What's in the issue

What happens when a hardbill specialist tries native softbills? Like breeding redstarts? This week we begin to find out, as Border canary breeder Andy Johnson welcomes a pair of redstarts to his set-up. Andy already breeds greenfinches but this will be a new adventure for him. The newcomers have been installed… now we await developments! Going back to hardbills: Terry Kelly instructs us in the art of the outcross in his canary breeding series and Brian Keenan highlights the priorities in the March canary birdroom. We have practical advice on zebra finches and lovebirds (this one’s another Q&A session with top winner Alan Stead). In the budgie world we learn what it’s like to take on the top job: chairman of the Budgerigar Society. And we have Austin Middlemiss’s report from the North-East, plus a special focus on seed. Plus the latest NCA updates, and plenty of fun stuff!