Veteran bird man seeks new blood

AN AVID Ipswich bird lover will take a fine selection of feathered friends to this year's Ekka after marking more than 20 years in the caged bird showing society.

Bundamba resident Geoffrey Pukallus has called on young people to develop an interest in the sport of showing as most members were getting older.

“It makes me worry you know, I think what will happen when all us oldies go?” Mr Pukallus said.

“It would be really good if we could get some younger ones into it too, just give it a go and see how you like it.”

As a champion of many local regional shows including the Ipswich Champion Pairs category, Mr Pukallus said bird showing ran in the family and his sons had taken up the hobby.

“I'm a bit of a taxi driver for my boys at times,” he said.

“They enter into some shows too and keep their exotics like Indian ring necks here.

“I'm in the process of extending the aviary for them.”

Mr Pukallus said it was not just about winning that keeps him entering shows.

“I like to know my work and commitment is appreciated when I see the final good results from a quality bird,” he said.

“Judges look for the type, right markings, clean feed and all those sorts of things.

“I'll be putting in six lots of birds in six different categories including red headed star finches, two java blues, Australian pairs and Australian finches.”

Mr Pukallus said he would drop his feathered entries at the Ekka at the start of the show where they would be on view for people to see.

“I just enter them in and they stay there for two weeks,” Mr Pukallus said.

“Most of my family make a day of it and go along to have a look to support me.”

• The Ekka starts on Thursday, August 6 and will go through until Saturday, August 15.

The animal boulevard pavilion will be open daily from 9am until 7pm.