“It’s all about the deportment,” says Mark Hawke, with a nod to his newly crowned champion budgerigar.
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“See how he’s sitting up, and he’s very proud, saying, ‘look at me’?
“That’s what you’ve got to get them to do.
“They could be the best budgerigar in the world, but they won't win if they're running around the bottom of the cage.”
The bird, a Texas Clearbody, does have a certain composure.
He also has beautiful markings, clear round spots framing his face and a nice, wide set of shoulders – all highly regarded traits in the budgie exhibiting fraternity.
He's among four of Mr Hawke’s birds to record a podium finish at Bulli Showground on Saturday, at the Budgerigar Society of NSW's State Team Challenge.
Saturday's judging drew 1000 birds from budgerigar clubs across NSW, all vying for a shot at the national championships in Queensland next weekend.
Judging criteria is different for each of the 28 classes, which include Lutino, Spangle Double Factor, Australian Golden Face and the all-white Albino.
But as a general rule, bigger is better in the world of budgerigar.
Some of the birds at Saturday’s show measure around 11 inches from head to tail - easily double ,the size of bush budgerigars.
Asked what he feeds his mighty winners, Mr Hawke says diet he doesn’t place much emphasis on diet.
“I don’t give them too much,” he says.
“A lot of blokes spend half their life giving them treats. I’m one of the different sort of breeders that doesn’t do a real lot with them; I’ve just got an eye for a budgerigar.
“I think you’ve got to breed it [size and deportment] into the bird.”
The top three birds in each variety at Saturday’s contest will progress to the nationals.
Selection is coveted, says Steven Cummins, the society's president.
"They call it a Logie. To win one of them is really good."
A transport manager from Penrith, responsible for 80-odd trucks, the budgies are his way to unwind.
“My dad had them when I was little,” he says.
“Once the budgies get in your blood …
“When I come home I just go into my bird room and wind down and vegetate.
“It’s a great hobby.”