It is always an honor to be invited to judge a major
show in another country but the invitation to help judge the BSSA South
Africa National & WBO World Show proved something special.
I have always had a visit to South Africa on my bucket list so looked
forward to visiting the diverse country, seeing some wildlife, meeting the
people, and getting to see and judge some really top quality budgies.
The 20+ hour flights to Johannesburg, where I spent the first night,
was tiresome but smooth. The next day a one hour flight took me to
Bloemfontein where the show was to be held, a central location chosen
to encourage breeders from all over
the country to attend.
The show location was the rustic Sandstone Resort which I found quite
charming with the safari style theme.
Since it is Winter downunder the locals had suggested I pack heavy
jackets and plenty of warm clothes but the weather proved wonderful with
crisp mornings and daily highs around 70F, a welcome relief from the
95-100+F back home.
As entries flowed in it soon became obvious the judges would be busy
with over 1,000 birds benched.
It was an honor to judge with guys from the five continents…. Grant
Findlay from Scotland (who judged the first BAA Grand National with me back
in 2000), Carlos Ramoa (COM & WBO President) from Portugal, Jim Fletcher,
Australia and Christian Back from Germany. All great budgie guys who have
judged all over the World.
When judging finally started it was interesting to observe over 90%
of breeders had changed from the traditional box-style to their new wire
show cage. A brilliant design that allows you to view the complete bird from
all angles, and way lower cost than the old style which is well received by
exhibitors.
The show ran smoothly under Show Manager
Dian Kruger, Show Secretaries John and Ian Nel, Co-ordinator Albert
Olivier, and great teams of stewards for each judge who kept the birds
flowing.
The birds in all divisions lived up to expectations. Allowing for the
normal variation in quality we see at all shows, the top birds in each
division were outstanding and would certainly win or compete very strongly
in other countries, including Europe and England.
As we find in many countries there are household names in South
Africa that usually fight it out for top awards. Reinhart and Holger
Molkentin, Pierre Swart and Tommie Roodt did not disappoint and challenged
the judges when it came to selecting top awards.
Tommie Roodt took Best In Show (his third National in a row) with an
outstanding Cinnamon Grey cock.. Another of his birds, a Cinnamon Skyblue,
also an eye catcher, but was put down in section for slight opalescence so
did not get to compete for the top awards.
Second Best In Show went to a well presented Cinnamon Greygreen cock owned by Pierre Swart. A strong bird that showed all day.
Pierre also took 4th BIS with a fantastic lutino cock, the
best lutino I have ever seen… It tightened up a little at the show, but next
day back at home relaxed in a holding cage… WOW..
Third BIS and Best Opposite Sex went to a great Cinnamon Grey from
Molkentin Stud which also took many other awards. Not surprising for a stud
that is well known throughout the World.
Following the show came the Awards Banquet. A fun time for locals and
those of us who came from other countries. Delicious food followed by award
presentations and an auction of birds donated by top breeders to raise
proceeds for BSSA. A great time.
In the days following the show invitations were extended to visit the
top breeders back in Johannesburg and surrounding area…. But that is subject
for another report coming soon with photos to show the quality budgies that
had to be seen to be believed.
Time flew past and all too soon I was on my way home to Kansas City.
The new friends I met, the hospitality they extended, the opportunity to
enjoy the South African lifestyle, and of, course, getting to see some of
the top budgies in the World and spend time with their owners, made it a
trip I will always treasure and remember.
