This year the number of budgie entries in the Motor City Bird Breeders (MCBB) show doubled, a great sign for the hobby. ABS judge Gil Barboza began the judging by explaining to the audience the ABS standards and what he would be looking for in the birds that day. He also explained with each division why one bird was put up over the others and had suggestions for future breeding pairings. Working with a short bench that would only hold two rows of six show cages (the only downside of the MCBB show), Gil creatively used floor space and a requisitioned table to show the birds to their best advantage.

We were delighted to see Harry Fledderjohn, Richard Purdon, and Emil Kahler come up from Ohio for the show. They all succeeded in reaching the top bench (Emil is Aviary Art). This show also saw a return to the exhibition circuit of the Ellis family, after spending most of the year building their new aviary. You'll see Shelia and Sara's results in the Novice, Intermediate, and Rare divisions.

Dan Bills did a great job as show secretary, while Phil Tobias and Ernie Szwarz worked off about five pounds each handling the stewarding tasks. The pre-judging entry organizing was accomplished with the assistance of Shelia, Teresa, and Sara Ellis.

One of the great attractions of the MCBB is the other species being judged. This year saw an outstanding display of pigeons, cockatiels, singing canaries, finches, and lovebirds, just to name a few. Participants also enjoyed the vendor fair, where some of our members rented a table to sell their extra birds and where you can find just about any bird related item you could need.