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????

The Finch Society of Australia

The Finch Society of Australia Inc.
was formed with the simple aim of bringing together people who are dedicated to the hobby and business of the keeping and breeding of finches.

The Society, of more than 50 years standing includes the Wollongong, Hawkesbury and Hunter Valley branches and Tasmania sub-branch.

Monthly meetings consist of the usual society business followed by either an address from guest speaker or a talk from local finch breeders or video or slide night or demonstration or just a members forum whereby we try to sort out new members problems and those of members too!! Worming methods, feeding, breeding and designing aviaries are but a few of the more popular topics.

In the process of updating our presence on the Web we have created these News and Information section to post regular updates of our Club's operation.

We hope you enjoy the updates!!