Hundreds of birds are set to fill the pavilion at Armidale Showground this Sunday, as the Armidale and District Bird Club Inc prepares to host its much-loved Annual Show. From early morning, visitors will be able to wander through displays featuring everything from parrots and finches to canaries, quail and doves, with exhibitors travelling from across New South Wales and Queensland to take part.
Club President Matt McKenzie said the event continues to draw strong numbers year after year, with a similar turnout expected in 2026.
“For the past few years, the Armidale Bird Show, hosted by the Armidale & District Bird Club, has attracted over 500 birds. This year we are expecting a similar number of birds spread across different sections, including canaries, budgerigars, finches, zebra finches, parrots, lovebirds, quails and doves,” he said.
Behind the scenes, judges will be carefully assessing each entry, with a range of classes recognising the best birds on show.
“Judges have been engaged and will cast their eyes over the birds that have been entered into the show. There are many classes covering all variety of birds with 1st & 2nd placings decided for each class. But the award each exhibitor is hoping for is Grand Champion Bird of the section!”
For visitors, the real highlight is the sheer variety on display, with birds of all shapes, sizes and colours filling the space.
“Visitors to the pavilion on the day will see a huge array of foreign and native birds that can be kept in aviaries. These vary from the tiny Orange-breasted waxbill to the very large sulphur-crested cockatoo and lots of sizes, colours, sqwarks and tweets in between,” Mr McKenzie said.
The event is also an opportunity for locals to learn more about bird keeping, with club members on hand to share their knowledge.
“Members of the bird club are always happy to help people get into the hobby of bird keeping, through a helping hand and advice.”
While bird shows were once a regular fixture on community calendars, Mr McKenzie said they are becoming less common, making events like Armidale’s even more important.
“Once upon a time, bird shows were much more common. These days, not as many bird clubs exist and, it follows, that not as many bird shows exist. For people looking to exhibit their feathered friends they need to be prepared to travel. The closest other bird shows to Armidale are Grafton and Dubbo.”
Despite the distances, exhibitors continue to return year after year, drawn by both the competition and the camaraderie.
“Seeing other exhibitors that you have met previously on the show circuit is a large part of the attraction for those exhibiting birds. It’s a great chance to catch up with people who share a similar interest and there is always something to talk about.”
Creating that welcoming, community atmosphere is a priority for the club, extending beyond the show itself.
“For us as a club, it is important to foster a friendly atmosphere at our show. So, for those exhibitors and judges travelling to Armidale for a show, we organise a get-together at the Armidale Services the night before the show for people to relax and chat over a meal.”
The Armidale and District Bird Club Inc Annual Show will be open to the public from 9 am on Sunday, 3 May at the Armidale Showground, with a barbecue breakfast and lunch available on site. Visitors are encouraged to come along, meet local bird enthusiasts and experience one of the region’s more unique community events.
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