Annual MCFC Display Recap
by Kevin Roberts
On Saturday, September 27th, Shelmerdine’s Garden Center was alive with song, color, and the cheerful buzz of bird enthusiasts from near and far. Our Showcase was a soaring success, bringing together our vibrant community for a truly special celebration of canaries and finches.
From the moment people first walked in, the air was filled with the gentle trills and chirps of a wide variety of unique bird varieties. Guests were treated to a dazzling display of canaries in every shade imaginable; from the fiery richness of the Red Factor and the intricate markings of the Red Mosaic Agate, to the soft brilliance of White, Yellow, and Silver Opal types. The ever-popular Fife Canaries were a particular hit, drawing admiration for their petite size and sweet song.
Adding texture and elegance to the lineup were the ruffled Frills and the striking Northern Dutch Frill, which sparked plenty of questions and compliments from first-time visitors. The Dominant White and Red/Black canaries also turned heads with their bold contrasts and sharp coloration.
And it wasn’t just about canaries! The finch section was equally lively. Many attendees were fascinated by the gentle charm of the Society Finch, the boldness of the Cut-throat Finch, and the always-popular Zebra and Java Finches. The Gouldian and Shaft Tails captivated visitors with their unique plumage.
Throughout the day, guests had the opportunity to speak with experienced breeders and learn how we care for our birds. For some, it was their first introduction to the world of birds, for others, a welcome reunion with a longtime passion.
Thank You!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make the event such a joyful success. Events like these remind us of the beauty and connection that animals bring into our lives, and the power of community in celebrating them.
If you missed this one, don’t worry, we look forward to seeing you next year! A heartfelt thank you to Jessie for her hard work, organization, and dedication in making the Showcase such a smooth and successful event. Your passion and effort were felt in every detail and it truly paid off!
We also thoroughly enjoyed visiting with our members and the public throughout the day. It's always a pleasure to connect with fellow bird lovers, share knowledge, and welcome new faces into our community. Your enthusiasm made the day even more special.
We’re grateful for the continued support, and we look forward to many more events together!
In feathers bright and songs so sweet,
We gathered where bird lovers meet.
With chirps and chatter in the air,
Joy and wonder danced everywhere.
From Finch to Frill, from Red to Gold,
A thousand tiny tales were told.
And as we part, one truth rings clear
We’ll hold these memories through the year.
A Day at Cluck Ave. Farms
by Kevin Roberts
On September 13th, our club had the pleasure of visiting Cluck Ave. Farms, warmly hosted by Pauline and Johan. The day was filled with laughter, curiosity, and plenty of delightful moments as members relaxed on the patio and explored the beautiful riverbank that winds through the property.
Everyone enjoyed a guided tour of the farm’s pens, taking time to admire both the classic residents and the newest additions. From the cheerful canaries and striking red-rumped parakeets to the vibrant pheasants in an array of colors—including ring-neck, melanistic black mutant, red golden, flame golden, and Lady Amherst—there was something to captivate every visitor. Partridges, guinea fowl, and peafowl also drew lots of attention, particularly the white and India blue pied peafowl, whose elegant feathers sparked awe and conversation.
The chickens were another highlight, with members marveling at the Cream Brabanter, Polish, Silver and Gold Laced Wyandottes, Double Silver Laced Barnevelder, Speckled Sussex, Black Copper Maran, Cream Legbar, and the ever-popular Orpingtons. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the care, personalities, and unique features of each breed, and many members left with new knowledge and a greater appreciation for farm life.
In addition to the birds, everyone enjoyed exploring Pauline’s beautiful artwork displayed around the farm, as well as her impressive collection of tropical plants. The vibrant colors and creative touches added another layer of beauty and inspiration to the visit.
As the day drew to a close, the group gathered once more on the patio to share stories, enjoy the scenery, and reflect on the many discoveries of the day. The visit was a perfect blend of education, fun, and connection—both with the birds and with one another. Pauline and Johan’s hospitality, combined with the charm of Cluck Ave. Farms, made it a truly memorable outing for everyone involved.
*MEMBERSHIP FEE AS FOLLOWS: Single Membership $20.00 a year, Family $25.00, Under 16 FREE
PLEASE NOTE LINDA'S CHANGE OF ADDRESS (OUR MEMBERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR)
Please send the completed application form (link below) and cheque to:
THE MANITOBA CANARY AND FINCH CLUB
ATTN: LINDA RUDACHEK
Unit 408, 70 Park E Dr,
Winnipeg, MB R3Y 2J41
E-transfers are also accepted (lrudachek@shaw.ca)
Annual MCFC Display
On Saturday, September 27th, Shelmerdine’s Garden Center was alive with song, color, and the cheerful buzz of bird enthusiasts from near and far. Our Showcase was a soaring success, bringing together our vibrant community for a truly special celebration of canaries and finches.
From the moment people first walked in, the air was filled with the gentle trills and chirps of a wide variety of unique bird varieties. Guests were treated to a dazzling display of canaries in every shade imaginable; from the fiery richness of the Red Factor and the intricate markings of the Red Mosaic Agate, to the soft brilliance of White, Yellow, and Silver Opal types. The ever-popular Fife Canaries were a particular hit, drawing admiration for their petite size and sweet song.
Adding texture and elegance to the lineup were the ruffled Frills and the striking Northern Dutch Frill, which sparked plenty of questions and compliments from first-time visitors. The Dominant White and Red/Black canaries also turned heads with their bold contrasts and sharp coloration.
And it wasn’t just about canaries! The finch section was equally lively. Many attendees were fascinated by the gentle charm of the Society Finch, the boldness of the Cut-throat Finch, and the always-popular Zebra and Java Finches. The Gouldian and Shaft Tails captivated visitors with their unique plumage.
Throughout the day, guests had the opportunity to speak with experienced breeders and learn how we care for our birds. For some, it was their first introduction to the world of birds, for others, a welcome reunion with a longtime passion.
Thank You!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make the event such a joyful success. Events like these remind us of the beauty and connection that animals bring into our lives, and the power of community in celebrating them.
If you missed this one, don’t worry, we look forward to seeing you next year! A heartfelt thank you to Jessie for her hard work, organization, and dedication in making the Showcase such a smooth and successful event. Your passion and effort were felt in every detail and it truly paid off!
We also thoroughly enjoyed visiting with our members and the public throughout the day. It's always a pleasure to connect with fellow bird lovers, share knowledge, and welcome new faces into our community. Your enthusiasm made the day even more special.
We’re grateful for the continued support, and we look forward to many more events together!
In feathers bright and songs so sweet,
We gathered where bird lovers meet.
With chirps and chatter in the air,
Joy and wonder danced everywhere.
From Finch to Frill, from Red to Gold
A thousand tiny tales were told.
And as we part, one truth rings clear
We’ll hold these memories through the year.
MCFC PICNIC/MEETING AUGUST 16, 2025
Crescent Drive Park
It was an enjoyable afternoon as members old and new caught up on all things birds and enjoyed a generous spread of picnic fare. A day spent perfectly at the park, in great company.
JUNE MEETING RECAP
Hosted by Kev and André in St. Malo
Our June BBQ/meeting was a wonderful success, warmly hosted by Kev and André at their beautiful home in St. Malo. We had a great turnout, and the afternoon was filled with birdsong, laughter, and good company.
One of the highlights was a newly hatched pigeon, proudly introduced by Dave. Alongside Kev's canary and finches, we were treated to surprise visits from wild feathered friends including Blue Jays, an oriole, hummingbirds, and goldfinches. Nature truly joined the gathering.
Kev's birds enjoy their summers in St. Malo. The birds enjoy the fresh air, and safety in the shade and bug-free conditions in the gazebo. It’s clear they appreciate the "outdoors" - always under careful supervision and never left out overnight.
The club shared a generous and delicious meal including amongst other items: shrimp, potato salad, smokies, watermelon, a hearty casserole, and an impressively oversized cookie that quickly disappeared. It was a true feast!
Members wandered the trails, lounged on the lawns, and caught up with each other under sunny skies. The atmosphere was, as always, friendly, fun, and filled with rich conversation and shared birding wisdom.
In the spirit of giving back, the club voted to support ongoing wildfire relief efforts by making $100 donations to both Wildlife Haven and the Winnipeg Humane Society. A kind gesture given with big heart, to help care for animals affected by the fires.
After the meeting, some members debated their next stop: Should they head to the park for ice cream, or swing by St. Pierre for gelato? (A delicious dilemma either way.)
A heartfelt thank-you to Kev and André for their generous hospitality. Everyone is welcome back anytime. It was a gathering to remember!
MARCH LUNCHEON/MEETING
On March 22, the luncheon/meeting at Silver Heights Restaurant was well attended, with 22 members and guests enjoying food, fellowship, and camaraderie.
The lunch at Rae and Jerry's, however, was less fortunate—only Kev showed up, and he was the sole attendee. Thankfully, Jessie steered him in the right direction, helping him make it to the actual lunch. Graciously, Jessie arrived late, so Kev wasn’t embarrassed walking in afterward. Such a kind gesture!
Silver Heights is famous for its ribs—the kind that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth with every tender bite. These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, seasoned just right with a rich, smoky glaze that adds depth of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat. The texture is so succulent that every bite seems to give way effortlessly, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps diners coming back time and time again. It's the kind of dish that makes you pause between bites, savoring the richness, and wondering how they manage to make it taste so irresistible every single time.
Silver Heights is also renowned for its thick, creamy, and wonderfully loaded soup. A comforting bowl of this soup is a perfect start to any meal, or as a meal. With its velvety texture and rich, hearty flavors. Every spoonful is packed with ingredients, from chunks of tender vegetables to flavorful herbs, making each bite a deliciously satisfying experience. It's the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and no wonder it was so popular with our members on that cold, spring day.
… but the desserts were what got us talking! Thankfully members didn’t have to choose between carrot cake or cheesecake, when they could simply have both! The obvious choice was the Carrot Cake Cheesecake—why pick just one when you can have both?
There was a sense of anticipation in the air! The conversation seemed to be bubbling with enthusiasm as everyone gathered to talk about the upcoming breeding season. You could feel the passion as people debated whether it was truly spring yet. Some might have argued that it’s still too chilly for the season to have truly arrived, while others, perhaps with a bit of wishful thinking, were already embracing the warmer days, imagining the promise of new beginnings that spring brings.
The whole atmosphere was one of community, where the blend of excitement, debate, and lighthearted fun made the conversation feel warm and engaging.
MEETING MINUTES - MARCH 22, 2025
In Attendance: 22 members and guests
New Members: Welcome to Renny and Susana!
Treasury Report:
- Bank Balance: $4,150.15
- Deposit: $80 (renewals)
- Debit: $75 (AACC yearly renewal)
- Current Membership: 47 members
Library Update:
- The AACC Journal is available. For access to the club library, please contact Bonnie.
Discussion:
- Kevin shared that it’s difficult to find canary and finch books in school libraries. In response, the club has generously donated several books to J.B. Mitchell School to support their resources.
Newsletter:
- The March newsletter has been distributed. A big thank you to everyone who contributed personal stories!
- The next newsletter will be released in early June. Please submit any items for the Buy-Sell-Swap section by mid-May to Linda or Nancy.
Webpage:
- The webpage is fully up to date. Have a look! Thank you to Linda and everyone who contributed.
Display:
- The Manitoba Pet Expo will take place on June 8th at St. Norbert Community Centre, 3450 Pembina Hwy. While the club did not sign up for a booth, members are encouraged to attend and explore. We will have pamphlets on display at the Expo.
- Next Display Date: Jessie will contact Shelmerdine's to confirm the next display date. We look forward to this!
Facebook:
- Our Facebook group page is highly active with lots of participation. Thanks to everyone for making it so engaging and fun!
Purchasing:
- Bulk orders have been completed. If you need leg bands or seed, please feel free to contact Nancy at any time.
General Business:
- A $200 donation was made to the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery project. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative!
Future Meetings:
- BBQ: June 14th and August 16th
CHRISTMAS DINNER MEETING
by Kevin Roberts
On December 7th, 20 members and guests gathered at Monticchio's for a delightful evening of dining, socializing, and exchanging gifts in true holiday spirit. The attendees flocked together, donning their brightest and most festive Christmas outfits. Never has there been a bird club so stylishly dressed!
Together we dined on delicious pasta and indulged in decadent desserts, making for a truly delightful evening of great food and even better company.
There were many attempts at gift-stealing throughout the evening, but one item, in particular, captured everyone's attention—a polar bear planter. Its charm had people drawn to it, making it a sought-after prize among the group!
As the night went on, laughter filled the air, and the joy of the season was shared by all. With full bellies and happy hearts, members left with memories of a wonderful evening spent in good company, surrounded by festive cheer. It was truly a night to remember, and we can't wait to do it all again next year!
ABOUT US
The Manitoba Canary & Finch Club (MCFC) was founded in February 1991. Our first meeting took place later that month with a total of 9 perspective members. The idea for the club was discussed and a name was chosen. Since the initial meeting the club has grown to over 60 members.
The MCFC is very unique in that we do not have, nor do we promote, bird shows. We are a strictly non competitive organization. We hold a yearly display of our birds in order to promote interest in our club and aviculture in general.
Club members volunteer for positions. We have never had formal elections or rules of order. We are in it for the fun and camaraderie and to help one another.
It was decided amongst a strong majority of club members to suspend monthly meetings for now. We have 2 supper meetings during the year. During the summer we hold 2 BBQs which have been hosted by members of the club and at City Parks.
We are a social group who enjoy sharing our love of aviculture as well as each other's company. For general inquiries and membership information please contact us!
MISSION STATEMENT
The Manitoba Canary and Finch Club (MCFC) was formed in February of 1991 in order to promote the interest in, and advancement of, aviculture, specifically that of canaries and finches.
The MCFC is an informal gathering of people who share a common interest in aviculture. Since our founding in 1991, we have worked to promote public awareness of our hobby as well as an appreciation for the miracle of avian flight and the gift of birdsong through the following:
• Bird displays for the public.
• Guest speaking to interested groups and school classrooms.
• Assisting schools, day cares and seniors complexes in the set-up and maintenance of canary and finch displays for their clientele.
• The arrangement of special functions for the public such as the inclusion of Manitoba artists in its public bird displays.
• To promote best practices for the health and well-being of birds kept in captivity by sharing information and ideas, operating a Bird Care Support Network, holding monthly meetings, inviting guest lecturers, as well as the dissemination of information in our Club newsletter.
• To keep members advised of all government regulations concerning the keeping of canaries and finches as well as acting in an advisory capacity to the various levels of government regarding the keeping of captive birds.
• To promote enjoyment, cooperation, and positive social relationships among fanciers in the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.
- To keep members advised of all government regulations concerning the keeping of canaries and finches as well as acting in an advisory capacity to the various levels of government regarding the keeping of captive birds.
SOCIETY FINCHES
Poem by Kev Roberts, MCFC member
Tiny society finches, so lovely and bright,
Feathers like whispers in soft morning light.
Delicate wings flutter quick through the air,
A dance full of joy, so lite. So fair.
They hop and they chatter in comical glee,
Playing and tumbling so care-free.
Their antics, delightful, a sight to behold,
As they flit about, both gentle and bold.
And their song—oh, so sweet, a tender refrain,
A melody soft as a springtime rain.
With each little chirp, a chorus of cheer,
Warming to the heart, drawing smiles near.
In their tiny world, they live in pure grace,
A beautiful presence in life’s busy race.
Society finches, charm without end.
Lovely companions, my feathered friends.
