ANPA Newsletter February 2011 - Australian National Pigeon

Transcription

ANPA Newsletter February 2011 - Australian National Pigeon
HAPPY
100th
QPFS
Centenary year
celebrated with
State Show
starts page 10
ERA ENDS
AT
IPSWICH
NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011
visit: www.anpa.com.au
Secretary calls
it quits after 40
years
page 4
Bahrain’s Best “BOK”
Michael Spadoni chose this Black Tiger Mottle as the best of 122 Bokharas
shown at the Bahrain Animal Production Show in December. Michael
attended with other Aussies Jeff Krahenbring and Clint DeBoni. See page 4.
2011 Show Calendar - see page 16
PAGE 1 – FEBRUARY 2011
ANPA NEWSLETTER
OFFICE BEARERS
President
Bob Grant, 450 Devonshire Rd,
Kemp’s Creek, NSW 2178.
(02) 9606 0666 rmgrant@dodo.com.au
Secretary
Alan Strachan, P.O Box 330,
Goulburn, NSW 2580
(02) 4822 0329.
astrachan@aapt.net.au
Treasurer
David Lewis, 21 Young St,
Blackwood. S.A. 5051
(08) 8178 0947.
dlewis@savingsloans.com.au
Membership Coordinator
Richard Darling, P.O. Box 1502,
Loxton, S.A. 5333
(08) 8584 1268.
mrpigeon@netspace.net.au
Editor/Webmaster
Matthew Hay, (03) 6263 7707.
matthay@dodo.com.au
New South Wales/A.C.T
Vice President
Bill Vost, 0417 990 010.
homerbuild@bigpond.com
Committee
Allan Makin
(02) 9871 4093. allanmakin@iprimus.com.au
Steven Cummins, (02) 4730 4996; 0414490184
cummins5 @bigpond.com
John Hanson, (02) 4353 1961.
blenhaven@m2data.com.au
Queensland
Vice President
Bob Kennedy
(07) 5496 4094; 0428 282 901.
woodfordpool@yahoo.com
Committee
Ian Walsh. (07) 5534 7997; 0404 011 300
electricfrill27@hotmail.com
Dave Sandhoff, (07) 4955 2523; 0411 515 623
dave@bellamoda.com.au
Brad Turner, 23 Alton Tce,
The Gap Queensland 4061
(07) 3300 3467; 0400767489.
b.turner@uq.edu.au
Western Australia
Ring Coordinator
Committee
Terry Darling,
(08) 8584 1339. mydarl@optusnet.com.au
Election Supervisor
Larry Horder. (02) 4995 6050
Victoria/Tasmania
Vice President
Douglas McClary, (03) 9708 8584.
douglas.mcclary@bigpond.com
Committee
Joe Puglia, (03) 9775 6516. rzhevlofts@dodo.com.au
Michael Spadoni, (03) 5275 5625; 0402 078 695
spudxy@bigpond.com
ANPA NEWSLETTER
Vice President
Dick Milner,
(08) 9352 8993. mrpigeon@bigpond.net.au
Peter Tripoli,
(08) 9453 9172; 041 995 3239.
petertripoli@hotmail.com
Mal Bergerson, (08) 9206 3078.
wbergers@bigpond.net.au
South Australia/
Northern Territory
Vice President
Terry Darling,
(08) 8584 1339. mydarl@optusnet.com.au
Committee
Chris Schutz, (08) 8382 5898
schutzfamily@bigpond.com.
Graeme Lipsys, (08) 8284 5426
candlish@optusnet.com.au
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 2
2011 Perth National
UPDATE No.2
By DICK MILNER
T
here has been some discussion about the movement
of birds by air in and out of Perth because of Australian
Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) regulations.
All pigeons imported into Western Australia are subject to
inspection by AQIS.
The relevant legislation is as follows.
All pigeons and doves native to Australia (about 22 species)
(see www.birdsaustralia.com.au/images/stories/birds/
checklist2008_sm.pdf) require import and keeping permits
under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act .
This means they need to be stopped at the border, issued with
a S.79 notice and have their photographs taken so the species
involved is checked and the importer is checked to ensure they
have the necessary matching permits.
All pigeons and doves not native to Australia (about 12
species) (seewww.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/
publications/inventory-exotic-bird07.html) also require import
and keeping permits or are completely prohibited under the WA
Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act.
This means they also need to be stopped at the border, issued
with a S.79 notice and have their photographs taken.
That aside, we have communicated with AQIS and what we
need to do when bringing pigeons into Western Australia is to
arrive during business hours so the pigeons can be inspected
and released as soon as practical.
Pigeons arriving after hours will be held in a secure area
within Australian Air Express until the following week day for
inspection.
The inspection consists as a general rule the photographing of
the pigeon’s head and this can be achieved without the need to
handle the birds in most cases.
All crates coming into Western Australia must be clean of any
grain and vegetation. The owner of the pigeons is generally
present when the inspection is undertaken.
I urge you to book your flights so the birds can be inspected
well before 4.30pm. There is no issue with pigeons leaving the
State.
All livestock must be lodged at the freight terminal two hours
before the flight. Just as importantly, you must book your crates
of pigeons both ways otherwise they won’t be accepted.
Show Schedule: Thursday July 28: 10am -10pm – penning of
birds.
Friday July 29: 6am – 11.30am – penning continues. 11am –
judges and stewards briefing. 11.30am – show opening, judging
begins. 5pm pavilion closes. ANPA committee meeting – venue
and time to be advised.
Saturday July 30: 8am – judging continues.1pm – Show
catalogues for sale. 5pm pavilion closes. ANPA AGM – venue
and time to be advised. 7pm Show dinner at All Seasons Hotel,
Northbridge – ANPA special awards as determined in due
course, but absolutely minimal.
Sunday July 31: 8am pavilion opens. 9am – All ANPA trophy
presentations. Sunday 10am – ring/bird auctions. Sunday 11am
– show closes. Doors closed, no departures until exhibitors
have all retrieved or accounted for their birds. Exhibitors
seeking to leave before the scheduled time will need to show
extenuating circumstances for approval to un-pen earlier.
Closing Date: Entries will close on Monday, June 13.
PAGE 3 – FEBRUARY 2011
Accommodation: The Perth Committee has identified a
magnificent hotel for our interstate and international guests.
The All Seasons Perth Hotel is situated at 15 Robinson Ave,
Northbridge. Phone: 08 9328 0000. Fax: 08 9328 0100. Email:
h6394-sb01@accor.com
We have been able to negotiate good room rates:
* Standard Room: $129 per room per night (internal standard
queen/twin room, with no opening window and only a small
skylight window)
* Superior Room: $159 per room per night (external queen/twin
room, with a larger opening window to the outside)
* The above rates are inclusive of a complimentary Continental
Buffet Breakfast.
Note: Standard Queen Rooms and Superior Queen Rooms
have one queen bed in each room. Standard Twin Rooms and
Superior Twin Rooms have one queen and one single bed in
each room.
Please ensure you mention the Fancy & Utility Pigeon Society
when book your accommodation.
Schedule and Catalogue Advertising: This is a last call
for fanciers and clubs to advertise.
Ad sizes and costs are (A4 sized publication): Full page - $240;
Half page - $120; Quarter page - $60. This cost includes BOTH
show publications and the make up of ads if needed.
Please contact Dick Milner at mrpigeon@bigpond.net to discuss
your ad, or for further information.
Pigeon Import Allocations: Chris Schutz has donated
two allocations for late 2011 Pigeon Importation into Australia.
The much appreciated offer will be utilized to offset expenses
in conducting the Perth National 2011. Fifty tickets only will be
sold at $50 each. A number of tickets have been sold so far.
Cheques should made out to FUPS and be forwarded direct to
6 Irwin Place Maida Vale WA 6057. Tickets will be forwarded by
return mail. Once again, thank you Chris.
DISASTER STRIKES IN QUEENSLAND
Our condolences to all pigeon fanciers who were victims
of the recent floods and cyclone in Queensland. It is
understood Jeff Krahenbring lost around 200 LFTs at
Oakey, and Graham Maidens lost all birds, livestock and
almost his house at Bundaberg. We will report further in
the May ANPA newsletter.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
To Bahrain AND
BACK
By MICHAEL SPADONI
I
was contacted by Mahroos on behalf of the Bahrain Bokhara
Trumpeter Club to judge at their show the inaugural Bahrain
Animal Production Show.
My first thoughts were what an honour to be asked, and then a
little later some apprehension, I thought, “will I be safe?” is the
country a safe place to stay? Shall I only go for two days or stay
longer?
I had exactly the same thoughts before accepting to judge
the Des Moines US National in 2006, and ended up having a
fantastic time there.
I decided I was going to go and use the opportunity to learn
more about the Bahrain pigeon fancy, the culture of the people,
and the country.
Over the past 10 years especially, a huge numbers of
Bokhara’s, Jacobins, Longface Tumblers as well as Frills have
been shipped to the region.
I’m talking thousands of pigeons. So I knew there would be
good birds there. Also I had seen many pictures posted on the
Bokhara’s Yahoo Email group.
Having no idea exactly where Bahrain was (I just knew it was
in the Middle East somewhere) I wanted to see exactly where
Bahrain was on the map, it took me a while to find it, as it’s only
a pin dot tiny island off the coast of Saudi Arabia, the land size
is only 720sq km.
There are sheep/cattle ranches bigger than this in Australia! But
it is the most populous country by number of people per square
kilometre of land.
We as westerners tend look upon the Arab region with caution
due to a small group of people who cause fear through parts of
the world.
I have always judged people on their merits on how they
treat me, well my initial apprehension was totally unfounded
and totally unjustified, and the Bahraini’s are the friendliest,
generous people you could meet.
I will try to explain a little more of their culture, especially when
it comes to pigeons, later in the article. I had the pleasure of
the company of two other Aussies invited to judge at the same
show, Jeff Krahenbring for the Longface Tumblers, myself for
the Bokhara’s and Clinton DeBoni for the Jacobins.
We all had separate flights to Dubai from Brisbane, Melbourne
and Perth, I flew out at 3am, 17 hours later we all arrived at
Dubai airport within five minutes of each other.
The three of us got re-acquainted. We were all on the same
connecting flight to Bahrain, which took only and hour and 15
minutes.
On arrival in Bahrain the VIP treatment started, with our driver
waiting, we were escorted to a VIP holding room; an official
came and collected our passports bypassing the queue and
customs that the other arrivals had to go through. A short time
later our passports were returned, then Mahroos came to greet
us.
With our luggage collected it was off to the hotel that was on the
other side of the island.
Bahraini’s drive on right side of the road like the US, but this
is not what gets your attention, it’s the Bahrain driving style, I
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 4
was told it’s worse in Saudi Arabia! Indicators, what are they?
Lane changes with no prior warning, they don’t even look over
their shoulder! They use their horns to warn other cars they are
coming.
They drive 10 to 20km/h over the speed limit, I suppose fuel
economy is not a consideration as it was only 10c a litre. Many
small cars were banged up on at least one fender. It was funny,
because its the way I drive.(Editor’s note: It is not funny if you
are in the car with him).
But the most notable accident was a few years ago with one of
the Royal Prince’s losing his life. Strangely every few kilometres
there is a police care with blue lights flashing, but no-one seems
to takes any notice of them, and they don’t seem to be doing all
that much either.
With Marwan in Dubai.
Along with the weaving in and out of traffic, it was noted a great
deal of effort had gone into advertising the show as they were
large billboards found along the highway. With also plenty of air
time on the radio and TV.
The weather was a pleasant, dry warmth, in the high 20’s, by
the end of my stay I doubt the daytime temp varied by more
than a few degrees, and in fact I don’t recall even seeing a
single cloud.
I was told that it rarely rained, in fact about five times per year
is the average and on those occasions it’s only minimal. In stark
comparison, in the week I was away, my wife emptied the rain
gauge of 45mm.
I was curious where they got fresh water from and discovered
it’s piped over from Saudi Arabia. So where we have a five-day
weather forecast, in Bahrain you can have a 50-day forecast
and not get it wrong. Fine and sunny
On arrival at our hotel, we had separate very large fully
appointed quality rooms, including three buffet meals a day, but
we only ever managed to have breakfast at the hotel, as we
were whisked away each morning for more loft visits and taken
out to lunch or dinner by the Bahraini fanciers.
Stores in the old section of Manama central.
The public attendance at the show was huge, especially when it
came to the weekend which in Bahrain is Friday and Saturday.
With so many families attending on these days it was gridlock
on the six-lane highway to the showgrounds.
Included in the bird marquee were Finches, Parrots Chickens
and Falcons, all these are also extremely popular in Bahrain.
Specifically to pigeons, there are a few keys breeds, they are
Jac’s, Bok’s, Longface and Frills.
There seemed to be good numbers of Modena’s, Uzbek
Tumblers and the “pop-eyed” Budapest as well.
The show hall was a very large marquee with a floor added in,
and covered in carpet. The pens were all new, powder coated
white.
We were guests at the opening ceremony, this was by invite
only, as it was also attended by the King of Bahrain Hamad Al
Khalifa.
I was told they were small dog cages bought out of China.
They had a team of about four cleaners constantly keeping the
carpets and venue clean, it was a very nice bright set up.
We didn’t know we would be attending this event, so weren’t
dressed for the occasion, we were all in jeans and polo tops.
I was wearing Bahraini sandals I bought that day as wearing
sneakers was too hot.
There seemed to be no expense spared, in fact everything was
being paid for by the government (ministry) including the judges
expenses. Also entry was free of charge, this included the show
entries.
As we were being escorted to the event and through security it
became obvious that all the other guests were well dressed in
traditional costumes etc.
We were taken to one of the event organisers who looked us
up and down, was silent for a moment then said, “you dress
casual”. Knowing we were not dressed for the event I said, “We
are in traditional Australian costume.” I don’t think he believed
me as we were escorted away and seated.
* Continued on page 6
Bahrain NPA president being interviewed at the Show.
PAGE 5 – FEBRUARY 2011
ANPA NEWSLETTER
Smoking Sheesha in the loft, L to R, Qumeel, Jeff
Krahenbring, Mahroos.
The ceremony was a spectacular event with traditional Bahraini
costume, historic stories put to song and dance. There were
also Dancing Spanish horses imported for the event.
The large semicircle screen on the stage was a rear projection
screen the various stories in picture came across this screen to
match the various events being acted out.
This was the official opening ceremony, but the show had
already been open for two days to exhibitors only, and our
judging was also completed before this official opening event.
At one point of the ceremony, the champion of each animal
judged at the show was presented before the King. The
champion show pigeon was a Longface Tumbler which was
selected by me, Clinton and Jeff.
The owners of these were presented with a gift by the King.
The champion and reserve of the Bok’s, Jac’s and Longface
received cash awards of $US1000 and $US800 each, not a bad
return for free entry!
The timing of this show was not perfect for the birds, as 90
percent were still moulting. November in Bahrain is equivalent
to March/April in Australia. So it was at least two months before
peak condition.
Nevertheless, there were 1,400 pigeons entered, of this close to
300 Jac’s, over 120 Bok’s and 90 Longface.
Showing pigeons in Bahrain is relatively new, but pigeon
keeping has always been popular. In the past five years they
have made great strides in creating the Bahrain National Pigeon
club, already achieving 300 members.
They also have some strong specialty clubs with the Bahrain
Bokhara group approaching 80 members, Jac’s have 50-plus.
The Bahrain pigeon scene is by far the biggest concentration of
breeders per capita anywhere in the world.
On many of the loft visits it was clear to see that some of the
breeders were not wealthy, but they still had high quality and
imported birds from the top breeders around the globe.
Their small animal breeding culture is very different, some of the
less affluent breeders may only bring home 200 Bahraini Dinar
per month that’s equates to just under $AUS600 a month.
So I was curious how they could have such good birds. What
seems to be the progression is that they initially start with lower
quality birds then through breeding and trading they then make
some sales.
This money is used to upgrade their stock, with some going
to supplement their monthly salaries. This cycle continues
ultimately leading them to have high quality birds, and is why so
many birds are imported into their country in an ongoing effort to
improve their birds.
In Bahrain, every bird has a value attached to it.
One thing was certain – they really look after their birds. Every
loft I visited was located on the roof top, the reason being
twofold, firstly they have very small lots of land so have next to
no back yard.
The buildings are all made of concrete or rendered brick and
are tightly packed together. And because of this the roof also
provide the only decent ventilation with the gentle breeze that’s
The show’s spectacular opening ceremony
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 6
Michael with Ali Dhaif in his lofts.
Nasser in his loft, with 48 individual pens for Bokhara’s.
normally around, this gives the birds some relief from the heat.
What’s a Sheesha you ask, well the best way to describe it, is a
“bong” on steroids, I noted all the men smoked cigarettes, so for
something a bit stronger they have Sheesha, I initially thought
they we smoking marijuana or hashish, but quickly found out
they are highly illegal.
The majority had an external staircase for direct access to the
roof, so visitors do not need to go through the house. They also
all individually pen their birds, not just for breeding, but all year
round.
Only the odd loft had them in a communal loft when not
breeding. The individual pens were of good proportion at
least 1m x 1m x1m, every pen was numbered to aid breeding
records.
They used fine shell grit as the floor covering and all pens
where spotlessly clean. One of the more impressive lofts
belonged to Nasser the longest-serving Bok breeder in Bahrain.
The third floor of his house had 16 towers of pens, each tower
had three individuals, giving him 48 pens. All breeders we
visited also used an automatic watering system with a very
small cup for the birds drink from.
The feed they used was all high quality imported seed mostly
Belgian, all the seed is imported as they don’t grow any grains
in the country.
I also noted they used pellets with the seed, especially the
Bokhara breeders, in fact I suspect these pellets were very high
protein, as I saw a number of Angel Wings.
In fact, I think every Bok loft I visited had at least one. Angel
Wing is common in the young of some breeds when the primary
quills grow too fast for the soft bones in the wing tip.
The weight of the fast-growing blood filled primary quills twists
the wing tip around. It’s better to hold off on the high protein until
the quills are open to better hold the wing tip in place.
They also use lots of Ideal pills, these are bought out of the
US and are a natural herbal pill, with an aniseed fragrance.
They assist with digestion helping the birds to better absorb the
nutrients in the feed.
The Ideal pills are not legal in Australia at this time. They are
most beneficial when weaning youngsters, or birds that are
feeling a bit down.
Because Bahrain is such a small country (it only takes one hour
to drive end to end), the fanciers are very concentrated. On
many occasions we parked the car and walked to several lofts,
it really is pigeon heaven.
Each loft visit we had traditional tea/coffee, cold drinks and
cakes awaiting us. On our second night Isa put on a magnificent
BBQ at his house with 3cm thick Mackerel steaks, “Krackers”
was wondering where the grog was.
Being a 97 percent Muslim country, they don’t drink alcohol. So
the only beverages were soft drinks, tea, or coffee. This suited
me fine as I’m not a big drinker anyway.
In Australia where you go down to the pub with the boys for a
few beers and a chat. The Bahrain equivalent is they meet at
the local coffee shop for coffee and a Sheesha.
PAGE 7 – FEBRUARY 2011
They smoke a variety of flavoured tobaccoes, such as mint, or
apple and strawberry to much stronger range of tobaccoes.
I also must mention that every Bahraini speaks some English
from poor to excellent, on asking I found that they are taught
English at school starting in year one.
Even so they have some unique terms when talking about their
pigeons such as “my production or my breed” what this means
is that they bred the bird. When talking of young bred they call
them “piece” such as if they bred, one they say one piece, three
is three piece.
On every loft visit the breeders have a deep desire to learn,
they would listen intently as we would explain the good and bad
points of their birds, in many cases they wanted us to select two
birds to pair for the coming season.
By the questions they asked you know these guys were devoted
to their breeds, I was impressed to see so many Bok lofts with
the Standard drawing with points allocation pinned up on the
wall. One guy had it in his car hanging from the dashboard!
I have to make special mention of Mahroos, he is known by
many as “the man to make things happen”, one guy called him
the “Magic man”.
Well I have to say he lived up to all those names, he was our
primary guide he took us to old Manama city central, where
the alley ways are a maze, darting off in all directions, barely
wide enough for a car to pass, with many you could only travel
by foot. Only a local would know where they were. There were
literally hundreds of these small shops selling anything and
everything, we had a great time doing some shopping, we
picked up denim shirts for $4.50. T-shirts, tops for a few dollars
each. We also missed our flights that were supposed to leave
Thursday night.
Mahroos in his normal relaxed manner said “no worries I will fix
it”, and Friday he booked new reservations for Krackers to fly
out Friday and me and Clinton to fly out Saturday, as we wanted
to spend the extra day.
The markets are on a Friday and Isa took us there at my
request, these markets date back 100 years, this was also an
experience, there were many pigeons on sale Jac’s, Bok’s many
local breeds.
One in particular caught our eye it was peak crested pied
marking, they were unable to fly as soon as the jumped up they
did a single flip, even with squeakers you could see them start
to throw their heads back.
There was a multitude of puppies and kittens, there were even a
monkey and frogs! It was astonishing to see how many people
ANPA NEWSLETTER
mainly Jac’s so he and Clinton went about assessing the Jac’s.
We bid farewell to Marwan at the air port at about 1.30am. We
did some duty free shopping to spend the last of our Bahraini
dinars.
Then onto our flights for the long trip home in my case 16 hrs
via Kuala Lumpur then Melbourne.
What a great trip so many fantastic people we met, I have no
hesitation in recommended to anyone if the opportunity arises
to judge in Bahrain or one of the surrounding countries, take the
opportunity.
I hope I get asked back again as I won’t need to think for the
answer.
It will be a prompt, “yes thank you”.
JACOBIN JUDGE REPORT
By CLINT DEBONI
F
irstly I would like to thank the Bahrain Jacobin group for
nominating me to judge the Jacobins and also to the
Bahrain government for making it all possible.
Isa knew it was like he knew every second person.
Friday night we were once again taken out for dinner by the
National Pigeon Club, Jac and Bok club committee, we dined at
a magnificent restaurant this one was located in one of the large
new shopping malls, at the end we were presented with a lovely
gifts for judging at the show.
* Continued on page 8
Saturday our last day we went to the show to farewell all our
new friends.
It was a fantastic stay in Bahrain, but the trip wasn’t over yet.
Marwan picked us up from the Dubai airport, from here he took
us into town to see the recently completed Burj Khalifa the
worlds tallest building, the behemoth can be seen from a long
way away its pierces the sky with its lofty shape and height.
We arrived at a large new mall at the base of the building, what
caught my eye was the Ferrari’s and Mercedes sports coupes
parked out the front. A sure sign of large loads of money.
The Mall was an amazing, with towering ceilings with thousands
of white butterfly cut-outs suspended from strings and a grand
piano playing in the foyer.
We came across the biggest aquarium I have ever seen, now
keep in mind this is a shopping Mall, I have been to Sea World
in Queensland but this was huge it had a whole wooden pier
submerged within it, with 15kg Giant Trevally swimming around
the pylons, sharks and a variety of other sea creatures also.
The tank would have been 20m wide, 50m long by 30m high. If
my maths is correct that is 3 million litres of water!
From here we stepped outside just as an amazing water show
was starting in the lagoon not 50 metres from the Mall entrance
this display was as good as any fireworks display I have
seen,but using water and coloured lights.
The water exploded into the air in perfect sync with the classical
tunes playing through the speakers.
Then we went up the tower to the observation point and what a
view it was.
By this stage it was approaching 11pm so we headed off to
Marwan’s place, here we were greeted by several of Marwan’s
friends who were waiting for the free feed he had brought back
with him, we sat on the floor as is traditional and had a great
meal.
After this we spent several hours talking birds, Marwan keeps
ANPA NEWSLETTER
I enjoyed five full action packed days in Bahrain. Everybody
that has visited Bahrain comments on the hospitality and
enthusiasm of the people and my trip was no different.
The show hall was a large white tent with a wood floor covered
in carpet. The hall had great lighting, which gave the birds the
chance to show at their best.
I would have to say out of all the pigeon shows I have attended
all over the world this set up was the best I have ever seen.
There was also about four people constantly vacuuming the
floor for the entire five days of the show.
I was aware that it was a very early show for the birds in
Bahrain so I had to take that into account when judging. Many
of the birds that did well at this show will not do as well later in
the year.
I started judging the 300 Jacobins at 3.10 pm and had to be
finished that night. Each class besides the reduced had a
standout Jacobin.
The winning AOC was an Almond. He lacked ground colour but
was a very good bird. Bars where also shown in this class. The
Opals had some very nice birds with great top and good feather
quality. The Opals are far more advanced than the Reduceds. I
enjoyed judging these birds.
Browns were a good class. The winning cock had loads of
feather while the hen had great style and station. After the show
I saw a young Brown hen at the loft of Bader Al Jazaaf that was
far better than the winning Browns.
Kites were nice with the young hen having nice top and good
roses, and the cock lots of good quality feather.
The winning Andulusian had superb colour great style and
smoothness. To compete for champion he had to be a tad
bigger and have better roses.
The Dun hen was a nice bally bird which excelled in feather
quality and wealth of feather. These birds are both key birds in
Aqeel Thamer’s loft.
The Reds had about 60 cocks. I judged them in lots of 10. The
winners nearly all came out of the first batch of 10. The heavy
feathered birds that finished about fourth or fifth could be great
birds in a month or two.
The winner had incredible proportions smooth feather and great
colour. Bryan Frost would say he stood out like a sore toe in this
class. The hens had some super birds the winner was a small
nicely constructed smooth young hen.
The Blacks were also very good, the winner had loads of feather
and good style. A few young hens also looked promising. A lot of
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 8
Blacks where overmarked on the flights and had coloured beaks
which should be watched.
The Yellows where a nice even bunch. Feather quality needs to
be watched on many of the lower placed birds. The winning hen
was very powerful with great top and a nice chain.
There were four very good cocks which were the hardest few
to split in the show. The winner was tall smooth and had a
wonderful nature in the walking pen. Whites were large even
classes. The young hens that won are outstanding smooth
typey young birds. An older White hen was not brought forward
when the class was judged and I later compared her to the
young hens and she was a better bird.
The cocks were nice but I would say not as outstanding as the
hens. This was the case in many classes as it is easier to get
the smaller lighter feathered hens in condition and finished at
the early shows compared to the large powerful cocks.
The Splash hens was won by a well balanced bird but it was
the cocks that I really enjoyed. The last four cocks each had
outstanding features.
As I said on the day, it really broke my heart to place the
wonderful young cock second in this class. He was a tall
smooth hard feathered Jacobin which had one of the best
chains I have ever seen, and can imagine on the bird we strive
for in my head. He is still not finished and could not hold up his
feather for long periods of time. When he did it was spectacular,
If he does he will be a bird to watch later in the year. A bird like
this could not go on to be champion but the first place could.
The winner was a huge bird that had good top, thick mane and
a well fit chain.
First I judged for Best Hen. The Blue check and White excelled
over the rest. Both were very similar in shape, but the Blue had
more feather and didn’t stop showing all day. I love the hard
tight feathering on the Blue’s wing shields.
Isa’s lofts with tiled floors, clockwise from top left, Jeff,
Isa, Clinton, Ahmed, Mahroos.
The Blue Check was best hen and was then compared to the
cocks for Champion. The Yellow had a flaw in his lower chain
so it was out of the Blue Check hen and the Red and Splash
cocks. The Splash was big and in great condition but was down
in colour and got lazy. He also needed to be slimmer in body.
The Red had class to burn and in the areas that he excelled
such as body, shape, whip in and colour he was as good as
they get. He needed only a touch more top, width and wealth.
His roses were also imperfect. The Check continued to show
she also had an imperfect rose and missed out against the Red
in colour.
The Red was Champion again bred by the partnership of Tareq
Al Murbati and Isa Al Janahi. These two guys continue to do
well with their family of birds and in my eyes have one of the
leading families of Jacobins in the world. The Reserve was bred
and owned by big Ali Al Saffaf, It was also the first time a hen
has been Reserve Champion in Bahrain.
WORLD CLASS JACOBIN STUD FOR SALE
PETER SMITH - Dalby, Queensland
I am proud to have achieved a world class display of fine
Jacobin breeding over the past 30 years. Regrettably, I must
now offer my entire stud for sale.
My Jacobins have had outstanding success at National level
over the last 10 years, including winning the 2009 and 2010
ANPA Nationals. There is not a colour class, sex or age group
that my stud has not won.
My Jacobins are typified by their hard feather; they are
balanced pigeons with excellent station, leg setting,
slenderness, and they naturally enjoy showing.
All colours (to National standard) are Black, Dun, Red,
Yellow, White, Splashes, Almond, Andalusian, Indigo, Kite,
Brown and Khaki,
Bars are in Mealy, Cream, Blue, Silver, Indigo, Dilute Indigo,
Brown, Khaki; Chequers are in Brown, Blue, Silver and Khaki
Whoever purchases this fine stud will also have my
guaranteed support and advice.
Peter Smith Andalusian
Ph: 07 46624773 Mob: 0428366381 E: dundathia1@bigpond.com
PAGE 9 – FEBRUARY 2011
ANPA NEWSLETTER
S
everal months ago I was asked to do some research on the
history of the formation of the Q.P.F.S club. This seemed a
very daunting task, where do you start?
Firstly, all the founding members are no longer alive, and most
of their living relatives are very elderly. I was very fortunate to be
looking through the minutes of past general meetings and came
across an article referring to the death of a Q.P.F.S foundation
member, Bob Morrison.
The article was written by Phil Cleghorn who was secretary of
the club during the 1980s. I contacted Phil and he was very
helpful with information and was even able to provide me with
copies of the original constitution.
This was a great start for the project as in the constitution
booklet was the date, the place where the first meeting was held
and names and signatures of the founding executive committee.
With this information I was then able to research the early
history of the club. My first point of discovery was to find out
where the actual first meeting was held and if the premises was
still standing.
The first meeting, and no doubt many more, was held at Mr
Hobbs’ tobacconist premises next to the Newmarket Hotel in
Roma Street, Brisbane.
As this hotel no longer exists it was off to the John Oxley
reference library to look at the 1911 postal directory. From this
I was able to find that the hotel was on the corner of Ann and
Roma streets Brisbane.
The Queensland Pigeon Fanciers
Society celebrates the Centenary of
its foundation in 2011. The club has
changed locations and venues through
the years, as well as some fallow
periods. In the first of two articles, current
Secretary BARRY ROSS looks at the
birth of the club and early years.
Its postal address was No.1, with Mr. Hobbs Tobacconist being
No. 5. I was also able to obtain a photo of where his shop was
located, it was nestled between the hotel and a tall building.
The Newmarket was erected in 1881, and was often confused
with the ‘Newmarket Hotel’ in the Brisbane suburb of that name.
Extensive alterations were made around 1915 when it was
renamed the ‘Windsor Hotel’.
The building was demolished in 1970 for the construction of the
‘Crest International Hotel.”
While I was researching, I was able to have a look back in time
and was able to understand why a pigeon club would be formed
within the Roma Street markets area.
Roma Street during the early 1900`s was a well-known haunt of
dealers in all types of produce and livestock. Sales were held
every Tuesday with poultry, pigeons and cage birds being sold
by auction.
The price of a pair of pigeons at auction in 1911 was 2 shilling
(20 cents). The rest of the week it was a fresh produce and fish
markets. Also at the top end of Roma Street were the grain silos
where grain was unloaded from the rail yard. Pigeon and poultry
fanciers congregated there looking for seed bargains. In 1911
Brisbane did not have a fancy pigeon club; this was noted by a
well-known pigeon judge Mr J Beard of Moorooka while he was
at the 1911 Royal National Association Exhibition, where 208
pigeons were exhibited, the biggest class being 35 Fantails and
the smallest being one Trumpeter.
Mr Beard commented in the Brisbane Courier; “the exhibitors in
Brisbane generally have had to fight their own way as there has
not been for some years, at least, a governing body or club in
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 10
competition existed amongst the Dragoons, Fantails, Show
Homer, Jacobins, which were in fine feather, and Magpies, the
Best of Show being a Magpie exhibited by J.Bailey of Red Hill”.
Brisbane, it might be said that quite recently an endeavour has
been made to form a club and organise shows.”
He was referring to an impromptu meeting of several fanciers
over lunch at Bowen Park that sowed the seeds for the
formation of Q.P.F.S.
At this lunch was a young well-known poultry and pigeon judge
from NSW, Mr George Ardill, who was in Brisbane exhibiting
Leghorn poultry. The lunch was also attended by Mr J Beard
of Moorooka and Mr V Callaghan of New Farm, both founding
members.
At the A.G.M in 1912 it was decided to take out a bank overdraft
for 20 pounds ($40) This would enable the club to purchase
show pens from the Queensland Society of Dogs, Poultry,
Pigeons and Canaries, a club which was about to be disbanded.
The first show was held in1912 at the Shaws Building in Creek
St, Brisbane. Later shows were held in the School of Arts Hall
on Kelvin Grove Rd at Newmarket, and later at Windsor.
Ardill said he would return to Brisbane in November and
would chair the fancy pigeon club meeting and help write the
constitution.
Ardill later founded and was president of the All Leghorn Club,
and was also President of the Pigeon Fanciers’ Society of
N.S.W.
So the first meeting to form the club was held at Mr Hobbs
rooms at Roma Street at 8pm on Friday, December 15.The
constitution in the name of Pigeon Fanciers Society of
Queensland was presented for approval and accepted, thus the
Q.P.F.S was founded. The object of the Society was to promote
the breeding, improvement and exhibition of fancy and utility
pigeons.
The first official meeting under this banner was held one month
later on Wednesday, January 10, 1912, at the same venue.
At this meeting Les Croft was voted in as President, V.
Callaghan as Treasurer and R. Morrison as Secretary. It
was decided to hold two meetings a month and an AGM in
September.
The membership fees were 10 shillings and sixpence annually,
($1.05) paid in advance.
The first show was held in 1912 with reports showing “the best
PAGE 11 – FEBRUARY 2011
ANPA NEWSLETTER
The Specialist
EXPERIENCE
By FRANK HAYES
ANPA Life Member
T
he Specialist, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a person
who is an expert in a special branch of a subject. In the
Show Pigeon world, we regard fanciers who “specialise” in a
particular breed, a Specialist.
In the wider context, we have Clubs which cater for specific
breeds known as Specialist Clubs, most affiliated with ANPA.
There is no doubt that the bringing together of specialists
increases the level of competition and generates the promotion
of quality improvement.
It allows focus on the breed rather than the overall management
of pigeon activities. However, the basic principles of club
management still need to be met and I applaud those fanciers
who are able to carry out this two-fold activity.
It is apparent to the casual observer at any major show that the
growing development of these specialty clubs also raises the
profile of the show as a result of the usual larger numbers of
quality exhibits and exhibitors.
These, together with the recent specialist judging set ups and
additional awards provided by these clubs, adds to the aura of
any show.
Now all this is probably only stating the obvious, but spare a
thought for those breeds which don’t have specialist clubs. That
is not to say that the quality of those is less than others but they
do have disadvantages.
The breed’s profile may suffer from the opportunity to have
some of the best judges or a suitable level of trophies and thus
not receive the recognition they deserve. In particular, with the
lesser number of representative exhibitors, the breed may not
improve at the same rate as some of the specialist club breeds.
Although this is certainly not always the case, fanciers whose
breeds aren’t covered by a specialist club should consider
getting one together to assist the further development of their
favourite breed. You will be rewarded in the long term.
All Breeds Clubs are the essential grass roots level of showing
pigeons. They should provide the basic general guidelines for
keeping, breeding, managing and showing your birds.
Beyond that, they can provide opportunities for breed talks,
trainee judging forums, young bird and open shows and supply
rings.
They also provide opportunities for fanciers to get together
regularly which allows the social side of keeping pigeons to take
shape.
At the top end we have ANPA. It is a combination of the
grass roots All Breeds Clubs, the Specialist Clubs and most
importantly, the individual fanciers.
ANPA invites annually, all of these members and groups to
get together and enjoy the National Show at various venues
throughout Australia.
This has grown to become an internationally recognised event
which has seen dozens of international judges sharing it over
the years and the competition continues to be very keen.
Your opportunity is not far away to be a part of this. Don’t let
the remote Westralian’s have it all.
You can not only enjoy meeting new fanciers at this year’s
ANPA National in Perth but you have the opportunity to see
some of Australia you don’t normally see.
Dick Milner and his team seem to be bending over backwards to
ensure your visit will be most enjoyable.
And, how often do you get to pit your birds against the best in
the West? See you there!
2011 Annual Championship Show
Saturday & Sunday June 18th-19th
International Judges Graham Bates (UK) and Alistair Bull (NZ)
and Dennis Murphy (NSW) also
Brent Marshall (NZ) Modena Club of SA
Make your way to South Australia this June to attend what promises to be one of the best shows outside
of the National and have your birds judged by this great line-up
Schedules: Ray Gutsche 08 8278 7279; David Lewis 0417810514; Gavin Pearce 08 8278 3965 (Modenas)
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 12
End of
an era
at Ipswich
J
ohn Wiseman has stepped down after
40 years as Secretary/Treasurer of the
Ipswich Pigeon Specialist Club (IPSC),
a record unlikely to be equalled in the
hobby.
John officially handed over the role to
David Sukiennik at the club’s AGM in
January. His stewardship of the club
began in 1971.
The Ipswich Bantam and Pigeon Club
was founded four days before John was
born in August 1940.
The four founders were Frank Wiseman
(John’s grandfather), Gordon Wiseman
(his father), Ron Beasley and Bill
McCarthy.
John coordinated 136 shows as
Secretary/ Treasurer, including four
ANPA National Shows, 10 Queensland
State Pigeon Shows and lawn shows in
Kingaroy, Redcliffe, Ipswich, Yamato, Mt
Gravatt and Redhill.
“Being born a third generation fancier I
helped from an early age prepare pens
and write prize cards,” he recalls.
“In 1947 transport was limited when
the first show ever was held at Ipswich
showgrounds - Bill Why, Richie Pascoe
and myself (being doubled on push bike)
setup the pavilion.”
John started breeding O.E. Creel
Bantams in 1950 and in 1954 started
work and purchased his first pair of
Pigmy Pouters from Rollie Hicks.
“Pigmy Pouters are still in my lofts today,
56 years straight,” he says.
His breeds have included
Fantails,Trumpeters,Fairy Swallows,
African Owls, Turbits, Magpies, Show
Racing Homers, Modenas and Kings.
John says it was a long campaign to get
a permanent home for the club.
“In 1967 we moved some pens from the
Poultry Section at Ipswich Showground
into a dog pavilion. We had to gut it,
remove all the kennels and build pens.
“However this building later required
complete replacement.
“In 1988 the club committee approached
Ipswich Show Society for a new
pavilion,and also the Gatton Show
Society about using their grounds.
“We ran pigeon auctions to raise monies
to purchase pens for our new pavilion.
“In 1989 the Ipswich Show Society
promised a new building, this building
was used for the Animal Nursery,
however Ken Roberts then said a new
two storey building was to commence in
1991. so it became a reality this time.
“IPSC contributed towards the buildings
windows, lighting. Later on a new office,
was added, and the QPFS donated half
costs for office materials.”
John coordinated the 1990 ANPA
National Pigeon Show in Brisbane, which
had 690 entries.
“IPSC spent over $16,156, including pens
from Inverell and materials for pens to
stage the 2002, 2006 and 2008 National
Shows at Ipswich, where entry numbers
varied from 3100 to 3194.”
“Most income was raised by myself and
Heather Bennett, selling dog doubles,
and the rest came from donated pigeons
for auctions at the shows.”
John remains as IPSC ring secretary.
Just joined, or want EXTRA NewsletterS FOR friends or your collection?
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ANPA NEWSLETTERS AVAILABLE
AUGUST 2008
FEBRUARY 2009
MAY 2009
AUGUST 2009
NOVEMBER 2009
FEBRUARY 2010 (Hurry, limited number)
AUGUST 2010 (Hurry, limited number)
NOVEMBER 2010
ANPA recognises
its high achievers at
Adelaide dinner
Pages 14-15
INSIDE
* Page 2 ... Website revamp near
* Page 3 ... Adelaide National all set
* Pages 6-7 ... Flying Tipplers in
Australia by Paul Windler
* Page 8-9 ... Pigeon Breeding
without Borders by Josef Stovil
Artist brushes up on
fancy portraits at the
National
Page 23
* Pages 10-11 ... Handfeeding Frills
by Mark Woolley
* Page 17 ... 2009 show dates
* Pages 20-21 ... International
Modena Club by Damon Pownell
NEWSLETTER
* Pages 22-23 ... Torch Carrier by
Dick MiIlner
FEBRUARY 2009
NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2009
visit: www.anpa.com.au
Limerick is
LEGIT
... now for a new Aussie?
See pages 4-5
SHOWPENS
SHOW UP
The Showpen Homer
breeders turned out in force
at the 2009 National, topping
the entry numbers with 252
birds. The overall Champion
was bred by Roy Gurdler of
Queensland. This pigeon is
an Opal Old Cock bred by
Jim Lenz.
The future of the breed was
also guaranteed with the
formation of the Australian
Showpen Homer club. See
story on Page 9.
Photograph: copyright Thomas Hellman
2009 ANPA National Show SPECIAL EDITION ... No.1
PAGE 1 – AUGUST 2009
PAGE 13 – FEBRUARY 2011
ANPA NEWSLETTER
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Contact
Brad Turner
(07) 3300 3467
b.turner@uq.edu.au
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NEWS AND VIEWS
Vol.12 No.2 Jan/Feb 1998 Muffed
breeds special (2 available);
Vol.12 No.3 Jun/July 1998 Blower
special (13);
Vol.13 No.1 Oct/Nov 1998 National
show special (7);
Vol.13 No.2 Jan/Feb 1999 Utility
breeds special (11);
Vol. 13 No.3 Jun/July 1999 Short
faced breeds special (16);
Vol.14 No.1 Sep/Oct 1999 – Perth
National special (8)
Autumn 2001 (3);
Jan/Feb. 2002 (8)
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ANPA NEWSLETTER
From the
PRESIDENT
with
BOB GRANT
I
had a call from a member the other day who asked me “why
ANPA” didn’t do this or that in regard to several topics .
Often the “this or that” has been discussed previously by
former committees and members, and often what seems like a
simple initiative (or good idea) has flaws that during previous
discussion have become evident.
One example (of many) this member raised was “Why can’t
the National be staged in the central location of Adelaide on a
permanent basis?”. This question was also raised in the APF
email group, I will address that next.
In response to the several points raised, I pointed out that
“ANPA” was not just me, or the committee. ANPA is NOT the
governing body of the hobby.
ANPA’s constitution is not structured to exert control, it is
structured on the basis of cooperation, between affiliates and
members.
For the staging of the National Show (for example) the
guidelines and protocol specified by ANPA and through ongoing
discussion between the affiliated host and ANPA committee and
in consideration of membership’s input/feedback, each National
is planned with flexibility.
These ‘guidelines and protocols’ have evolved through
membership input over the almost 30 years of ANPA’s
existence.
Neither I nor anyone else on the committee has more “power”
than any other member; the committee’s job is to represent the
interests of the members.
We are simply among the members who volunteer our time.
There is no secret society which schemes in the backrooms
on behalf of ANPA, just a collection of often unfairly derided
fanciers, who have gone the extra yard and given of their time
to try to do the right thing.
So, if I haven’t talked you out of it and if you have the time and
enthusiasm for a national body, why not consider nominating for
a committee position?
Some on committee spend a lot of time on their computer, but
for the average committee member a short time providing your
input on vote is all that is required, you will also have first hand
info on initiatives and the process - and it’s not all grind there is
some humour.
I would urge nominators to select a candidate who would
consult with their membership and would actively participate in
committee discussion !
Notes from the APF email group
On the APF email Group, there had been some discussion in
regard to the last National, I include excerpts from a response I
made simply to illustrate some points .
I’ll open by again stating, for new subscribers, that the APF
email group is no longer an official ANPA forum.
Some committee members are still on this group and enjoy
discussion in relation to pigeons and the hobby, they will by
ANPA NEWSLETTER
chance note any ideas, criticism or innovation. By all means
discuss those innovations but then pass any recommendation
to the ANPA committee via the channels provided; your state
Vice-President or state committee Reps, via the Secretary or to
myself. Contacts for all committee members are on the website
and all committee members are approachable.
To address a few points discussed in this thread. A post-mortem
of 2010 National was conducted by committee in conjunction
with the VSPF, it was discussed ‘warts and all’.
Such a post-mortem has occurred for all recent Nationals in an
effort to continue to improve.
Although the majority saw the show as another success by
the VSPF, obviously a minority had minor gripes and colourful
anecdotes.
The major gripes were (in order of severity) early decampment
in the annexe, a rather lengthy presentation and the perception,
by some, of lax security.
These gripes will be addressed in Perth 2011, Dick Milner and
his team have taken all committee discussion into consideration
and hopefully that format will make way for further tuning for
future nationals.
1) On a FUPS initiative ANPA will fund 25 ‘High Visibility Vests’
to be worn by those administering sections of the show. These
vests will be available to future hosts, it just needs volunteers to
take on the mantle.
2) Closure time will be defined, publicised and applied. Flight
timetables have been researched in this planning.
3) The presentation will be streamlined, but remember some
exhibitors do appreciate their “5 minutes of fame”. Via the
Newsletter, Dick has made it clear that they will do their best to
accommodate any request from Specialty Clubs and input from
members is welcome.
Addressed to Member A, who suggested a permanent Adelaide
National: The concept of the National being held at the ‘central
location’ of Adelaide has been raised and discussed on several
occasions.
It has been raised in this thread that people get ‘burned out’
by staging the major event, the SACPS committees past have
echoed that sentiment and would not consider the permanent
appointment.
Further, the ANPA concept was begun in 1981, the idea was
that the ANPA show be rotated through the states so that
fanciers from all states (who might not be able to travel) would
have the chance of attending a truly National event.
Little Johnny from North Queensland or Hobart would once in a
while get the chance to see 3000 show pigeons and compete to
win a Junior National Champ and maybe get his 5 mins of fame.
Basically, the Host Clubs (due to increased attendance) are
in a position to secure a profit to build their clubs and their
club’s infrastructure and hardware, hence the wealth is shared
between states and the fancy is promoted in all States.
Again, all input to committee will be considered, but input via
this APF forum could be missed.
Addressed to Fancier B , who suggested the RAS might have
been a better venue: The VSPF did consider (thrash-out) venue
options including the Showground, in a last-minute decision
(based on economics and amenity) La Trobe was selected by
VSPF committee and there was rejoicing across the land!
The VSPF group is well-experienced in the intricacies of staging
a national and Michael would gladly welcome aboard any
volunteer in any capacity.
The bottom line is that any who have suggestions , innovations
or just want to help, your help would be appreciated.
Rather than complain or ridicule in forums where the plaintiff
might not get a fair right of reply, speak to your committee Rep
and offer your help to solve what you see as problems.
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 14
Effects of quarantine
on import health and
its ramifications for
fanciers
M
uch has been said in pigeon circles about the effect of
the importation process and quarantine procedure on the
health of imported pigeons.
The pigeons are confined to small cages for many weeks. The
lighting is totally artificial. They are subjected to a variety of
diagnostic procedures, including blood collection, and receive a
range of medications. And so what are the facts?
Avian health
ADVICE
with
Dr COLIN
WALKER
Part of the Spotswood
quarantine complex.
A close friend of mine regularly imports racing pigeons. We
decided to thoroughly test two birds immediately upon release
from quarantine, to evaluate their health.
I contacted our local diagnostic lab, Idexx Laboratories, who
do the majority of our diagnostic blood work and offer a great
service. They offered to do two complete blood profiles for no
charge.
The birds were collected from the Spotswood Quarantine
Facility in Melbourne, placed in an empty cardboard box and
transported directly to the Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic.
On arrival, they were thoroughly examined. A crop flush and
fresh droppings were collected from each bird and examined
microscopically.
Blood was collected from both birds and forwarded to Idexx
for complete biochemistry and haematology. Blood was also
forwarded to another lab for specific testing for Chlamydia and
Circo virus infections.
On examination, the birds were in generally good condition. Lice, however, were visible on the flight feathers.
Microscopic examination of the crop flushes of both birds
Dr Colin Walker, BSc, BVSc, MACVS (Avian Health)
Dr Corrie Pinkster BVSc
Avian Veterinarian
1 George Street, Scoresby, Victoria, 3179
Ph: 03 9764 9000
Email: vet@auspigeoco.com.au
www.auspigeonco.com.au
35 years experience racing his own team
of pigeons and exhibitor of Damascenes,
Nuremburg Larks, Australia Suabians,
British Show Racers and Syrian Tarbesh
Phone for our new 2011 Catalogue
PAGE 15 – FEBRUARY 2011
showed large numbers of trichomonads (i.e. canker organisms)
in the birds while microscopic examination of the droppings
revealed two to three coccidia eggs on each x100 microscope
field.
The biochemistry and haematology profiles, which measure
red and white blood cell counts, blood sugar, total protein,
cholesterol, kidney function, liver function, liver inflammation,
pancreatic inflammation and other parameters were all totally
normal.
The tests for pigeon Circo virus and Chlamydia were negative in
both birds.
From this small sample of two, it is hard to draw too many
conclusions but if we extrapolate these results to the import
consignment generally it appears that the birds coped quite well
with the importation procedure, with both birds being in good
condition, with normal blood profiles.
It is, however, of some concern that the birds did have canker,
coccidia and lice.
Even though these organisms are in Australia, these are strains
of these organisms from the other side of the world and may
well be carrying characteristics, such as drug resistance or an
increased ability to cause disease not present in Australian
strains.The principal aim of the quarantine procedure is to
ensure that diseases exotic to Australia, such as PMV and avian
flu, do not gain entry.
Although the introduction of new strains of organisms that are
already here does not appear currently to be a concern to the
Australian import authorities, they do have the potential to
cause clinical disease in their new lofts.
Fanciers should consider having freshly imported birds tested
by an avian veterinarian and any identified health problem
treated.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
SHOW DATES 2011
APRIL:
3: Pigeon Breeders and Exhibitors Association (WA) Lawn
Show at home of Nick Mancini, 2 Hutt Rd, Morley. Contact:
Clint DeBoni 0423521896.
13-19: Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Contact: Kerry Pearce (02) 9704 1270, kpearce@
rasnsw.com.au. Schedule:http://www.sydneyroyal.com.
au/2011PoultryPigeonSchedule.pdf
22: Dandenong Fancy Pigeon Society Young Bird Show.,
Dandenong Showgrounds. Contact: Evan Sculley, 2 Hoop Pine
Court, Cranbourne, Vic 3977. (03) 5995 7710.
18-19: South Australian Canary and Pigeon Society Annual
Show (incorporating SA Modena Club Show: Contact: Gavin
Pearce (08) 8278 3965) at Wayville Showgrounds, Adelaide.
Contact: Ray Gutsche (08) 82787279.
25-26: Pigeon Fanciers Society of NSW Eastern Classic at
Fairfield Showgrounds. Contact: Catherine Weekes (02) 9628
1081 mweekes@bigpond.net.au
JULY:
3: Ipswich Pigeon Specialist Club Annual Show at Ipswich
Showgrounds. Contact: John Wiseman 07 54643784 or
john224@bigpond.com Includes Modena Club of Queensland
Annual Show. Contact: Warren Osborne 07 3355 9921 or
warrenosborne@optusnet.com.au
30- May 1: Summerland Pigeon Club Annual Show (NSW)
Lismore Showgrounds.Contact Ricky Maslen (02) 6629 3159.
16: Queensland Pigeon Fanciers Society Centenary Annual
Show at Caboolture Showgrounds. Show Secretary: Shane
Kerridge (07) 3888-0472, mobile 0412577736.
MAY:
16: Meander Valley Pigeon Society Show (Tasmania). Contact
kelvin.jacobs@hotmail.com
7: Canberra and Goulburn Annual Show at Poultry Pavilion,
Goulburn Showgrounds, NSW. Contact: Alan Strachan, PO Box
330, Goulburn NSW 2580. (02) 4822 0329. astrachan@aapt.
net.au
28-31: ANPA 29th National Show, hosted by the Fancy and
Utility Pigeon Society at RAS Show Ground. Contact: Dick
Milner (08) 9352 8993. mrpigeon@optusnet.com.au.
21: Meander Valley Pigeon Society Show (Tasmania). Contact
kelvin.jacobs@hotmail.com
AUGUST
22: South Australian Canary and Pigeon Society Young Bird
Classic at Wayville Showgrounds. Contact: Contact: Ray
Gutsche (08) 8278 7279.
21-22: Queensland State Show hosted by the Queensland
Pigeon Fanciers Society at CabooIture Showgrounds.
Show Secretary: Shane Kerridge (07) 3888-0472, mobile
0412577736.
28: Fancy and Utility Pigeon Society (WA) Open Show,
Exhibition Centre, Cnr Brand and Brae Rds, High Wycombe.
Contact: 08 9352 8993.
21: Fancy and Utility Pigeon Society (WA) Young Bird Classic,
Exhibition Centre, Cnr Brand and Brae Rds, High Wycombe.
Contact: 08 9352 8993.
31: Meander Valley Pigeon Society Show (Tasmania). Contact
kelvin.jacobs@hotmail.com
NOVEMBER
11: Dandenong Ag Show. Contact: Contact: Evan Sculley, 2
Hoop Pine Court, Cranbourne, Vic 3977. (03) 5995 7710.
29: Dandenong Fancy Pigeon Society Annual, Dandenong
Showgrounds. Contact: Evan Sculley, 2 Hoop Pine Court,
Cranbourne, Vic 3977. (03) 5995 7710.
29: Ipswich Pigeon Specialist Club Young Bird Show at Ipswich
Showgrounds. Contact: John Wiseman 07 54643784 or
john224@bigpond.com.Includes Northern Modena Classic.
Contact: Warren Osborne 07 3355 9921 or warrenosborne@
optusnet.com.au
28-29: Pigeon Fanciers Society of NSW Premier Young Bird
Show at Fairfield Showgrounds. Contact: Steven Cummins
0437 163 145 or (02) 4730 4996. I
JUNE:
5: Pigeon Breeders and Exhibitors Association (WA)
Blue Ribbon Classic. Venue TBA. Contact: Clint DeBoni
0423521896.
12: Victorian Show Pigeon Federation Southern Combined
Classic, hosted by the Twin Cities Fancy Pigeon Club, at Albury
Showgrounds. Contact: Bill Vost 0417 990 010. homerbuild@
bigpond.com
12: The Australian Pouter and Cropper Club Annual Show
Fairfield Showgrounds, Sydney. Contact: Mark Wilson,
6 Douglas Haig St, Oatley. NSW 2223 (02) 95705863.
mkkewil@tpg.com.au
18: Meander Valley Pigeon Society Show (Tasmania). Contact
kelvin.jacobs@hotmail.com
Promoting the Nun in Australia
and internationally.
Join Australia’s longest-established Nun club
The UNC is the major sponsor of the Nun section
of the ANPA National.
2011 Judge: Barry Ross (Qld)
For further details contact:
Brad Turner 0400 767 489 or
Michael Spadoni 0402 078 695
18-19: Hunter Valley All Variety Pigeon Society Annual Show,
at Maitland Showgrounds. Contact: Allan Haigh 02 4952 7108.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 16
From the
SECRETARY
with
ALAN
STRACHAN
The 2011 National Show
Dick Milner and his helpers are certainly trying all out to make
the Perth National another memorable event. To anyone who
has not attended a National – give 2011 a thought.
Don’t forget to send your entries off as promptly as you can. The
Show Secretary’s task can be made easier with early responses
from exhibitors. By keeping your eye on “Flight Specials’ you
can save considerably by booking around this time of the year.
Rings
The rings for the 2011 breeding season have been ordered
and there has been a slight increase in the number ordered for
some ring sizes to try and avoid the problem we encountered
during the 2010/2011 breeding season.
Unfortunately the cut-off date for re-ordering from overseas is
June 30 and so if we run out later in the season this does cause
problems for Terry Darling as he has to try and find surplus
rings.
‘C’ size Ring Numbers
All 9500 of the original “C’ size order were sold by early mid
season this year. We were fortunate to be able to obtain
from the UK rings that would have been surplus to their
requirements. These rings have NPA stamped on them. Birds
with these rings will be acceptable at all ANPA sanctioned
shows. The rings this applies to are NPA 7301 to NPA 7600.
Elections
Just a reminder that paid-up members as of January 1, 2010
comprise the various state electoral rolls. During this quarter
you will receive your ballot papers. Please give it thought and
not leave it too late.
Elections this year will be for the National Secretary and
National Treasurer as well as the States; three representatives
each for Queensland and South Australia and two for Western
Australia. The state representative who polls the most votes
from the voting will be State Vice President.
Nominations for all positions to be either in writing, or sent via
email* and close with the national Secretary on the 1st March
2011. Nominations can only be received from financial individual
members and must be seconded by a financial member.
*Email nominations and seconders, must come from the
nominator’s and seconder’s own email address. Full name,
postal address and contact phone number is to be included in
the body of the email.
Club Executives
Could clubs please provide me a list of their executive, or at
least a contact and Ring Secretary.
Also contact me if you wish for assistance in any sphere of our
hobby. I can be contacted at PO Box 330, Goulburn NSW 2580
or by email at astrachan@aapt.net.au
BOOK REVIEW
The Pigeon in the Wider World. By Jean Hansell
This profusely illustrated book examines the role of the pigeon
in the daily life and cultural thought of many different civilisations
across the world.
From the ancient Middle East and Classical Greece and Rome,
to both historical and modern examples from Egypt, India, Iran
and China, the author covers a panoply of practices and beliefs.
Further chapters cover topics such as the uses and status of the
pigeon along the course of the Silk Road, and the history of the
bird as a messenger, ranging from Noah to heroic flights as part
of the British army in both World Wars.
The fruit of many years of research by an accomplished author,
this book reveals many fascinating insights into different
societies and is certain to appeal to all keen social historians as
well as ornithologists, students of religion and pigeon fanciers.
Dr Hansell is a retired physician, now 88, who has written a
number of articles on such dievrse subjects as Cormorant
Fishing, Egg-toppers, Eye-baths and Dovecotes.
Her book on the latter subject, Doves and Dovecotes and
A Dovecote Heritage, written with her husband Peter, are
acknowledged as the definitive books on the subject.
Her 1998 book, The Pigeon ion History, is an exhaustive,
illustrated study of the pigeon from earliest times to the present
day.
In 2003 she published Images of the Dove, a comprehensive
survey or artistic represenattions of the bird.
The Pigeon in the Wider World is a 96 page book with 94 colour
PAGE 17 – FEBRUARY 2011
and 84 black and white ilustrations. It is published by Milstream
Books in Bath, UK, but is probably most easily obtained on
Amazon.com. (cost, 9 pounds).
A review copy arrived in Australia just as our visiting US
judge Tony DeSantolo was about to head home after the
ANPA National in July and he reports in was a fascinating and
engaging reading companion on the long flight.
Doug McClary has labelled it “An excellent book full of
interesting and useful information revealing the value of the
pigeon to man over so many years.”
ANPA NEWSLETTER
JAC-O-BIN there, and done that
By PETER SMITH
W
ow! What an adventure flying around the world and
meeting legends of the Jacobin Fancy. I had the pleasure
of seeing and handling some of the best Jacobins in the world.
My memorable trip started on January 6, 2010, leaving Brisbane
airport with my good friend Clint DeBoni heading for San
Francisco. We had an unscheduled overnight stopover in New
Zealand due to mechanical failure but finally arrived.
We made time to see the wonderful attractions on offer, piers,
Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and enjoyed a ride on their
famous cable cars. Had a ball but it was time to move on.
Clint and I hired a 2010 mustang. It felt a bit odd at first, steering
from the wrong side and driving to suit but within a short while
it came natural. During our road trip we were fortunate to stay
with Dennis and Monica Soares and enjoyed visiting their lofts.
It was wonderful to handle quality birds and I now understand
what Clint had been saying about the chains on American
Jacobins. Dennis produced an amazing white cock with
outstanding eye line and fit.
DeBoni and myself. Between us all there is 180 years, give or
take a year or two, of Jacobin breeding so nothing is left to the
imagination as to what monopolised the conversation on our
three hour road trip. Sergio, Dennis and Jim all had very good show teams. John
Hundrup was judging and Sergio won champion with a great big
feathered White cock.
This bird has huge hard feather and quite capable at holding
it up all day. At the show it was a pleasure to meet up with Ed
Bachman, John Mankia, Don Chevalia John Kirchner, Henry
Schnied and the Clinton brothers. After the show we returned to
Brick, New Jersey.
Next morning Clint and I caught a train to New York and stayed
a couple of days sightseeing. A helicopter ride around the
city taking in Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Yankee
Stadium and Manhattan Bridge to name a few. We also
managed to visit Time Square and Ground Zero.
From here we visited Drew Lobenstien. This was a high point of
our trip for me being able to talk genetics and colour breeding.
Drew showed me some of his colour projects in the making.
In all we did close to 1000 miles in our marvellous Mustang
across California but now needed to exchange wheels for wings
and catch a flight to New Jersey where Sergio Dealmeida and
Jim Rini collected us from the airport and took us to Sergios`
house and into the lofts.
Sergios` Jacobins are simply amazing; the depth of quality in
the Red, White, Kites and Splashes is truly wonderful. Sergio
is most certainly right on top of his game. The next day Sergio
hired a van to take us to Lancaster for their pigeon show. On
board was Sergio, Sergio senior, Jim Rini, Dennis Soares, Clint
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 18
On our last day in New York we had the pleasure of visiting Sal
Gigante and were invited into his lofts. He breeds some of the
most wonderfully formed Domestic Show Flights.
The next leg of our trip was to Winnapeg in Canada. Our
gracious hosts were Bill Sacher and his wife Sueanne. They
had received heavy snowfall and as the weather did not permit,
Bill`s wife Sueanne, accommodating our yearning to handle a
Jacobin allowed us to bring a few of the best inside, thankyou
so much.
Next day we travelled on to Clint and Lynn Robertson’s` home
at Amaranth, Manitoba, about a three hour road trip from
Winnipeg.
We were extremely lucky to get through after a foot of snow fell
the night before and with ice covering the road. Snow ploughs
had come in and salt was laid on the surface of the road to
allow traffic to flow.
I can only imagine the enormous skill it takes to drive constantly
in these harsh conditions and not becoming a fatality. Clint and
Lynn are very special people living in what I consider to be a
very harsh environment.
They must have an enormous faith in each other with blizzards
-35 they have only each other to depend on. Running a cattle
farm in these conditions would be so labour intensive.
Their Jacobins were placed in a heated room and left for an
hour before they showed any inclination to show. Clint has very
good Yellow, Black, White, Splash, Indigo and Brown Jacobins
and his son, Justin, has very good Bars and Voorburg Shields.
We had three enjoyable days with Clint, Lynn and their boys
before returning to Winnipeg and flying to Salt Lake City for the
National Show. 180 Jacobins were entered in the show. Sergio
was judging. Jim Ecker won champion with a Kite cock.
John DeCarlo made room for two Aussie hitch hikers taking us
through Nevada, Rino, Sacramento and Winnamucka. Driving
on heavy snow and ice are a vast contrast to what we are used
to Down Under.
We arrived at John’s` house where both John Heppner and he
house their pigeons together. Between the two I hazard a guess
at approximately 4000 birds divided in perhaps 200 cages. Oh
what a joy, wall to wall pigeons.
PAGE 19 – FEBRUARY 2011
We left San Francisco airport flying for 12 hours and arriving in
Germany where we were welcomed by Bernard Wanke. After
a traditional Bavarian meal Bernard took Clint and I to his lofts.
His Black Jacobins are amazing, in particular one yearling cock
I rate as the best most perfect Jacobin in the world.
Due to Bernard’s work commitments we did not meet again until
the day we left Germany.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
We stayed in a beautiful old hotel in Sauerlach. Rising early,
we boarded a bullet train through Munich to Manheim where
Thomas Hellmann was our host for three days. We visited many
lofts including Deiter and Frizt who have very good Jacobins in
most colours.
True love for a hobby allows it to be the norm to stand in
freezing conditions admiring what others have achieved. Owls,
Turbits, Frillbacks, Blondinettes, Satinettes, Antwerps, Silesian
and Fairy Swallows, Ice and Trumpeters were also put on show
for us Aussie counterparts.
Thomas will forever smile as long as there is a bird in the
hand or one to admire. Our last day was spent sightseeing in
Heidelberg. We travelled back by train to Sourlac and hooked
up again with Bernard Wanke for a meal and another look at his
Jacobins.
Then off to the airport leaving for Dubai, with a short stop over,
then onto Bahrain. We were met by our good friends Ebrahim
and Ali.
Clint and I settled into the Good Hotel and had a meal before
we headed off to visit. For three days we met many great
breeders and handled lots of great Jacobins. We sampled many
different Arabic teas, coffees and sweets.
The friendship and hospitality offered to us in Bahrain was
truly wonderful. The highlight for me seeing the Jacobins in
reduced colours, Opal in many variations and a Blue Grizzle
cock of which were in my opinion as good a quality as the Reds,
Yellows, Blacks and Whites and would compete and do well
anywhere in the world.
Many of the breeders took time off work and this was really
appreciated. Ebrahim, Ali, Isa, Aqueel, Essa, Tareq, Najeeb and
the others have a very bright future in our favourite breed.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 20
In the air again and back to Dubai. Unfortunately we only had
six hours to spend with Marwan Suhali at his loft. He has very
good Jacobins in a variety of colours.
Also we did a bit of sightseeing but a few hours are not enough
time in this incredible place. Marwan took us back to the airport
and we were finally on our way home arriving in Singapore eight
hours later.
Here Clint and I separated for the first time in four and a half
weeks. He headed back to Western Australia and I back to
Queensland where Vicki, Hannah and Mitch were waiting at
Brisbane airport. Three hours later I am home in Dalby.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Clint for
his friendship and company in planning this trip, the agenda,
flight details and contacts in the various countries. It all worked
like a well oiled machine. THANKS MATE!
On behalf of Clint and myself I would also like to thank all of our
friends around the world, your hospitality and friendship will be
remembered for my lifetime.
IT’S AMAZING WHERE A HOBBY CAN TAKE YOU!
* Thanks to Peter and Clint for their help with this article and
photographs.
Iron Mike has a soft spot
for his pigeons
M
ike Tyson, the self-styled “baddest man on the planet”,
will emerge in a television show as a former boxer with
uncanny similarities to the one played by Marlon Brando in
1954.
Tyson’s fascination with pigeons, to be featured in a six-part
series on Animal Planet, will call to mind Terry Malloy, the
character that earned Brando an Oscar in On The Waterfront.
Both found solace in the raising of birds on the rooftops of New
Jersey. Like Brando’s character, Tyson has raised pigeons,
starting where he grew up in a tough part of Brooklyn, New
York. He now keeps his birds at another rooftop coop in New
Jersey, next to the gym where he trained for fights.
The heavyweight still spends hours at a time watching his birds,
and says they have given him comfort during his turbulent life.
He has owned up to 350 of them at a time.
In the show, to be broadcast from March 6, Tyson will describe
how he was bullied as a child and would miss school to be with
his pigeons.
He threw his first punch at the age of 10 when a bully killed
one of his birds. “The reason for the fight was because the guy
PAGE 21 – FEBRUARY 2011
ripped the head off my pigeon,” he said. “This was the first thing
I ever loved in my life, the pigeon.
“I don’t know why, I feel ridiculous just trying to explain it.
They’re so much like people. This ain’t no hobby, I’ve been
dedicated to pigeons, even when I have been fighting or getting
locked up. What I love about the pigeon is their loyalty.”
His series, Taking on Tyson, will follow the former boxer as he
fulfils a dream to race his pigeons competitively for the first time.
Tyson, the former undisputed world champion, got further in
his career than Malloy, a boxer who famously “coulda been a
contender” but who was forced under pressure to take a dive.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16 - 18, Melbourne
JUDGE’S REPORT
By ATTILA PIUKOVICS
F
irst of all, let me express my grateful thanks for all of the
members of the Australian King Club. I had a wonderful time
in your country and I enjoyed the judging of your show.
I would like to say special thanks to Trevor Bone for the great
time I spent in his house on the bush side. I think that’s how
he called it. Very peaceful place to live indeed. I liked Trevor’s
lofts and his birds. Especially the family line of 104 # from John
Schroeder. Mr Bone is a real King guy.
I also enjoyed the time with John Hickman and his wife, thank
you. They took me on a Sydney city tour and showed me the
zoo and the harbour. I had a great time there and the fishmarket
was very interesting to a Hungarian man.
Great thanks to Chris Shutz for showing me Adelaide and taking
me for a nice dinner. I liked the National reserves, parks and the
ocean view.
Chris’ Kings are outstanding he has very strong stock birds and
not just a couple, but a bunch of top quality breeding pairs. I
envy for his lofts and for the White King stock he has. Unique
and very special bloodline.
He has the perfect loft layout and setups ideal for our Show
Kings. His individual compartments are fine, ample room
for one pair of Show Kings and easy to clean. I liked his loft
management.
Last, but not least, I want to say thank you for Alex Tölgyesi and
his wife Mary. They are very nice people. I spent an excellent
time on their farm and I had a chance to enjoyed Mary’s
wonderfull meals.
Champion King
ANPA NEWSLETTER
She never let me go hungry. I think I gained 15 kilos by the time
I got back home.
I was really impressed by your National show and I was pleased
to acceped your invitation to judge in your country. It was a
good experience to me although I realized I can not make
everybody happy.
I think the main task of a judge is to find the Kings which are
in accordance with our official King Standard. In other words, I
think the judge should apply the American King Club Standard.
So even if I liked some Kings better than the others, I had to
take them out because the judge must apply and follow the
standard.
There were birds I had to pick out earlier even if I prefered them
more than the other ones I left in. I think these were the birds
which had good breeding features what I liked so much and I
would value highly in my breeding program.
I would give them better credit in the breeding, but not in
the show room. I was pretty sure they have better breeding
potential and if you could find the right mating they can produce
you sometimes better than the top placed bird, but selection for
breeding is not our topic today.
Let me mention a few I could not forget and I still have the
picture of the birds in my mind.
Trevor Bone’s first place AOC cock had a very nice cockish
head and nice short and stout beak plus this bird had a very
strong compact body with a nice hard and smooth feather.
Because of the hard closed feather quality even if this bird had
a round breast he showed under the judging a little bit of lack of
a prominent breast.
This cock probably did not get enough show training or spent
enough time in the show pen before the show and it could have
been in a bit better show condition to but it was very nice.
Please remember the breast should be prominent and showing
well beyond the wing butts.
Train your birds to get used to the judging, clean the feather,
trim the beak and condition your birds well before the shows
(but do not overcondition as they will lose the nice balance
station if they bulit up overweight) I think it is half way to the
show success.
I have already started the show traning of my Kings, three times
a week they are in the show pens two months before our young
bird show.
The first place young White cock had some faults too. A little
wider body from the front view was what I missed and a bit
Chris Schutz and Attila
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 22
2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16 - 18, Melbourne
narrow in leg setting disturbed me, greater width between the
legs the bird needs, but its okay.
Do not forget we are talking about two almost perfect Kings
now. I think when both these cock birds will become mature
enough they will be teriffic show birds and hard competition to
the other Kings in the next year show season.
The first place young White cock and the young White hen were
among my favorite Kings in the whole show. I have already
mentioned the White Cock bird’s slight faults, but what I like in
this pigeon so much is it had a very good balance, proud and
erect station with a very nice short back. Congratulations to
Chris Schutz.
I also could not take my eyes off from the first place young
White hen. This hen was one of my best White King hens I have
ever seen. When I first entered in the King section of the show
hall this hen was the first bird I amazed by. How good Kings the
Australian breeders must have, I thought, watching this super
White hen.
It was very pretty and had the correct body and nice extremity
of the prominent and broad breast. When I looked around more
in the show room the first day I felt this bird was going to be the
Grand Champion, I had no doubt about that.
For the very last round of the final parade this bird unfortunately
developed a little one eye cold. Just a mild one and she
probably got tired when the final champions of the parade came
and kept its breast up a little higher in the judging coop.
The bird lost the harmony of the body and the nice circle or
roundness of the underline was broken. So finally I had to
choose the yearling hen which in peculiar way was not as
strong as the young hen, but she never ceased showing and
she had the best comformation, the form of the King resulting
from the symmetrical arrangement of all items of perfection
described in the official standard.
The Grand Champion was very proportionate and harmonious
pigeon with a good show manner and nice clean and smooth
feather quality. The best overall King of the show.
There were two other birds or group of colour Kings I have to
mention. First, the dilute Ash Yellow Check hen which I think
was the best clean colour (not AOC, sooty etc.) bird of the show.
Of course I liked it, Ash Yellow is one of my favorite colours and
so a good quality dilute is hard to find. The bird had excellent
body and a very nice smooth feather quality. She went against
those first place Whites and AOC’s at the final parade, but after
a time in the judging pen she started showing very short legs.
During my judging procedure I tried to give more time and
chance to every bird to show its best, but if the bird showed the
same fault over and over again I had to take them out.
The other colour group I liked was the Check class. I also liked
some of the Ash Red Bars, congratulations to the breeder. He is
going in the right direction to make this colour class comparable
to the better quality Whites, Grizzles and AOCs. Take care of
the feather quality, as it is 10 points.
Kings in the judging coops must have the general appearance
of the King shown in our official standard picture and the judge
has to make his or her decision in front of the judging coop
(nowhere else) when the birds are side by side.
It is important the birds have to be comparable with equal
chance when they are feel comfortable and show a calm
disposition with good show manner.
Nervous or constantly moving birds even just for a few seconds
put in a judging coops are hard to judge. You need enough
judging coops for all the birds in the final parade.
Many judges put certain birds side by side just to compare
them before coming to the final decision which bird has to be
eliminated from its class. So some extra coops are beneficial.
In my judging I tried to be consistent and I applied the AKC’s
official standard.
The ANPA Newsletter is the official publication of the Australian National Pigeon Association Inc.
Material has been sourced from a number of contributors.
For permission to reproduce the contents, contact Brad Turner on (07) 3300 3467.
The next edition will be published in May 2011.
Send contributions to 23 Alton Terrace, The Gap, 4061, Queensland, or to b.turner@uq.edu.au
Deadline for contributions:
April 24, 2011.
Advertising costs are $120 for a full page; $60 for a half page and $30 for a quarter page.
Printed by: Calrex Printing, Brisbane.
Visit the ANPA website at www.anpa.com.au
PAGE 23 – FEBRUARY 2011
ANPA NEWSLETTER
AROUND AND ABOUT
The Southern Pouter and Cropper Club
A
fter many days of rain and uncertain weather, Sunday
January 16 promised a day of sun for the quarterly meeting
of our club.
This meeting was held at the home of John and Margaret
Snelders in Tootgarook and so we thank them for their
hospitality.
Not many birds were on show this day, with only two breeders
bringing birds. Eddie Kloprogge had six Norwich Croppers and
Darren Favaloro had three Holle Croppers.
After seeing Darren’s Holle’s John Snelders was too scared to
bring out his own Holle’s (ha! ha!)
Members attending the meeting and barbecue were John
Snelders, Tim Owen (Secretary), Darren Favaloro (President),
Doug Evans, Ian Austin, Eddie Kloprogge and a blast from the
past, Steve Carter who attended with his wife Dorothy.
Other wives attending were Margaret Snelders, Joanne Austin
and Deborah Kloprogge.
These wonderful women were as usual the judges for the
day and the men waited with bated breath for the decision of
placings on the pigeons. First placing was a black Norwich
Cropper, second placing was a Black Holle Cropper and third
placing was a Mealy Norwich Cropper.
A great day was had by all, a fantastic Sunday with your pigeon
mates, eating, drinking, pigeon talk, pigeon talk, pigeon talk,
eating, drinking. From the look of the photo above a bit too
much eating and drinking went on!
If anyone is interested in joining the club, please contact Darren
Favaloro at favalinko@bigpond.com for further information.
ANPA NEWSLETTER
T
hanks to Jerry Sindelar from Canada for sending the photo
of the Pygmy winners (bottom left) at the Canadian National
and (above) the Champion Fantail at the European Annual
Show in Germany, a Black Pied young cock owned by Jiri
Bartak. Also thanks to Doug McClary for this old newspaper
clipping showing that the hobby has been alive and well in
Victoria for many years.
FEBRUARY 2011 – PAGE 24