36 Bird Scene - Autumn 2017 by Theparrotsociety

BIRD ISSUE THIRTY SIX: AUTUMN 2017

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THE MAGAZINE FOR HOBBYIST BREEDERS AND CONSERVATIONISTS

THE CELESTIAL PARROTLET

W IN T JA ER N ED U 20 AR ITIO 18 Y 1 N ST O U

BREEDING GREATER BLUE EARED GLOSSY STARLINGS

FR EE

THE GLOSTER CANARY

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06/01/2017 14:45

CONTENTS BIRD SCENE: AUTUMN 2017

CONTENTS DONATE TO OUR CONSERVATION FUND…

THE CELESTIAL PARROTLET Les Rance

DOES YOUR PARROT REALLY WANT A MATE? Rosemary Low

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THE GLOSTER CANARY Charlie Clarke

ON THE COVER

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TEACHER USES VIDEO CAMERAS PLACED IN NESTS TO TEACH ABOUT SCARLET MACAW MICHELLE SOTO M. ZEBRA FINCHES Ken Lockwood and Gerald Massey

ISSUE THIRTY SIX: AUTUMN 2017

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THE MAGAZINE FOR HOBBYIST BREEDERS AND CONSERVATIONISTS

THE GLOSTER CANARY

BREEDING GREATER BLUE EARED GLOSSY STARLINGS

THE CELESTIAL PARROTLET

30 EE

www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/donations.php

N ED U 20 AR ITIO 18 Y 1S N T OU T

BREEDING GREATER BLUE EARED GLOSSY STARLINGS Ray Holland

CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

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THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION

IN T JA ER

BIRD SCENE: Issue Thirty Six: Autumn 2017 BIRD SCENE is run by The Parrot Society UK, Hardy House, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted HP4 1EF, England. FOR SALES AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRES Telephone or Fax: 01442 872245 Website: www.theparrotsocietyuk.org / E-Mail: les.rance@theparrotsocietyuk.org The views expressed by contributors to this magazine are not those of The Parrot Society UK unless otherwise explicitly stated

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INTRODUCT

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

his is now the thirty sixth edition of Bird Scene, so we are now well into the fifth year of the life of this on-line magazine, the first FREE on-line bird magazine produced in the UK. At 48 pages this is quite a big read! From a technical point publishing on the net allows us to use images that are too small to print in a paper magazine. For on-line publishing we can work at a picture resolution of 72 dots per inch (dpi) whereas if we want to reproduce an image in our monthly Parrot Society magazine we have to work at 300 dpi, over 4 times the resolution. Also the images do appear brighter as can be seen in this issue where the Blue-eared Glossy Starling looks as though it could leap out of the page! Every time we post the Parrot Society magazine I cringe at the cost and after the recent changes when postal costs increased further the distribution expenses have become very costly, I just do not know how smaller clubs with limited funds will be able to continue printing a member’s magazine, maybe E-magazines are the way to go? As a result of increases to 04

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the costs of both postage and printing I am really pleased that we decided to produce Bird Scene as a FREE e-magazine. We have learnt a great deal over the last four years about this way of communicating with bird enthusiasts and I am sure that this knowledge will become more and more valuable as we see further increases in costs associated to paper magazines. Regular readers will know that Bird 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 at www.theparrotsocietyuk.org. In this edition we have an excellent article on the work being carried out in Costa Rica to re-establish the beautiful Scarlet Macaw in that country by Dr Chris Vaughan, this work is aiming at the school children of that country in an attempt to educate them about eco Tourism and the value that Scarlet

TION

BY THE EDITOR

LES RANCE

@theparrotsocietyuk.org Macaws will have in enhancing tourism to Costa Rica, a long term goal but one that is already having excellent results. We also have a very good article from Ray Holland on his experiences with the Blue-eared Glossy Starling concentrating on how to both care for this species in captivity and how to encourage it to breed. I do thank him for the work he has invested, without such enthusiastic keepers we would have little to publish. Two years ago there were a spate of thefts, which has now been ongoing for over 18 months from exhibitors keeping valuable show birds, there is strong evidence that exhibitors are being followed home after shows so it is suggested that you keep a close lookout for cars following you on your homeward journey, please see the advice that John Hayward gave on this serious problem in the 18th issue of Bird Scene by going to the archive at the foot of our Home page website. Also in this issue is a very interesting article that I wrote on Celestial Parrotletts and an article from Rosemary Low entitled ‘Does your Parrot Really want a Mate’ Do make

sure you see the article on The National Exhibition which is being held at Staffordshire County Showground on Sunday 8th October, not far off now! I do trust that you enjoy this edition.

THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION 8TH OCTOBER 2017

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rogress with the background tasks associated with this year’s National is excellent and all the entry wrist bands, car parking passes and Officials badges have already been sent to the Show Secretary’s so that they can distribute them to exhibitors with their cage labels and lifting cards during September. Our sponsors, Johnston and Jeff are again providing excellent rosettes that I am sure will be greatly appreciated by the winners as they are of very high quality, the best current year rosette is bright red and the specials are a vivid blue. If you are lucky enough to win both they will be a beautiful addition to your bird room. The Parrot Society can only thank the bird club officials that have all worked so hard to increase the number of exhibits year on year and made this exhibition the success it has become. We were pleased to announce that the London Fancy Canary Club, who joined our canary clubs two years ago for the first time are again exhibiting their member’s birds this year. The Parrotlet Interest Group who also joined the ranks of exhibiting and their birds will again be in The Parrot Society section where there is a good sized show schedule to cater for these miniature gems of the parrot world, the list of classes has been expanded for 2017. Eleven years ago The Parrot Society started out on a venture of hopefully rebuilding “The National Exhibition” that

had been run up until 2003 at the Birmingham NEC. The defining factor was whether it was possible for all branches of our hobby to jointly pull together and ‘make it work’ after recording such a success in the first year the question was then whether the enthusiasm would be sustained. It has indeed worked each year since the first Show in 2007 the numbers of exhibits have increased and we are working hard to ensure that even more varieties of exhibition quality canaries are on the show bench for this year’s event. By combining this exhibition with the already highly successful Parrot Society October Sale Day at the superbly equipped Staffordshire County Showground a large proportion of the exhibitors were familiar with both the location and the available facilities. UK bird exhibitors now view this event as the premier ‘all variety show’ on the UK calendar. We are delighted that the exhibition is obtaining increasing support from both continental judges and breeders who travel long distances to attend this event it is exciting to think that in a very short time this exhibition

The Parrot Society can only thank the bird club officials that have all worked so hard to increase the number of exhibits year on year and made this exhibition the success it has become.

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has been able to attract these dedicated fanciers from all over Europe. The continental influence is not only limited to the fanciers, there is an increasing demand from continental traders to attend this event, further increasing the range of products available to all our enthusiastic visitors. As it is located on the A518 only a few miles to the east of junction 14 of the M6 so vehicles can quickly arrive at the Showground. Arrangements are well in hand for this year’s Show on Sunday 8th October 2017. A meeting with representatives of all the supporting clubs was held at The Quality Hotel Coventry on Sunday 14th May. Each time we organise this Show we aim to improve both the exhibitor experience and that of the viewing public and the 08 BIRD SCENE

points discussed at this meeting prove invaluable in ensuring improvements continue to achieve these goals. “The National Exhibition” has been kindly sponsored once again by Richard Johnston of Johnston and Jeff, who has supported us from the start. This year their generous sponsorship has also financed additional new judges stands to help with the requirements of our new clubs. The added attraction of bird seed also kindly donated by Johnston and Jeff Ltd as prizes can only help increase the numbers benched. We are indebted to the management and editorial staff of Cage & Aviary Birds magazine for the production of a very well designed insert, with our contribution being the collation of the information from all the exhibiting clubs.

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The supplement appeared in their 30th August 2017 edition and as previously carries advertisements from all the exhibiting clubs and details as to who to approach to obtain the Show Schedule for your chosen species. This supplement has now become a feature of “The National Exhibition”. Since the show took on the name “The National Exhibition” in 2010 the demand for trade space has significantly increased, with some new traders making their first appearance this year. So whatever your bird keeping requirements they will be on offer at Stafford on 8th October. The Sandylands Centre and half of the Argyle Centre will again be used to accommodate the exhibits with the ‘booking in’ and club stands filling the

“The National Exhibition” has been kindly sponsored once again by Richard Johnston of Johnston and Jeff, who has supported us from the start. remainder of the Argyle Centre. This facilitates the management of the exhibition during the judging of the birds and allows both exhibitors and general visitor’s access to the exhibition at the earliest possible time on the day. The Parrot Society Council members hope that all the exhibitors and the officials of the specialist exhibiting clubs have a very enjoyable day. The Parrot Society would like to thank the clubs for all the kind words and support that you have given us. It will make this year’s “National Exhibition” a pleasure to be involved with. BIRD SCENE 09

ARTICLE BY: RAY HOLLAND Photograph © Tony Tilford www.naturepicturesource.com

(LAMPROTORNIS CHALYBAEUS) SUCCESSES & MISTAKES

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BREEDING GREATER BLUE EARED GLOSSY STARLINGS

t one of the Stafford shows I managed to buy five Glossy Starlings. One was a Purple Glossy which turned out to be a cock and the rest Blue-eared Glossy Starlings, some of which appeared to be slightly larger and the others smaller with a greener sheen. They were all housed together for some months in a fairly large aviary with Sumatran Laughing Thrushes. The Laughing Thrushes were quite well behaved with the Starlings, but the latter would often squabble amongst themselves and pick on various individuals in turn. It soon became apparent that I had a dominant pair, the cock being slightly larger than the hen. The two of them would bow and scrape to each other making little squeaks and for the most part being very friendly, although on occasions even these two would squabble.

I was fairly confident I had a breeding pair, so gave them an aviary to themselves approximately 16ft x 5ft covered except for the end which is open to the elements and faces east. Two nest boxes were provided one open fronted and the other a Parakeet type with bob hole – this one was put in at a slight angle and was the one they chose to lay their first clutch of three eggs in, in late May. Dried grasses, evergreen leaves, moss and feathers were used to build the nest. I feed them on standard softbill food, pellets of various types and flavours, chopped fruit, sweetcorn, wax moth larvae and mealworms. For some reason they do not appear to be very interested in crickets which surprised me. All three eggs hatched, but how long incubation had taken I could not be certain since the young were very quiet in the nest, but you

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After about ten days the parents were observed picking up nesting material, particularly feathers and from previous experience this was an ominous sign of something going wrong, the parents wanting to nest again!! knew something was happening by the constant coming and going of the parents. Upon inspection I found three very small chicks so increased the feed to three or four hour intervals for the first week using mini mealworms to start with and later added wax moth larvae. After about ten days the parents were observed picking up nesting material, particularly feathers and from previous experience this was an ominous sign of something going wrong, the parents wanting to nest again!! I checked the box and could find only one healthy youngster, about ten days old, the others had just disappeared. They may have been covered by the fresh nesting material or just thrown out of the nest box. At this time we were experiencing an unusually prolonged spell of really hot weather and this, together with a plentiful supply of live food may have been the spur to produce again, before finishing the first clutch. I decided to be positive and took the remaining youngster away for hand rearing which we successfully achieved using a hospital cage with low heat,

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the youngster being placed in a plastic tub with paper towels on the bottom to give grip and part cloth covering to replicate the darkness of nest box conditions. Feeding by syringe and tweezers every 3-4 hours with the last feed about 10.00pm and starting again at 6.00am – not a particularly good regime for those who still have to work I might add. All went well, the youngster got used to the routine after the first 2 or 3 reluctant efforts and was always very excited at the sight of a wax worm. In addition mini mealworms and Orlux hand mix were used without difficulty and after about another two weeks the bird was fully feathered and trying to fly. In the meantime the parents went down again, laying three eggs; the weather this time was getting back to something more like a normal British summer. In due course two eggs hatched and the parents fed the young very well, almost competing to feed the most food. I would say that the hen was the best, taking bunches of mealworms at one go – the cock usually one at a time.

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All went well, the youngster got used to the routine after the first 2 or 3 reluctant efforts and was always very excited at the sight of a wax worm.

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The two parent reared birds are surprisingly confident and tame, they come out into the service passage way every day for exercise and to pinch as much live food as they can get from my food trolley. They appear fearless and fly at great speed about and around me – typical Starlings, real clowns and very entertaining.

After what seemed to be an age the first youngster appeared at the bobhole, poking its head out to be fed and at about four weeks both fledged. I had expected them to appear sooner; they were a duller version of the parents

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and could fly well at this early stage. The young are still with their parents in December and will have to be separated well before the next breeding season starts in the Spring.

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fly at great speed about and around me – typical Starlings, real clowns and very entertaining. Strangely enough the hand reared one from the first round is quite the opposite, not a bit tame but just as hungry.

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The general diet for adults and their youngsters is softbill food, Bevo, Beaphar, Bogena, Softbill Pellets both fruit type and insect varieties. They also like plenty of fresh fruit, almost any is acceptable – they are not fussy feeders.

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FEATURE Due to enforced inactivity (knee op) I was very late in getting all my birds’ flights ready for the breeding season. The Glossy’s nest box was not put in until early May and not as high up as usual, normally near the roof at an angle some 7’ up. It did not make any difference, they began adding to the nesting material and after about 14 days I knew the Hen was laying green/blue eggs, this time three. In the past, when obviously younger, the pair would have four or even five eggs and rear them all. However as they age three seems to be the norm. After about 14 days the eggs hatch and both parents will feed the young with minimealworms, waxworms and crickets which seem to be the mainstay for the fledglings. The general diet for adults and their youngsters is softbill food, Bevo, Beaphar, Bogena, Softbill Pellets both fruit type and insect varieties. They also like plenty of fresh fruit, almost any is acceptable – they are not fussy feeders. Not too long after the youngsters fledged the parents started to take in new nesting material and restart the breeding cycle again, whilst continuing to feed the first round youngsters. Not so clear thinking on my part and lack of aviary space caused the second round to fail when, given better management, they should have survived. The first round youngsters

I retained some youngsters from breeding four years ago and this is the first time they have attempted to breed. Strangely only one egg but this was successfully hatched and reared. remained in the flight (my mistake!). The nest box should have been replaced or, at least thoroughly cleaned out, before signs of nesting again began (mistake). I did refresh the nest box when the second round young were about 7 days old but it was a messy job. Although two of the young grew and feathered well and even fledged, they were not healthy and nor did they leave the nest box when they should have. I believe a combination of the aforementioned and the nest box being slightly too small, i.e. 7½“ x 7½“ x 13” and not at a great enough angle were also a contributory factor (mistake). So after what should have been six youngsters only the first round survived to be good healthy birds. Better news from another of my three pairs of Blue Eared Glossys. I retained some youngsters from breeding four years ago and this is the first time they have attempted to breed. Strangely only one egg but this was successfully hatched and reared. This youngster being an ‘only child’ so to speak is a really strong and healthy individual. So BIRD SCENE

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One rather endearing feature of the one youngster family is that they can all catch with aplomb. At feeding time they come out of their flight down the corridor to where I prepare the food and wait on the step. They are rather like a cordon of England cricketers in the slips – seeing who can jump higher than the next to catch the thrown mealworms. his little exercise goes on for some minutes and seems to be enjoyed by everyone, most of all me. after all these years I am pleased with the result. The three birds are still in the flight together – the only difference being the black eyes as opposed to the bright creamy yellow of the parents. Adult eye colour of these birds does vary slightly, some being more orange yellow. One rather endearing feature of the one youngster family is that they can all catch with aplomb. At feeding time they come out of their flight down the corridor to where I prepare the food and wait on the step. They are rather like a cordon of England cricketers in the slips – seeing who can jump higher than the next to catch the thrown mealworms. This little exercise goes on for some minutes and seems to be enjoyed by everyone, most of all me. One final point on feeding these birds, it seems I may be in the minority 18

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here but I continue feeding live food through the winter, although I do try to reduce the amount. I find the insects are a good carrier for the various supplements I give to my birds throughout the year, such as Insectivorous Feast and Daily Essentials 3 for my frugivorius birds like Barbets and Bulbuls. Most of my birds are through the moult now and look in excellent condition. I can thoroughly recommend them, they are real characters, rewarding and great fun to keep. I am keeping two flights empty in the optimistic hope I will have a successful breeding season with somewhere safe to put all those youngsters. I wish!

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LES RANCE

THE CELESTIAL PARROTLET 20

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his bird is also known as the Pacific Parrotlet or Lesson’s Parrotlet as it was discovered by Lesson in 1847 and is 5 inches in length. Its native habitat is Northwest Peru from Trujillo and Libertad north along the pacific side of the Andes to Rio Chone in western Ecuador. They were imported into this country on a regular basis before the restrictions on importation of wild caught parrots came into force in 2006 and were fortunately well established in aviculture before this date because they produced a number of mutations and this ability made them popular with hobbyist breeders interested in this aspect of our hobby. As they are free breeders they are excellent birds for the beginner to consider especially if you are short of space to build aviaries. Celestial Parrotlets are a big parrot in a small body, with comical behaviour and an adventurous nature. Parrotlets are tiny, streamlined parrots with wedge-shaped tails and large beaks for their size. Most species of Parrotlets are less than 5 inches in length, but much longer-lived than most other small parrot species such as Budgerigars and the various species of Lovebirds, they are one of the smallest species of parrot in the world. Parrotlets make ideal pets for those living flats or any residence where noise might be a factor as they are not loud enough to disturb neighbours and do not scream or

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squawk. Parrotlets have no problem entertaining themselves all day with their toys while their owner is at work or school, but when you return they expect to come out for a ride on a shoulder or hide in a pocket. Although small they need a cage large enough to provide plenty of exercise and that can hold plenty of toys and perches. These toys should be rotated and replaced regular. They can learn to talk and are quite

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acrobatic when playing with toys or hanging by their beaks and toes. They have the personality of their larger cousins but cannot eat the dinning room table or the door frames. Celestial Parrotlets are beautiful coloured parrots that can come in vibrant shades of blue, yellow, green and also other colour mutations. A Parrotlet makes a wonderful companion and with good training can learn plenty of tricks such as fetch, playing dead, waving, shaking hand and so on. They eat much the same as Cockatiels, seed, pellets, vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice and clean water. Their normal life span is between 10-12 years but they are known to live for 18 years plus, some says as long as 30 years. When breeding is attempted the ideal size of nest box is 6 inches wide by 10 inches tall by 7 inches deep filled with 2inches of wood shavings, hung on the outside of the cage looking in. 19-21 days incubation is normal and the average clutch size is 4-8 eggs. They can be sexed from 5 weeks of age, the males has darker shades of blue around the eyes and wings and some times on the rump. Parrotlets can start breeding from

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Parrotlets can start breeding from 7 months but should not start breeding until a year old as the cock is not able to feed and rear correctly until a year old.

7 months but should not start breeding until a year old as the cock is not able to feed and rear correctly until a year old. Housing should be 24 inches long, and 24inches deep cage, also a 3-6 foot long flight is acceptable. A healthy diet should have cockatiel mix seed, pellets, millet sprays, vegetables, carrot, broccoli, peas

and so on, fruit should include apples, bananas, grapes to mention a few, nuts and beans and also human food such as un-salted whole grain bread, pasta, rice. Their food needs to be high in energy as they use lots of it, and there are no worries that they will become over weight.

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ROSEMARY LOW

DOES YOUR PARROT REALLY WANT A MATE? 24

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rom Sweden came this request: “Can you help me find a mate for my darling Massena’s Lorikeet?” He is eight years old and “extremely tame and social”. His owner wrote: “Now I feel he needs a woman in his life?” Right? No, wrong. Why do owners of single parrots suddenly decide that the bird needs a mate? It could be that it is showing signs of sexual maturity and guilt sets in because the bird is being “deprived”. Or perhaps it is becoming nippy and hard to handle. This is the human view. Now look at it from the bird’s viewpoint. This cherished “darling” lorikeet has been a companion for eight years, receiving the undivided attention of its adoring owner. Suddenly, another bird arrives -a competitor for attention. There is no doubt at all that most companion parrots feel jealousy in this situation -- at least initially, if not permanently. The owner has encouraged the original bird to bond with him or her, even to regard the human carer as a mate -- often to be preened and even to be the subject

Why do owners of single parrots suddenly decide that the bird needs a mate? It could be that it is showing signs of sexual maturity and guilt sets in because the bird is being “deprived”. Or perhaps it is becoming nippy and hard to handle. This is the human view.

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Even though this (Lorikeet) is another social species, occurring in flocks outside the breeding season, all lories and lorikeets have an aggressive trait that is especially apparent in hand-reared birds. If the owner of the hand-reared male Massena’s Lorikeet had acquired a female, the chances are that it would have been quickly attacked or even killed. Lorikeets have very fast reflexes and the deed could be done before the owner has a chance to intervene.

of courtship behaviour. The newcomer is therefore often attacked as a rival. Whether it is actually attacked or just treated with suspicion or indifference depends partly on the species. For example, the Grey Parrot is not an aggressive species but a social one that lives in large flocks. When a friend with a Grey rescued another bird of the same species that urgently needed rehoming, 26

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the original Grey ignored the newcomer completely. Two years down the line, it just pretends it does not exist. No potential mate there! Lorikeet behaviour is very different. Even though this is another social species, occurring in flocks outside the breeding season, all lories and lorikeets have an aggressive trait that is especially apparent in hand-reared birds. If the

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owner of the hand-reared male Massena’s Lorikeet had acquired a female, the chances are that it would have been quickly attacked or even killed. Lorikeets have very fast reflexes and the deed could be done before the owner has a chance to intervene. I can recall the case of someone who kept a female Black-capped Lory as a pet, a tame and sweet bird. She decided to give her a mate and acquired a male that

had also been a pet. The male killed the female within minutes. Given the nature of this species (all Lorius lories are aggressive), that sad event was 99% predictable. The owner was heartbroken. Perhaps an owner has decided that the parrot should have a companion, rather than a mate. The same considerations apply. Jealousy and suspicion are most likely to be the initial reaction from a BIRD SCENE

The owner of a Grey Parrot was tempted by a tame and adorable Blackheaded Caique in a pet shop. He was not prepared for a second bird. The shop owner generously offered to lend him a cage. This offer was unwisely declined. What did the purchaser do? He took the caique home and put it in his Grey’s cage.

bird with a close bond with its owner. Or perhaps it is not a decision that triggers the purchase of another parrot but an impulse buy. As demonstrated by a recent happening, this can be even worse. The owner of a Grey Parrot was tempted by a tame and adorable Black-headed Caique in a pet shop. He was not prepared for a second bird. The shop owner generously offered to lend him a cage. This offer was unwisely declined. What did the purchaser do? He took the caique home and put it in his Grey’s cage. 28

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I found it shocking that a parrot owner could have so little understanding of a basic need of a parrot -- its own space or territory. And shocking that he was unable to see the possible fatal consequences of his actions. Next day the caique was taken back to the shop. The Grey had attacked it and ripped out its tail feathers. The caique was lucky not to suffer serious injury. So can the introduction of a second bird ever be successful? The answer is yes, it can, in certain circumstances. The attempt is most likely to fail if

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• As already mentioned, the original bird is closely bonded to its carer. • The original bird is hand-reared and has never been socialised with its own species. Those that have been kept exclusively with humans might be confused about their identity. They identify more with humans than with other parrots. The attempt is most likely to succeed with: • Parent-reared and wild-caught birds that remember living with their own species. • Birds such as Cockatiels, conures, parrotlets and lovebirds that can quickly lose their tameness when given the opportunity to be with their own species. • Birds that are removed from their original home and are no longer in contact with the person to whom they were bonded. In these circumstances the jealously element has been removed. What happens in the unfortunate circumstances in which someone is forced to part with their pet and has an offer from a breeder who wants to pair up the bird? If it was very tame, bonded to its owner and has lived all its life within a home, this would be a huge upheaval in its life. Separated from everything it has ever known, it is likely to be very

Some breeders take a rather casual attitude to introducing new birds -- yet this is something that should be carried out with the utmost caution and care. The very worst action that someone can take is to introduce a new bird to an aviary where the other one has long been an occupant. It will be attacked as an intruder into established territory. stressed. This lack of confidence would make it extremely vulnerable to attack from another bird. Some breeders take a rather casual attitude to introducing new birds -- yet this is something that should be carried out with the utmost caution and care. The very worst action that someone can take is to introduce a new bird to an aviary where the other one has long been an occupant. It will be attacked as an intruder into established territory. The best way is always to place the two birds in adjoining aviaries or cages without a visual barrier. When they show an interest in each other, the bird of the dominant sex (usually the male, except in Eclectus and Psittacula species) should be introduced into the other bird’s aviary. In this way, the more subservient bird will have the psychological advantage, because it is in its own territory. Remember: you hold their lives in your hands. Caution is better than remorse. BIRD SCENE

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BY CHARLIE CLARKE

THE GLOSTER CANARY T

he Gloster fancy as we know it today is the result of continual work of many fanciers who have over the years continued to build on the original ideas of the early fanciers. Since the conception of the Gloster in 1925 it has gone through many different transformations, we have to thank Mrs Rogerson who first brought them to the attention of Mr A.W.Smith.She had bred the original birds from the smallest Crested Rollers and Border canaries which were available, the birds that came from these pairings were very different from the birds we see today.

As we know the Gloster Canary comes in two types, the “Corona” which is the crested bird, and the “Consort” which has the plain head. The early bred birds were always short in the crest, very thin and long. Most were bred from mainly buff birds which caused many problems. In the early years of the Gloster there were several strong areas of support round the country, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and East Anglia. Over the next fifty years the development of the Gloster gathered pace, the early fanciers worked hard to

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improve the type quite often disregarding feather quality. During these years you were lucky to have a specialist Gloster judge at the local C.B.S.shows quite often the birds were judged by the Any Other Variety judge. As the quantity of fanciers keeping Glosters increased the amount and quality of birds coming available continued to grow and improve. During this stage the Gloster was really taking off, there seemed to be specialist clubs popping up everywhere it was at this time the “Gloster Convention” was formed to help

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co-ordinate the wishes of the Specialist Societies it was at one of these meetings Mr Charles Minjoodt presented the pictorial model which is still in use today. The Gloster Fancy continues to thrive today, we have many top Specialist Societies all putting on very good shows the standard of the Gloster gets better by the year, combining both type and feather quality. We are truly international in our outlook the standard of Glosters world wide is a credit to the fancy. It is amazing that from what was a very small beginning through dedication and hard work the Gloster Canary has become one of the strongest sections within the hobby. Like all varieties we try to make the hobby enjoyable and welcome newcomers to join us in what is a very enjoyable hobby.

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Early Glosters The Gloster Fancy specialist Society supports the National Show organised by the Parrot Society at Staffordshire County Show Ground on Sunday the 8th of October 2017. For details of how to join the Gloster Fancy Specialist Society contact the secretary:Mr Steve Jones, on 01785- 822533

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BY MICHELLE SOTO M. MSOTO@NACION.COM

In the 1990s, the scarlet macaw was in serious danger of extinction due to chick theft from nests. The chicks were sold as pets. (Courtesy of Yann Wauters)

VIDEO CAMERAS ARE PLACED IN TREES FOUND IN PUNTA LEONA

TEACHER USES VIDEO CAMERAS PLACED IN NESTS TO TEACH ABOUT SCARLET MACAW STUDENTS FROM THE QUEBRADA GANADO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, IN GARABITO, FOLLOWED THE NESTING CYCLE

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ith a drawing contest and a wall mural, the students of the Quebrada Ganado School, located in Garabito Province, showed how much they learned about the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) thanks to four video cameras placed in their nests. Read former article in La Nacion newspaper: Cameras Will Help Monitor Scarlet Macaw Nests Through the Internet, the children were able to follow the nesting process of this bird species related to parrots and macaws, which was about to disappear in Costa Rica in the 90’s, due to chick theft to sell them on the pet market.

In this way, about 50 fourth, fifth and sixth grade students observed from when the macaw pair selected and prepared the nest until when eggs were laid, cared for and incubated. They also saw chick growth until, after about 75 days, the chick(s) abandoned the nest and travelled with their parents to Guacilillo Mangrove Reserve. “The last scarlet macaw chick left a month ago. A total of five chicks left the four nests” explained biologist Dr. Christopher Vaughan, who with along his team, installed four video cameras in January 2016. The cameras were located in three trees (a kapok or ceibo, gallinazo and a guayabon) found in the facilities of Punta Leona hotel. More La Nacion former articles on internet: • 16 scarlet macaws are released on the Nicoya Peninsula • Follow live scarlet macaw nesting in Costa Rica • Reproduction of scarlet macaws in captivity in Costa Rica is unnecessary

Thanks to the internet, the children could follow the scarlet macaw nesting cycle from computer screens in their school, at home and even with cell phones. (Courtesy of Lizbeth Mora Vargas)

Vaughan’s purpose in placing cameras in scarlet macaw nests is partially scientific. For

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over 25 years, he has studied the nesting process of the scarlet macaw and the cameras allow him to observe competition for nests, because oftentimes the scarlet macaws must battle with toucans and kinkajous for a nest. One can also follow the incubation process that occurs between December and February, chick birth and feeding behavior, among other life cycle phases. This year together with the Punta Leona administration, it was decided to share the camera signal, located in the guayabón, so that the public could appreciate this spectacle of nature.

This was how grade school teacher Humberto Solórzano and his students took advantage of this technological resource to learn more about the species. On school computers, at home, and even on parents’ cell phones, the children identified with this feathered pair in their quest to be parents. “They have always lived with this species, because the scarlet macaw lives in this region, but this time we had the opportunity to see it in another facet. You do not always have the possibility of seeing the birds in their nests,” Solórzano said.

To show how much they have learned, the children were given the task of drawing the scarlet macaw reproductive cycle. (Courtesy of Lizbeth Mora Vargas)

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Elizabeth Mora, director of Quebrada Ganado School, accompanied the students when they visited Punta Leona where they met ex macaw poacher Wilberth Vargas. (Courtesy of Yann Wauters)

Elizabeth Mora, director of Quebrada Ganado School, accompanied the students when they visited Punta Leona where they met ex macaw poacher Wilberth Vargas. (Courtesy of Yann Wauters) The teacher associated the macaw theme with the contents of sciences (knowledge of the species and its natural history) and mathematics (data collection and the relation between dates and reproductive cycle stages). As part of the project, the children visited Punta Leona to meet the chicks they only knew through the cameras. There they were received by Vaughan’s collaborators, Wilberth Vargas, who previously stole chicks and now supports conservation efforts.

“We did not want the visit to consist of only observing the chicks, so Wilbert with all his experience - exposed the students to the environmental problems surrounding the macaws. And, yes, a chick was lowered very carefully from its nest so the students could observe it because one thing is seeing the chick on a screen and another is seeing it alive”, commented Solórzano. The last phase of the project, which finished last week, consisted of expressing all this knowledge in a creative way. For this, a drawing contest was organized and the children participated in elaborating a wall mural.

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Thanks to a coloring book, fourth grade students learn about the scarlet macaw and its problems. (Courtesy of Yann Wauters)

Thanks to a coloring book, fourth grade students learn about the scarlet macaw and its problems. (Courtesy of Yann Wauters) Environmental education This experience using cameras for environmental education purposes follows work that began in 1995, when Vaughan and representatives of Punta Leona contacted Solórzano and Lizbeth Mora (current director of the school) to work on a campaign to raise awareness (of the macaw’s plight).

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As a result of this meeting, a coloring book was published, which has been used since by Solórzano in his classes. “Imagine that now I teach the children of those grade school students who first used the book,” said the teacher and added: “We have been able to observe the change from generation to generation and now we can say that the species is recovering. And those people who formerly were macaw poachers have converted to collaborators of the project“.

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Guillermo Hernández, one of the leaders of the scarlet macaw conservation program since 1994, was a judge in the drawing contest. (Courtesy of Lizbeth Mora Vargas

Expand the project Thanks to the directors support, the project will continue next year at the Quebrada Ganado School. However, according to Solórzano, there are hopes of extending it to the rest of the schools of the Aguirre circuit. For this, conversations are in progress with Ministry of Public Education (MEP) officials. “With the success of the Quebrada Ganado project using cameras and coloring books, as well as the fact that

We have been able to observe the change from generation to generation and now we can say that the species is recovering. And those people who formerly were macaw poachers have converted to collaborators of the project the scarlet macaws are expanding their distribution thanks to in situ (conservation) management, it would be nice to include more schools in 2018. “Don’t you think? “, Vaughan said enthusiastically.

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ZEBRA FINCHES

PART T W O

BY KEN LOCKWOOD AND GERALD MASSEY

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BREEDING ZEBRA FINCHES One of the many challenges of breeding Zebra finches is that no two breeding seasons are ever alike. For example, in both our birdrooms, at the start of one season we had problems because the birds were too fit. This manifested itself in hens laying another clutch of eggs before they had finished incubating the first. By the second and third breeding rounds came around they had settled down and their breeding behaviour was normal. We believe that a major reason for the disrupted first round was the weather being unseasonable. The seasons of the year appear to have become mixed up so that we get warmer than usual days in winter and colder than usual days in summer. To some extent, this has always happened but it is becoming the rule rather than the exception. So for the next breeding season we put down most of our pairs to breed in midDecember. The contrast with the previous year was marked. Rather than being paired at the height of condition, our Zebras were put together as they were coming towards that peak. This time, the breeding pairs went about their business steadily and sensibly. Of course, there were a few pairs that did not get off to a good start, but their second round coincided with the timing of last year’s first rounds, so nothing was lost.

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We were only able to make this early start because our birdrooms are draught and damp free – and equippedwithelectric lighting and heating. Electric lighting has become an essential for most Zebra finch breeders. With artificial lighting available, those who have to go to work in the daytime can carry out jobs, such as feeding, in the evening, even in the depths of winter. Although you need to study your birds carefully, and make adjustments to get

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the best out of them, there are breeding basics that remain fairly constant though there is no need to get too anxious just because the timing of a particular phase of the breeding cycle is not exactly to the book. For example, we would expect the first egg to be laid around seven days after pairing, but it can be as soon as four days. In the opposite direction, even a successfully paired hen can take up to three weeks before laying. If no egg appears by that

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time, we may well come to the conclusion that the birds concerned need to be found new partners or given a rest in the flights. You should not get over anxious, neither can you afford to be complacent. The vast majority of Zebra finches get on well with their breeding partners but, very occasionally , one attacks the other. So there is a need, be it ever so slight, to keep an eye on the pairings until they have settled. Another area which is not an exact science is the time between an egg being laid and hatching. Although the accepted time for the incubation period of a Zebra finch egg is supposed to be 14 days, there are exceptions. Occasionally, one will hatch after only 13 days and, if a hen does not begin incubating from the first egg, it can take a day or two longer. Do not discard fertile eggs just because they have not hatched when a book states that they should have done. We begin feeding slightly dampened softfood to breeding pairs 14 days after the first egg was laid – regardless of hatching or non hatching – and then continue on a daily basis. Softfood that is too wet causes messy parents, chicks and nestboxes and is more likely to turn sour. We stopped feeding bread and milk for this reason and now use one of the good propriety softfoods that are advertised in Cage and Aviary Birds.

Because Zebra finch hens lay eggs on successive days, you can usually expect a chick to hatch every day if the hen sat from the first egg. So with a fair number of eggs in a clutch it is possible to end up with quite a range of chick sizes in the same nestbox. If we feel there is a risk of the youngest chick being squashed or neglected we transfer that chick to a nest that contains chicks nearer its own size. Again do not be too anxious or you will finish up with chicks fostered all around the birdroom and – although you can take the precaution of moving the chick to a pair with different coloured youngsters - too much movement can make accurate important record keeping more difficult than it needs to be. The other time we tend to foster chicks is when there is only one in the nest. Hens seem to feed better when they have a few chicks demanding food, whereas those with only one to look after can become lazy. Anyone who thinks that a single chick, that gets all the attention, will develop more quickly than one in a nest of four has never bred Zebra finches. The other advantage of taking a singleton from the hen is that it lets her get back to producing what will, hopefully, be a full fertile clutch the next time around. The main reason for the nestbox inspections – which are carried out every day once a chick has hatched – is to check that chicks are being properly fed.

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So we inspect boxes in the evening rather than early in the day before proper feeding has begun. It is not easy to decide what to do about a hen that appears not to be feeding her chicks properly. If you panic, you can finish up with more chicks being

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fostered than are with their own parents. In our experience, just because a hen behaves like a poor feeder with one nest of chicks, it does not necessarily mean she will be the same with her next brood. Sometimes a hen neglects her duties because she wants to start laying again.

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Dirty nestboxes are not easy to account for. The obvious reason would seem to be diet – particularly the softfood. However that does not begin to explain why you can have adjoining pairs, on the same diet, and one nest is dirty and the other one is clean. Even so we have found that

It is not easy to decide what to do about a hen that appears not to be feeding her chicks properly. If you panic, you can finish up with more chicks being fostered than are with their own parents.

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FEATURE cutting back on the amount of softfood being given to a pair with a dirty nest can often overcome the problem. Whatever the cause, nestboxes should never be left dirty. They should be cleaned or replaced. We overcome this by using cardboard nestboxes replacing as necessary. Another area where what the book says and what happens in reality can be in conflict is the timing of close ringing chicks – a must if you intend to exhibit the Zebra finches that you breed. Official rings can be obtained from the Zebra Finch Society. You may read that the Zebra finch chicks should be ringed when they are seven days old, but it is impossible to be that precise and so the timing should be taken only as a guide and each chick should be judged on its own merits. You can get variations between the sizes of chicks of the same variety, even in the same nest, but the greatest variation in size occurs from variety to variety. You can expect Normals and Fawns to develop most rapidly of all the varieties and so they are usually ringed younger than, say, Penguins and other nonstandards which develop more slowly. It may be tempting to ring a chick too young, to make the job easier and to ensure you do not miss ringing it. Too often, this can result in the ring falling off and being lost in the nestbox. Once a complete nest of chicks has been

Whatever the cause, nestboxes should never be left dirty. They should be cleaned or replaced. rung we discontinue nestbox inspections. Unnecessary disturbance can cause the chicks to leave the nest before they are fully feathered. A chick without many feathers, marooned on a cage floor, can become chilled and, if undetected for too long a period, can die. At this stage of the breeding cycle, a second nest box can be very useful. It can keep chicks warm, prevent them from being ejected or feather plucked by their parents – and permit the hen to get on with laying the next clutch of eggs without having chicks climbing all over her. And so the cycle starts again.

DONATE TO OUR CONSERVATION FUND… CLICK THE LINK BELOW: http://www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/donations.php

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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.