Bulletin 1997 - 1998
T - NOTES
Well here it is February and it is now time for me to finish up the Bulletin. I trust everyone is
preparing their birds and anxiously awaiting a glorious 1998 breeding season.
I first want to congratulate Bob & Virginia King for making it a clean sweep at the Nationals in
Denver, Colorado. In case you haven't heard Bob & Virginia took First, Second, and Third Best
Norwich. The last time this was done was by Lou and Ellen Sheldon.
Here are the results for winners of the Best Norwich Certificates.
Winner Show Date of Show # Entered
Brian Allen American Canary Fanciers 11/8/97 32
Rose Evans Cascade Canary Club 11/29/97 1
Pat Kane St. Louis Canaries Limited 10/4/97 9
Bob & Virginia King Santa Clara Valley CEBC 11/28/97 16
Bob & Virgina King CCBS 10/25/97 7
Francis Martin Florida Canary Fanciers 11/15/97 21
Ron Pezzutti San Diego Bird Show 11/1/97 4
Mary E. Schott Baltimore Bird Fanciers 10/18/97 5
Now there are others winners but I do not have the results from some of the show secretaries. If
your name does not appear please contact your show secretary and have them return the form to me.
This is the year that we start the ANS Derby. Each year there will be a list of shows for which ANS
will award points for placing First, Second, or Third. I would like to have around four or five shows
but currently there are only three shows that I know of that meet the criteria. The criteria to be in the
ANS Derby is to have 20 Norwich and at least 3 exhibitors in the show. Currently, the shows in the
Derby are the American Canary Fanciers Show in Los Angeles, California, the Florida Canary
Fanciers in Orlando, Florida, and the National Cage Bird Show which will be held in Chicago
Illinois. There can only be one show in an area. I would like to place one in the North and one in the
middle of the country so if you know of a show that fits the bill tell me and it will be put up for
consideration. Here is how the points will be distributed.
The winners at the American Canary Fanciers show will receive 30 points for First place, 20 points
for Second place and 10 points for a Third place. The Florida Canary Fanciers show will receive the
same number of points. The National Cage Bird Show will receive 50 points for first place, 35 points
for second place, and 20 points for a third place. At the end of the year all of the points are totaled
up and the person with the most points wins a trophy and $100. The person with the second most
points will $50 and the person with the third most points will win $25. To be able to enter the ANS
Derby, and have a chance to place First, Second, or Third, a person MUST be a paid up member of
ANS.
ANS is also going to start awarding diplomas for birds that achieve champion status. How does
a bird achieve champion status ? First the bird must be banded with an ANS band. Second the bird
must be shown by the same individual who banded the bird. Third the bird must have placed 1st, 2nd,
or 3rd at a minimum of two different shows. Fourth the bird must have accumulated 20 points. The
points will be awarded depending on the number of birds in the show and whether the bird places 1st,
2nd, or 3rd. If a show has 10 Norwich or less at a show then the points awarded will be 5 points for
best Norwich, 3 points for 2nd best Norwich, and 2 points for third best Norwich. For a show that
has more than 10 Norwich but less than 26 Norwich the points will be 10, 5, and 3. For a show with
more than 25 Norwich but less than 66 Norwich the points will be 20, 10, and 5. I don't know how
this point system will work but if it may need to be tinkered with over the next few years. I have
enclosed the form that the show secretary will need to fill out so that your birds will be eligible to
receive champion status from ANS.
ANS now how has a web site. The web site is small right now but we are hoping to add to it as
time permits. You can find some of our old newsletters on the web site along with pictures of the
Norwich which appear on our ANS diplomas. The address for the ANS web site is
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/norwichcanary
Look at the web site and tell us what else you would like to see there. I am trying to get a picture of
the Goodall bird that took the Supreme award at the 1997 English Nationals.
Brian Allen was nominated to be our Vice President at the Nationals in Colorado. If there is
anyone else who would like to serve in this capacity please let us Know and we will have an election.
-Will Burdett, Treasurer ANS
ANS MEETING AT THE NATIONAL IN DENVER, CO
NOVEMBER 22, 1997
There were 25 member present for the meeting held at 7am. Introductions were made and
Kudos were given to Mr. and Mrs. Bob King for winning Best Norwich, 2nd Best, and 3rd Best.
(Who won Best Novice? The Kings?)
Will Burdett presented a general overview of the club's finances. A detailed report appears in
this newsletter. It was announced that bands would be available after the meeting. They are still
10 for $2.50.
ANS President, Francis Martin, pointed out that officers hold their office in ANS for three
years, at which time they come up for re-election. Nominations for Vice President were accepted
from the floor. Brian Allen's name was put forth. Please send additional nominations to Will
Burdett by the first of the year.
Nominations for ANS Regional Representative for the Eastern part of the country were
accepted from the floor. Hugo Ruiz was nominated. Send additional nominations for this position
to Will Burdett by the first of the year.
Nomination of judges for the 1998 Chicago National Cage Bird Show were in order of
preference: Ralph Tepedino, Will Burdett, Lindsay Clack, Sal Di Pasquale. At the NCBS general
meeting Tepedino was put forth by ANS Secretary Burdett.
ANS Awards were discussed. Will Burdett discussed his proposal for an "ANS Derby" and "Champion Certificates". These will be outlined in future newsletters. In addition to ANS Certificates, it was agreed that a plaque or cup be presented each year to Best Norwich. Mark Whiteaker pointed out how much easier a plaque (similar to NPC's Pickett Award) would be to transport, since it fits neatly into one's luggage; it was suggested that more ribbons be offered, perhaps one for Best Novice; Martin suggested that ANS sell gold bands at, say, $1.00 each. Any fancier winning Best Norwich with a bird wearing a gold band would receive a cash award (yet to be determined). Remember that birds can only be shown wearing one band.
It was suggested that ANS increase its NCBS contribution for judges from $100 to either $150 or
$200.
On the order of "Old Business" Francis Martin explained that the ANS pin designed by Patsy
H. Strickland and her mother is on hold until more money is available. Martin also gave and
update on the British revision of the Norwich model and written standard. ANS's rendering by
Roy Aplin, a well-known British bird fancier and artist, is in the running; in addition, it has been
proposed that "discernible" replace the word "unobscured" in the Standard Scale of Points. ANS
anticipates that this word change will take place and encourages its unofficial use at this time.
Once again the old chestnut of NPC verses ANS surfaced. Once again it was pointed out by the
Presidents of both clubs that no animosity exists between the two organizations. Francis Martin
attended the NPC meeting where some members suggested that the two clubs join forces.
Members present were almost evenly divided on the issue; however, it was decided to continue the
club for one more year and then readdress the possibility of combining with ANS. Francis Martin
pointed out that having two specialty clubs for Norwich gives this variety two voices at the
National; on the other hand, he added that it's like having two lawn mowers to mow your grass.
Several members present felt it was important to have some kind of program on Norwich in addition to the business meeting. In the past we have done this (show slides of English Norwich fanciers, shows, etc., and even a video on the English National). We closed this year's annual meeting with a "Question and Answer" period devoted to the importing of canaries. Lou Sheldon shared his recent experiences in bringing birds in from England. Brian Allen and Will Burdett have indicated that they may attempt this in the near future.
-Respectfully submitted; F. Martin
CLASSIFICATION CHANGES TO BE MADE AT NATIONALS
The following items have been submitted to Dr. Al Decoteau, Specialty Club Liaison for NCBS,
at his request. These changes are based on the English National classification for Norwich
Plainheads. The American Norwich Society has asked that the following changes to Division 3 -
Type Canaries, Section 2 - Norwich Plainhead be implemented at future shows.
Written Standard:
1) HEAD, replace the last word "obscured" with "discernible".
2) WINGS, to read: "Short and well braced, meeting nicely at the tips, to rest lightly, yet closely
on rump".
3) TAIL, to read: "Short, closely packed. Rigidly carried, giving an all-of-one-piece appearance
with the body".
Classification Changes: We suggest the following with classes for cocks, hens, young & old;
Classes: 01, 02, 03, 04 - Buff - clear and ticked*
Classes: 05 06 07 08 - Yellow - clear and ticked*
Classes: 09, 10, 11, 12 - Buff - variegated
Classes: 13, 14, 15, 16 - Yellow - variegated
Classes: 17, 18, 19, 20 - Buff heavily variegated to three-quarter dark
Classes: 21, 22, 23, 24 - Yellow heavily variegated to three-quarter dark
Classes: 25, 26, 27, 28 - Buff Green - self of foul**
Classes: 29, 30, 31, 32 - Yellow Green - self or foul**
Classes: 33, 34, 35, 36 - Buff Cinnamon - variegated, self or foul
Classes: 37, 38, 39, 40 - Yellow Cinnamon - variegated, self or foul
Classes: 41, 42, 43, 44 - White, Blue or Fawn - clear, ticked, variegated, self or foul
We also request that these definitions accompany the classes:
* "A ticked Norwich must have only one dark mark (coverable by a penny) on an otherwise clear body."
** "A foul Norwich must have only one light mark on a dark body or one light wing, or tail mark
(not exceeding three light feathers side by side to form a solid mark)".
Well, here we are at the close of another year. As we wind down the show season here is a re-print of an article from the September 1989 ANS Newsletter.
RUMINATIONS ON JUDGING, JUDGES, AND NORWICH
Despite the almost universal use of a "scale of points" for the various type breeds, the score-card
system or method of judging is not favored by type judges here in America (or Britain). Instead,
judging is done entirely by comparison, by simply comparing the birds in their cages, merit for
merit and fault for fault, without the more elaborate plan of apportioning their points. It is a good
system and particularly helpful to the judge who often has little time to draw up cards on every
bird in the show.
In my opinion the comparative system of judging demands more instinctive ability, greater
experience, quicker perception and more self-dependence, and though mistakes do occur (since
judges are not infallible) it is equally certain that they also occur where the score-card system is
adopted.
All judges fall into one of two categories: the specialist (who usually raises one variety) or the
generalist (who raises a bit of everything). Here in America the latter seems most in demand.
I've often heard it said that no person can judge properly unless he has been a successful breeder
of each and every variety placed before him on the bench. Although an ability to pick out the good
birds and decide between their merits is enhanced by practical experience of the various breeds,
their characteristics, and the methods of breeding them, its is not by itself going to make the
breeder a good judge.
While it's undoubtedly true that the experienced breeder possesses a substantial advantage, it is
no criterion that this person makes the best judge for that reason, for he or she may not possess the
requisite qualities that go to make what I call a "natural" judge. And what are these qualities?
Namely, a "sharp eye" for a bird, having an instinctive ability to recognize and inferior specimen at
the first glance, and the ability to make up one's mind. I believe "natural" judges are born, not
made.
I've known some successful fanciers who--when confronted with a large class of birds--have
been at a loss to pick out the best. Others have been unable to decide the crucial point, and have
spent an hour or so over a class. Whereas a good "natural" judge with less experience as a breeder
might have picked out the winner in a few minutes.
It is, of course, inevitable that the judge's decisions should be freely and often adversely
criticized. Fanciers as a rule are the best sportsmen, and accept defeat in a philosophic mood, but
among such a large community there are a number of exhibitors who are blind to the merits of any
bird but their own, and who apparently forget that a judge is not in a position to share their
enthusiasm but is required merely to exercise his unbiased opinion.
It sometimes happens that a good bird is passed over by a judge for no other reason than lack of
training. Judges are invariably working against time, so if an exhibit persists in giving a half-hearted performance, the judge may send it to the back of the show bench.
Mistakes do occur. And there are times when, looking over a class for a second time, a judge
may be dissatisfied with his selection. But many so called "mistakes" are merely differences of
opinion, and the experienced exhibitor knows well that unless a bird stands out head and
shoulders above its competition, her cannot expect every judge to place the same value on it.
Discrepancies in judging can also occur. A bird may win a first prize at one show and perhaps
come in last at the next, or vice versa. It may win in weak competition at one show and be
hopelessly outclassed at the next. The inexperienced fancier may say, "One of these judges must
have made a mistake." but not necessarily. For example, at large shows, where the quality is good
and competition keen, minor details decide great issues. One judge tolerates a minor defect that
another dislikes, or lays more stress on a certain characteristic than another, and so the
discrepancy occurs.
There is also the possibility of a good bird going "soft", that is, out of condition, between the
two events. Condition has a great influence on the awards, and rightly so. Although out of a
possible 100 points, Norwich are given only 10 for condition, none of the other points can be
ascertained if the bird is not in perfect health.
Here's a scenario for you: An inexperienced fancier purchases a show bird from a skilled
exhibitor and for the first time or two, shows it in good condition and meets with some success.
Then, almost without his knowledge, the bird loses its condition under the less skillful treatment
and, instead of winning a blue ribbon, comes in last. Never underestimate the importance of
condition.
And what does it mean when the bird wins at several major shows throughout the season under
a number of different judges? Simply that when a specimen of outstanding merit appears, very
few judges fail to recognize its value.
Although Norwich are judged to a standard, it is a good policy for an exhibitor to show under
judges who have previously awarded them prizes, since every judge has particular likes and
dislikes. For example, one judge may put more value on a good head and pass over faulty flights,
whereas another attaches more importance to wing carriage yet overlooks a fault in the head; still
another will select size over, say, color. Despite a judge's determination to be objective, such
preferences or differences of opinion will occur; they are built into all systems based on a value
judgement.
However, whatever the judge sees or doesn't see in your Norwich is not as important as what
you see or don't see. You must train your eye to recognize faults and merits in your Norwich.
This means that you need a sound understanding of the bird's appearance.
Like most breeds of canaries, the Norwich has passed through various stages in its
development, from a small bird (not much larger than present-day Fifes) bred mainly for color and
feather quality, to the present-day beautifully proportioned bird of excellent type and quality with
ample size.
As in all breeds, the head is one of the most important features. It should be round and full
with a sharp rise from the beak, up and over the forehead to the back skull. And it must have
plenty of back skull, giving the head an appearance not narrow or pinched in any way--otherwise a
snippy appearance will result, which is a bad fault. The eye should be central, bold and with
"little or no" eyebrow. The beak should be short and fine, conical in shape. (Although the beak
seems only a minor point, a coarse or heavy beak can quite easily upset the balance and
appearance of an otherwise good head.)
It's often said that a Norwich canary should have no neck, and this is more or less true. It
should be short and thick, with the head resting almost on the shoulders. (The British describe a
Norwich neck as being like "a bullfinch's neck.")
Having got the head and neck right we are well on the way to the ideal bird. Incidentally, I
think the head and the neck are the most difficult points to fix and keep in a strain. Great care
must be exercised in selecting pairs to see that these points are maintained.
The back should be broad, well filled in and nicely rounded, not hollow or guttered, and the
wings should be short with the secondaries tightly packed, carried close to the body with the tips
just meeting over the root of the tail. Square and dropped secondaries are a bad fault, as also are
long wings which cross scissors-fashion.
The chest should be deep, wide and nicely rounded, giving the bird a full front, something he
can stick out while moving in front of the judge. It will give him that bold fearless attitude.
Norwich must never appear timid. (Avoid chests with a crease running down the center.)
The tail should be short and tightly packed, shaped like the stem of a pipe and carried so that it
appears to be part of the body, giving that all-in-one-piece effect to the clean-cut contour of the
bird. (It must never be droopy or curve up.)
The legs should be of medium length, showing little or no thigh, and set well back. This enable
the bird to adopt the correct position on the perch, and angle of 45 degrees, and to show to best
advantage that "all-in-front-of -the -perch" look. Feet, of course, must be perfect. (Legs and feet
should be free of scales; they should be pink and silky.)
The feather should be of rich, sound, even color, of soft, silky texture, carried tightly to the body,
with a bloom or sheen, which denotes perfect healthy. (Don't over do the color food: Norwich
aren't red, but peachy pink or golden orange.)
Well, this description pretty well covers what is looked for in the exhibition Norwich canary,
and from it, I hope, you will gather that the bird has to be short and cobby, almost as wide as it is
long, and round all over. In other words, when viewed from any angle it should appear well-rounded and not flat or angular in appearance anywhere. The length (despite the 6 to 6 1/2 found
in some current literature) is 6 to 6 1/4 inches.
So there, grab your best Norwich, carefully prepare him for show, put him in an immaculate
show cage, and beat the pants off your colleagues. Oh, yes. Be sure to demand your ANS
Certificate for Best Norwich!
-Francis Martin
1 The difference between the two systems is to be found in the "modus operandi" rather than in the
actual results. The score-card judge refers to the standard scale of points laid down by the
specialist club for that particular breed, and allots or deducts points according to a bird's merits or
defects. This method particularly appeals to inexperienced fanciers, who are apt to forget that a
bird which scores 95 with one judge may only score 90 with another. (In score-card judging one
experiences just the same differences of opinion that are met with in comparative judging.)
AMERICAN NORWICH SOCIETY
1997 ANNUAL SHOW RESULTS
Held in conjunction with the National Cage Bird Show
November, 1997
Denver, Colorado
12 exhibitors from 7 states
Judge: Sal Di Pasquale
Total entries: 58
Best: Virginia & Bob King (old cock, yellow c/t)
2nd: Virginia & Bob King (old hen, yellow var.)
3rd: Virginia & Bob King (old cock, yellow, heavy var.)
Entries
BUFF, CLEAR/TICKED
(1) old cock: 1. F. Martin
(6) yg. cock: 1. W. Burdett, 2. M. Whiteaker, 3. V&B King
(1) old hen: 1. V&B King
(1) yg. hen: 1. V&B King
YELLOW, CLEAR/TICKED
(2) old cock: 1. V&B King, 2. T. Guiomar
(2) old hen: 1. V&B King, 2. F. Martin
WHITE, CLEAR/TICKED
(1) old cock: 1. B. Lee
CINNAMON/FAWN
(1) yg. hen: V&B King
BUFF, LT. VARIEGATED
(2) old cock: 1. V&B King, 2. B. Allen
(5) yg. cock: 1. ME. Schott, 2. V&B King, 3. F. Martin
(2) old hen: 1. B. Allen, 2. W. Burdett
(3) yg. hen: 1. F. Martin, 2.&3. V&B King
YELLOW, LT. VARIEGATED
(2) yg. cock: 1. F. Martin, 2. B. Allen
(1) old hen: 1. V&B King
(3) yg. hen: 1. W. Burdett, 2. V&B King, 3. F. Martin
BUFF VARIEGATED
(2) old cock: 1. V&B King, 2. B. Lee
(3) yg. cock: 1. B. Lee, 2. R. Tepedino, 3. L&E. Sheldon
(1) old hen: 1. B. Lee
(1) yg. hen: 1. L&E Sheldon
YELLOW VARIEGATED
(2) yg. cock: 1,2. L&E Sheldon
(3) old hen: 1. V&B King, 2. L&E Sheldon, 3. W. Burdett
(1) young hen: 1. W. Burdett
BUFF, HEAVY VARIEGATED
(2) old cock: 1,2 C. Galusha
(1) yg. cock: 1. V&B King
(2) old hen: 1. B. Lee, 2. V&B King
(1) yg. hen: 1. R. Tepedino
YELLOW, HEAVY VARIEGATED
(1) old cock: 1. V&B King
WHITE, HEAVY VARIEGATED
(1) old cock: 1. R. Tepedino
(1) old hen: 1. B. Allen
GREEN, SELF/FOUL
(1) old cock: 1. R. Tepedino
(1) yg. cock: 1. B. Lee
(1) old hen: 1. R. Tepedino
* * *