While their wild relatives’ numbers explode in the outback, the best of the budgie breed gathered in Ballarat in Victoria on the weekend for the Australian National Budgerigar Council’s national show. In the lead-up to the big event, Les Trumper from Perth said presentation – and a pair of “good strong legs” – was paramount. “A good bird is a bird that stands nice on the perch at 30 degrees, has a nice flow and presents himself as a showy bird.” And now that we’ve seen the winners from Saturday and Sunday, we totally get what Les is saying. The winners do have a nice flow… Following the competition – which Team Victoria won by more than a fluffy bouffant head – there was an auction where pairs went for $4,000 and more. That’s some expensive feathers…