Rare softbills are getting rarer in this country under the new import regs, so we love to celebrate home-bred successes. This week our cover bird is the blue-bellied roller, which one lucky (and skilful) keeper persuaded to breed last year. The explosion of colour when the grown family all take flight in their spacious aviary is an amazing sight! Other species may be less exotic, but include such stars as budgies (we have a second instalment from high-flying novice Aaron Cahoon), canaries (we hear all about a memorable late-season show) and finches (it’s time for our bulletin from a top Bengalese stud.) We also hear about the Welsh National show, the events highlights this year for the North-East region and a massive stork that thinks it’s a vulture. Enjoy!

Rare softbills are getting rarer in this country under the new import regs, so we love to celebrate home-bred successes. This week our cover bird is the blue-bellied roller, which one lucky (and skilful) keeper persuaded to breed last year. The explosion of colour when the grown family all take flight in their spacious aviary is an amazing sight....