Was formed in May, 1985 by 15 members of the Sunshine State Cage Bird Society who saw a need for a Club closer to home than Orlando.
Membership:
As of February, 1985 to mid 1990's membership had grown from 15 to well over 200 active members. Sadly with the decline in Aviculture found our members slipping away retirement and other interests.
Today July 2001 we find ourelves in a healthy gentle upswing with new members joining our membership monthly.
Presently our membership stands at more than 100 and includes breeders, exhibitor, pet owners and plain old bird lovers.
Format:
EBCF meets under the format of Robert Rules of Order and is governed be the President, V. President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Board of Directors consisting of five members elected by the general membership and Past President.
The Exotic Bird Club of Florida is dedicated to Education and Conservation. Members exchange information, products and birds in hope of widening the gene pool, educating the general public reducing the need for imported birds and protecting the habitats of wild birds.
Library:
The Club maintains an extensive library of referance books, magazines and videos all donated by and available to the members.
The club also has the good fortune to have several top breeders of exhibition quality birds, Judges of National Societies and has hosted many multi divisional Exotic Bird Shows.
In addition several of our members are breeding rare and unusual hookbills, Softbills and other exotic avian specie's bringing live examples of their specialty for our programs.
Melbourne Mall displays brought much enjoyment to the general public and club members alike. This event included many talented companion birds with a lot to say and many games and tricks to amuse everyone with their caregivers giving special attention to those interested in training.
Breeders were available to share sound advice on general cage bird welfare and aviary management with pamphlets on [ how too's] relating to individual species available for the asking.
Exhibitors were avidly promoting their respective Societies with show information on how to get started into exhibition. A display of G.Champion, Champion and not so Champion birds to give examples what the Specialty Standards are and what the Judges look for.
Last but not least our other events:
Auction/Bird Fair:
Auction It was decided that the EBCF would continue with the traditional Auction , other societies had moved onto the more lucrative Swaps/Bird Fairs.
The real time excitement of the Auction was the main reason and it has been almost as penny wise as the other, non bird vendors are always a part of the Auction which is eagerly received with bargains to be found in toys, bird food, cages etc.
Auction:
NO unweaned birds are allowed for any reason and every cage is checked for correct housing, food, moisture and visible signs of good health, all sellers must have a current permit for exhibition and sale from the State of Florida.
Bird Fair
To add variety the EBCF holds an annual Fair making available younge stock for future breeding as well as pets and adult breeding stock. Over the years we have seen very unusual exotic birds pass through our doors.
Vendors come from around the State and a few from beyond with not only birds but a huge supply of cages, toys and everything one would need for a happy bird , reasonably priced.
Picnic:
The picnic is held in the spring. This event is pure muss no fuss, everyone brings a covered dish the club provides the rest. A precaution! one needs to be prepared for fun and games we have some very inventive members. Friends and family are welcome.
Christmas Party:
The covered dishes are wonderfull and an adventure all brought by our members. Turkey, ham and trimmings are provided by the club. No Christmas would be complete without our gift exchange, holiday raffle and holiday songs from Gracie.
