“ In the Beginning “

One day back in the 70’s I purchased a pet bird for my children. We named him Sam. After only a week or two I decided that Sam needed a friend, so I purchased another bird from the pet store. I now had two birds at home. And a few weeks later we found an egg on the bottom of the cage. It must have been an accident and seeing as neither bird was sitting on it, we threw it out.

But the seed had been planted and I started to think that it might be interesting to learn how to breed them. I didn’t know a thing about breeding them, not even their sex, so I went back to the pet store and came home with a great book and of course four more birds.

I could not put the book down. So much information was now available and the bird pictures were beautiful. I was hooked!

I lived in Connecticut at the time and met a man by the name of Rob Roy. Rob was an intermediate breeder who in a very short time rose to championship status. He was truly instrumental in my quest to learn about the breeding and exhibition of English Budgies.

Rob was very positive and enjoyed the hobby tremendously. He not only answered my many questions during our frequent phone calls, but also put up with my many visits. He provided me with birds and equipment at a very low cost. The knowledge, he passed on to me, is still useful today in my every day bird room activities. Rob was an excellent advisor, and enthusiastic supporter and a wonderful friend.

My hope is to be as enthusiastic as Mr. Roy and to provide information to others with the same positive enthusiasm. He unselfishly helped me and I will try to do the same to all that I come in contact with. There is only one Rob Roy, but I will do my very best.

I started to show birds in Connecticut as well as other states from about 1978 thru 1985 and did manage to earn Intermediate. Shortly after earning Intermediate status, I had to leave the hobby for personal reasons.

My first year back was in 2004. I purchased some birds from Mr. Don Langell (Massachusetts) and Mr. Ron Rebman (Maryland). These two men are breeders that I knew when I was starting out in the hobby. They provided me with very good stock to work with. Most of my birds today are from these two lines. I was able to move from Intermediate to Champion in two years.

I also purchased a couple of very nice birds from Mr. Joe Lastella (Florida). I am just starting to work these birds and hope to have a line of birds from Joe’s line soon. In my opinion Joe’s entire stock has many of the needed show qualities.

Recently I have imported some very nice birds from Mr. Chris Snell (United Kingdom) and Mr. Daniel Lutoulf (Switzerland). I think these birds will be a good outcross to my line of birds and may help me add another piece of the puzzle in my desire to band top quality exhibition birds. Joe L., Don L., and Ron R. have what I refer to as East coast birds and most likely are related in some fashion, this should provide me with a very strong gene pool of good show features to work with.

In closing I would like to state that my wish is to enjoy, share and promote this hobby to any and all regardless of club affiliation? Making new friends, exhibiting and sharing knowledge is great fun.

To my friends and fellow hobbyist that spend countless hours talking or visiting with me, I am extremely grateful to be able to share this wonderful hobby with you. Thank you for taking the time to talk on the phone and/or visit my aviary. I have truly enjoyed every minute.