Well as I write this page, Spring has definitely sprung, with temperatures in the south-east of the country set to hit 18-20 degrees. We also have an exciting innovation to announce, as detailed elsewhere in this issue, and that is our first ever Pet Parrot Gathering. This will be focused on keepers of pet parrots, and will provide the opportunity to meet other like-minded parrot people, with trade stands geared to pet parrot diets, toys, accessories and welfare. Hopefully there will be the opportunity for some free-flying, in a safe, controlled area, for those whose birds are trained to do this, as well as demonstrations and possible talks on avian subjects. We hope to have representatives from parrot rescue groups, avian veterinary practices, and possibly bird parks. All this will be held in the Prestwood Hall at Stafford County Showground on Saturday 9th July. This will be an entirely separate event from our usual Summer Show on the following day, July 10th. We will let you know more as the year progresses, but this promises to be an interesting venture with a different slant on parrot-keeping.
Another new venture was the first part of the story of ‘Marty’, published in last month’s magazine, with a second chapter in this issue. Some of you may have been a little confused or bemused by its apparent veracity and technical detail, but it is in fact a highly imaginative work of fiction written by journalist and PSUK member Lillian Bird. As the story develops, you will see how ‘Marty’ becomes an important character in the exposure of the illegal trade in African grey parrots, and conservation of parrots in general. Think of the highly successful films ‘Rio’ and ‘Rio 2’, and you will get the idea. Lillian has kindly allowed us the use of her manuscript, and whilst printing the whole story in our magazine would take up too much time, we hope that the opening pages will whet your appetite. Copies of the full book will soon be available via our website shop, and also on our stand at forthcoming shows, with all proceeds going to The Parrot Society Conservation Fund. We supported several worthwhile conservation projects last year, and hopefully these sales from an inspiring story will help top up the fund for future good causes.
Other than that, I can only wish you all well for the coming spring and summer, and hope that the various ongoing pressures of Covid, Avian ‘flu, the cost of living, and the conflict in eastern European, are all resolved favourably and quickly!