping to save Tassie's Swift parrots.

24.01.2022 A great tutorial on bird photography, with plenty of terrific tips. This tutorial is courtesy of Jayden Gunn.

23.01.2022 Finches 21 has been rescheduled for July 9-11, 2021. The following is information about this event from the conference chair, Gary Fitt. ***... I am pleased to be able to advise that we have now locked in dates for FINCHES 21. It will be held on July 9,10 and 11, 2021 at the same venue Womens College at University of Queensland. It is gratifying that all but one of our speakers have responded and have committed to speak at Finches 21. It is also great that about 75% of the registered delegates who have responded so far have carried over their registration for the event. Re-registrations and new registrations for FINCHES 21 will open late in 2020. While a one year delay is unfortunate, we now dont clash with dates for the Parrot Society Convention which will be one or two weeks before ours. See you in 2021.

23.01.2022 An update from the Canary and Caged Bird Federation on the coronavirus and its affects on bird shows and events.

23.01.2022 The latest issue of Feathered World is out now. Just copy and paste the following link in your browser to access the latest issue: www.ccbfa.org.au/wp-cont//2020/10/52-5-fw-2020.pdf

23.01.2022 MWAS own Bob Wright will be the key speaker at the Finch Society of Australias June meeting. Bob will be sharing insights on his approach to maggot breeding.

23.01.2022 Another terrific issue of Feathered World is out. The June/July issue can be accessed by clicking on the cover and then choosing one of two links.

23.01.2022 Finches 20 has been postponed and will be rescheduled for July 2021.

23.01.2022 Just a reminder for members and friends of MWAS, the NSW Government has included pets (ie, feeding, obtaining food etc) as a scheduled reason for traveling or being outside of your residence.

21.01.2022 MWAS first online meeting last night (Thursday 16 April) was a huge success, with a good number of members participating in the Zoom video conference meeting. Thanks to Bob Wright for organising the Zoom logistics, which by all accounts, is relatively straightforward to do. Bob also delivered a terrific presentation on maggot breeding, which provided plenty of conversation amongst members. Importantly, the Zoom meeting was a great opportunity for members to catch-up and c...onnect with each other. We talked about our birds, the breeding season, the effects that social isolation was having on members, and the availability of seed. For other clubs wanting to remain connected with members, video conference calls, through the likes of Zoom or Skype, is an excellent and very affordable way to stay connected. In fact, video conference calls may revolutionise the way we run our meetings in the future. Just think, for small clubs with tight operating revenues, instead of outlaying club funds to bring in a speaker for a meeting, why not video conference that speaker? So, if you havent tried running a club meeting via video conferencing, please try it. Its easy, very affordable, convenient and most importantly, it keeps your members socially connected.

20.01.2022 Wild budgies doing their thing. What a difference between the original wild-type budgie and todays domesticated birds. Have you ever kept budgies?

20.01.2022 Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health officials are advising residents to avoid contact with wild birds after three people test positive for psittacosis.

19.01.2022 Shagged by a Kakapo.

18.01.2022 After advice from the Canary and Caged Bird Federation, Government and health agencies, the MWAS has been informed by its Show Manager that a decision has been made to cancel the 62nd Manly Warringah Avicultural Society show, scheduled for 18 April. MWAS takes the health and safety of its members, exhibitors and visitors very seriously. As a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, we have made this decision in the best interest of all exhibitors. We regret any inconvenience... caused and hope to see all exhibitors back at our annual show next year. Stay safe and healthy.

18.01.2022 Terrific article on the Yellow-rumped munia. The article was written by Graham Bull and appears on the AvianLife website, courtesy Simon Degenhard.

17.01.2022 Latest update from the Canary and Caged Bird Federation.

17.01.2022 African widow birds sure know how to jump.

16.01.2022 MWAS May 2021 newsletter Well, the 2021 show is one we won’t forget in a hurry. Specifically the day before, when it was realised that Ku-ring-gai Council had thrown out all out stands. It would be fair to say that a number of members aged greatly in a short space of time. Personally, I thought we had very little chance of staging our show. Bill remained highly optimistic. Anyway it was Bob Barnes who pulled a rabbit out of the hat. He contacted Greg Gingell, a canary breeder..., and the owner of a removal business. Greg dispatched a driver from Blacktown with the necessary stands. A sainthood or an Order of Australia would be well justified. A magnificent gesture that’ll never be forgotten! Thanks so much Greg. The staging went up late in the afternoon. Dave McLachlan’s son, Kyle, and his mate, Luke, lent a hand. Young fellas can carry six planks at a time, wow, their help was much appreciated. The actual show day went very well. A great deal of time and effort goes into running a good show. The bulk of the workload was carried by Bob W and Bill. They can feel well pleased with all the organising and planning they did to make the day the success it was. Thanks Bob and Bill. Thank you also to everyone who helped out prior to or on the day. A number of visiting exhibitors did give a big wrap to the morning tea spread. Much appreciated. Bob Barnes won the George Livingston award for Glosters, while Bruce Whiting picked up the Clive McAuley award with a Gouldian cock. Clive liked his Gouldians, so, appropriate. This meeting we will need to sort out who will host our June and July aviary visits. John Ross has already put his hand up for July. Thanks John. An update on Allan’s champion hybrid. Macquarie University is doing research on Longtail hybrids and has requested the presence of said hybrid for the purpose of extracting seamen. Allan’s like an expectant grandparent and will, no doubt, fill us in on the little fellas visit to Macquarie Uni, including the finer details of the procedure. I have pots of comfrey, If you’d like some give me a ring prior to our meeting. Ditto cuttlebone. Jayson, God bless him, has organised for Paul Henry to speak on Neophemas at our May meeting. Thanks Jayson. Also with this newsletter you’ll fine an article - Planted aviaries: should you, or shouldn’t you? This article was written by Holly Hennessey (daughter of Steve Sass). Thanks Holly. It's a terrific read. Thank you to Bob B and Michael for last month’s raffle prizes. Raffle Prizes for May Eileen and John B. See you at the May meeting - 20 May at 7:30pm at the Allambie Community Hall (Allambie Rd and Owen Stanley Ave, Allambie Heights).

16.01.2022 Just a reminder to members and guests that the MWAS May meeting will be held via Zoom tomorrow evening (Thursday 21 May), starting at 7pm. If you have not received the Zoom link, please contact Bob Wright. The Zoom meeting is a great way for members to stay connected with each other during this period of social lockdown.... Jayson will also be providing an interactive presentation on seeding grasses that you can safely feed to your birds, which can be easily collected around your local neighbourhood. Tune in tomorrow (May 21) at 7pm.

16.01.2022 Birdwatching is booming during the COVID lockdown.

15.01.2022 Following the cancellation of our 2020 show due to COVID-19, it was pleasing to receive a good roll up of exhibitors and birds at the 2021 Manly Warringah Avicultural Society show.

15.01.2022 The second draft of the NSW Bird Code is now available. If the hobby doesn't self-licence, the Government will do it for us!

15.01.2022 An impressive nest of nine young wild Zebra finches.

15.01.2022 Finally, some good news about the price and availability of bird seed.

13.01.2022 MWAS November 2020 newsletter Our final meeting for the year is here (November 19), finishing a year like no other. The club’s done very well, having had zoom meetings, visits to Bill & Jeanie’s and Gerry & Sue’s, as well as a number of regular face-to-face meetings to end the year. In particular, our last few regular meetings, where we’ve had open chats on a range of topics, have been really enjoyable and informative. The 'Circle of Knowledge', you could say.... It was great to see Tony back after an absence, likewise, his legendary date loaf. Expect a big smile on his face this month; his radiation treatment will be over. Added to that, he’s just flown some Painteds. You can’t keep a good man down! For all the Zebra enthusiasts out there (and I know they exist, even if they choose to remain in the closest), the Zebra Finch Society had its annual show recently. Champion Young Hen went to a Yellow Bill Fawn Pied (John Walsh). I’m currently scrutinising possible spouses for her. Very excited was I with the win. Bob Wright, given your level of enthusiasm for Zebras, I’ll give you a more detailed personal account of the show details later. After last month’s meeting consensus that breeding results were down, I’ll be interested to hear if things have improved. My own breeding numbers have taken a turn for the better. Up until recently, I hadn’t bred a Longtail - okay, it's a bit difficult when you haven’t any hens! Bill gave me two birds he’d bred, one of which flew three young ones. I might DNA test these to help me get back on my feet with the Longtails. Thanks Bill. Russian Comfrey got a mention at the last meeting. I’ve potted some up and will bring them to the meeting for members. This time of the year it’s growing gang busters. From memory, Gerry, Jayson, Bob W and Bob B showed interest in a pot. This month, Dave and I will be bringing prizes for the raffle. Next year, John will organise the donors for the meetings. I’ll try and remember to put a reminder in the newsletter, having said that, George can, at any time, bring his mini oats as extra prizes. The birds loooooove them, thanks George. Jayson has sent out an email re proposed bird sale guidelines for NSW. We’ll need to discuss and take a vote, so a scan of the content would be good. For this meeting, bring your diary to pencil in the club’s Christmas party. MEETING Thursday 19 November 7:30 pm start Venue Allambie Community Hall Raffle Prizes Dave & John W

13.01.2022 Scientists race to save the critically endangered Orange-Breasted Parrot.

12.01.2022 A timely reminder of the predation rates of domestic, stray and feral cats on native wildlife. This research is particularly interesting with regard to domestic cats.

12.01.2022 It was three years ago today (20 May 2017) that MWAS organised an aviculture display at the annual St Ives Show, held by the Northern Suburbs Agricultural and Horticultural Society. The display was a great success and a terrific way of raising the profile of ethical bird-keeping to a wider cross-section of the community. The Show was also an opportunity to educate the public about the range of conservation initiatives avicultural clubs are involved with, such as Save the Gou...ldian Fund, The Red Siskin Initiative, and The Black-Throated Finch Recovery Project. Its hard to believe that was three years ago!

12.01.2022 Last night (Thursday 21 May), MWAS held its second Zoom meeting for members. This was another successful meeting, with more members tuning in for our May meeting. Thanks again to Bob Wright for organising the logistics of this video meeting. Members had a chance to reconnect with each other, talk about their birds and life in general. Its great to see that everybody is doing well during this period of social lockdown. It was interesting that some members were having a good A...utumn breeding season, while others were having a bad season. But now that the weather is cooling down and days are getting shorter, people are cutting back their birds breeding activities. Jayson provided a terrific presentation on neighbourhood seeding grasses you can feed to your birds. What was interesting to discover was the range of different names people use to identify grasses. I guess thats why when in doubt, use the Latin name! Our next Zoom meeting will be 18 June, with kick off at 7pm. See you then.

11.01.2022 Have you signed up for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count?

11.01.2022 Terrific article about the late Harry Carr and his pioneering work with Australian softbills. Article courtesy of AvianLife.

10.01.2022 Interesting observations on the ability of budgies to memorise and repeat phrases. Have you ever kept a budgie?

10.01.2022 Meeting cancelled - Thursday 19 March Dear all, After closely monitoring the Commonwealth and State Governments announcements and health advice relating to the virus, Gerry has made an executive decision in his role as President, to cancel our meeting on Thursday evening,19th March.... Social distancing is an effective measure and we have been advised , as well as avoiding mass gatherings, to avoid small gatherings in enclosed spaces. I think this is a prudent move, especially considering the average age of our members. I contacted Ku ring gai Council today and was told that they are " on standby" concerning the possible closure of their various halls and pavilions. They think their St.Ives show may have to be cancelled, but will make a decision about other hirings as soon as they know how things are progressing. I know these are difficult and uncertain times, but we can always communicate by email or phone, and hopefully we will be able to have our next meeting on 16th April. Stay safe and stay at home with your birds! Sue

09.01.2022 MWAS October 2020 newsletter Hard to believe, but only two more meetings for the year. Our September meeting was a particularly good one, with a ‘circle of knowledge’ sharing ideas on soft foods. Fair to say, I think everyone went away having picked up something of value. Some suggestions from the talk:... * Use a canary to ‘educate’ your finches to eat; * Corn can be frozen, on the cob or canned; * Casuarina seeds are well received; * Sara Lee pound cake doesn’t go off and is eaten; and * Use egg in your mix. We’ve had a few members in the wars of late. Sue is on the mend after coming a cropper when she came across a black snake. A hip replacement via ‘John Hunter’ and a period of recovery the result. Poor old Gerry, left to his own devices, was a wee step away from calling on ‘Meals-On-Wheels’. We look forward to seeing you both, hale and hearty. Our other member in the wars is Tony. After belting his head in the aviary doorway, he had a skin graft. Currently, Tony’s waiting to start a four week radium treatment. On a brighter note, Tony was quite chuffed with having bred a white Gouldian. Two others didn’t survive. It’s a white bird with a green back. I let Tony know that he’d been missed, as well as his date loaf. Just to rub it in, he said that he’d recently made a date loaf. We look forward to seeing Tony at the meeting. By the way, ‘Date Roll Deficiency’ is a recognised medical condition! At this stage, we’re leaving our Bunnings bbq until later. If anyone is after Red Faced Parrot Finches, Gerry’s the man to see. Our next meeting is: Thursday 15 October 7:30pm start. Venue Allambie Community Hall. Our meetings are COVID-19 compliant. Look forward to seeing you all then. - John.

09.01.2022 Check out this fun video - I like birds!

08.01.2022 MWAS Newsletter - April 2020 Greetings one and all. How are you faring with the lockdown? Hopefully getting along safe and sound. It would have been inconceivable, just a couple of months ago, to imagine the situation we now find ourselves in. I feel it for those whove lost jobs, let alone anyone whos lost a friend or relative to the virus, tough times indeed. ...Continue reading

08.01.2022 Save the date: MWAS 2021 Annual Show Members of the MWAS have decided to push ahead with its annual show on Saturday 17 April 2021 - subject to COVID-19 restrictions. The 2021 show will be held at the Douglas Pickering Pavilion at the St Ives Showground. The show will be COVID-19 compliant.... More details, including the show schedule, will be released over the coming months and as they come to hand, so stay tuned. We hope to see you at our show on 17 April, 2021.

08.01.2022 Now, this is a game of basketball I can watch!

07.01.2022 The NSW State Government is allowing bird-keepers to travel in order to deliver or pick-up birds.

06.01.2022 Have you ever heard of a chicken swing? Well, youre about to.

06.01.2022 If birds had arms, which bird would you be?

05.01.2022 A change of culture for a vulture. Using drones to save an endangered species.

05.01.2022 Have you completed your bird census for the National Finch and Softbill Association? Time is quickly running out. This national census is vital in understanding what finch and softbill species in in danger of being lost to Australian aviculture and what species are in need of attention as part of recovery programs.

04.01.2022 The amazing world of the Corvids - crows and ravens.

03.01.2022 The latest issue of Feathered World is now available. Plenty of good reading.

03.01.2022 Comments sought on the first consultation draft of the NSW Bird Sales and Auctions Code of Practice. This is an opportunity for the avicultural community to self-regulate bird sales and auctions, instead of having the Government impose its regulation on the hobby.

02.01.2022 It's great to see the release of two pairs of the critically endangered Plains Wanderers. Let's hope the release is a success.

01.01.2022 MWAS Newsletter - May 2020 Hi one and all. I hope this newsletter finds you well. The restrictions are starting to ease up and while things may not be as they once were, the immediate future looks brighter. ...Continue reading

01.01.2022 Have you ever thought about showing poultry? Here are some great tips.