Annual Bird Expo Open Day Sunday 17th November 2024

 The sale opens from 10am at the Prairewood Youth Centre hall.  

Much more than a bird sale.  There will be various displays, trade tables, FSA sales table and draw of our major raffle at midday.  Don't miss this event.  

Sellers MUST be an FSA member of one of the FSA branch or affiliate clubs. Non-members may become members on the day in order to sell.

Sellers must arrive between 7:30am and 9:30am.  $1 per bird to sell, minimum $5 per seller.

To avoid disappointment on the day all sellers are advised to book a table by Wednesday 13th of November 2024.  Table Bookings to Jason Holmes on 0402 492 350  or email events@finchsociety.org .

NSW Bird Sale Code of Practice will be enforced.

Christmas Party - 3rd December 2023 Mount Annan

 Our Christmas party this year will be held at Mount Annan botanical gardens on the 3rd of December, as a way of something a little different from an evening party at the hall since renovation work is being done this maybe an opportunity for those members that can’t ordinarily make it on a Wednesday night to meet with other members and of cause we encourage everyone to bring the family. 

Our major raffle will be drawn on the day, a flyer for the raffle went out in our September – October magazine and its not too late to get your tickets for the great prizes listed. 

So if you weren’t at our last meeting Prairiewood its not too late to let us know you will be joining us so we know there be enough lunch for everyone. It will be at Mount Annan Botanical Gardens in Banksia Garden Shelter No.2 and if you can bring along a chair that would be tops. 

Annual Bird Expo and Sale 12th November 2023

 The sale opens from 10am at the Prairewood Youth Centre hall.  

Much more than a bird sale.  There will be various displays, trade tables, FSA sales table and draw of our major raffle at midday.  Don't miss this event.  

Sellers MUST be an FSA member of one of the FSA branch or affiliate clubs. Non-members may become members on the day in order to sell.

Sellers must arrive between 7:30am and 9:30am.  $1 per bird to sell, minimum $5 per seller.

To avoid disappointment on the day all sellers are advised to book a table by Wednesday 8th of November 2022.  Table Bookings to Jason Holmes on 0402 492 350  or email events@finchsociety.org .

NSW Bird Sale Code of Practice will be enforced.

Draft Constitution 2021

 A draft Constitution is available for review.  

Please provide feedback to Maddy Fish (president) if you have any changes/questions.

Draft Constitution

2020 Christmas Party at Prairiewood Community Centre

Wednesday the 9th of December 2020 at 7:30pm will be our annual Christmas party.

We will have certain measures in place to adhere to our COVID safe plan. Typically we ask for donations of food etc but this time round we will not be asking for that. The club will supply all the food. We will have the usual Pizza, Prawns and KFC, as well as something for dessert. 

We will also have a slight change to our usual Christmas Party raffle. This year we will be having a bird raffle so all prizes will be birds, we encourage members to bring along some birds to donate in the raffle. 

FSA Online Auction Details December 6th 2020

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to run our usual December bird sale at the Prairiewood Hall. Instead the committee has resolved to run an online auction on the same date.

This is the link to the auction site. Finch Society of Australia 2020 Online Auction | 32auctions  All buyers must pre-register before the day and create an account. It is free to setup an account, you just have to include your paypal/bank details so that if you are the winning lot you can pay for them. 

We view this as a great opportunity to trial an online auction as most people are open to trying new technologies. If all goes well then we would look to add an online auction as an annual event, likely earlier in the year.

We intend to recommence our normal first Sunday in December FSA bird sale in 2021.

Auction will be run as follows.

1. Sellers submit an Auction Entry Form by the Friday evening December 4 th 2020. Auction Entry Form to include a list of birds (lots) the seller would like to enter in the auction. Generally, each lot will be a single pair of birds.
2. All lots will have an agreed reserve price based on our current 2020 FSA Price Guide – these prices will form part of the Auction Entry Form. We have organised local Sydney specialist bird shops to purchase all lots passed in at the pre-agreed reserve prices. All sellers are guaranteed their birds will sell for the reserve price or above.
3. Seller must provide details of their Animal Keeper Licence (AKL) for all lots containing native species requiring a licence.
4. All bird lots will have a premium of $15 added to the final sale price to cover the cost of carry boxes. $10 per carry box is refundable if the carry box is returned in good order.
5. On Saturday morning Auction coordinators allocate lot numbers to seller’s lots. We anticipate a maximum of 200-300 lots. If more than the number of entries we can accommodate are received then the number of entries for each seller will be capped and/or the number of lots for a particular species will be reduced. Sellers will be informed if some of their lots need to be withdrawn.
6. Early on the Sunday morning sellers deliver birds to the Prairiewood Hall. All birds will be health and quality checked with the steward’s decision final.
7. Birds forming each lot are transferred into a show cage where they are photographed (up to 4 photos) and the lot is entered into the computer system. Each lot is then transferred into a carry box marked with the corresponding lot number.
8. Sellers leave the venue once their birds have been processed. There is no need for sellers to return to the Prairiewood Hall.
9. The Online Auction commences at 10am. In addition to birds, the auction will also include all sales table products as well as major raffle tickets – these will be at “buy it now” prices.
10. The Auction begins to conclude at 2pm.
11. For lots of the same species we will stagger the end times. For example if there are 5 lots ofPainted Finches, then each will end 10 minutes apart to enable losing bidders to bid on subsequent lots.
12. If a bid on a lot has been received within 3 minutes of the end of the Auction then the end time for that lot extends for a further 3 minutes. This process can continue for up to 30 minutes.
13. Auction bidding should conclude completely at approximately 3pm.
14. Buyers pay for their lots and any “buy it now” products online via PayPal which accepts all major credit cards – a PayPal account is not required. As part of the payment process the buyer indicates the pickup location closest to their location from a range of possible locations. A range of locations will be specified including the Prairiewood Hall, Central Coast, Campbelltown, etc.
15. Volunteers at the Prairiewood Hall sort birds based on buyer and delivery location.
16. Lots that have not been paid for in full by 4pm will be offered to the next highest bidder or will be passed in. These lots and any other lots passed in will be delivered to local bird shops for sale at the reserve price.
17. Volunteers transport lots to their final location.
18. Successful buyers collect their winning lots and “buy it now” items from their preferred location commencing from 5pm through to 9pm depending on location and volunteer travel times.
19. Buyers purchasing licensed species must provide details of their Animal Keeper Licence (AKL) before birds will be handed over. Failure to provide AKL details will result in forfeit of payment for that lot with funds retained by the FSA.
20. Sellers will have their funds transferred into their bank accounts during the following week. Transaction, bank and auction fees will be deducted from seller proceeds. To cover hall and other outgoings the FSA will retain 10% of all net proceeds after all fees have been deducted.

Online and in person Auctions run by other finch clubs and other species, such as Budgerigars, have proven popular with most lots exceeding expectations.

Further details, including copies of the Auction Entry Form will be emailed to all members. If you have not been receiving emails from Maddie then advise your email or contact a member with an email so you can obtain a copy of the Auction Entry Form.

If you are available to volunteer on the day then please let Maddie (president@finchsociety.org.au) know.

We look forward to your support.

The FSA Committee.

Sydney FSA Bird Sale on December 9th at 10am

The sale opens from 10am at the Prairewood Youth Centre hall.  

Much more than a bird sale.  There will be various displays, trade tables, FSA sales table and draw of our major raffle at midday.  Don't miss this event.  

Sellers MUST be an FSA member of one of the FSA branch or affiliate clubs. Non-members may become members on the day in order to sell.

Sellers must arrive between 7:30am and 9:30am.  $1 per bird to sell, minimum $5 per seller.

To avoid disappointment on the day all sellers are advised to book a table by Wednesday 5th December 2018.  Table Bookings to Jason Holmes on 0402 492 350  or email events@finchsociety.org .

NSW Bird Sale Code of Practice will be enforced.

On The Perch bird park trip Feb 17/18 2018

FSA Bus Trip to On The Perch

There was enormous interest in this trip from all present at recent general meetings. As seats are limited, to be fair to the hundreds of members unable to attend meetings the committee decided it best to open reservations on the day magazines are due to arrive in your mailbox (magazines left in the post Monday December 4th). As you would know, Australia Post can be somewhat variable, hence this email. You would be well advised to reserve your seat immediately to avoid disappointment. Full payment is due before Christmas so we can finalise arrangements. If, for some reason, the trip does not go ahead all money will be refunded. Priority to financial members of the FSA. Thanks, in advance to everyone involved in organising this trip.

Itinerary

Sat 17th Feb 2018
7:30am Park cars on Sam Davis property at Douglas Park in preparation for departure by 8am
9:30-10:30am Aviary tour, morning tea in the Shoalhaven area.
12:30-1:15pm Lunch at Batemans Bay
3-4pm Aviary tour and afternoon tea in the Bermagui area
5pm arrive at overnight accommodation in Tathra
7pm Dinner at Fat Tony's - www.fattonys.com.au  
Sun 18th Feb 2018
7:30am -10am On the Perch bird park - www.ontheperch.com.au (includes cooked breakfast)
11:30am Brief morning tea stop in Cooma to stretch legs.
1-3pm Canberra for lunch and Canberra Walk-in Aviary - www.canberrawalkinaviary.com.au  
5:30pm Estimated return to Douglas Park

The Deal

Total Cost $250
Includes:
• Luxury Coach Travel (includes Toilet for the older folk!)
• All meals full catered
• Cabin/family unit style accommodation
• Entrance to all attractions
Secure Your Seat
Reserve your seat by contacting our FSA Secretary Brian Read now:
• Email secretary@finchsociety.org  
• Text or phone Brian 0408 660 332
Pay in full before Christmas to secure your place:
• Credit Card details when reserving your seat.
• Direct deposit into the FSA account—BSB 062304 ACC 0080 0209. Include your member ID (refer front of magazine envelope) in the description.
• Cheque to FSA. 23 Moores Rd, Glenorie 2157.
Priority given to financial members of the FSA.
Seats are limited—Act Now

Sydney Royal Aviary Bird Competition March 26/27 2018

If you’ve never entered birds in the Sydney Royal then 2017 is the year to make a start. Free show entry tickets for all competitors plus great prizes on offer! The total value of the finch classes prize pool currently stands at $1250.

The more entries in the finch classes the better the spectacle – you never know you may just win Grand Champion!

To enter online or download Application, simply visit
www.rasnsw.com.au/aviarybird

We can assist with finch entries and any other questions by contacting - Ivan Cindric 0428 656 653

Closing Date - Wednesday 7th February 2018 at 5:00pm

Threatened Species in Aviculture

 Sydney Royal Easter Show April 6-19th

Are you going to the Sydney Royal Easter Show?
Make sure to check out the Aviculture working with Threatened Species display. 
We're in the Pet Animals pavilion - Hall 3 - walk through from the dome.
7 aviaries, 7 threatened species.
Rolling talks by TAFE animal care students.

A project of:

The Finch Society of Australia (FSA) and The Avicultural Society of NSW (ASNSW) together with some fantastic sponsors.

Sydney Royal Finch Show 2017 - April 6/7

In 2017 Finches are the feature breed, so we will pull out all stops. There’s a larger venue, meaning more display space. If you’ve never entered birds in the Sydney Royal then 2017 is the year to make a start. Free show entry tickets for all competitors plus great prizes on offer! The total value of the finch classes prize pool currently stands at $1250.

As well as the show, there will be a range of display aviaries, setup for the whole two weeks of the show. The Sydney Royal is a fantastic opportunity to show off aviculture to the public.

The more entries in the finch classes the better the spectacle – you never know you may just win Grand Champion!

To enter online or download Application, simply visit
www.rasnsw.com.au/aviarybird

We can assist with finch entries and any other questions by contacting - Ivan Cindric 0428 656 653

Closing Date - Wednesday 22nd February 2017 at 5:00pm

Sydney FSA Bird Sale and Open Day December 11th 2016

Sydney FSA Bird Sale and Open Day

The sale opens from 10am at the Prairewood Youth Centre hall.  Sellers MUST be an FSA member of one of the FSA branch or affiliate clubs.  Much more than a bird sale.  There will be various displays, trade tables, FSA sales table and draw of our major raffle at midday.  Don't miss this event.

Synopsis of meeting with office of Jaala Pulford to resolve restrictions of sale at bird shows, sales and auctions throughout Victoria

On Thursday 7th April Sam Davis (FSA President and CCBFA Vice President), Dr Stacey Gelis (Avian Veterinarian), David Renshaw (President VAC) and Dr Gary Fitt (NFSA Vice President) met with Minister Jaala Pulford's Chief of Staff Megan Berry to present the following paper on behalf of the membership of approximately 195 Victorian Avicultural clubs.

“Bird Shows, Sales and Auctions in Victoria: Frequency, Size, History, Welfare and Legislative Reality”

Download link - www.finchsociety.org/vic_bird_sale_paper.pdf

Discussion emphasised the lack of welfare issues at the frequent bird shows, sales and auctions held throughout Victoria and nationally for well over 100 years. It was agreed by all present that welfare of birds in our charge is paramount and that The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 is the legislative tool regulating captive bird welfare in Victoria. We presented facts highlighting the fallacy that the contentious Section 96 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 in any way protects the welfare of birds. Furthermore, lack of evidence to the contrary makes it clear Section 96 was enacted in ignorance of frequent bird shows, sales and auctions.

An undertaking was received from the Chief of Staff that Minister Pulford would respond within weeks to our recommendations to exempt “caged birds” from Section 96. Please note there is no guarantee the response will be in our favour.

The Chief of Staff will report back regarding the possibility of appointing an avian representative to the recently formed Victorian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC).

The Chief of Staff reaffirmed the Minister's previous undertaking to review Section 96 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. This will occur in conjunction with other unrelated amendments to the Act which are currently being considered. At this time there is no consultation planned and no timeline for this undertaking hence the urgent need to exempt “caged birds” in the interim.

Thanks to the Minister’s office, in particular Chief of Staff Megan Berry, for Thursday’s meeting. We look forward to ongoing consultation as we work together to resolve the issue.

My appreciation to all who have contributed to the paper and for the many words of support and encouragement. See you at a sale soon!

Kind regards,

Sam Davis
Finch Society of Australia (FSA) President
Canary and Cage Bird Federation of Australia (CCBFA) Vice President

National Poultry Show 2016

Finch and Aviary Bird Display

National Poultry Show 2016

June 10/11/12 (Long Weekend)

Sydney Showgrounds is the venue for this major promotion of aviculture. Aviary birds have a dedicated pavilion adjoining all the action. The FSA will be there in force with a range of promotional displays, plus our sale table.

Read more at  http://www.rasnsw.com.au/National-Poultry-Show-2616.htm

Red Siskin Initiative

Red Siskin Initiative

The Red Siskin is critically endangered in the wild and this initiative aims to determine the reasons and identify a way forward. This will include captive breeding to enable close observation of the species by researchers. At this stage it is unclear if a release program will be appropriate. The FSA is now involved in this program. The research facility will be built in Venezuela. The architect for this facility will be in Australia early February to consult with Mike Fidler over the STGF facility. Later in February the head keeper responsible for the centre once operational will head to Australia. They are particularly interested to learn how we breed Red Siskins in planted aviaries. This is rarely done in other countries. The head keeper will stay with me for a few days so we can tour around various successful Red Siskin aviaries and likely visit other captive breeding programs, namely Orange Bellied Parrot (PRIAM) and Regent Honeyeater (Taronga).

Read more at  www.redsiskin.org

Sydney FSA Bird Sale and Open Day - December 13th 2015 10:00am

Sydney FSA Bird Sale and Open Day

The sale opens from 10am at the Prairewood Youth Centre hall.  Sellers MUST be an FSA member of one of the FSA branch or affiliate clubs.  Much more than a bird sale.  There will be various displays, trade tables, FSA sales table and draw of our major raffle at midday.  Don't miss this event.

2015 Major Raffle

Our 2015 major raffle is now selling - click here for details.

1st Prize: Safari Show Cage
2nd Prize: The Finch: Abreeders Companion by Russell Kingston
3rd Prize: Birdland. Leila's recent photographic volume
4th Prize: Markslojd Halo
5th Prize: Cricket Farm (see John Martins video on youtube)

Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20

Raffle drawn midday 13th of December 2015 at the FSA Bird Sale.  No need to be present at the draw - prizes will be shipped to winners.

December 9th Meeting - Christmas Party

No formal meeting - the party starts at 7:30pm.  All members and their family are welcome to attend and join in the festivities. KFC, pizza, prawns, nibblies and soft drinks provided.  Bring along a prize for the Christmas Raffle.

When: Wednesday December 9th at 7:30pm
Where: Prairiewood Youth Centre
             194-222 Restwell Road Prairiewood NSW

Meeting Presentations

Please find our meeting presentations on our You Tube Channel.

The latest presentations include:

• Darwin’s Finches, Gouldians, Grassquits How are they linked? - Dr Gary Fitt
• Breeding Crickets - John Martin
• Bengalese Mannikins - Jason Holmes
• Diamond Firetails - Jason Holmes
• Conservation Genetics of Wild Gouldian Finches - Peri Bolton
• Finches in Decline. A genetic perspective on the case of the endangered Black-throat Finch

FSA in the Community

The FSA has recently begun discussions with Glendale nursing home "Carinya House" in regards to supplying them with a few pairs of finches for their aviary (currently holding around a pair of Zebras). Staff member Stephen believes the therapy delivered by having the birds to watch is amongst the most enriching for the residents. Stephen even went so far as to question why the government doesn't fund for this kind of therapy. A good question we think????