05/10/2025
Today I judged the Lovebirds at the UK National, at Stafford Showground. Luckily it’s not too far from me, so I was home well before dinner.
There were some great birds on show. The ever-popular Agapornis fischeri lead the way in terms of quality. Alan Stead won once again with his superb opaline euwing green fischeri - a faultless bird. Impeccable condition, beautiful format and sublime proportion. There as also a stunning pale fallow fischeri that won the CYOB (current year own bred). Great size and frame for a pale fallow, especially for young bird. Beautiful colouring too.
There was a nice * blue * Agapornis roseicollis too. Not a huge bird, the size and format seems a little lacking in roseicollis in the UK. It was a lovely clean bird though. Bright, vibrant white mask and a uniform blue plumage with no signs of yellow.
The Agapornis personatus on show were also very nice. Some beautiful euwing birds on show and the winning green wild type was also very nice. Not at the same level as the fischeri, but still worthy birds that the breeders should be proud of.
The Agapornis nigrigenis and lilianae struggled, not only in condition but also quality. Colours were not the best, but that could be down to condition. Markings and lines needed improving too, especially on the head and brow. The important, natural and desirable characteristics were still present though; no hybrid characteristics, good stance and posture and correct size.
There was a nice A.Taranta present which won best rare. Beautiful conditon. My only comment would be one or two feathers missing to complete the red, feathered eyering (male bird).
It’s a shame there wasn’t more birds on show. Lovebirds definitely haven’t taken off in the UK like they have in the rest of Europe. The lack of youngsters and new hobbyists is alarming, for the entire hobby not just the show breeders.
I urge breeders in Europe to cherish and nurture what you have - help youngsters, promote the hobby, volunteer yourself to help societies and clubs with events and shows. You’ve still got it really good and things could be a lot worse. Keep the hobby alive while you still can.
I’m questioning whether I should start with my own birds again. I miss it, an awful lot, but the hobby has become so small here I have to think carefully before investing in a fresh start.
