Just as birdkeeping in the UK has bounced back after covid, in Europe the giant exhibitions are running again – and this week we report from the daddy of them all. Last month’s World Show in Spain attracted some 25,000 entries and countless visitors, and we’ve got the inside story on this amazing event and also the UK fanciers who qualified as Continental show judges there. Something to shout about – which is what the common crane would do! Without doubt our noisiest bird, the majestic crane is endlessly watchable, whether in collections or the countryside. Don’t miss our species profile this week. Regular reports come from our correspondents on canaries, budgies and native birds, with “extras” on parrots, pheasants – and how we can do the right thing by senior fanciers.

Just as birdkeeping in the UK has bounced back after covid, in Europe the giant exhibitions are running again – and this week we report from the daddy of them all. Last month’s World Show in Spain attracted some 25,000 entries and countless visitors, and we’ve got the inside story on this amazing event and also the UK fanciers who qualified as C....