Winnipeg Bird Rescue
& Adoption Outcome
Positive Adoption News
We are pleased to share a positive update following our communication in mid-November regarding the birds in the care of Winnipeg Animal Services (WAS). After speaking directly with Animal Services, we have been informed that all finches and canaries were placed into homes. This is an excellent outcome and a meaningful step forward for the welfare of these birds.
Adoption Fees & Advocacy
Councillor Santos, whose portfolio includes Winnipeg Animal Services, has been actively involved and reached out to WAS to inquire about current bird adoption fees. At present, the adoption fee, set by City Council is $176 per bird. For comparison, the Winnipeg Humane Society typically adopts out small birds such as budgies, finches, and canaries for $20–$30, with Love Birds adopted for approximately $60.
As Animal Services is city-funded, aligning adoption fees more closely with those of the Humane Society would be both humane and fiscally responsible. Each additional day a bird remains in shelter care increases costs to taxpayers and delays the opportunity for individualized care in a home environment.
We extend our thanks to Councillor Santos for her advocacy on this issue and remain hopeful that future adoption fees will better reflect comparable organizations, helping birds find homes more quickly.
Background: Recent Winnipeg Bird Seizure
This update follows a tragic event in Winnipeg in which a significant number of birds were seized from a private residence. Understandably, this situation caused concern within the bird community.
In response, the Manitoba Canary & Finch Club reached out to Winnipeg Animal Services to offer guidance, avian care expertise, and support to help ensure the birds received proper care and safe housing during this difficult time.
Supporting One Another
We recognize that news like this can be upsetting. Feelings of sadness, frustration, or helplessness are completely normal. During times like these, focusing on what we can do, support rescue efforts, advocate for proper avian care, and ensure the birds in our own care are healthy, can make a meaningful difference.
Ongoing Club Support
The Manitoba Canary & Finch Club remains committed to supporting new bird owners with education, guidance, and resources. If you have recently adopted a bird or are considering bird ownership, we encourage you to reach out to the club for advice and support.
Moving Forward
We will continue to stay in contact with Winnipeg Animal Services and pressure the Council to revisit the adoption fees of canaries and finches. Thank you to our members for your care, understanding, and continued commitment to the welfare of birds.
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.
Christmas Dinner – Meeting Minutes
Date: December 10, 2025
Location: Monticchio Ristorante Italiano
Attendance: 16 members and guests
Financial Report
- Current Balance: $3,447.74
Membership Report
- Total Membership: 52
- Renewals: 8.5 completed
- New Member: 1
- Welcome Mario Madlangsekay!
- Renewals Due: December 31, 2025
Communications
- Newsletter: Next newsletter will be published early March. Articles encouraged and welcomed.
- Website: Up to date - check it out.
- Thank you, Linda!
Display
- Thanks to Jessie and all members who participated in the September display.
- Looking forward to next year!
Purchasing
- Animart order has finally shipped.
- Dave volunteered to pick up the order at FastFrate and deliver to Nancy for members to pick up their items — thank you!
- Last seed order for 2025: December 17
General Business
- Kevin provided an update regarding Winnipeg Animal Services:
- All canaries and finches in their care have found new homes.
- The club advocated for City Council to revisit adoption fees for canaries and finches to bring them in line with the Winnipeg Humane Society.
- The club also offered to donate care packages for all canaries and finches at Winnipeg Animal Services; this offer was declined.
- Chris raised recent media stories about a proposal that new developments in the City of Winnipeg may no longer require bird-strike protection.
- Jessie updated the club’s social media with petitions and additional information so members can support the cause.
Donations
- Prairie Wildlife Centre - $100
- Burrowing Owl Project - $100
Board Positions
- All positions remain unchanged.
- Thank you to everyone for your continued work and commitment.
Upcoming Event
- March Luncheon: Silver Heights Restaurant
New Business
- Discussion regarding holding 50/50 draws again:
- $1 per ticket
- $2 for three tickets
- Purpose: to raise additional funds for donations.
- Question posed to members: Does the club wish to proceed?
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!
MEMBERSHIPS
XMAS DINNER
December, 2025
ANNUAL DISPLAY
September, 2025
AUGUST PICNIC
2025
JUNE BBQ
2025
SPRING LUNCHEON
March, 2025
ABOUT US
CONTACT US
MISSION STATEMENT
*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)
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.
