HELPING HAND: Rhys and Lachlan Campbell love budgerigars. Dad Matt has more than 200 and the boys are helping him prepare for this weekend’s show. Photo: JEFF DEATH 0716jdbudgie02
HUNDREDS of Australia’s most colourful birds will take centre stage at Mid-State Budgerigar Club’s annual show in Orange on Saturday.
Show manager Matt Campbell expects world-class competition in what’s become a highlight on the budgerigar calender.
“As far as budgerigar shows go, this one in Orange is probably the best in the country Australia-wide,” he said.
“Entries don’t open until Wednesday but there’s 26 classes so we expect to get 500, maybe more.”
Birds will be judged on their colour, size and outline, and classes include novice and champions.
Mr Campbell, who’ll also judge at the event, knows how big a business bird breeding has become.
“I’ve got 200 budgies. I had them as a kid and never stopped, it’s getting a bit out of control now,” he laughed.
“The best part about being a judge is you can see a lot of competition birds in lots of other states.
“We’ll see some of the best birds in Australia here in Orange.”
Mr Campbell said breeders from all over NSW, as well as Victoria, would nominate birds for the show.
Judging starts at 9.30am and will continue through until 2.30pm.
The event is not open to the public, but there’ll be a bird auction at the conclusion of the day’s activities.