The best way to learn about the American Singer canary is to visit a show. These are song trials where the birds compete on their singing abilities. Canaries naturally sing at daybreak, so they can be conditioned to sing for a judge by uncovering them!
American Singers are judged in groups of 5 to 9. Each group is a mixture of birds from different exhibitors. Each bird is kept in a standard show cage with only a show registration number identifying it. In other words, the judge does not know who the bird's owner is. All the birds are kept in a holding room and their cages are covered with a light sheet while waiting to be judged. When it is time to judge a group of birds, they are uncovered and brought into the judging room. They have 20 minutes to sing for the judge, who will evaluate each bird's song. Other people are allowed in the judging room to observe and listen, but no one may enter, leave, or speak during the 20 minute evaluation period. The judge also evaluates the condition and conformation of each bird, but most of the points are weighted toward song quality. After all the birds in the show have had a chance to sing, the top scoring birds are choosen as the winners.
Exhibitors Check List of what to take to a show
October 30, Modesto, California, hosted by the
Central California Cage Bird Club
Show Location:
Sportsmen of Stanislaus Club, 819 Sunset Avenue, Modesto, CA
Judge: Don Taylor
November 13-14, Salinas, California,
Larry Waugh Memorial Quadruple Show (click here for all show info)
hosted by the
Pacific American Singers.
Location: Laurel Inn, 801 W. Laurel Dr., Salinas, CA
Motel Reservations: 800/354-9831 or 831/449-2474 (ask for bird show rate)
Saturday Judges: Laura Schwanof and Jeanne Pieper
Sunday Judges: Gary Tom and Ron Moy
November 27, San Jose, California,
hosted by the
Santa Clara Valley Canary and Exotic Bird Club
Show Location: Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose, CA
Judge: Patricia Harnett