13 Bird Scene - August & September 2013 by Theparrotsociety

BIRD ISSUE THIRTEEN: AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2013

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THE MAGAZINE FOR HOBBYIST BREEDERS AND CONSERVATIONISTS

The National Exhibition The build up to this large important Exhibition with much information on the day and ticket purchases.

Of Conures & Kings Experiences with Slender-billed Conures and Amboina Kings

Conservation of the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo in AUSTRALIA

29 iss th ue 1 20 OCT 4 o 13 O ut BE R

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Breeding the Amazilia humming bird

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PARROT SOCIETY MAGAZINE: 33

CONTENTS

BIRD SCENE: August / September 2013

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Of Conures & Kings Experiences with Slenderbilled Conures and Amboina Kings

Sam the Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo How such a large strong bird can make a dependable pet.

The second part of Conservation of the Major Mitchells Cockatoo This is the list Ray has prepared for the school children assisting with nest spotting.

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Breeding the Amazilia hummingbird at Weltvogelpark Walsrode. Humming birds are far from easy to breed in captivity but this article proves it is possible.

The National Exhibition 2013 The build up to this large important Exhibition with much information on the day and ticket purchases.

Donate to our CONSERVATION FUND… CLICK THE LINK BELOW: www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/donations.php

ON THE COVER

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BIRD SCENE: Issue Thirteen: August / September 2013 BIRD SCENE is run by The Parrot Society UK, 92A High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 2BL, England. FOR SALES AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRES Telephone or Fax: 01442 872245 Website: www.theparrotsocietyuk.org E-Mail: les.rance@theparrotsocietyuk.org

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Introducti

Les Rance, Editor, The Parrot Society UK | www.theparrotsocietyuk.org | les.rance@

ell here we are the twelfth edition of Bird Scene. The summer months are always so busy for the Parrot Society office as no sooner have we finished our Summer Show than we start the build up to The National Exhibition I do hope you like the latest up date on pages 38 We are really becoming attached to this publication because it is

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without doubt ‘the way to go’ possibly the most interesting question in relation to ‘New Technology’ is when will all bird keepers have both the interest to grasp this type of publication and when will they have the hardware to access this type of offering? Bird keepers already have a hobby and a very rewarding one it is; they do not need computers and all that goes with their purchase, installation and maintenance. Currently they can obtain everything they need via bird related paper magazines but eventually that will change and when electronic magazines become accepted by the majority clubs will have to take the hard decision as to whether to continue with the paper magazine. But may I say that at present The Parrot Society have no plans to go down that road. Regular readers will know that Bird

tion

by the Editor

Les Rance

@theparrotsocietyuk.org Scene has been produced to publicise The National Exhibition held each year at our October Sale Day/Show and to promote our Conservation efforts for threatened parrots in the wild. Previous editions are still to be found in an archive at the foot of the Home Page of our website and if you would like to see earlier versions then do please visit the Bird scene archive. In this Issue is the second part of an update regarding the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo project that tins trees to protect them from attacks by Goannas in Australia, it is the ‘list’ of information that

Ray Ackroyd has written for school children who are looking for the nesting sites of endangered cockatoos, we hope that it proves valuable to all involved in this project. Also featured is ‘Sam the greater sulphur-crested Cockatoo’ and ‘Of Conures and Kings’ skilfully written by Greg Shaw. I do hope you enjoy reading this issue of Bird Scene as much as I have putting it together.

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Breeding th hummingbir at Weltvogelpark Walsrode

ummingbirds are a family of new world birds, containing about 328 recognized species that inhabit different habitats in South America and southern North America. Most of these species are tiny - the smallest bird alive is in fact a hummingbird: the Bee Hummingbird, measuring 5 cm from head to tail and weighing less than 2 grams! Hummingbirds are well known for their extensively iridescent plumage and their main food source: nectar. Their bodies are adapted to their specific feeding habits: with their long, sometimes curved bill they can access nectar in flowering plants, and their hovering flight allows them to remain seemingly ‘motionless’ in the air while feeding. Hovering arises by extremely rapid wing movement: some species can flap their wings up to 80 times per second! Hummingbirds are solitary birds, often aggressively defending nectar sources. As a result, male and female hummingbirds will only associate briefly to mate, and the female hummingbird will take care of the eggs and chicks on her own. Chicks are fed with small

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he Amazilia rd Bird

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insects and nectar, and as they grow, the proportion of insects will diminish. In adult hummingbirds, insects only make out 10% of the diet. Hummingbirds are rarely kept in zoos because of their specific needs. One of the better known species is the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia), which occurs in Western Peru and Ecuador. This species measures 9 to 11 cm and weighs about 5 g. Amazilia Hummingbirds have a green head and upper back, a rufous tail and belly and an iridescent throat ranging from golden to turquoise green. Their wings are black and their bill is mostly red. Males and females look very similar, but females usually look a little duller and have a larger black tip on their bill. Amazilia Hummingbirds prefer semi-arid to arid habitats with scrubs, thorn forests and desert areas. They are also common in cultivations, parks and gardens, even within larger cities such as Lima. The species breeds all year round, with females usually laying two eggs in a cup-like nest consisting of plant wool, fibers and spider webs. After an incubation period of 16 days the almost naked chicks hatch, weighing approximately 0.5 grams. Amazilia Hummingbirds have been bred in some institutions, but it remains very difficult to maintain a sustainable population in captivity. In 2011, Weltvogelpark Walsrode had the chance to start an Amazilia Hummingbird breeding project. This was a fantastic opportunity for us, but of course it needed much preparation! For our hummingbirds, we designed a room where the light cycle, air inflow,

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quarantine period, the birds were moved to their individual breeding aviaries. All of the birds responded very well to the transfers. One of our females even started building a nest right away, resulting in the first egg on the 8th of march 2012! This egg was followed by another two eggs on the 18th and 20th of march. Sadly these first eggs weren’t fertilized, probably due to some fertility problems of the male or the pair did not harmonize very well. Once we recognized this, the female was paired with another male, which resulted in a fertilized egg on the 15th of May! At that moment we were confronted with another problem: all of our birds were very young, and none of them had any breeding experience. This is probably the reason why the female didn’t incubate very well. As a result, the egg had to be put in an incubator. Obviously, this was not an optimal situation, but it was very temperature and humidity are artificially controlled. This room is divided into three parts: a kitchen for food preparation, enclosures for habituation and a large room for the breeding aviaries. Each of our breeding aviaries gives the bird access to two lamps for sun bathing, one pot with a fruit fly culture, one feeding tube with nectar, and one bath. Plenty of sticks and plants are available for the birds to sit down and rest, doors in between the aviaries allow for males and females to be easily put together for mating. On the 30th of October 2011 it was finally happening: 6 female and 5 male Amazilia Hummingbirds safely arrived at Weltvogelpark Walsrode! After the

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fascinating to see an embryo develop in such a tiny egg. Unfortunately, the embryo died on the 10th day of development. After a quiet period in June and July, we had another egg on the 15th of August 2012. Because the female didn´t incubate at all, this egg had to be put in an incubator as well. After five days it was clear that the egg was fertilized, and 11 days later the first hummingbird chick finally hatched in Weltvogelpark Walsrode! Although the chick made a hole in the shell on its own, it was not able to hatch without our help and it weighed only 0.37 grams! The chick was hand reared in an artificial nest placed in a separate incubator. Initially, it only received some water, but after 24 hours, when the yolk sack was completely absorbed, we started feeding nectar and flies. The chick was fed every 20 minutes from 8.00 am to 11.00 pm and was left to rest during the night. Although the chick was begging very actively during the first two days, it looked very weak on the third morning and died a few hours later. It took some time before we had another chance to breed these beautiful birds, but in November, one of our females started laying again. We were able to monitor the breeding behavior by placing a camera above her nest. The female laid two fertilized eggs and incubated them perfectly. On the morning of December 8th, we were very happy to find one healthy looking chick in her nest! It hatched completely on its own on the 16th day of incubation. A

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…male and female hummingbirds will only associate briefly to mate, and the female hummingbird will take care of the eggs and chicks on her own.

few hours later it got even better: the second chick started hatching! This chick also hatched on its own, after only 15 days of incubation. The female took good care of both chicks. She was constantly catching flies to feed to her chicks and in between she was cleaning or incubating them. The chicks clearly received an enormous amount of flies, causing their crops to grow as big as their heads. Both chicks grew very fast and were begging actively. After a week, their eyes

started opening and after 10 days the mother stopped incubating them during the night. Sadly, on the 12th day after hatching, one of the chicks got some food in its trachea when it was being fed by the mother. We couldn’t do anything, and the chick died within two minutes. Fortunately, the other chick kept on growing and after a while it was sitting on the edge of the nest, curiously looking at the world around it. During this period we started feeding the chick with

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a feeding tube, so it would recognize feeding tubes after fledging. On the 7th of January 2013, the chick took its first flight and made a clumsy landing on the floor of the aviary. During the next days it became better and better at flying and it started feeding from a feeding tube on its own. A couple of days after fledging, the chick was separated from its mother and Weltvogelpark Walsrode had its first fully grown hummingbird chick! Two months after the first chick fledged, an egg was once again abandoned by its mother. The fertilized egg was put in our incubator, and on the 14th of March, a chick hatched after 15 days of incubation. Once again, we tried the best we could to hand rear this tiny bird, and this time our efforts paid off! The chick was always begging actively and it grew very well. It only weighed 0.5 grams on day two, but its weight increased to 3.3 grams on day 15 and 4.9 grams on day 25! We fed it fruit flies soaked in isotonic water, supplemented with nectar. The amount of fruit flies

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increased every day: on the 3rd day it was fed 45 fruit flies throughout the day, and on the 15th day this amount had been increased to 445 fruit flies! After day 15 we started lowering the amount of fruit flies, since adult birds hardly need any insects. The amount of nectar was increased every day as well: 0.48 ml on the 3rd day, 5 ml on the 15th up to 8 ml on the 25th day. The chick fledged on April 4th 2013, 21 days after hatching. A few days later, when the chick was completely independent, it was moved to a small aviary, where it could practice its flying skills. This chick wasn’t the end of our breeding success. In fact, five more chicks successfully hatched and fledged, from which three were raised by their mother. The young females seem to catch up on their breeding and rearing experience, so that 4 young were successfully parent reared! At the moment of writing, there were 7 healthy chicks flying around in their individual aviaries! Weltvogelpark Walsrode is very proud of this accomplishment, and of course we hope our efforts to breed these little birds will keep paying off in the future.

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Of Conures I

ntroduction: Brent Da Luz is a passionate young South African birdbreeder. Greg Shaw investigates why he has opted to breed two species which don’t rank highly on most aviculturalists’ wish lists – the Slender-billed Conure (Enicognathus leptorhynchus) and the Amboina King Parrot (Alisterus amboinensis). Brent Da Luz has the kind of enthusiasm that reminds us why we are involved in the conservation of our feathered friends. He’s stepped up to the plate when it comes to preserving

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and Kings

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Slender Billed Conures and Amboina King Parrots – two highly under-rated parrot species – and is hoping to inspire more aviculturalists to up these species’ numbers in captivity. Brent is driven by his lifelong dream – to become one of South Africa’s top bird breeders. He is competitive by nature and believes that his passion to be the best is a formula for success. When it comes to breeding Madagascan Vasa Parrots, he’s up against some fine young breeders. “Let the best man prove himself,” he chuckles. Only time will tell who will have the most Vasa chicks this season! The surname Da Luz conjures up images of delicious Portuguese fish and chips, piping hot and dripping in spices. Along with his dad, Brent runs a successful chain of Portuguese fish and chip shops in the Western Cape. With a hectic business schedule, Brent has to

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manage his 250 birds in his spare time. Luckily for him, Dad is around to give assistance when things get really busy. Although he has a long wish list, he has chosen to spend his precious time on specific rare species. The two that are closest to his heart are the Conures and the Amboinas. Brent voices concerns that the export market is luring many South African breeders to sell their collections, causing numbers to dwindle. He also worries that far too many breeders are investing in ‘mass market species’ like African Greys. “I’m a bird addict,” says Brent, “and often have to reign myself in. My Dad supports my hobby but ensures that I spend my money wisely!” Many a bird breeder will part with hard-earned knowledge to those who ask!” Says Brent, we all underestimate how many rare birds end up as pets. He’s found some real gems, like his breeding

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Amboina King hen, which was a pet living in a retirement home. When her owner passed away Brent snapped her up. She was paired with a male which Brent got from a breeder in the North West Province and the pair has produced one baby this year. “The hen was unsure what to do with her chick,” says Brent, “so we hand raised it. Hopefully, she can raise the next lot of chicks herself.” It’s vital that pet birds which go into breeding programmes are given extra attention, says Brent. “The previous owner probably spoilt this hen rotten,” explains Brent, “so I have to give her the odd biscuit smothered in peanut butter to keep her happy.” Former pet birds often perform poorly in breeding situations – eating their eggs, killing their babies and sometimes their mates. “Always be on the lookout for unusual behaviour in such birds,” advises Brent.

Slender-billed Conures With that oversized beak, this species doesn’t win first prize for the most beautiful at shows, but their playful personalities will certainly turn heads. “Big parrot personality in a little parrot body,” as Brent puts it. Slender-billed Conures – native to Chile – have been slowly disappearing from South African aviculture and, says Brent, if an effort is not made to invest time and money in this species, it may soon be lost forever. In their natural

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habitat, too, they are under threat with deforestation, shooting and Newcastle Disease all taking their toll. “Since they can be bred in colonies, they’re an aviculturalist’s dream,” remarks Brent. “I’ve noticed a little aggression over nest boxes but, for the most part, they all live happily together.” Conures being conures, the Slenderbills are noisy – their call is a highpitched ringing. Both male and female make screeching sounds, so beware if you have neighbours who aren’t so birdfriendly. They have an inquisitive and playful character, but have a tendency to become obese if fed a diet too high in fat (stay clear of dry sunflower seeds!). Due to the gregarious nature of this species, a colony set-up works well. They are, however, clever escape artists! Brent’s conures are housed in a 25m2 18

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standard full-height aviary. They love bathing and are provided with overhead misters or shallow terracotta bowls of fresh water. Diagonal nest boxes seem to be a good choice for breeding season – 25.4cm x 25.4cm x 30.5 cm – and provide a safe environment for mature pairs. Incubation takes approximately 26 days and the young fledge at about eight weeks. Brent insists on leaving the fledglings with their parents for at least three months before moving them. “It’s vital to let the young learn from their parents.” Amboina Kings The Amboina King, also known as the Moluccan King Parrot, is restricted to the islands of Amboina and Ceram. Predation and loss of habitat have lowered the population drastically in the wild,

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their activities and their long tails. Brent keeps his Amboina Kings in a well-planted aviary which allows them plenty of room to fly from branch to branch. He has opted for standard full-height aviaries with a flying length of 4.5 metres. “The males like to do elaborate flying and acrobatic displays for their mates,” he says. Brent offers his breeding pairs a standard vertical nest box –90120cm x 25-30cm. Hens incubate an average clutch size of three eggs for approximately 21 days and the babies fledge at about nine weeks.

earning them a ‘nearthreatened’ status. Amboinas are not only very pretty but also quiet and gentle – very different from most parrot species, says Brent, which tend to be noisier, more destructive and more aggressive. They are social birds and require daily interaction with their own kind or with other bird species. In an aviary setup, Brent has found that they do well when kept with smaller birds in a mixed collection. It’s important to remember that these parrots require space to accommodate both 20

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The Da Luz Diet Well-fed birds are healthy, happy and productive. In addition to pellets, include a variety of nutritious freshly prepared foods and a small percentage of seeds and grain. Remember that most freshly prepared foods will spoil and should be removed from the cage after a couple of hours. If your bird is not readily accepting new foods, try offering it to them early in the morning or in the evening, times when birds would naturally be foraging for food in the wild. Vegetables: Fresh veggies, whole or chopped, are great for keeping your birds healthy and in good breeding condition. Fruits: In South Africa, we are spoilt for choice, so feed a wide variety. Feed what is in season but try to feed the tropical fruits which parrots would be exposed to in their natural habitats. Birds with newly hatched chicks seem to really like apples and grapes. Other Foods: Birds can be fed a variety

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of nutritious grains, such as cooked brown rice, quinoa, oats, wheat, barley, and pasta, as well as whole-wheat bread and unsweetened whole-wheat cereals. Hand raised youngsters enjoy Kellogg’s Fruit Loops – they’re a good way to teach youngsters to feed themselves as the babies enjoy playing with them. Cooked legumes such as yellow maize, lentils and standard pigeon mix are an excellent addition to the diet. Sprouted Seeds: These are an excellent source of nutrition, being rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Many consider sprouted seeds to be nature’s best food. Sprouted mung beans go down like a treat. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: A cuttlebone is good for extra calcium – these can be gathered from the beach, boiled for an hour and then sun-dried. Inlanders can buy cuttlebones from pet stores. Generally, if your birds are being fed a well-balanced diet vitamin and mineral supplements are not needed. New arrivals, though, particularly those

which have endured a long journey in a travel box, do benefit from a booster course of vitamins and minerals. Slender-billed Conures: their diet is simple – a good seed mix, with plenty of smaller seeds, sprouts, rose hops, mixed fruit (especially apples and pears), veggies (particularly beetroots, carrots, spinach and broccoli), pellets and nuts (pine nuts are a favourite). Sunflower seeds are best avoided but if you must, opt for sprouted sunflower seeds over dry seeds. Amboina Kings: they enjoy a smorgasbord of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and a staple pellet diet. Steer clear of dry sunflower – apart from being too high in fat, the discarded husks are messy. On a Mission Brent is keen to track down other breeders who are interested in these less flashy species. His mobile number is +27 (0) 82 452 1830.

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Sam

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the Greater Sulphurcrested Cockatoo Hi everyone, My name is Sam Sayers and I live with my mum Mrs Sayers high up in the Chiltern Hills in West Hertfordshire. At one time I lived in a large strong aviary in the garden where I was ‘Top Bird’ in a large collection of parakeets, lovebirds, budgerigars and conures but when my dad died all of the other birds were found new homes and I was then ‘Top Bird’ of one. Everyone says that I am quite a character and a rare bird, I am a Greater sulphur-crested Cockatoo and came to England from Australia in the 1950’s, so as you can work out I

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well into my fifties. After the collection was sold I spent many years in the large aviary in the garden which I gradually wrecked, not because I wanted to escape because I am shown every kindness and the food here is like a 5 star hotel; sorry I cannot give you my address because I do not want to share my quality provisions with anyone, psittacine or human. I am not really sure why I gave the aviary a ‘hard time’ because it was well perched and sheltered and fresh branches were regularly supplied for what these days is know as ‘Environmental enhancement’ but in those days when there were not

Everyone says that I am quite a character and a rare bird, I am a Greater sulphur-crested Cockatoo and came to England from Australia in the 1950’s, so as you can work out I well into my fifties.

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I am not really sure why I gave the aviary a ‘hard time’ because it was well perched and sheltered and fresh branches were regularly supplied for what these days is know as ‘Environmental enhancement’ but in those days when there were not so many posh words around it was just known that I liked fresh branches to chew so they gave them to me saying ‘Sam here are some more tender branches for you to chew on’ so many posh words around it was just known that I liked fresh branches to chew so they gave them to me saying ‘Sam here are some more tender branches for you to chew on’. Life was good in that aviary especially in the spring and summer when there were plenty of wild birds visiting me, I guess to steal anything I dropped out side the aviary but they were good company. When winter came in 2005 I was feeling a little low for some reason and I think Mrs Sayers thought that it was about time I was brought into the house, I must admit it was an excellent decision and I soon took to cage life in a warm home, obviously the food was still the same very high standard but with the added advantage that I had someone to talk to and show off my tricks. We get on so well together and when Linda my human sister comes to visit I get my

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crest stroked which makes me go all funny. Generally I keep really fit but I do need to have my claws trimmed fairly regularly, at first I found this a little worrying as my blood runs some way into my claws and if too much is cut off I will bleed. Fortunately some chap called Les comes to do this work and he seems to know what he is doing, I did try to bite him but somehow he seems to avoid letting me get hold of his fingers which is fortunate for him because I am sure I could easily take one of with a swift munch, I am 50 cms long and weigh ‘quite a lot’. Well I hope all you Parrot Society members have enjoyed my ramblings as much as I have telling you about myself.

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ARTICLE BY:

n o ati v er s n Co of the Ma Mitchell in New S Austral

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David Coombes P.S. Chairman

NESTING OF MAJOR MITCHELL’S COCKATOOS IN THE WILD Do Major Mitchell’s cockatoos mate for life? Yes they do and can nest together for up to 50 years.

Do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos nest in big trees? Not really. Some may pick out a dry Cypress Pine tree that has no top or a broken limb that has left a hollow. Some trees are small and nests that are 5 metres from the ground are common.

TW PART

Major ell’s Cockatoo South Wales, lia

If one bird dies or gets killed does the remaining bird seek out a new mate? Yes What type of tree do Major Mitchell’s nest in? Dry gum trees and Cypress Pine that is alive or dry. What time of year to Major Mitchell’s go to nest? Late August to early September. Do they pick out a special tree? Yes they do: usually on a sand ridge or in open country away from other trees. They like to be able to see what is going on around them. It’s a precautionary thing so that they can identify any predators including mankind. Do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos nest in big trees? Not really. Some may pick out a dry Cypress Pine tree that has no top or a broken limb that has left a hollow. Some trees are small and nests that are 5 metres from the ground are common.

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Do Major Mitchells like a special entrance to their nests? Yes they do. Major Mitchells like an entrance to their nest that is shaped like an upturned canoe. * Note – it is important to know that when looking for nests. Do Major Mitchell’s take long to prepare their nesting site? No they don’t. Both birds go into the nest chamber and pare off small chips of wood to form a soft base to lay their clutch of eggs. This usually only takes a few days to prepare. How far down from the entrance do Major Mitchell’s lay their clutch of eggs? That can vary but usually about ½ a metre. How many eggs do Major Mitchell’s lay each year? Depending on the season. If it’s a good year with lots of herbage on the ground they will lay up to four eggs. However the norm is three eggs.

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How long is the incubation period or how long does it take to hatch from egg to chick? 28 days. Who sits on the eggs? They take turns. The Cock may sit during the day and the Hen at night or vis versa. Is it easy to find the nest of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos? No it isn’t easy. They are a very secretive bird when nesting and can hear footsteps approaching a long way from the nest tree. When is the best time to find a Major Mitchell’s Nest? When they are on eggs or have small young. Before or after that time is doubtful. * Note – It is important to note that Major Mitchell’s return to the same nest site every year and will continue to do that unless the tree is lost to fire or habitat loss through logging. How can I study a nest once I have found it?

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Walk slowly toward the tree and identify the nest entrance. You must walk very quietly or he or she will leave the nest and not return until you have gone. The best way to study a nest is to build a hide just away from the tree and wait and watch. At no time should you disturb the nesting procedure. If Major Mitchell’s lose their nesting tree because of fire or land clearings do they leave that area? No they don’t. Usually they try and select a new nest site in the same area. It may not be the same type of tree, so if a nest is lost look for the new site and it should be found within a half kilometre. How long do the young stay in the nest? Around seven weeks.When the parents want the fledged babies to leave the nest they will encourage their young to climb up to the nest entrance and feed them there. This is an extremely bad time for predators to attack the young and the parent birds become very aware of that.

Are Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos reliable breeders? Most certainly. Almost all Major Mitchells return to the same tree every year. Usually around mid August. What is the average clutch size of nesting Major Mitchells? Average: 2.5 some raise 2, most raise 3 and 4 is not unusual. How far do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos fly from their nesting site in the off season? Up to 300 kilometres. How long do the baby birds stay with the parents after leaving the nest? Approximately six weeks then they join into a small flock situation. How long before young birds can breed themselves? Three years. If Major Mitchells are such a good and reliable breeder in the wild, why then isn’t the overall population increasing? Good question. • First and foremost it is predators. • Secondly it is bad fire management. • Thirdly it is land clearing. • Fourthly it is competition from other tree hollow nesting species that take over nests of Major Mitchells.

The best way to study a nest is to build a hide just away from the tree and wait and watch. At no time should you disturb the nesting procedure.

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litre basis. The bigger the bird the more they

I hope this clarifies a very important topic.

PARROT SOCIETY MAGAZINE: 11

Budgies, Canaries, Cockatiels, Conures, Finches, Large Parakeets, Lovebirds Parrots , Quail, Small Parakeets, Softbills, Chinchillas, Chipmunks, Degus, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Mice, Rabbits, Rats, Tortoise, Hamsters Weavers Coving, Towcester Road, Whittlebury, Northants, NN12 8TD T: +44 (0) 1327 857594 M: 0770 2277 246 (Guy) / 0796 2099 830 (Lee) F: +44 (0) 1327 858965 E: info@skybirds.co.uk W: www.skybirds.co.uk

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Feature Are baby Major Mitchell’s a noisy feeder when being fed in the nest and can that noise be heard from a distance? Good question! Yes they are a noisy feeder and that is to their detriment. The major predator is Goannas and each year they kill large numbers of baby Major Mitchells and in the early part of the season also take the eggs. Goannas bite into and suck out the contents of the eggs. If the Hen Major Mitchell lays a second clutch, the Goanna will usually return for a second time. It is important to note that Goannas know that Major Mitchells return to the same nest each year so immediately they come out of hibernation they do the yearly rounds of the nests. Other predators at the nests are feral cats, possums and foxes, once the baby Major Mitchell’s leave the nest and at this early age are unsure of predators.

Prevent predators from attacking the nests of Major Mitchell Cockatoo? Most certainly: The most effective method of preventing predators from climbing nest trees is to attach a collar around the tree with the base of the collar one metre from the ground. What is the collar made of? Smooth galvanized tin or heavy duty plastic. Both need to be one metre wide and can be cut to size and nailed around the tree. This method has proven to be fully successful. The tin or clear plastic is very slippery and doesn’t allow the predator to climb the tree. Research has shown that where Major Mitchell’s nesting trees were collared up – not one nest was lost to predators.

Other predators at the nests are feral cats, possums and foxes, once the baby Major Mitchell’s leave the nest and at this early age are unsure of predators.

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During October 1990 an elderly English birdman from the English Parrot Society, Mr John Mollindinia conducted a study on Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos in Western NSW. This study clearly indicated that almost 80% of Major Mitchell’s nests were taken by predators that climbed the nest trees from the ground. Very successful deterrent to protect nests, who thought of that? During October 1990 an elderly English birdman from the English Parrot Society, Mr John Mollindinia conducted a study on Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos in Western NSW. This study clearly indicated that almost 80% of Major Mitchell’s nests were taken by predators that climbed the nest trees from the ground. On his return to England following his study he indicated to the English Parrot Society that they should fund a trial project to protect the nesting trees of the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos in Western NSW. That could be achieved by placing a smooth tin or plastic collar around the trunk of each nest tree making it impossible for predators to climb to the nest. That trial project set the benchmark for tinning trees to species such as Major Mitchell’s or Glossy Black Cockatoos to mention just a few. Since that time a new heavy duty flat plastic is now available and has proven to be an upgrade on tin. Also clear plastic does not stand out and makes it almost impossible for any person

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to identify the nest tree. The English Parrot Society is very proud of being able to fund a project to protect one of Australia’s most outstanding Cockatoos. The fund has been ongoing for many years thanks to Mr Mollindinia. The Parrot Society attached a plaque at the base of a Major Mitchell’s nesting tree in honour of the late John Mollindinia for his outstanding work. So how can we find the nests to collar them up and how do we inform the landowners? Firstly you have to search for the nests when the Major Mitchell’s are on eggs or very early young. Following that time they are difficult to find at the nest site. A good pair of binoculars is essential and out of bed early. Try and get to an elevated spot and watch for the white birds. Once you find a nest you must remember where it is so you can return and collar the tree, provided the landowner agrees. How do we get this message across to landowners whose properties are the habitat of Major Mitchell’s? Local newspapers and any media coverage is good value. Let them know how important this issue is. Take pictures of any tree protection you are doing and give talks at school meetings.

Once you find a nest you must remember where it is so you can return and collar the tree, provided the landowner agrees.

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Donate to our CONSERVATION FUND… CLICK THE LINK BELOW: http://www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/donations.php

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What about Major Mitchell Cockatoo nest trees in national parks? Do the managers protect breeding trees? Most state national parks have their own management strategy. There is evidence that some parks are constructing artificial nest sites at great expense. Whether these additional nests will attract Major Mitchell Cockatoos is yet to be clarified. At this time I do not know of any tree that hosts the nest of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo being protected by way of collars, either tin or plastic in national parks – but it works! How do you tell the difference between the Cock and Hen Major Mitchell’s? Both birds are the same size: Cock – has black eye and not as much yellow in the comb as the hen. Hen – has pink eye and more yellow in comb. How do you tell the difference between the Eastern race of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo and the Western race called ‘Mollis’? Mollis have a longer crest and upon maturity, ie 3 years, has a comb without yellow. 36

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Do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos fly at great heights when travelling? No they don’t. Major Mitchell’s, no matter how far they are going, do not fly at great heights. In essence Major Mitchell’s fly just above tree height and in fact sometimes between trees. I believe the reason is because they are white and a slow flyer compared to other cockatoos. The tree line allows them to identify hawks or eagles that may attack them and escape into that tree line as a form of protection. Background of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos Other Names: Genus – Cacatua Calcatua Leadbeateri • Chockalott • Cocklerina • Desert Cockatoo • Inca Cockatoo • Leadbeaters Cockatoo • Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo • Pallid Cockatoo • Pink Cockatoo • South Australian Pink Cockatoo • Southern Pink Cockatoo • Wee Juggler Distribution Semi-arid and arid interior regions of Australia with the exception of North East Australia Sub Species Cacatua Leadbeateri Mollis Distribution West of Ceduna SA West to Esperance WA – North to Carnamah WA Other Names • Mathews Pink Cockatoo • Western Pink Cockatoo

Feature What do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos feed on in the wild? Like all birds Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos have a built-in mechanism that allows them to follow an annual food pattern. Listed below are some of the most common seeds utilised by Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos:• Wild Orange [capparis mitchells] • Crows Foot [eleusine indica] • Wilga [geijera parviflora] • Camel Melon [ citrullus lamatus] • Paddy Melon [cucumis myriocarpus] • Currant Bush [exocarpos aphyllus] • Murray Cypress Pine [callitris preissii murrayensis] • Mallee Cypress Pine [callitris preissii verrucosa] • White Cypress Pine [callitris columellaris] • Black Cypress Pine [callitris endlicheri] • Mulga [acacia ameura] • All other acacia beans Introduced Seeds • All cereal grains • Almonds • All citrus Do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos drink every day? Major Mitchell’s visit watering places usually twice daily, very early morning and late afternoon. Major Mitchell’s have that very special mechanism for finding water and will travel many kilometres to drink. They very seldom drink from rivers, they like small dams, water troughs or house tanks. During very hot weather they may visit their water base several times each day. Do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos bath?

Major Mitchell’s are always lovely and white in all weather yet after 60 years studying them I have never seen one bath. The Council of The Parrot Society UK sincerely hopes that the above notes which obviously took Ray some considerable time to compose help the school children of Australia to make every success of this new venture. We will continue to monitor this exciting new development that will we hope will do much to increase the status of the rare indigenous Australian Cockatoos. The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo population in southeast Australia continues to grow as a result of the work carried out by Ray Ackroyd under difficult conditions there and the Parrot Society UK will continue to support this important conservation activity. BIRD SCENE 37

THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION ARTICLE BY: LES RANCE

SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON & JEFF AND THE BIRDCARE COMPANY

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The Parrot Society has held a show at Stafford County Showground, ST18 0BD in October since 1987. For the first show we only hired the Bingley Hall and initially we wondered if we could actually fill this massive hall. However over the past 24 years the show has developed in both size and comprehensiveness. The Showground has many advantages; geographically it is well

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located for the majority of UK bird lovers and also attracts visitors from Ireland and Europe. There are excellent extensive car parking facilities and the M6 motorway provides excellent access. Originally there were sales tables for members to sell their surplus stock which was predominantly parrot species supported by trade stands selling both birds and others supplying all the dry goods such as seed, cages,

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Feature boxes and supplements needed by bird keepers and also some selling china, clothes and sweets. In 2006 new legislation meant that it was no longer possible for traders to sell birds at shows, this coincided with the ban on the importation of wild caught birds into the EEC. This ban has meant that there are far fewer parrots available at reasonable prices for pet bird owners. To provide added interest for pet bird owners there are now two large aviaries where families can ‘get up close’ to these endearing parrots, a facility that is very much appreciated by our visitors.

In 2007 with the assistance of seven clubs who have an interest in exhibiting birds in standard show cages an exhibition was started which gave clubs the opportunity to bring their avian gems to the attention of the thousands of bird lovers who attend the show. This attraction has proved a great success and now 18 clubs will be exhibiting on the 13th October 2013 including Norwich, Yorkshire and Border canaries that are new for this year. This exhibition is sponsored by two leading suppliers to the bird world Johnston & Jeff and The Birdcare Company advertisements from both

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of these companies are to be found in this E-magazine. They are sponsoring the wristbands, rosettes and supplying a tonne of seed and a range of avian supplements to be awarded as prizes for the exhibitors, they have also paid for the staging that the birds are exhibited on. Without their help it would have been difficult for The Parrot Society to have developed this exhibition so successfully and quickly it really has been a very satisfactory experience for all involved. In 2010 Cage and Aviary Birds weekly magazine kindly allowed us to use the

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title ‘The National Exhibition’ that had previously been used up until 2003 for The National Exhibition that was held at The NEC Birmingham, again we are very grateful for this. With canaries, budgerigars, finches, British and softbills being staged this is the largest gathering of exhibition birds in the UK a result that the entire Council of The Parrot Society are very pleased with. When you visit the show this year which opens at 9.30 a.m. please remember that the exhibition opens at 12.30 p.m. and make your way to the Argyle Centre and the Sandylands

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Centre which house the exhibition it is a real ‘eye opener’ especially for those who have not seen an exhibition of birds previously, all the exhibiting clubs have stands in the halls and their officials are very pleased to give you additional information on their areas of expertise. Advanced tickets for the show at £7 each are available from the PSUK Shop on our website www. theparrotsocietyuk.org alternatively our office is open each weekday from 9.00 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer any queries you have relating to the show and parrot species please telephone 01442 872245. Besides tables for members to sell their surplus hobbyist breeding stock we have tables from non members who wish to sell finches, canaries, budgerigars and softbills these are located on the balcony of Bingley Hall. Our own members have tables

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in Bingley Hall, the large annex to the right of Bingley Hall as you enter the hall from the main entrance and there are also tables in the Prestwood Centre. All the tables are numbered and have the name of the seller clearly shown on the front of each table. The sales tables are a very popular feature of the show because they allow buyers to view a number of birds before they make their purchase. The sellers are always pleased to give advice on a range of bird related questions and therefore a tremendous amount of information can be obtained in one visit to the show. This event is definitely the one to go to each year and this is confirmed by the vast numbers who attend many of them year after year. The pictures enclosed with this article give an insight into what occurs but only a visit can give you the real experience!

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NO 1 PARROT FOOD

A traditional and sound base food mix, made to an enhanced formula. Composition: striped and white sunflowerseed with safflowerseed, whole maize, whole oats, paleskin peanuts, monkey nuts, pine nuts, chillies, flaked maize, flaked peas, puffed maize, puffed wheat, naked oats, buckwheat, and red dari. Feed with fresh fruit and veg. Avian nutritionists, breeders and bird-keepers are learning ever more about the food needs of these splendid birds and the nutritional benefits of some foods vs. others. Hence, even a traditional base mix should be upgraded as our knowledge grows. This excellent formula has 16 ingredients. It should be fed with fresh fruit and vegetables, or can be blended with Johnston & Jeff's Fruit, Veg and Nut Mix.

THE FINEST BIRD FOOD CONTACT: JOHNSTON & JEFF LTD., BALTIC BUILDINGS, GATEWAY BUSINESS PARK, GILBERDYKE,EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE HU15 2TD T: 01430 449444 www.johnstonandjeff.co.uk mail@johnstonandjeff.co.uk Johnston & Jeff foods are only sold through retailers. Please contact us if you need information on your nearest stockists, our mail order partners, and for information and feeding guides. We reserve the right to add to the composition of our blends if we find a better grade or wish to enhance the menu. Please check our web site for up-to-date details.