More legal headlines: fanciers in Scotland have got the law on bird gatherings changed north of the border – and it looks like they have SAVED the future of shows and sales! Plus: DEFRA finally releases its response to last year’s public consultation on registering birds. In short: registration WILL become mandatory – but not till this autumn. In other news, the Budgerigar Society suddenly announces that it has cashflow issues and appeals for funding. More colourfully we get acquainted with the gem-like noisy pitta of Australia as well as the dapper, vivid red-crested finch. Canary fans discuss the controversies of the Gloster fancy, the challenges of old-and-rare pairings and the tricky ways of Borders. Plus: judging, our new North Downs column and… YouTube.

More legal headlines: fanciers in Scotland have got the law on bird gatherings changed north of the border – and it looks like they have SAVED the future of shows and sales! Plus: DEFRA finally releases its response to last year’s public consultation on registering birds. In short: registration WILL become mandatory – but not till this autumn. I....