Oveseas perceptions of Aussie Aviculture

[GregH]

"I have a friend in Australia who had on his property a large amount of unused land - a year-round marsh. He is a keen birdkeeper and the last time I saw him, he was planning to build an aviary over the entire marsh and plant it with rice. Once the rice was established lie planned to release into the aviary a small flock of Pytilia spp.Pytilia sp. and a few Paradise Whydahs Vidua spp.Vidua sp. (Since writing this, I have learned that thanks to schemes like this not only being tried out, but being very successful, Paradise Whydah is now freely available in Australia)."

For more http://www.avisoc.co.uk/articles/V109N2 ... EVISED.htm

[jusdeb]

Being anti establishment makes me some what bias so with that in mind I must say YES there are some very pro wildlife individuals in Oz , not all have the recourses to do the type of thing you mentioned but the ones that do go for it and give it their all sadly it is up to the individual here coz unless theres $$$ in it the government will do nothing unless harassed by the numbers usually just b4 an election.
We mostly love our native critters and are proud of those who do what they do to preserve it.
( pushed soapbox aside ) gotta love this country hey.

[Lukec]

I wasn't aware there were any Paradise Wydahs left in AU. Is this True?

[finchbreeder]

I hope so as it would be nice to know that both tri coloured (which I love) and Paradise (which I am indifferent to) were both boing strong. Hey even if they are not my thing I want them there for those that love them. So all of you who have the space do like that guy suggested. And the rest of us will try to win lotto and join in.
LML

[GregH]

I'd like to think there were plenty of Wydahs in Australia but I'm sure it's not the case. The idea sounds intereseting as I've seen lots of finches nesting in papyrus in Africa and here in the Philippines I've often looked at the screen houses at IRRI and thought that they would make great aviaries, however how many fledglings would drown in the water that the rice is growing in? I thnink the guy who wrote the article was a victim of Chinese whispers.

[Jayburd]

Basically no whydahs here. Pintails and Red Shoulders are the only two, and both are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and very rare.

[gomer]

We need to thank alot of people like your mate, for making some of the rarer birds not so rare today.pity there is no collective group doing this,Just die hards going it alone.

[E Orix]

Jayburd
You would be surprised what rare species are tucked away.
Most avis with rare stock will keep their mouths shut and keep them away from strangers eyes.
In some big collections there are even unseen aviaries.
The worry is people talking and the wrong people hearing.
This happened to me a few years ago,gone 2 pr Mesias,a trio O,Bishops and some 40 lesser finches.
It leaves a nasty taste especially as the birds have never surfaced.
While not rare, I have just got home and while I was away visited a collection with some 60 young Bloods on the Perch.
Plus numerous other species.
Sadly though we have numerous rare species just hanging on and will most likely be gone within 10years unless some good seasons are experienced.

[Diane]

what are classed as the "rare aviary birds" ?

[jusdeb]

Very true Eorix my father is doing the grey nomad thing ..4 wheel drive , generator , caravan he tells me of things he sees but never will say where he sees different critters ...loose lips ....