More than 2,500 of the finest feathery friends will be on display for the public tomorrow as part of a major three-day international bird show at the A’ali Cultural and Sports Club.
Organised by the Bahrain Birds Society, the Bahrain International Ornithology Show is expected to be one of the biggest of its kind for ornamental birds.
It is expected to feature more than 150 participants representing around 14 countries.
The event takes off today with access limited to organisers, participants and judges, with doors opening to members of the public tomorrow at 4pm.
The show includes competitions and exhibitions for 14 primary species and lovebirds, cockatiels, parrots, budgies, finches, sparrows, bulbuls and more. Each one will be further divided into subcategories based on physical features and colour variations.
“Keeping and raising ornamental birds is a genuinely beautiful hobby that can elevate Bahrain towards international prominence,” said the BBS chairman Yusuf Al Asfoor. “The society has always valued our four key objectives – connection, awareness, development and global recognition.
“These core values were established to build a strong foundation for bird keeping in Bahrain.
“In order to achieve these objectives, we aspire to host some of the largest exhibitions and competitions in the world and create a vibrant atmosphere full of passion.
“We are hoping to be able to attract tens of thousands of visitors to these events, which will hopefully prove to be a massive economic boost for the country.”
The participants and officials will be joined by 28 international entities and societies, and 63 volunteers from the association.
So far, more than 2,500 birds have been confirmed to participate, making it one of the largest participations in the world.
They will be officiated by 15 international calibre judges from around the world, including representatives from Bahrain.
Bahraini judges include Mr Al Asfoor, Muneer Al Shuwaikh and Anees Makki in the Agapornis (lovebird) category. They will be joined by Dutch judges Francis Krisesels and Pater Jan De Harder.
Michael Van Es from the Netherlands will judge the Cockatiel and other parrot shows. Bahrain’s Ahmed Al Jieshi will act as a judge assistant in the Cockatiel category.
The Budgerigar show will be judged by Swiss expert Daniel Luetlof, Egyptian Yasser Wakid and Mexico’s Lilliana Ramirez.
Welshman Ricky Thomas will judge English type Zebra Finches, while Dutchman Jan Pastoor will act as colour judge in the same category.
As for the Gouldian Finches show, it will be judged by Netherlands’ Ramon Tajes and Saudi’s Mohammed Ekhmairy will act as judge assistant.
Meanwhile, the Java Sparrow and Bulbul shows will be judged by Bill Salomonsz from the Netherlands.
“They will use their valuable experience to select the most beautiful birds in each category,” added Mr Al Asfoor. “The best breeder for each species will be determined and it will culminate with a champion of champions title to determine the best breeder of the exhibition.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors starting on Friday evening. It will be a good opportunity to educate people about ornamental birds and I hope everybody, including the participants, have a good time.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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