1. pets
2. birds

Aviculture
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Healesville Sanctuary
4th – 6th September 2015
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.
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.
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.
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.
There have been many changes at the
Sanctuary over the past year with much
of it on our feathered friends.
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.
I am delighted to share with you the
endangered species programs, new
visitor experiences and a warm
fireplace!
Glen Holland
Director
Healesville Sanctuary
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 2015.
Lou Delest
President ASA
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.
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:
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"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).
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.
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.
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 1973. 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 1977. 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.
Conference Program
Day One
Friday 4th September
8.00 am
Depart Healesville Sanctuary car park for a day of Aviary
Tours – Psittacines, Lorikeets, Pheasants and Finches.
4.00 pm
Back in Healesville
Day Two
Saturday 5th September
8.30 am
Sanctuary Gates open to delegates
Registration and coffee in the Brolga Room
9.15 am
Welcome address
Glen Holland, Director, Healesville Sanctuary and Lou Delest,
ASA President
Morning Session Coordinator
9.30 am
Matt Baird ASA Vice President
10.15 am
Helmeted Honeyeaters - Captive Breeding & Release Program
Karina Cartwright, Threatened Species Supervisor
10.40 am
Breeding Orange Chats – Key Learnings
Mike Fidler
11.05 am
Morning Tea in the Pavilion
11.35 am
Psittacines??
12.00 am
Lorikeets – Challenges in their diets
Stacey Gellis
12.25 am
Lunch
1.15 pm
Healesville Sanctuary Tours
Participants to choose one of the following:
Global Trends with Parrots – Challenges and Successes.
Rick Jordan
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 Prey @ 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 Dinner @ Sanctuary House Motel
Guest Speaker – Mike Fidler – Gouldian’s and other Northern
Territory Species
Day Three
Sunday 6th September
Morning Session Coordinator
Lou Delest, President ASA
8.30am
Success with Macaws
????
8.55am
A Bird on the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush!
Glen Holland
9.20am
Research Trials and Specialisation Produce the Results
Mike Fidler
9.45am
Morning Tea in the Pavilion
10.15am
Orange-bellied Parrot – status, breeding and future.
Bronwyn McCulloch – Healesville Sanctuary Keeper
10.40am
The Joy of Weavers in a Large Planted Aviary
David Holmes
11.05am
Hand feeding Neonates
Rick Jordan
11.45am
Pheasants in Australia – Breeding and sustainability
Ken Moore
12.10pm
Yellow Siskins and Pictorellas
David Pace
12.40pm
Lunch
1.30pm
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
4.00- 4.20 pm
Refreshments & Conference Close
Lou Delest, President ASA
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
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.
Catering
Morning tea, a working lunch and afternoon tea are provided and
served in the Sanctuary’s Brolga Room/Robert Eadie Shelter
Internet
Please make arrangements at the Registration and Help Desk for
access to internet facilities, at Healesville Sanctuary, if required.
Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
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.
Sanctuary Shopping
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.
Conference Dinner
The Conference Dinner is the only evening meal in the program.
The Evening commences at 6.00pm. Dress casual. Drinks at bar
prices.
First Aid
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
Banks with ATMS
Bendigo Bank
ANZ ATM
Commonwealth
NAB
Doctors/Chemist
Yarra Valley Clinic
After Hours Clinic
Taxi
0412 969 970
Healesville Walk
251 Maroondah Highway
199 Maroondah Highway
205 Maroondah Highway
252 Maroondah Highway
262 Maroondah Highway
Shop 12 Healesville Walk
Maroondah Highway
59624633
(Sat – Sun 12 -8pm) 1300 766 858
Healesville Pharmacy
Healesville Walk Pharmacy
215 Maroondah Highway
Shop 3 Healesville Walk
Maroondah Highway
Yarra Valley Taxis
(03) 5962 4722
Allow time when booking as Taxi numbers in the Yarra Valley are
limited.
Participants Contacts
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