As always, I look back at what I wrote this time last year, and, indeed, the year before that. In 2019 I had just come back from puffin-watching on Skomer Island; there was a veterinary conference to attend imminently as well as a Council meeting; and then two spring Members’ Days Out events to look forward to. None of those are yet possible still, except that we have a Council meeting scheduled. At the time of writing, we are not sure whether or not we will be able to get back to a live face-to-face gathering for the first time in a year, or whether we will need to stay with the virtual format for one more time.
In 2020, I was writing about an anticipated ‘quiet Easter’, but of course this year that weekend has already gone. We have watched the funeral of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, with that event influenced as much as anybody’s life has been by the coronavirus pandemic. There is no doubt that life as we once knew it will not be the same again for a very long time yet. However, on the plus side, by the time you read this magazine, I shall have had my second Covid vaccination, and renovations to the garden in our new home are taking place successfully!
So, what of the future? We are in ongoing discussions with Stafford County Showground about the possibility of re-instating our shows. Some trial events are taking place there just now, with recommendations and results expected imminently. It is likely that social distancing and mask-wearing will still be requirements at such gatherings, but we are hopeful that we will be able to stage some sort of event for October. The December ‘Help the Birdkeepers’ show should equally be a strong possibility. However, these comments are not gospel – a lot will depend still on our discussions at the next Council meeting, the outcome from SCSG, and the national situation with regard to coronavirus restrictions.
We are still involved in various discussion groups with Defra, SUN, CASC, etc., over longer-term animal welfare and husbandry issues (with particular reference to parrots), as well as the added complications over bird-movements brought about by our departure from the European Union.
Then there are discussions to be had about a couple of UK-based parrot conservation projects that have requested funding, as well the routine search for articles for the monthly magazine, in addition to the on-line Bird-scene. Rest assured that, even though you may not be seeing us in person (some may consider that an advantage!), your trustees and officers are still working hard to keep the Parrot Society going, and supporting parrots and their welfare wherever we can.
Stay well, and – as ever – enjoy your birds.