Shows
Our annual WWC Song Contest happens every January over MLK weekend. It is a great opportunity to learn from one of the internationally certified judges who travels from overseas to our show, exhibit your birds, exchange tips and tricks with other breeders and enthusiasts, and make new friends!
Upcoming Shows
Show FAQs
Why should I enter my birds in the show?
Having your birds evaluated by a certified judge not only allows you to compete for awards, but it allows you to learn more about your line's genetics which assists you in selecting which birds to breed. The judge's evaluation of your birds gives you invaluable feedback on what is good and what needs to be improved upon in your birds, including specifically noting if there is any "fault" tours in the song. This information helps you prevent the spread of any unwanted sounds or tours in your aviary. Getting your birds evaluated is a measurable way of tracking your progress and improvement as you selectively breed your Waterslagers to increase their quality.
How long does it take to for the judge to evaluate a team?
All teams and single entries have 20 minutes to be evaluated. Proper training before the show is essential to ensure that the birds sing during their brief 20 minutes in front of the judge. Even with plenty of training, sometimes the birds have other plans when they are "staged" for the judge. If a bird does not sing during the 20 minutes in front of the judge, they receive a 0 score.
Do I need special cages to show birds?
Yes. There are currently two styles of show cages that are approved by WWC for use in our shows. Details about these cages can be found on the Membership/Items For Sale page, and in the Show Rules and Procedures.
Can I buy birds at the show?
Usually some of the breeders at the show have birds available for sale. Occasionally, WWC will hold auctions after the show to sell birds donated by members as well.
How are the birds scored?
Each of the "tours" in the song is scored by the judge based on the quality of the tour. Waterslagers have 12 officially recognized tours. The maximum points possible varies from one tour to another. Once the judge has completed his evaluation, the total scores given for each tour are added up and then the resulting number is multiplied by 3. Any negative points for faults in the song are then be deducted, if any are noted by the judge. Teams of 4 birds receive a Team Score by combining the scores of all 4 birds.
How many birds will there be at the show?
It varies from year to year. Typically it ranges from 70 to 150 individual birds.
Is there a limit to how many birds I can bring?
No. But if there are too many birds to reasonably have time to be evaluate during the judging hours, the show committee may request that breeders who brought the most birds withdraw some birds to allow time for all breeders to participate. See the Show Rules and Procedures for more information!
Can I enter birds in the show if I don't have enough to make team?
Yes! You can enter them as single entries and they will be staged with other single entries from other breeders.