This week we pay tribute to one of birdkeeping’s finest: Geoff Capes, who passed away last month. His friend and co-budgerigar enthusiast Ghalib Al-Nasser has penned a most moving obituary which will tell us all something new about this remarkable and life-affirming human being. All birdkeepers will want to read it. Back to ordinary birdkeeping matters and our cover bird is the delightful emerald dove, long a favourite with aviary owners. Solid backing this week on softbills (late breedings around the country), Border canaries, zebra finches and parrots, with a regional report from the North East, comment on shows and a fine account of a wonderful south-western bird park.

This week we pay tribute to one of birdkeeping’s finest: Geoff Capes, who passed away last month. His friend and co-budgerigar enthusiast Ghalib Al-Nasser has penned a most moving obituary which will tell us all something new about this remarkable and life-affirming human being. All birdkeepers will want to read it. Back to ordinary birdkeeping ....