4 days ago
Breeders descend on town to show off avian wonders
A burst of tropical colour and a cacophony of birdsong greeted New Zealand's best bird-breeders as they celebrated success at the national bird show in Oamaru yesterday.
Hosted by the North Otago Bird Club, exhibitors "benched" their birds at the Oamaru Drill Hall on Thursday before judging took place yesterday.
A total of 1463 entries from around New Zealand were on display for judges to mark the winners of a host of categories, including lovebirds, canaries and cockatiels.
Peter Russell, of Palmerston North, won the zebra finch top award.
"We came over on the ferry. We got off at 1am and then we were here at 9.30 in the morning [on Thursday].
"The bird was in good condition and just looking right on the day," he said.
Fellow Palmerston North competitor Gary Southee won the hybrid-mule category with a crossbreed canary/goldfinch.
It was the second time Oamaru has hosted the national show.
Show secretary Diane Tonkin was delighted with the turnout.
"It's been a fantastic show. It's really positive to see so many birds on the bench."
This year, the show included a best bird in show title, the winner being awarded the inaugural Ray Gibb Memorial trophy, named after a North Otago Bird Club founding member who died last year.
Head judge Coleen Wright adjudged Hamilton's Stephen Wroe the trophy winner for his plum-headed finch.
Mr Wroe said he was feeling excellent after the win.
"A lot of work goes into it, a lot of work goes into all shows."
The birds will remain on display at the Oamaru Drill Hall from 9am-5pm today and 9am-11am tomorrow. Entry is $5 for those over 16.
Home
