NFSA and Healesville Sanctuary to stage Conference

[Ripley]

Hello All,

I guess the title should change to 'DID' stage a conference....

Anyway,

I did enjoy meeting up with the fellow members of the forum, and though "Weever's' strong voice, there is a photo of the membership that went, and no doubt will be posted in the near future....

I enjoyed the conference, but alas, I was feeling under the weather on Saturday (there is a rumour going around, that it was self induced) NO COMMENT...but I did miss the afternoon lectures..(there was a John Wayne movie on TV), and I missed a lecture on my next project.. 'Scarlet Honeyeaters'....Sunday was enjoyable...and I got over my 24 hour virus/flu.....

The dinner on Saturday night was great & wine & beer flowed...'not being a drinker', it was nice to see the festival atmosphere....

A big thanks to, Misso for your hospitality on Monday...I'm really impressed with your enthuiaism and motivation & most importantly, your love of the gouldian...I expect a book or two in the next decade or so, and thankyou, for introducing my to Allan Tully...he's great, and to all out there, if you need something...Allan will find it or supply it to you....

In summary. I met some great people, and laughed and joked with them. And to all the members, it was great to finally put names to faces....

I know I didn't catch up with you all...but these 24 hour virus's can dull the most brightess minds!!!

Next time is....."Finch 14...."

See you all then...

Cheers
Ripley

[Myzomela]

Nice report guys and Gomer-great photos, with one notable exception!!
It was great to meet everyone again although I'm sure I missed some people.
These weekends just go so quickly.
Ripley, don't worry about missing the Scarlet Honeyeater talk. You'll just have to visit the speaker in question's aviaries and see the birds first hand for yourself.

I was impressed again by Glenn Holland, the new director at Healesville Sanctuary. As well as being a great guy he is a doer, not just a talker. Healesville are well involved in captive breeding programs and their results will only improve under his directorship.

I wish more zoos had the same drive...

Now, looking forward to Finches 14...make sure you all come if it is at all possible. You won't regret it!

[SamDavis]

An enjoyable weekend and great to meet a few more AFFers. No doubt the AFF photo will be posted by someone soon. I too was impressed with Glen Holland and his comments did alleviate some of the concerns I've expressed over the Orange Bellied Parrot program.
Ripley and I travelled down together and shared a hire car hence I feel somewhat qualified to respond to his comments...

I enjoyed the conference, but alas, I was feeling under the weather on Saturday (there is a rumour going around, that it was self induced)

Yes, poor ripley. On friday evening and early saturday I did spend a number of hours assisting Ripley and from my perspective he seemed to be in excellent health - not sure what happened.

...'not being a drinker', it was nice to see the festival atmosphere....

'not being a drinker' now that's a good one.

A big thanks to, Misso for your hospitality on Monday...I'm really impressed with your enthuiaism and motivation & most importantly, your love of the gouldian...I expect a book or two in the next decade or so, and thankyou, for introducing my to Allan Tully...he's great, and to all out there, if you need something...Allan will find it or supply it to you....

Agree. Misso is doing really well with his blues - lots of fledglings. From my perspective I have no idea how gouldians survive in Melbourne, but Misso's looked great - all tight feathered despite monday's miserable drizzly cold weather.
Allan Tully is a great bloke who has real quality stuff. I bought two self feeders from him that I've been after for a while - the ones that bolt on through the wire with the tray that slides underneath. To fit them into my carry-on airline bag I had to remove half a bottle of scotch and a few leftover cans of bourbon which were donated to Allan. The security blokes pulled me up at the airport to check out the feeders so I had to unpack the whole mess - dirty underwear and all.

[Myzomela]

Now Sam, that's just too much information !! :

[Tiaris]

.... To fit them into my carry-on airline bag I had to remove half a bottle of scotch ...

Did you "remove" the top half or the bottom half?

[SamDavis]

Now Sam, that's just too much information !! :

Hmm... Just reread what I wrote. I best give the feeders a good spray with VirkonS before use!

Did you "remove" the top half or the bottom half?

I think Ripley is more qualified to answer that one.

[gomer]

I think the boys from N.S.W are not used of the cold Victorian winter and needed some assistance with keeping warm.

[SamDavis]

I think the boys from N.S.W are not used of the cold Victorian winter and needed some assistance with keeping warm.

As did the pygmy possums who hibernate under the snow. The container they were housed in was thermostatically controlled at 2 degrees C - I'm pretty sure the heaters were going when we were shown through!

[Misso]

thanks for the kind comments Ripley and Samdavis, when im in your neck of the woods il be ringing you guys up for an aviary tour ;)

I had a great weekend, and enjoyed meeting and talking to AFF members and fellow birdo's.

was great to catch up with the interstate members that attended as well.

Jarryd

[Weaver]

I have the group photo of the forum members that attended Healesville but I am too old and decrepit to post it. I am told it is too large.
Anyway if someone will pass me an active email address i will send it to them to post.
Regards
Bob