Cage & Aviary Birds Magazine No.5785 The Star with a Stripe Retour à l'édition précédente

2014. LOOKS BIZARRE, doesn’t it? Is that really the number of a year? Still, here we are. And I’m going to begin this year by sharing a few wishes: things I’d like to see in 2014. ■ I’d like to see birdkeeping continue in good health. It is in good health, you know: people need birds, and that won’t change. And the specialised parts of the hobby, notably pedigree breeding and showing, remain evolving and strong, especially if we “think global”. ■ I’d like to wish good luck to all those who take up the
fancy this year. Again and again, this paper proves that our hobby can provide enduring satisfaction, so long as we’re prepared to make a commitment and keep learning over time. It does not serve up instant wins. It is best suited to people with persistence and patience. That’s why many successful beginners are mature people, who have learned those
qualities. In turn, we mature folk (ahem) need to understand the different approach of a younger generation. We need to provide help where it’s actually needed, not foist our opinions on people. In short, if we know people who are starting in the hobby in 2014, let’s do all we can to ensure they are still in it in 2015. ■ I’d like to see the law on buying and selling British birds cleared up. Will this, finally, be the year? ■ I’d like to see our new bird clubs take a firm root, and our existing societies continue to adapt. Broadly speaking, we are in an age when co-operation or even amalgamation makes sense, and I’d offer specially good wishes to those who are working for the common good on the club scene. ■ I’d like to see all fanciers enjoy their birds more this year. That might mean a change of priorities elsewhere. But let’s not forget, in this hobby the birds come first. Have a great (safe, dry) week!