I spend a lot of time writing about finches and various finch events. The topic I'd like to touch on now is the people I have encountered who share an interest in finches. This article is meant to be most beneficial to those of you who are just starting out with finches and haven't attended many bird events.

Obviously not everyone out there is fond of finches. I've met many people at bird fairs who prefer the larger birds. They are always very nice and friendly to talk to even though I know I won't be making a sale to them. While I know many parrot people I don't usually get to know them quite as well as I do the finch fanciers.

Finch people are a special breed. Our pets don't directly interact with us; they don't talk, and spend the better part of their day ignoring us. Finches do their own thing and we are happy to let them do just that. Many of the finch owners I have met all started out the same way - One pair of finches in a small cage. Over time, and after reading may books and web sites, the finch flock is usually increased and a larger cage or aviary is used.

Most bird fairs last about 6 hours, sometimes more. In this time I meet and greet around 200 people. The majority simply want to know what the finch eats, how much it costs, and if it will get along with their other finches. Only a handful will really stand out in my mind. They are the people who really seem to connect and love talking about finches. I must admit I do get a little carried away talking about finches to some of these people.

Sadly these people tend to live quite a distance from the bird fair location or my hometown. Some e-mail and a few will call just to say hi or keep in touch. Most I only see at the bird fairs. They return to the bird fairs not to buy finches or supplies, but instead to talk to the people they meet last time. It's always nice to see familiar faces in the crowd of total strangers who come though hour after hour. There are several I have gotten to know very well over the years. Instead of talking solely about finches we talk about family, work and other events in our lives. They go from being a bird fair acquaintance to being a true friend.

I've met a great number of people thanks to the Internet. Mailing lists, newsgroups and online bird clubs have expanded my world greatly. Now I'm meeting and chatting with people from all over the world. Many of these people I know I will never meet in person but that doesn't make them any less of a friend.

I receive many finch questions via e-mail every day. The majority I answer and get a simple "Thank you" is response. That's about the extent of it. But as is all my ventures there are a few who will send many replies over time. I share my finch experiences and they share their stories.

Some of these people I have gotten to know very well. I've been in contact with them throughout various personal ordeals such as a birth of a child or the loss of a loved one. They come to me when they just need someone to talk to and I go to them for the same reason. I don't get to know everyone this well. They are a special few who I have known for many years now.

Other friends I have made over the years I can thank the finches for. While standing in line at the post office or walking around a local pet store, a light conversation can turn into a friendship. I've met several people who, until they met me, never owned a finch. We would be perfect strangers making idle conversation when the subject of hobbies comes up. Usually I suggest they attend a bird fair before buying any bird. This way they can see all the birds available. Some swing towards the parrots, others venture towards the finches.

Because these people tend to live near me we can talk on the phone without the huge phone bill. They visit my home, see my aviary and their interest grows. Before long they have finches of their own and are eagerly waiting for the first clutch of eggs to hatch. I just love the enthusiasm shown by first time finch breeders. It makes it feel like my first clutch all over again.

Many of these friends I talk to regularly and attend various bird events with. I've even talked a few into working behind my table at bird fairs. I actually have time for a lunch break thanks to my new friends.

So next time you are attending a bird fair or show, get to know the people around you. While reading and replying to messages on the mailing lists show someone a little kindness. Don't be shy, we are pretty nice people once you get to know us. We may seem a little odd, somewhat nuts when it comes to our birds but a friendship that lasts is always worth the effort. I'm still hoping to meet my future husband through my finch connections. He'll have to be just as crazy as I am about finches, but I know he's out there somewhere.

Article © Myra Markley 2002

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