A Panel of Experts

bring your questions, be part of the discussion

Venue: Hall, corner Thynne Road and Wynnum Road, Morningside.
Date: 5th of May 2023.
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

The May meeting will feature a question-answer session with a group of four expert finch breeders – Ian Brown, Chris Leeper, Vic Boorman plus one other. Each will have a topical issue to raise and discuss and you can ask any question you like. This includes any people connecting via Zoom. So come along with your questions and participate in the discussion.””

“Black Mutations in Zebra and some other tips”

Guests: Bruce Whiting
Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 14 April 2023
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

We are very fortunate to have Bruce Whiting as speaker for our April meeting. Living on the central coast of NSW Bruce has had a long history with aviculture and particularly with showing of birds, a passion learned from his father. His focus has always been to breed quality birds for the showbench with a focus on the multitude of Zebra finch varieties, Bengalese Finches, Parsons, Parrotfinches, show quality Budgies and many more.

Bruce has been deeply involved with various clubs committed to showing and has been instrumental in the development of show standards for finches in Australia. Not surprisingly he is a nationally accredited finch judge. Bruce’s talk will give an overview of the Black series of mutations in Zebra Finches, followed by a couple of ither interesting items. Not to be missed.

“Finches of the Galapagos”

Guests: Cheryl Mares
Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 4 March 2023
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

This month will feature another presentation from Cheryl Mares which will be packed with information and great images. Cheryl is now an experienced finch breeder, specialising in show quality Zebra Finches and Bengalese Mannikins, and is also an excellent photographer. This talk will focus on the finches of the Galapagos, the famous Darwin’s Finches, with some interesting history and biological details.

Cheryl’s presentation will be preceded by a short talk from Dave Stuckey, new Committee member, and owner of a great new set of aviaries. Dave will give you an introduction to the aviary design and construction. Come along to expand your knowledge.

“Aviary design for the small garden”

Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 3 February 2023
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

Dr. Chris Schell is an professional ecologist with over 30 years of experience in the field. His passion for wildlife and interest in animal behaviour lead to him enter the world of Aviculture in 2014. He had to deal with the constraints of a small block in suburban Brisbane and this talk outlines the various aviary solutions, species selection and husbandry he applied to have a dynamic collection in a small space.

Chris currently keeps various species of softbills, doves, quails and finches and uses his knowledge gained through field exposure and his academic learnings associated with animal life-history, to ensure their captive wellbeing.

Short Talk: Dr. Terry Martin. Carotenoids and Colour – some thoughts.

“Greens for Finches, Gouldian Breading Season & My Interest in Finches”

Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 6 January 2023
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

• Greens for finches – why, what and how to feed them – Gary Fitt
• Gouldian Breeding Season – preparing and go – an experienced Gouldian breeder
• My interest in finches – Brad Mayger
• Bird Identification Quiz – test your knowledge

Our January meeting will feature four short items of interest to finch aviculturists.

Firstly, Gary Fitt will discuss the importance of leafy greens for most birds and the options to supply their needs. What you can feed and how to present it.

Secondly, an experienced Gouldian breeder will discuss the important preparations leading up to the start of the Gouldian breeding season and how to get the birds going.

Thirdly, new QFS Committee member Brad Mayger will explain his interest in finches, where he is now and where he hopes to develop. Finally, we will have one of our popular finch identification quizzes where you can test your knowledge and win a chocolate!

So, come along and learn something, contribute to the discussion and chat with colleagues. If you can’t make it, Zoom will hopefully be an option.

“Health Considerations for your birds during summer”

Guest: Dr. Stacey Gelis
Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 2 December 2022
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

The final meeting of 2022 will be our Christmas celebration with some Christmas fare to share. The meeting will feature a talk by Dr Stacey Gelis on “Health Considerations for your birds during summer”. Stacey is well known to QFS members as an outstanding avian vet and an excellent presenter.

This will be a 20 minute talk focussed on the particular health challenges you need to manage during a hot and humid summer. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. The meeting will also include a silent auction with 20 pairs of birds as lots. Members in attendance will be able to place bids before the meeting and then during a 20 minute bidding period after Stacey’s talk.

We might also have a bird quiz before finalising the auction and sharing in Christmas supper. This will be a meeting worth attending. See you there or on Zoom.

“Nutritional Needs for Softbills – Keeping the Diversity of foods manageable”

Guest: Ian Brown
Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 4 November 2022
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

Ian Brown is a highly experienced and successful aviculturist and our QFS President. For many years he has maintained a diverse bird collection comprising finches, parrots, lorikeets, and softbills, but over the last few years he has dramatically expanded his softbill collection as the new Queensland regulations came in. A key point is that Ian is successful with all his species including amazing species like Wompoo Pigeons, Regent Bowerbirds and numerous honeyeaters.

In this hands on talk/ workshop, Ian will focus on the challenge of meeting the diverse nutritional needs of his collection, while keeping the time required for the whole operation manageable. He will go through the many food types and recipes he uses in his collection and will prepare several of the recipes live. So, a great talk to attend if you can, but also available on Zoom.

As this meeting will also be our AGM, there will not be a short talk.

“Baits for Rodents”

Guests: Stefan Hattingh
Venue: Hall, corner of Wynnum & Thynne Rds, Morningside.
Date: 7 October 2022
Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm start.
Or Zoom: link to be emailed to QFS members.

Stefan Hattingh is an ecologist who has been involved in the rehabilitation of raptors (birds of prey) for many years. He currently works for Moreton Bay Regional Council as a Senior Environment Officer. Stefan is passionate about environmental education and he regularly talks with the public.

His current campaign is about the problems associated with non-native rodents and the impact of rodent poison on non-target species. Many raptors are subject to secondary poisoning when they consume rodents affected by the new generation of rodenticides. Stefan will discuss the issue and propose some alternatives and solutions.