What's in the issue

On the cover, the grey-backed thrush, a lovely east Asian softbill that has bred for a west-of-Scotland fancier this year. That first-time success arrived despite a hot dry summer there, so congratulations are due. It’s an irresistible species that deserves to be supported more widely. And wide support is what a very different species enjoys: the gorgeous Gouldian finch, which has keen breeders on five continents. Our story? This year they can compete together in a superbly run online show. We have full details, plus regular instalments on Border and Yorkshire canaries, parrots and foreign finches, as well as updates on foreign finches at home and in Northern Ireland.