Cage & Aviary Birds Magazine No.5786 Old & Faithful Friends Back Issue

WHEN WE’RE FEASTING our eyes on the
birds in our care, it’s easy to forget what
a privilege we’re enjoying. Take the
Pyrrhura conures: the green-cheeked and
others. If you’ve handled one or studied
one on the perch, you’ll know all about the completely
distinctive charm of these psittacines, which I’ve tried to
pinpoint in a book review on page 14.
Pyrrhura are a perfect example of birds that it’s only
really possible to get to know in aviculture. I’ve seen lots of
them in the wild, and in general you’re doing well if you see
them perched, even at a distance. If you do see a flock,
they’re nearly always whizzing over the tree-tops, and if
they happen to land they are fantastic at “melting” invisibly
among the foliage. Pyrrhura are also notably shy, often
frighting at a
range of 200m
or more, which
suggests an
ingrained
wariness of
hunters or
trappers.
In short, they
are best enjoyed in captivity – and of course the same goes
for so many bird species, from waxbills to eagles. OK, I
know there’s telly, and we all love the programmes that get
us close to shy and spectacular birds. But two minutes with
a real live conure (or waxbill, or eagle) is worth any amount
of screen time courtesy of Sir D. Attenborough. Let’s not
lose sight of that, as virtual reality entertainment
encroaches more and more on our experience.
■ Buona fortuna to all readers heading for the World Show
in Bari, Italy, which kicks off this week. It’s an annual
pilgrimage for some, yet it surprises me that more fanciers
don’t make the trip. Top birds, top company... blimey, even
a bit of culture if you like! What could be finer?
■ We’ve just learned of the death, after
a long illness, of Roy Fox, distinguished
Fife man and former columnist. Sincere
sympathy to his family and friends