Aviculture. Conference

Transcription

1 Aviculture [Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Text Box Tools Conference tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.] Healesville Sanctuary 4th 6 th September 2015

2 Welcome My staff and I are thrilled to be able to work hand in hand with the Avicultural Society of Australia (ASA) to host this Conference. The more one learns, the more you realise how much you have to learn. Sharing avicultural knowledge and skills at such conferences is vital to our staff, private aviculturists and for our birds. There have been many changes at the Sanctuary over the past year with much of it on our feathered friends. I am delighted to share with you the endangered species programs, new visitor experiences and a warm fireplace! Glen Holland Director Healesville Sanctuary It is with pleasure the Avicultural Society of Australia (ASA) joins with Healesville Sanctuary, to hold this Avicultural Conference. This Conference will focus on the amazing scientific work and continuous improvement on techniques applied both in the field and in captivity. It will also highlight avicultural achievements and the progress of coordinated captive breeding programs that endeavour to ensure that species are not lost. Lectures from international experts, private breeders, Zoological staff and ornithologists, together with aviary tours, behind the scenes tours, free flight bird shows and an in-depth view into the captive breeding programs for the Orange-bellied Parrot and the Helmeted Honeyeater, promise to make this Conference unique. The Avicultural Conference is an opportunity to bring the experiences of both the successful private aviculturist, ornithologists and members of the Zoological community together in the wonderfully unique setting of the Healesville Sanctuary, situated in south eastern Australia s beautiful Mountain Ash forests. The ASA is extremely proud to be part of this wonderful event. I extend a warm welcome to you for the combined ASA and Healesville Sanctuary Conference in September Lou Delest President ASA

3 Speaker Profile Rick Jordan Psittacines Mike Fidler Softbills and Finches Mike has kept birds of one sort or another since the age of four. He declines to tell us how old he is now but it amounts to quite a bit of experience! His education, occupation and long term association with scientists means he brings an analytical and scientific approach to birdkeeping. He has, in the past, been an official of avicultural societies and has represented aviculture at national level. Rick Jordan has worked with prestigious avian collections throughout the world, including Loro Parque in the Canary Islands and the Schubot Avicultural Breeding and Research Center (ABRC). With his partner Mark Moore, Rick owns Hill Country Aviaries, LLC. The facility participates in several Species Survival Plans and Studbooks and, in 2007, is being awarded its third U.S. First Breeding Award from AFA. Born in the UK Mike emigrated to Australia in 2002 to better follow up on his long term passion for the Gouldian Finch. Since coming to live in Australia he has established a Captive Bird Research Station on his property in NSW and a Field Research Station in Wyndham WA. He is also the Chairman of the charity Save The Gouldian Fund. Mike has co authored two books on the Gouldian Finch and one on Parrot Finches and is a regular contributor of articles and photographs to avicultural magazines in many parts of the world. Rick is committed to wild bird conservation and serves as AFA's CITES Committee Chair. After assisting with the establishment of a captive breeding center for the rare Lear's Macaw, the Brazilian Wildlife Management Authority (IBAMA) honored Rick with an invitation to become a permanent member of the Lear's Macaw Conservation Committee. He has been a consultant to the Department of Wildlife of New Zealand, providing input to a governmental plan to help increase the dangerously low numbers of Kakapo and providing training in hand-rearing in case intervention should become necessary during the nesting process. A world-renowned lecturer and author, Rick Jordan is best known for the following publications: "Parrot Incubation Procedures" "Macaws as Pet and Aviary Birds" "Parrots: Hand-feeding and Nursery Management" (with Howard Voren) "African Parrots" (with Jean Pattison) "Incubation and Hatching" video over 150 articles in scientific and trade journals, including: o AFA Watchbird o BirdWorld o Parrot World o Association of Avian Veterinarians Journal o Parrots Magazine o Australian Birdkeeper Magazine As a professional aviculturist with over 20 years experience, Rick Jordan has worked with prestigious avian collections throughout the world, including Loro Parque in the Canary Islands and the Schubot Avicultural Breeding and Research Center (ABRC).

4 Ken Moore Glen Holland Born Zimbabwe, but grew up largely in South Africa. As a youngster had a large collection of African canaries, finches and waxbills and bred a number including species such as quail finch and violet-ears. Knowledge of conservation principles gained in a variety of roles including a game reserve manager and district officer in Zululand. Worked very closely with the Zulu people and learnt to speak the language fluently. Communities in Conservation has always been a personal driver. In Zululand I achieved significant success in turning the attitude of the community towards the conservation department into a very positive relationship with multiple conservation outputs. This included a significant focus on birds as flagship species, bird watching, fund raising initiatives and ultimately being a key member in the initial development of the Zululand Birding Route. Worked on contract for three years to develop large walk through aviaries for education with hand raised native species such as bee-eaters and hornbills. In New Zealand my work focussed on endangered NZ species captive breeding and release programmes to establish new populations both on offshore islands and the mainland. Had some amazing experiences on islands where I got to experience NZ as it was before man introduced a range of exotic pest species on the mainland including brush-tailed possums that every Kiwi loves to hate! As Director at Auckland Zoo I was responsible for growing the business, writing of the Strategic Plan that saw the establishment of the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund in 2002, integrating this into core zoo business and the appointment of a conservation officer in the zoo has added to the zoo s credibility and sphere of influence and conservation outputs both nationally and internationally. A highlight was the planning and writing of the narrative for a project that combines the fauna, flora and culture of NZ called Te Wao Nui and means Our Natural Realm which opened in 2011 and has been a great success. We have always loved Healesville and are thrilled to have found a position here. The mix of bush, indigenous culture and native species and creating unique visitors experiences that combine these aspects is inspiring.

5 David Pace Yellow Siskins and Pictorellas? My first birds were a pair of zebra finches that my father bought me when I was 10 years old. This was in I remember finally locating Keeping Aviary Birds in Australia by Les de Ross in my school library and was totally captivated. I read this book from cover to cover many times over. I was fortunate enough to finally meet another aviculturist who not only provided great guidance but introduced me to the Avicultural Society of Australia. I became a member of the society in The publication, Australian Aviculture, was an invaluable resource which I eagerly awaited each month. I have kept and bred a wide variety of birds during my 35 years in aviculture, ranging from parrots such as Australian lorikeets, red-rumps, Neophemas and cockatiels, Australian button quail species, through to many dove and pigeon species. However my passion has always been for finches. The bird I have had the greatest breeding success to date would be the diamond firetail. In 1997, through my association with the Victorian based Pure Species group, I published a husbandry manual on the pictorella mannikin and have written many articles in various avicultural journals and magazines. I have been a passionate educator for 27 years. I am currently working as a teacher at Torquay College P-6, teaching year 3 and 4 and Environmental Education. The school has a large walk in, habitat aviary with a range of parrot, finch and dove species. In 1999 I was awarded the BHP National Science teacher of the year and VAEE Environmental Educator of the Year. During the 90 s I spent 7 years working at Healesville Sanctuary and the Melbourne Zoo as a Senior Education Officer. I am currently the Vice-president of the Geelong Branch of the Avicultural Society of Australia and the Editor of The Journal, a bi-monthly publication of original articles for the Geelong branch. I currently keep collection of finches and weavers, with the emphasis on diamond firetails, pictorellas, yellow-hooded siskins and crimson finches. I prefer normal wild-type strains of birds and am concerned about the long term impact of mutations on our avicultural subjects. I am passionate about aviculture. It has been an enormous part of my life. The constant challenges and the continuous learning that goes with it, ensure it will always remain an important personal interest for me for years to come. David Homes Weavers and the Joys of Large Planted Aviaries I started breeding birds seriously in 1966 and purchased my first Weavers (Madagascars) in 1968 from the late Basil Wadlan. In 1969 I purchased my first Grenadiers from Sergio at a cost of $295 - about 6 weeks wages from memory I had to empty two mixed finch aviaries to buy them. From that time on Weavers and Whydahs have been a major part of my interest and collection. In 1973 breeding stock of Napoleon and Orange Bishops were added to my collection. I have lectured at the 1st National Convention in Adelaide 1980, my topic was even then on Weavers.I received an award in 1983 from the Avicultural Socociety of Aust. for work done in establishing the Pintailed Whydah. I have lectured in three Australian AFA Conventions, two USA AFA conventions and once in Singapore. Over the years I have spoken to numerous bird clubs in Australia and overseas I have been President of three bird societies/clubs and in general have been involved with the running of clubs and Aust. Aviculture since 1978/79. These days my collection is heavily weighted towards keeping the Weavers and Whydahs, expecting each season to breed five types. I am very happy that attitudes toward the Weavers has changed over the last few years, with this group of birds becoming far more popular especially with the better younger breeders getting involved. They are good as they are willing to learn and I am sure they will be able to breed enough for others to keep in years to come. After travelling to Africa, it really disappoints me that we can't access some of the other beautiful species that are over there. Aviary set up covers 1500 sq m planted to suit the Weavers, it was built in 1985 but like most it has been added to and added to. On a personal note I live on the NSW Border, am married with two Sons and three grand kids. Happy now to sit back and watch the new brigade evolve and take us into the future. Recently I was having a meal with Russell Kingston and he made this comment "you know when we used to talk about the old timers in our hobby, guess what!! That s us now" Oh so true.

6 Conference Program Day One Friday 4 th September 8.00 am Depart Healesville Sanctuary car park for a day of Aviary Tours Psittacines, Lorikeets, Pheasants and Finches pm Back in Healesville Day Two Saturday 5 th September 8.30 am Sanctuary Gates open to delegates Registration and coffee in the Brolga Room 9.15 am Welcome address Morning Session Coordinator Glen Holland, Director, Healesville Sanctuary and Lou Delest, ASA President Matt Baird ASA Vice President 9.30 am Global Trends with Parrots Challenges and Successes. Rick Jordan am Helmeted Honeyeaters - Captive Breeding & Release Program Karina Cartwright, Threatened Species Supervisor am Breeding Orange Chats Key Learnings Mike Fidler am Morning Tea in the Pavilion am Psittacines?? am Lorikeets Challenges in their diets Stacey Gellis am Lunch 1.15 pm Healesville Sanctuary Tours Participants to choose one of the following: Threatened Species Precinct and Diets/Feeding/Insect Room or Sanctuary highlights including the Land of Parrots (You get to do the alternative on Day 3) 2.30pm Spirits of the Sky - Bird of Parrot Free Flight Show 3.00 pm Refreshments in the Pavilion 3.30 pm Practical Incubation Workshop - Incubation Q & A Rick Jordan 4.30 pm Close and head to Accommodation 6.00 pm Conference Sanctuary House Motel Guest Speaker Mike Fidler Gouldian s and other Northern Territory Species

7 Day Three Sunday 6th September Morning Session Coordinator 8.30am 8.55am 9.20am 9.45am 10.15am 10.40am 11.05am 11.45am 12.10pm 12.40pm 1.30pm Lou Delest, President ASA Success with Macaws???? A Bird on the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush! Glen Holland Research Trials and Specialisation Produce the Results Mike Fidler Morning Tea in the Pavilion Orange-bellied Parrot status, breeding and future. Bronwyn McCulloch Healesville Sanctuary Keeper The Joy of Weavers in a Large Planted Aviary David Holmes Hand feeding Neonates Rick Jordan Pheasants in Australia Breeding and sustainability Ken Moore Yellow Siskins and Pictorellas David Pace Lunch Healesville Sanctuary Tours Participants choose the tour they have not done: Threatened Species Precinct and Diets/Feeding/Insect Room or Sanctuary highlights including the Land of Parrots 3.30pm Tales of Platypus Creek Meet Platypus in a manner you never have imagined pm Refreshments & Conference Close Lou Delest, President ASA

8 Registration and Help Desk The Conference Registration and Help Desk is located in the Brolga Room Foyer of the Healesville Sanctuary. The Registration and Help Desk will be staffed during all sessions and breaks throughout the program. Conference Contact Lorraine Slater Conference Co-ordinator Presentation Sessions Catering Internet Entry to Healesville Sanctuary Sanctuary Shopping Conference Dinner First Aid Please respect your fellow delegates and presenters by being on time for the beginning of each session and ensuring that mobile phones are turned off during session times. As a matter of courtesy, please do not leave the session until it has concluded. Morning tea, a working lunch and afternoon tea are provided and served in the Sanctuary s Brolga Room/Robert Eadie Shelter Please make arrangements at the Registration and Help Desk for access to internet facilities, at Healesville Sanctuary, if required. Unlimited complimentary entry is to Healesville Sanctuary has been provided for all registered delegates. It is condition upon entry that all delegates wear their registration badges while in the Sanctuary. Delegates will not gain complimentary entry without their registration badge. All Conference delegates will be given a 10% discount on Sanctuary Shop gift items (not already discounted). Delegates must be wearing their registration badge to receive this discount. All proceeds from the Sanctuary Gift Shop go directly to Threatened Species Programs. The Conference Dinner is the only evening meal in the program. The Evening commences at 6.00pm. Dress casual. Drinks at bar prices. Qualified first aiders are on property at all times, we hope you won t need it, but see the staff at the Registration and Help Desk if you do. Healesville Amenities Supermarkets Coles Healesville IGA Healesville Walk 251 Maroondah Highway 199 Maroondah Highway Banks with ATMS Bendigo Bank ANZ ATM Commonwealth NAB 205 Maroondah Highway 252 Maroondah Highway 262 Maroondah Highway Shop 12 Healesville Walk Maroondah Highway Doctors/Chemist Yarra Valley Clinic After Hours Clinic (Sat Sun 12-8pm) Healesville Pharmacy Healesville Walk Pharmacy 215 Maroondah Highway Shop 3 Healesville Walk Maroondah Highway Taxi Yarra Valley Taxis (03) Allow time when booking as Taxi numbers in the Yarra Valley are limited.

9 Participants Contacts