What's in the issue

Home, sweet home: just like people and cats, birds know where they belong and are amazingly good at finding their way back after a foray. This week we consider some of the amazing examples: the hen zebra finch that cleverly dodged out of the birdroom into the garden and then got back in again; the liberty flocks of budgerigars that have learned to flourish with a half-in, half-out lifestyle; and the pigeons kept by many fanciers that use an incredible combination of techniques to navigate from release point to loft. A safe home is paramount, of course, and we also learn how to position and plan a garden aviary that will house your favourites for years to come. And we talk winning with colour budgies, beginning with British finches, planning with Bengalese and breeding with Lizards. Plus Notes from Northumberland plus a rather special duck in profile.