What's in the issue

The spectacular blue-throated macaw can be admired in many zoos and bird parks – just as well, since it is severely threatened as a wild species. It’s found only in one remote part of Bolivia and without intensive conservation it wouldn’t be around today. Flagship bird park Loro Parque in Tenerife funds vital work to protect the macaw via its famous Foundation, and this week we learn  the blue-throat’s blueprint for the future. It’s as much about local education as nest-box schemes! Our extremely varied back-up embraces three breeds of canary - the Border, Raza and Yorkshire - with a special focus on how to use incubators effectively. We also hear from foreign finch ace Dave Padwick and focus on pigeons, storks, native hardbills and a special C&AB visit to the first ever Tropical Bird Show in the North-East.